Why did you choose the gt?

Originally Posted by avus9

Why did I buy my 5gt? Simple. Price. Dealer was discounting my 550i GT $14k off sticker, and offered me $2k more for my trade-in. (Plus, no nearby Land Rover dealer had a Sport S/C in the color I wanted.)
But, be forewarned. The rate of depreciation on any 5GT is atrocious. Do not buy this vehicle under the impression of it being a value (or good buy) - its not. A 5-series sedan holds its residual values much more.
That being said, used 5GTs are an extremely smart buy. If buying/leasing new, you should be getting it at or below invoice.
Good luck with your buy. And welcome to the 5GT family.

He speaks the truth Excellent car, I recommend it, and would get another one, although I was one of the early takers (12/09) and paid full MSRP. The only reason I pulled out/sold it is because i didn't want to loose all of the positive equity in the car. The early F12's are bricking in resale as well

Originally Posted by car-fan

He speaks the truth Excellent car, I recommend it, and would get another one, although I was one of the early takers (12/09) and paid full MSRP. The only reason I pulled out/sold it is because i didn't want to loose all of the positive equity in the car. The early F12's are bricking in resale as well

--------------------------------------
Im sorry but i don't understand what ''bricking-in-resale'' means (see above in red) - i assume you're agreeing that re-sale value is lower on trade than a standard BMW sedan? but in any case your input is greatly appreciated ! Edythe

Originally Posted by EDYTHE

--------------------------------------
Im sorry but i don't understand what ''bricking-in-resale'' means (see above in red) - i assume you're agreeing that re-sale value is lower on trade than a standard BMW sedan? but in any case your input is greatly appreciated ! Edythe

Yes "bricking" is a metaphor I used to equate the resale value of the GT and the F12 6 Series. I don't quite understand why the GT's depreciate so rapidly. As i have always said, the value of the F07 in comparison to the F01(7 series) is apparent. In all actuality there are no true competitors to the GT. The sales numbers just don't support what is truly a great car.

Originally Posted by car-fan

Yes "bricking" is a metaphor I used to equate the resale value of the GT and the F12 6 Series. I don't quite understand why the GT's depreciate so rapidly. As i have always said, the value of the F07 in comparison to the F01(7 series) is apparent. In all actuality there are no true competitors to the GT. The sales numbers just don't support what is truly a great car.

----------------------------------
thanks for explaining ! ....you ask a good questioin ...why isn't this car selling like the other BMW models .... wonder if anyone has ideas?!

I bought it for size over a 5 series, mpg, the hatch, and did not want to pay the 7 series premium. The residual was also so high, it made a lease very attractive and unfortunately it sealed the deal for me instead of looking/thinking harder. The residual for the lease is important, but not so much if you buy and try to sell after the fact. If the 5 was E-350 size in the interior, it would fare better for me (sitting in one is the only real way to compare this).

I may be in the minority, but it takes some getting used to in terms of blind spots and center of gravity when driving. Also, the comfort seats are not good on my back for long rides and I've adjusted everything; I even added support in the arse (6 foot 190lbs before anyone asks :-)) since that is where I felt like I was sitting in a hole (BMW - think about adding air/lumbar support there). The mirrors should also be a bit larger due to the cars size. Then there are the run flats - I swapped them for real tires and they do feel better, albeit a $1200 swap and I'll put the RFT's back on at lease end and it should be right aorund when I'll need new tires anyway. Some day BMW will also realize that the cabin temp sensors should not sit behind cups that can be cold or hot (odd how when in winter and 20 degrees the air kicks on b/c of a hot cup of coffee blocking them). Still have note figured out the 3 settings (ok - 2 auto and 1 manual) for the air/heat. Auto should be auto, and manual manual.... Lose the panaramic roof, waste of technology and raley used.

Net - the Lexus LS460 will get a good hard look when this lease is up. And thank God it's a lease.

Wardman

Originally Posted by EDYTHE

----------------------------------
thanks for explaining ! ....you ask a good questioin ...why isn't this car selling like the other BMW models .... wonder if anyone has ideas?!

All the pluses for the GT are well documented. I agree with them all and I cannot be any happier with the car now that I have owned and driven it for the past six months.

My personal reasons are that I traded in an X5 and the GT gives me more luxury, better handling, better gas mileage, and nearly the same utility I had before - without the bulk and at a reasonable price for a BMW at this level of luxury.

My quirk in all this is probably that my first car was a hatchback - and now I have come full circle to what a friend said is a "luxury hatchback". I don't mind that because I love the utility of hatchbacks.

