535xi -- should I get it???

Love the 5 series, but getting spooked by all of the "this is not a real bimmer" stuff. I am looking for a nice, but not over the top, executive class sedan. Something I can drive clients around in and enjoy myself. Infiniti M seems like the closest competitor. Don't want to drive Benz. Don't like Lexus. Audi A6 is tired. Acuras are getting unsightly. So it's either the Infiniti or the 5 series. If I'm not going to get the bimmer feel, then maybe I should "settle" for the M. Thoughts?

Drive them both and decide for yourself!

Originally Posted by JoeJones

Love the 5 series, but getting spooked by all of the "this is not a real bimmer" stuff. I am looking for a nice, but not over the top, executive class sedan. Something I can drive clients around in and enjoy myself. Infiniti M seems like the closest competitor. Don't want to drive Benz. Don't like Lexus. Audi A6 is tired. Acuras are getting unsightly. So it's either the Infiniti or the 5 series. If I'm not going to get the bimmer feel, then maybe I should "settle" for the M. Thoughts?

If you want the Bimmer feel then make sure you test a car with DHP, Sport package, and IAS. The Infiniti won't even come close, but the BMW will be a LOT more expensive.

From what you describe the new 5 seems right up your alley. As much as I respect the BF community, it's more a narrow cross section of BMW owners. The general public who are looking for a "executive class sedan" will welcome the F10, as it's much more comfortable than the E60 in every way.
As far as the Infiniti M goes, it's a decent value especially the M37. One word of caution if you decide to go that route, is that although the sport version in that car makes it look "cooler" the bigger rims and tires make for punishing ride quality. Unlike the 5 you can't adjust the suspension settings. Stick with the stock tires and wheels.

My wife and I just went through a tour of all of the vehicles in this category. Our findings were as follows: 1) Infiniti M37--nice car, somewhat rough ride even in non-sport version with no ability to adjust suspension and handling qualities; 2) Acura RL-dated; 3) Acura TL-nice sporty characteristics with good handling but limited color and trim options. Also, not very upscale; 4) BMW 535 very comfortable with excellent acceleration and handling but was almost too soft in basic configuration. Lacked good connection to the road and steering feel. Very expensive when optioned out to provide performance, handling, and feature upgrades we desired; 5) Jaguar XJ--our favorite! More expensive but with excellent handling, performance and basic features present without many expensive option packages needed. Very surprised after the test drive to like this the best. We would put the 535 second.

Originally Posted by wessew

My wife and I just went through a tour of all of the vehicles in this category. Our findings were as follows: 1) Infiniti M37--nice car, somewhat rough ride even in non-sport version with no ability to adjust suspension and handling qualities; 2) Acura RL-dated; 3) Acura TL-nice sporty characteristics with good handling but limited color and trim options. Also, not very upscale; 4) BMW 535 very comfortable with excellent acceleration and handling but was almost too soft in basic configuration. Lacked good connection to the road and steering feel. Very expensive when optioned out to provide performance, handling, and feature upgrades we desired; 5) Jaguar XJ--our favorite! More expensive but with excellent handling, performance and basic features present without many expensive option packages needed. Very surprised after the test drive to like this the best. We would put the 535 second.

I agree with these rankings, maybe for different reasons, but the order I agree with.

If you're going to look at the XJ, at 385hp, you also need to look at the 550i. The XJ base price is even higher than the 550i, so car for car probably a more accurate comparison.

Of course if you are going to spend all that money you could probably get a V8 powered M57... I would definitely test drive both.

Originally Posted by Munich77

Of course if you are going to spend all that money you could probably get a V8 powered M57... I would definitely test drive both.

True.

My advice would be to wait until the X-drive is properly reviewed by "pros" and in forums like this. If the steering is back to bmw standards the F10 will be hard to beat. The Jag does drive very nice but if resale value and reliability is of your concerns an F10 with proper steering and DHP will be the better option imo.

