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Sealobo · Oct 1, 2010, 05:15 AM

Not so new actually. Have been driving it for three months now. it's a 535i, also my first car with a turbo. Yes it has an automatic transmission so some of you might think it's a boring pos.

about 10 years ago when i joined MacNN you'd have to kill me to buy a car like this, but now i can't think of a better ride for myself. i guess personal preferences have seriously evolved over the years. i plan to keep it for at least 5 years. the 8-speed transmission is amazing, and the interior is just perfect. the only thing i have to complain is that the factory rubbers are not that grippy.

just had the oil changed few days ago after 3,000km... the engine is now ready to rev!

the actual car.

girlfriend driving.

bmw show car

OreoCookie · Oct 1, 2010, 05:22 AM

I think you need to return your car, the steering wheel is on the wrong side!

Very nice car, congrats!

Doofy · Oct 1, 2010, 05:40 AM

THAT WON'T HOLD VALUE LIKE A PROPER HARDCORE ENTHUSIASTS' CAR WITH A MANUAL GEARBOX!
Just in case Rob fancies a break, I've done his work for him.

Sealobo · Oct 1, 2010, 05:46 AM

but i am going to chip it. that makes me an enthusiast i guess!

downinflames68 · Oct 1, 2010, 08:20 AM

It won't hold value like an M5 will, correct Doofy.

As for the car..... glad you like it. Not really my cup of tea, but if all you're doing is traveling on the highway, it's probably nice.

downinflames68 · Oct 1, 2010, 08:21 AM

It won't hold value like an M5 will, correct Doofy.

As for the car..... glad you like it. Not really my cup of tea, but if all you're doing is traveling on the highway, it's probably nice.

BTW, you live in hong kong right? I hear their economy is booming, and I'm looking to move, so let me know if you hear of anything.

The Final Dakar · Oct 1, 2010, 08:39 AM

Originally Posted by Sealobo

about 10 years ago when i joined MacNN you'd have to kill me to buy a car like this

...?

Originally Posted by downinflames68

it's probably nice.

Yes, it's probably nice. Those BMWs do have a shady track record on luxury and comfort.

osiris · Oct 1, 2010, 08:40 AM

Highly civilized high speed transportation. Nice.

ShortcutToMoncton · Oct 1, 2010, 08:49 AM

Originally Posted by Sealobo

about 10 years ago when i joined MacNN you'd have to kill me to buy a car like this

Would immediately have been arranged, had I known

OreoCookie · Oct 1, 2010, 09:03 AM

Originally Posted by downinflames68

It won't hold value like an M5 will, correct Doofy.

On the other hand, I heard that M5s need relatively frequent oil changes and take only very expensive oil. No wonder BMW added a turbo button to the M5s

osiris · Oct 1, 2010, 09:18 AM

I thought BMWs use the blood of virgins as a lubricant.

Sealobo · Oct 1, 2010, 09:33 AM

Originally Posted by downinflames68

It won't hold value like an M5 will, correct Doofy.

actually... mid-range models here in Hongkong hold value better. that's a fact. but i know it's a different story in the state.

Sealobo · Oct 1, 2010, 09:37 AM

Originally Posted by downinflames68

BTW, you live in hong kong right? I hear their economy is booming, and I'm looking to move, so let me know if you hear of anything.

yes i am stuck in HK.

you're looking to move? what can i possibly "hear" that might help?

Sealobo · Oct 1, 2010, 09:43 AM

Originally Posted by The Final Dakar

...?

i mean i wouldn't have bought a sedan. 10 years ago i was 20 and all i could think of was sports car, manual transmission, big wheels with low profile tires. but over time I just grew out of all these. and my gf sleeps a lot in the car when i drive her around. lol~

MacinTommy · Oct 1, 2010, 09:48 AM

Originally Posted by osiris

I thought BMWs use the blood of virgins as a lubricant.

From my experience, blood is not the best lubricant.