BUT the reference to "hatchback" is a big part of the issue for sales. I think that most people think of hatchback as more fitting to a younger, lower price demographic. Unless the hatch is on a very sexy and svelte Porsche or Audi, it does not fit in with this price range. AND, at the high prices they demand, the Porsche and Audi do not need to sell in BMW-like-numbers to be considered successful. Sure, BMW could have done a better job on the aesthetics, but then the car would not have as much utility as it does in it's current configuration. I happen to like it this way.

When someone looks at my car you can tell that they are thinking: "Huh?" What is this? Some say it looks sporty, some say OK, but I can buy a cheaper sporty hatchback. Superficially there are cheaper crossover style cars out there like the Toyota Venza and Honda Crosstour at roughly half the price. Unless you are in the market for the luxury, style and handling you will not want to spend BMW bucks. Remember, we are fortunate that we can even consider spending this kind of money on a car.

I see the GT as being stuck in between the ridiculously high priced sexy cars - and the lower priced mass market cars of superficially similar configurations.

Anyway, I am of the belief that BMW should not have labelled the car as 5 series. It is selling to a distinct subset of BMW aficionados anyway and they should have created a new class of car rather than tacking it on to an established line. I am weary of explaining that the GT is more like an bargain priced 7 series rather than a premium 5 series. Buyers of the 5 series have "sedan" in their minds when they shop and are comparing with sedans of other luxury marques. It is difficult to get them to transition from shopping for a sedan to buying a 5 series GT. While a bolder step in the evolution of the marque, I think a more unique designation for our GT makes more sense for the long run.

Marketing aside, I love being able to haul anything, people, cargo, etc.... AND being able to blow away most any other car on the road.

Originally Posted by wchewbaka

All the pluses for the GT are well documented. I agree with them all and I cannot be any happier with the car now that I have owned and driven it for the past six months.

My personal reasons are that I traded in an X5 and the GT gives me more luxury, better handling, better gas mileage, and nearly the same utility I had before - without the bulk and at a reasonable price for a BMW at this level of luxury.

<snip>

Anyway, I am of the belief that BMW should not have labelled the car as 5 series. It is selling to a distinct subset of BMW aficionados anyway and they should have created a new class of car rather than tacking it on to an established line. I am weary of explaining that the GT is more like an bargain priced 7 series rather than a premium 5 series. Buyers of the 5 series have "sedan" in their minds when they shop and are comparing with sedans of other luxury marques. It is difficult to get them to transition from shopping for a sedan to buying a 5 series GT. While a bolder step in the evolution of the marque, I think a more unique designation for our GT makes more sense for the long run.

Marketing aside, I love being able to haul anything, people, cargo, etc.... AND being able to blow away most any other car on the road.

+1 to the first part.

I "traded up" from Ford F-150 King Ranch and really wanted the space. I had a bed rug and cover on the Ford so the back was really very large trunk; I probably only used my truck as a truck one or two times in ten years! Our other car is a Volvo S80 and when I test drive a regular 535 I deceided the Volvo actually has more rear seat legroom (behind my seat anyway).

As far as this bargain 7 v premium 5 stuff, I'm on the fence. At this level a BMW is a BMW to me but I do agree they could have branded it differently just to keep the confusion down. Out of curiosity has anyone put together a comparison between the GT and a 7 to show the differences?

I thought about this after seeing a picture of the 7's dash layout. They really look the same. The only thing I notice (and it was not a long study) was the 7 has two temperature adjust wheels (the blue to red things), one on each side of the lock button, where my GT only has one.

I know we use the 7 series stuff for coding so there must be software differences but it would be interesting to see a point by point comparison.

FWIW
DLM

The coding thread finally convinced me that the car is more 7 series, than 5.

I need to get off my butt and solder up my cable and get started on some simple coding....

Originally Posted by car-fan

He speaks the truth Excellent car, I recommend it, and would get another one, although I was one of the early takers (12/09) and paid full MSRP. The only reason I pulled out/sold it is because i didn't want to loose all of the positive equity in the car. The early F12's are bricking in resale as well

----------------------------------------
Just found out that my local dealer doesn't have a single GT to let me 'see' - we'd like to see it next to the F10.... their other store (they have several in my state) has a few, but it's one hour away each way on a highway i label 'demolition-derby' - i'm not willing to travel just to 'see' if the car appeals to me ... not saying i'm 'right' - it's just my decision.. .... oh well....

Sounds like a hassle EDYTHE. Can the sister-dealership send one over? Doesn't sound right that you should have to make the drive......

If not, will you go with a sedan? If so, 5-series or 7-series?

