Quote:
Originally Posted by Soukus
Find a mint used E39 530i and you'll be set. Really, if you like your 535, the 530 is a simpified version and any potential maintenance will still cost you less in the end (for the life of the car) than the cost difference between the used 530 and a new car.
If you're stuck on a new car, then you'll have a limited range if you don't wan all the bells and whistles while still providing theblevel of comfort and performance that you are use to in a BMW.
I agreed having a sedan is very nice. I bought my 530i used and it's been rock solid. I figure if I have to put another 10K into it over the next 5 years I'll still be well ahead.
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A simplified 535 would be ideal. I like many things about the 535 - the lighting is fantastic, power is great - with twin turbos and DGI it will outrun my 911 in a straight line, OK transmission for street use, suspension and brakes are OK. But the controls - so goofy and complicated they take the fun out of driving. And iDrive - the best thing about iDrive is that it is durable. I've pounded on the knob in frustration many times and haven't driven it through the floorboard yet. Mercedes is out unless they have a new transmission. The delay in changing from reverse to forward is the reason I switched to BMW.
Looks like I'd have to go back 10 years to get one without iDrive, but that's doable if I can find a mint one.