CreepDogg · Oct 1, 2010, 10:05 AM

Originally Posted by downinflames68

It won't hold value like an M5 will, correct Doofy.

As for the car..... glad you like it. Not really my cup of tea, but if all you're doing is traveling on the highway, it's probably nice.

BTW, you live in hong kong right? I hear their economy is booming, and I'm looking to move, so let me know if you hear of anything.

It's always smart to backhandedly insult someone's car choice right before asking them to help you look for a job.

The Final Dakar · Oct 1, 2010, 10:07 AM

Originally Posted by Sealobo

i mean i wouldn't have bought a sedan. 10 years ago i was 20 and all i could think of was sports car, manual transmission, big wheels with low profile tires. but over time I just grew out of all these. and my gf sleeps a lot in the car when i drive her around. lol~

I get ya

Laminar · Oct 1, 2010, 10:28 AM

Originally Posted by Sealobo

actually... mid-range models here in Hongkong hold value better. that's a fact. but i know it's a different story in the state.

I won't believe you until I see a link to a forum where a few random people say that this is the case.

Paco500 · Oct 1, 2010, 10:32 AM

Beautiful. No offence to owners of the last generation 5 series, but the new model is so much more attractive to me. I always hated the back end and they have made it much more pleasing.

My (2002) 325i was a fantastic car and if I was up to spending that kind of money on a car, a 5 Series would be my choice as well.

olePigeon · Oct 1, 2010, 10:35 AM

Sealobo, I'll let you finish, but I just wanna say that the Lamborghini Sesto Elemento is one of the coolest looking cars I've seen in a long time. Looks like they took the parts off an F22 Raptor and used it on the car. Probably costs the same.

Doofy · Oct 1, 2010, 11:02 AM

Originally Posted by Paco500

Beautiful. No offence to owners of the last generation 5 series, but the new model is so much more attractive to me. I always hated the back end and they have made it much more pleasing.

Yep, the first generation Bangle models were horrendous. This one is much better looking.

Sealobo · Oct 1, 2010, 11:19 AM

i hate bangle. i refuse to capitalize his name.

downinflames68 · Oct 1, 2010, 11:29 AM

I wasn't insulting it at all. It's fine for transportation, and I'm sure it's comfortable. It'd be great for long distance driving.

CreepDogg · Oct 1, 2010, 11:41 AM

Most people, when they discover they've dug themselves into a hole, stop digging and start looking for a way out. I guess there are others that just keep digging...

The Final Dakar · Oct 1, 2010, 11:49 AM

Originally Posted by downinflames68

I wasn't insulting it at all. It's fine for transportation, and I'm sure it's comfortable. It'd be great for long distance driving.

Originally Posted by CreepDogg

Most people, when they discover they've dug themselves into a hole, stop digging and start looking for a way out. I guess there are others that just keep digging...

To be fair, this is what happens when dif tries to be positive/nice. It turns into backhanded compliments and positive comments that sound like they're being forced out through gritted teeth. Give him credit for trying.

OreoCookie · Oct 1, 2010, 11:53 AM

Originally Posted by Paco500

Beautiful. No offence to owners of the last generation 5 series, but the new model is so much more attractive to me. I always hated the back end and they have made it much more pleasing.

Thirded. They indeed look very aesthetic and distinctive from other cars of their class.

CreepDogg · Oct 1, 2010, 12:28 PM

Originally Posted by The Final Dakar

To be fair, this is what happens when dif tries to be positive/nice. It turns into backhanded compliments and positive comments that sound like they're being forced out through gritted teeth. Give him credit for trying.

All right, credit for trying. Followed by some friendly advice: try harder. The current approach isn't cutting it, and the 'real world' doesn't always give 'credit for trying'. (Though that's a topic for another thread).

CreepDogg · Oct 1, 2010, 12:30 PM

Originally Posted by OreoCookie

Thirded. They indeed look very aesthetic and distinctive from other cars of their class.

I agree - I really liked the more, well, 'classic' looks of E36, E46, and E39 - and then the following models got over-banglized. They look very nice (and modern) now that the bangling has been muted a bit.

