Subject: Nothing like a little perspective. Also, I am going to hell... Author: dave535i : member since February, 2006 : 361 posts Posted on: 2008-05-11 10:11:46

I'm going to hell because I wasted a salesperson's time yesterday. I drove two current-gen 5 series, one an 06 530iX (manual) and the other a brand-new 535iX (auto).

Nice cars as far as they go, but I was actually fairly thrilled to climb back in my 95 540. It has the following advantages as far as I can see:

* You don't have to step on the clutch and brake, then press the key AND start buttons simultaneously, just to start the damn thing.

* It still seems to have more power, even than the 535. I'm surprised about that, and perhaps it's not true but only feels that way. Or maybe the AWD drains a little horsepower?

* It feels heavier-duty (new car very solid but softer damping rates)

* It has simple controls that make sense -- whereas the the new car seems to think that everything should be "computer controlled". This includes the turn signals, which you activate by clicking and releasing in the desired direction, rather than sticking in the detent and having the steering wheel mechanically cancel. No, the new car will computerifically cancel the turn signal when appropriate because...because...um...because the old method of canceling turn signals didn't work or something? I don't see the point. I didn't spend any time trying to learn the Idrive setup but it appears you can't even control the vent setting without messing with it.

* My car is paid for -- and probably cost me about a down payment on the new one.

* Oh yeah. My AC works better too.

So there! Viva la E34!!!

1995 540i 6 speed

• Nothing like a little perspective. Also, I am going to hell... - dave535i 2008-05-11 10:11:46 (167 views)
  • Other points - ghw 2008-05-22 16:54:43 (53 views)
  • Our cars look better too. - kfister 2008-05-15 14:38:42 (47 views)
  • I drove my friend's '03 740i and was shocked -- - dougmcc 2008-05-15 13:30:12 (70 views)
  • Re: Nothing like a little perspective. Also, I am going to hell... - yaofeng 2008-05-13 22:19:02 (67 views)
  • Well stated Dave! (nt) - e34jef 2008-05-13 07:54:35 (37 views)
  • Re: Nothing like a little perspective. Also, I am going to hell... - cloudnine 2008-05-12 17:46:39 (67 views)
  • I came to the same conclusion - rick540 2008-05-11 18:00:46 (88 views)
    • I agree but...... - louiseven 2008-05-13 20:38:13 (59 views)