This is very helpful feedback. Much appreciated.

Originally Posted by tadtaggert

I agree with these rankings, maybe for different reasons, but the order I agree with.

If you're going to look at the XJ, at 385hp, you also need to look at the 550i. The XJ base price is even higher than the 550i, so car for car probably a more accurate comparison.

I was on the fence with an XJ supercharged. Beautiful car in and out. Stunning ride quality. All in all a great value...

Originally Posted by TJPark01

From what you describe the new 5 seems right up your alley. As much as I respect the BF community, it's more a narrow cross section of BMW owners. The general public who are looking for a "executive class sedan" will welcome the F10, as it's much more comfortable than the E60 in every way.
As far as the Infiniti M goes, it's a decent value especially the M37. One word of caution if you decide to go that route, is that although the sport version in that car makes it look "cooler" the bigger rims and tires make for punishing ride quality. Unlike the 5 you can't adjust the suspension settings. Stick with the stock tires and wheels.

Couldn't agree more.
The OP sounds like me. Looking for a (really) nice not over the top executive class sedan.
And a little cachet. 535i fits the bill perfectly.
For some reason I still can't shake the "upscale Nissan" image of the Infiniti.
I guess it goes back to the day when an Infiniti I30 was just a rebadged Maxima.

Unless you are a true enthusiast, I believe the steering will be a non issue, just like it is a complete non issue for me.

Originally Posted by goodchip

Unless you are a true enthusiast, I believe the steering will be a non issue, just like it is a complete non issue for me.

As much as I wanna believe I am on the autobahn with some German super model sitting in the passenger seat on our way to the Nurburing. The reality is I'm on the 405 in stop and go traffic on my way to Target. When I need to get the speed fix, that's when a Porsche is in order. But for everyday driving on the roads here in SoCal that look like they've been carpet bombed. The F10 is a darn good all rounder.

Originally Posted by JoeJones

Love the 5 series, but getting spooked by all of the "this is not a real bimmer" stuff. I am looking for a nice, but not over the top, executive class sedan. Something I can drive clients around in and enjoy myself. Infiniti M seems like the closest competitor. Don't want to drive Benz. Don't like Lexus. Audi A6 is tired. Acuras are getting unsightly. So it's either the Infiniti or the 5 series. If I'm not going to get the bimmer feel, then maybe I should "settle" for the M. Thoughts?

This is the same kind of chatter you hear every time a new iteration of a Bimmer model comes along. Except for the very hardcore in two years everyone will be singing the F10's praises.

Go buy the car.

Originally Posted by wessew

My wife and I just went through a tour of all of the vehicles in this category. Our findings were as follows: 1) Infiniti M37--nice car, somewhat rough ride even in non-sport version with no ability to adjust suspension and handling qualities; 2) Acura RL-dated; 3) Acura TL-nice sporty characteristics with good handling but limited color and trim options. Also, not very upscale; 4) BMW 535 very comfortable with excellent acceleration and handling but was almost too soft in basic configuration. Lacked good connection to the road and steering feel. Very expensive when optioned out to provide performance, handling, and feature upgrades we desired; 5) Jaguar XJ--our favorite! More expensive but with excellent handling, performance and basic features present without many expensive option packages needed. Very surprised after the test drive to like this the best. We would put the 535 second.

I loved the XF too. Great V8 engine more comparable to the 550 than the 535. Ride and handling suited me fine. Also nice that I see very few on the road around me. All this and the price is very attractive.

However, I will probable get the 535 for 2 main reasons. Number 1 is that I like the xDrive for New Egland weather and this is not an option on the Jag. Number 2 the BMW will hold its value MUCH better. If you buy the Jag be prepared for a big depreciation hit.

Won't disparage the infiniti brand as I think they make fine vehicles. I can tell you that i have owned my m35x for exactly one year. Against the counsel of my dad and others, I didn't
Drive the 2009 5series since I didn't like the look of the rear end. I drove the Lexus, Infiniti and Audi instead. I have owned an Audi and currently own a Lexus 470 which is a tremendous vehicle. Bought the infiniti and am now selling it and have a new 550xi on order.