The Final Dakar · Oct 1, 2010, 12:34 PM

Originally Posted by CreepDogg

All right, credit for trying. Followed by some friendly advice: try harder.

Nope, that's the problem. Trying = forced = unnatural. dif doesn't need to be nice. He just needs to not be a dick (i.e., not post every negative thought he has in celebratory threads. Or "enlighten" people as it were).

Anyway, to keep it on topic, holy crap a phone booth in the first pic.

CreepDogg · Oct 1, 2010, 12:36 PM

Originally Posted by The Final Dakar

Nope, that's the problem. Trying = forced = unnatural. dif doesn't need to be nice. He just needs to not be a dick (i.e., not post every negative thought he has in celebratory threads. Or "enlighten" people as it were).

Fair enough. I guess I figured the 'trying' is exactly that - trying not to be a dick. In which case - 'try harder' applies.

Cold Warrior · Oct 1, 2010, 04:42 PM

This is close to turning into a thread about another member. Then I'd lock it. Surely you don't want to thread crap on the OP.

The Final Dakar · Oct 1, 2010, 05:12 PM

You're four hours late old chap. Discussion had ended, til you brought it back up.

imitchellg5 · Oct 1, 2010, 05:17 PM

I like the looks of the new 5 series (at least in photos, the local BMW dealer STILL doesn't have any in stock), but boy, they need to put that thing on a diet. Weighs more than a 2 generation old 7 series! OTOH, that interior is one of the best on the market (if it's the same as the 550 GT, looks like it from here).

Laminar · Oct 1, 2010, 10:24 PM

Originally Posted by The Final Dakar

Anyway, to keep it on topic, holy crap a phone booth in the first pic.

Maybe it's a suicide booth.

macaddict0001 · Oct 1, 2010, 10:37 PM

Originally Posted by downinflames68

It won't hold value like an M5 will, correct Doofy.

As for the car..... glad you like it. Not really my cup of tea, but if all you're doing is traveling on the highway, it's probably nice.

Actually Performance models tend to depreciate more.

Originally Posted by CreepDogg

Most people, when they discover they've dug themselves into a hole, stop digging and start looking for a way out. I guess there are others that just keep digging...

You have to come out the other side sometime right? Right?

In all seriousness I like the 5 series and the 535i is still a fast car. BMW has introduced a lot of new models lately making their lineup somewhat confusing, but if you look closer each model serves a different purpose and appeals to a different section of the market.

Sealobo · Oct 1, 2010, 11:01 PM

Originally Posted by imitchellg5

I like the looks of the new 5 series (at least in photos, the local BMW dealer STILL doesn't have any in stock), but boy, they need to put that thing on a diet. Weighs more than a 2 generation old 7 series! OTOH, that interior is one of the best on the market (if it's the same as the 550 GT, looks like it from here).

almost everyone agrees that the new 5er is now a small-7 rather than a big-3. The fact that the 5er is using a shortened version of the 7-series chassis says a lot about the elements they share.

car is a bit heavy i agree, but it's only on paper; you don't really feel it when you drive around in any sort of traffic. but it guess it'd feel heavy if it's an entry model, say 523i. for what i've got, the car is genuinely fast (0-60 in 6 seconds) and the fuel economy is pretty amazing thanks to the 8-speed gearbox. all in all i am very happy!

gradient · Oct 2, 2010, 12:15 AM

Originally Posted by MacinTommy

From my experience, blood is not the best lubricant.

Ouch...that's a full blown Quagmire moment in the making.

Andy8 · Oct 2, 2010, 02:42 AM

Originally Posted by downinflames68

1. BTW, you live in hong kong right?
2. I hear their economy is booming,
3. and I'm looking to move,
4. so let me know if you hear of anything.

