Ultimate Drive in Chicago Today

I attended the BMW Ultimate Drive Event today at Elmhurst BMW in suburban Chicago. They had a great turn out and it was a lot of fun. The staff at Elmhurst BMW were great hosts and I got to see the F10's that their clients had waiting in the lot for pick up in a variety of color schemes. Prior to this I spent a lot of time test driving a 535 and 550 last week so I was focused today on the comparison with the E Class. I drove the 535 and comparable E-Class sedans back to back. The F10 is better in every respect than the E Class. Generally it is dramatically better. Design, ride, handling, fit, interior finish, cabin room, ergonomics, were all better in the F10. Actually the differences were substantial. I feel bad for Mercedes Benz. I cannot imagine anyone that drove both cars would ever buy the E Class. The only things that I would rate the E class better was the aluminum I-Drive controller and the color coordinated headliners that MB offers. IMO the F10 Oyster Gray headliner does not work with the Venetian Beige and Cinnamon Brown leathers. BMW inexplicably is stuck on the Oyster gray for everything which is major mistake and cheapens the otherwise beautiful F10 interiors. The F10 is incredibly impressive.

i know this is going to sound relatively silly, but i don't think most enthusiasts cross-shop the two all that much (or at least not that seriously). in my mind, bmws and mbs cater to two very distinctive/different demographics. that being said, i'll most likely drive an e-class before i buy an f10, but it's really more out of curiosity than anything else. heck, i'll prolly drive a gs as well.

I am scheduled for an event next weekend in San Francisco where I signed up to also test drive an Audi A6, which I think is closer to the BMW in driver demographics. I was given a choice of the A6 or an E350, just never see myself buying an MB.

In Chicago they included an Audi A4 because it has been cutting into sales of the 3er. This made no sense whatsoever. They should had an A6 for this F10 event.

Originally Posted by pharding

The only things that I would rate the E class better was the aluminum I-Drive controller and the color coordinated headliners that MB offers.

There's also the small issue about pricing. I think the E-Class is considerably cheaper.

And BMW really nails you on the F10 options. They can really escalate the price up.

Not just option pricing - they also packaged a lot of desirable individual options into more expensive packages.

I wonder if BMW has gone too far on pricing - you can get a new F10 off the lot. Probably too early to tell.

I went to my local Ultimate Driving Event today and compared the new 550i with the MB E-class (albeit an E350), and I concur with PHarding that there was really no comparison. The 5-series was to superior to the E-class in almost every way: ride, handling, seat comfort and support, suspension, iDrive vs. Comand ease of use, ergonomics (eg, the MB turn signal stalk is positioned freakishly low), sound system, materials, and interior fit and finish. And the heads-up-display was actually very useful (speedometer and abbreviated navigation cues) and surprisingly visible, even in bright sunlight.

The difference between the two cars was so obvious that it crossed my mind that maybe the BMW reps had somehow messed with the competition cars so as to sabotage their rides, etc.

I agree it was no contest.

Originally Posted by Crimson

I went to my local Ultimate Driving Event today and compared the new 550i with the MB E-class (albeit an E350), and I concur with PHarding that there was really no comparison. The 5-series was to superior to the E-class in almost every way: ride, handling, seat comfort and support, suspension, iDrive vs. Comand ease of use, ergonomics (eg, the MB turn signal stalk is positioned freakishly low), sound system, materials, and interior fit and finish. And the heads-up-display was actually very useful (speedometer and abbreviated navigation cues) and surprisingly visible, even in bright sunlight.

The difference between the two cars was so obvious that it crossed my mind that maybe the BMW reps had somehow messed with the competition cars so as to sabotage their rides, etc.

On 06/26 I will go with my wife for 535 / A6 compered drive!!!

Originally Posted by pharding

In Chicago they included an Audi A4 because it has been cutting into sales of the 3er. This made no sense whatsoever. They should had an A6 for this F10 event.

It's not an F10 event -- many many models are available to drive.

To the OP -- I definitely agree that the gray headliner just doesn't work with some interiors. I ordered the anthracite headliner on my E60. It's a very small up-charge, but of course does mean that you have to order the car (not a problem if you are doing E.D. like I did).

Originally Posted by Bart001

It's not an F10 event -- many many models are available to drive.

To the OP -- I definitely agree that the gray headliner just doesn't work with some interiors. I ordered the anthracite headliner on my E60. It's a very small up-charge, but of course does mean that you have to order the car (not a problem if you are doing E.D. like I did).

Do you know if the anthracite headliner (option 775) is definitely available for cars ordered from the factory for US delivery?

Originally Posted by richschneid

Do you know if the anthracite headliner (option 775) is definitely available for cars ordered from the factory for US delivery?

Yes, it is defintely available for US Delivery.

Originally Posted by pharding

Yes, it is defintely available for US Delivery.

Agreed. Ordered mine tonight. The headliner is a "Priority 1" option.

Anyone know if the visors are made of the same fabric as the headliner, or will they be vinyl as the 535-550?

You could go to a 360 degree view of the interior on a BMW web site.

Originally Posted by bmw5151

Anyone know if the visors are made of the same fabric as the headliner, or will they be vinyl as the 535-550?

Vinyl in 550i. Not a bad thing - you're more likely to handle a visor, so it makes sense to make it more easy to clean and durable.

What was the coupon given out after the Ultimate Driving Event? I have a 550 on order for ED in August and the driving event for Portland, Or is July 22. I wonder if I will get the coupon before I sign the papers.

You'll get the coupon by email after the event. Definitely before you sign - make sure you read the fine print where it invalidates the F10.

Actually on my new f10 I orderd anthracite headliner and my visors are of same material. Looks very nice. No Vinyl here.

Originally Posted by nowake01

Actually on my new f10 I orderd anthracite headliner and my visors are of same material. Looks very nice. No Vinyl here.

Good to know!

Originally Posted by PDX5er

What was the coupon given out after the Ultimate Driving Event? I have a 550 on order for ED in August and the driving event for Portland, Or is July 22. I wonder if I will get the coupon before I sign the papers.

Don't hold your breath. The coupon is good for $1000 on ALL BMW vehicles EXCEPT the new 5er. It's also no good for ED orders.

After the event, BMW will e-mail a unique code for the discount.

Does anybody have a code I can use? I missed the event in my area thinking the mailer was just another one about the 3 series or 5 series. Thanks!

Originally Posted by willyp5

Does anybody have a code I can use?

Sorry, they're not transferable outside of household:

"Ultimate Drive Off Allowance is valid June 23 through September 30, 2010 to the recipient of this e-mail or any family member residing within the same household. Offer can only be redeemed once. Offer valid on eligible vehicles only. Offer valid on final negotiated price and may be combined with any other eligible offer that is available at time of purchase. Offer valid towards lease or purchase price and cannot be used for tax, title, registration, destination or other dealership fees. Some restrictions apply, see dealer for details."

How long did it take for coupon email to come?

Thanks