My advice would be to take the infiniti home for a night if the dealer will let you...mine offered and I should have done so. It is a great driving car but it is loud, very loud, on the highway, so loud that phone conversations are difficult. It is also a rough ride and suspension, etc is one way all the time, no changes possible. I have driven the new M37 and it is better, but not by a wide margin.

Found it quite striking to get back in my m35 after test driving the new 550. The quality and craftsmanship, and the general solidness of the vehicle is, in my opinion, of a completely different and lower caliber than the bimmer. Again, a fine vehicle, but you truly get what you pay for, I think. Having said that, never a single problem on the M, nor with the Lexus, the Japanese make dependable products.

Found it quite striking to get back in my m35 after test driving the new 550. The quality and craftsmanship, and the general solidness of the vehicle is, in my opinion, of a completely different and lower caliber than the bimmer. Again, a fine vehicle, but you truly get what you pay for, I think. Having said that, never a single problem on the M, nor with the Lexus, the Japanese make dependable products.

Let's remember, the M is, underneath it all, a Nissan. I once looked at the G35, for me it could not compare to MB or BMW in materials and overall cachet.

Originally Posted by markl53

Let's remember, the M is, underneath it all, a Nissan. I once looked at the G35, for me it could not compare to MB or BMW in materials and overall cachet.

The M37 starts at 47k. A 528i starts at $45,425. A 535 starts at 50,475.
My point is that Infiniti and the rest of the Japanese luxury brands are no longer the value propositions they once were in the 90's. Yes they build nice cars, that's not in question. But they're all quite ubiquitous, and they have gotten way to aggressive on their pricing. If you've got that much to spend on a car, most people are gonna lean towards, BMW/MB/Audi. There's just something intangible about the German cars .

Originally Posted by TJPark01

The M37 starts at 47k. A 528i starts at $45,425. A 535 starts at 50,475.
My point is that Infiniti and the rest of the Japanese luxury brands are no longer the value propositions they once were in the 90's. Yes they build nice cars, that's not in question. But they're all quite ubiquitous, and they have gotten way to aggressive on their pricing. If you've got that much to spend on a car, most people are gonna lean towards, BMW/MB/Audi. There's just something intangible about the German cars .

You are right about the intangible bit for German cars but the Japanese luxury brands still come pretty loaded. I never understood how BMW and Mercedes get away with a standard vinyl interior in the 5 series and E-class.

I took the plunge today and got the 535xi. I came to the conclusion that no car compares. Now if I could just get the darn thing . . . Late October . . .

Originally Posted by JoeJones

I took the plunge today and got the 535xi. I came to the conclusion that no car compares. Now if I could just get the darn thing . . . Late October . . .

Congrats! Great choice.

Originally Posted by Munich77

I never understood how BMW and Mercedes get away with a standard vinyl interior in the 5 series and E-class.

I bet over 80% of 5-series buyers choose leather, but if leather were standard, can't you just hear the screams now? "I can't believe BMW forces me to buy something I don't want and would never have in my car"; "I hate leather and would never choose it over vinyl".

535 drove like dream but handling its just a bit softer than what we are used to. wife absolutely loved it

Originally Posted by TJPark01

The general public who are looking for a "executive class sedan" will welcome the F10, as it's much more comfortable than the E60 in every way.

I found them much more alike than different. Yes, a bit softer.

Originally Posted by JoeJones

I took the plunge today and got the 535xi. I came to the conclusion that no car compares. Now if I could just get the darn thing . . . Late October . . .

No car compares, but we do pay for it.

But when I was shopping, I was hard pressed to find the next-best-thing on the value scale. Cheaper cars seemed so much less; I concluded you have to go down to an Accord to really make a huge difference.