1. Yes
2. You bet.
3. You need a proper visa, you just can't move here.
4. See above.

brassplayersrock² · Oct 2, 2010, 02:55 AM

Great looking car sealobo.

ghporter · Oct 2, 2010, 08:35 AM

Originally Posted by Sealobo

almost everyone agrees that the new 5er is now a small-7 rather than a big-3. The fact that the 5er is using a shortened version of the 7-series chassis says a lot about the elements they share.

Ahhhhhh. Now I can label what I've been seeing. That's it exactly-the 5s are smaller 7s instead of larger 3s.

I was discussing this basic issue with my brother-in-law (a former BMW 5 series owner), and I really couldn't put my finger on what it was about the 5s that had changed. I could also point out that for a while the 5 series reminded me a lot of Acuras' mid-sized TL sedans, particularly from behind. The newest BMW 5s are much more distinctive now.

Sealobo, your car is a beauty. Nice choice.

Sealobo · Oct 2, 2010, 09:43 AM

Thanks guys.

By the way, some of you might remember this picture i posted a while back:

that's a first generation 5er... and that woman, my girlfriend's mother on her wedding day. and the car was my gf's father's ride at the time.

sounds a bit complicated i know. and now i haul my gf around with a 5er. kinda amazing. ha!

Railroader · Oct 2, 2010, 11:05 AM

Do you still have the Fiat? Or and I confusing you with someone else?

Sealobo · Oct 2, 2010, 11:24 AM

o... yes it's me who had a fiat 500. i sold the car after owning (abusing) it for a year or so. haha. it's a fun car to throw around.

brassplayersrock² · Oct 2, 2010, 11:50 AM

Originally Posted by Sealobo

Thanks guys.

By the way, some of you might remember this picture i posted a while back:

that's a first generation 5er... and that woman, my girlfriend's mother on her wedding day. and the car was my gf's father's ride at the time.

sounds a bit complicated i know. and now i haul my gf around with a 5er. kinda amazing. ha!

ooooo, possible signs of things to come?

downinflames68 · Oct 2, 2010, 11:52 AM

Originally Posted by macaddict0001

Actually Performance models tend to depreciate more.
.

More rapidly, yes. But with the same mileage it will always be worth more than a run of the mill 5 series.

Sealobo · Oct 2, 2010, 11:56 AM

Originally Posted by brassplayersrock²

ooooo, possible signs of things to come?

depends if i can move the new 5er to the exact same spot and ask the gf to lean on the car in a similar fashion.

the old pix was taken beside a church, and it's still here.

Sealobo · Oct 2, 2010, 12:01 PM

Originally Posted by downinflames68

More rapidly, yes. But with the same mileage it will always be worth more than a run of the mill 5 series.

haha... seriously, i LOLed.

is it possible that you're using a true statement to cover your previously false claim?

Railroader · Oct 2, 2010, 12:17 PM

Originally Posted by Sealobo

depends if i can move the new 5er to the exact same spot and ask the gf to lean on the car in a similar fashion.

the old pix was taken beside a church, and it's still here.

That would be pretty cool. Get similar decorations and such too.

downinflames68 · Oct 2, 2010, 02:49 PM

Originally Posted by Sealobo

haha... seriously, i LOLed.

is it possible that you're using a true statement to cover your previously false claim?

No, because that's what I meant in the first place. I don't buy new. I buy used. So they depreciate around the same rate, but one holds value, the other doesn't

ghporter · Oct 2, 2010, 02:54 PM

Rob's right about new versus used in depreciation. Roll off the lot with a "brand new" car and you lose thousands of dollars in value immediately because it's no longer "new." Once it is classified as used, a car will generally depreciate at a fairly consistent rate, with that rate controlled by how hard its driven, how well it's kept up, and demand. For example, I sold a 9 year old Civic 3 door with an A/C about to give up completely (A/C is life support in Central Texas) for almost $1k more than I expected to because it had less than 85,000 miles on it. While it was a 5-speed, the demand was for automatics, but I still made out because of that low mileage. That car kept almost 1/3 of its sales price over 9 years on the road. Not too shabby.