Truth is the GT is one of BMW's slowest selling models. Dealerships don't want to carry it - fearing they'll have to wait many months to sell it (in the meantime making payments on it and insurance).
Sounds like your dealership isn't really interested in selling you one. They don't want to do a dealer trade w/ their sister dealership for it, only to be stuck with it if you decide to go with the sedan.
My advice - take your business elsewhere

My previous car was an Audi S6 (10 cyl, 435 hp N/A). I had looked at the Audi A7 which has the sloped back and I liked the look. I wanted to return to the BMW brand in as much as the Audi interior hadn’t changed enough (had two 745i before the S6). I went to the BMW dealership expecting to buy a 550iX, not knowing the GT existed. When I saw the GT, I was overwhelmed by the appearance, and after a closer look and test drive I leased one. The dealer was able to find a GT which filled my shopping list. While I fully enjoy uniqueness of the car, I won’t be buying another GT. I find it too large and not nimble enough for my needs. It is a great vehicle for the right audience

Originally Posted by starryeyed

Sounds like a hassle EDYTHE. Can the sister-dealership send one over? Doesn't sound right that you should have to make the drive......

If not, will you go with a sedan? If so, 5-series or 7-series?

----------------------------------
haven't asked one to be transferred but it wasn't 'offered' either ! .... resales of the F10 2011 are 'rare' at this agency also ....it's the only show in town unless we travel 1 hr each way west north and frankly no car is worth 'that' at my stage of life - LOL
ps: 'no' to a 7

[QUOTE=avus9;6894506]Truth is the GT is one of BMW's slowest selling models. Dealerships don't want to carry it - fearing they'll have to wait many months to sell it (in the meantime making payments on it and insurance).
Sounds like your dealership isn't really interested in selling you one. They don't want to do a dealer trade w/ their sister dealership for it, only to be stuck with it if you decide to go with the sedan.
My advice - take your business elsewhere[/QUOTE
------------------------
Didn't realize it's a slow-seller ...are you saying that even tho the agencies are owned by the same outfit, they have to 'share' 'commissions' if a car is traded between them stores? sounds similar to real estate agencies - same practice occurrs.... as i just said in my other 'reply' in thread, we'd have to travel two hours (r/t) to that company's agency or a 'new' agency .... not worth it to me !

Originally Posted by Mikez38

My previous car was an Audi S6 (10 cyl, 435 hp N/A). I had looked at the Audi A7 which has the sloped back and I liked the look. I wanted to return to the BMW brand in as much as the Audi interior hadn’t changed enough (had two 745i before the S6). I went to the BMW dealership expecting to buy a 550iX, not knowing the GT existed. When I saw the GT, I was overwhelmed by the appearance, and after a closer look and test drive I leased one. The dealer was able to find a GT which filled my shopping list. While I fully enjoy uniqueness of the car, I won’t be buying another GT. I find it too large and not nimble enough for my needs. It is a great vehicle for the right audience

-------------------------
interesting observation (not 'nimble-enough) ... did you find the '7' more to your liking insofar as 'handling' compared to this GT?
we had a 2000 '7' but the newer '7's' might not be a fair comparison to each other either . thanks for your help !

Originally Posted by EDYTHE

-------------------------
interesting observation (not 'nimble-enough) ... did you find the '7' more to your liking insofar as 'handling' compared to this GT?
we had a 2000 '7' but the newer '7's' might not be a fair comparison to each other either . thanks for your help !

My last 7er was a 2005 745i (sport) I had the Audi between that and my current 550GT. As I recall the 7er felt smaller than the GT and seemed to hand more quickly. I don't expect the GT to handle like my Porsche, and I cant compare it the the straight 550. I would pay close attention to that aspect of the cars performance IF that characteristic is important to you.

Originally Posted by Mikez38

My last 7er was a 2005 745i (sport) I had the Audi between that and my current 550GT. As I recall the 7er felt smaller than the GT and seemed to hand more quickly. I don't expect the GT to handle like my Porsche, and I cant compare it the the straight 550. I would pay close attention to that aspect of the cars performance IF that characteristic is important to you.

---------------------------------------
i was only trying to compare a 2000 '740iL (non-sports suspension) to a GT insofar as peformance/handling - never having driven an audi or porche i have no frame of 'reference' ...thanks ...

The reason we bought the GT was due to the fact that this model was the only " big" BMW car that my wife liked so that's what it took to stay with the marque. I'm such a BMW fanatic that I'm not willing to consider anything else though I think this car looks like a big potato. I've never driven a more comfortable car with such a controversial exterior styling. I hope it grows on me over time, until then I'll keep driving the E90.

Originally Posted by Bemo

The reason we bought the GT was due to the fact that this model was the only " big" BMW car that my wife liked so that's what it took to stay with the marque. I'm such a BMW fanatic that I'm not willing to consider anything else though I think this car looks like a big potato. I've never driven a more comfortable car with such a controversial exterior styling. I hope it grows on me over time, until then I'll keep driving the E90.

----------------------------------
Unfortunately not able to see one in person. We have to be 'careful' in our selection as it would be our 'only' car - at least you have others you really love ...but nice to hear it's a good-riding vehicle.