Japan8

And on the M cars you can change your performance tune with iDrive from what I've heard.

RotoRocket

iTrader: (1)

Well, to each their own, I guess:

www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/main.jhtml%3Fxml%3D/motoring/2003/10/24/emfbmw25.xml+bmw+idrive+frustrating&hl=en

"Making an unwelcome reappearance is BMW's hopeless single-dial iDrive control, which handles functions such as air-con, heating, navigation, sound system and so on. BMW's response to complaints that the system is ludicrously complicated is to fit a modified escape button to return to the main menu. Simplified this might be, but iDrive is still frustrating and the return-to-menu button is a bit of a nuclear option if you've just spent 10 minutes scrolling through screens trying to adjust the navigation system. The computerised indicator system, like that of a Vauxhall Vectra, is equally unpopular. Once activated, this decides how many flashes will be given according to who knows what, and like the Terminator, it never, ever stops. Another useless piece of technology, then."

http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=16&article_id=9832

"Inside, the changes are equally subtle, although less effective. In addition to new climate-control ***** that BMW says offer improved tactile feel to the user, the cockpit's interface now communicates via a newly shaped iDrive controller that sports a leather insert on top, as if it were protecting a balding head from sunburn. The look and the feel are upgrades, but the usability remains frustrating and aggravating, despite submenus that are easier to use. Keep trying, BMW (read "Get rid of it!")."

http://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache:z4AoPghlvZMJ:http://www.automobilemag.com/reviews...strating&hl=en

"The logbook entries for our 745Li called its iDrive frustrating, counterintuitive, goofy, clumsy, silly, PITA, convoluted, iGnorant, and-worst of all-distracting. That is, it distracted us from the supreme pleasures of actually driving this powerful, sharp, smooth, bold sedan. That is a sin we cannot easily forgive."


http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/pw/03760li.htm

"The frustrating part of the driving experience was learning to bond with the sophisticated "iDrive" system of driver and passenger controls. Although this unified system of electronic controls is supposed to, "adjust technology and control functions to the needs and thought patterns of the driver," I, frankly, couldn't even figure out how to tune the radio.

The control display mimicked a computer screen, but it was typically confounding, containing no "back" or "undo" function, as you'd actually find on your familiar computer operating system or software. My driving partner and I were never able to share the same wavelength as this system (and presumably the people who designed it). We found ourselves longing for a simple and familiar **** or switch to perform basic activities. Perhaps a longer time spent with this car would reward one with the opportunity to better appreciate the iDrive control system."

BlueEyes

Inexperience/Incompetence. It's really not that hard. You should make up your mind after using it, not after reading some crappy journalists opinion on the device.

therm8

The whole iDrive concept does sound like a gigantic pita. It seems like a gadget that's fantastic as long as it's in someone elses car. Voice commands could redeem it probably. It just sounds like something else to distract the idiots on the road around here.

MTLbroker

Hell, even now I've seen people dial on their cellphone, apply mascara, read a newspaper, eat breakfast, shave, etc.... while driving. Now there's idrive, mp3 players, portable dvd, etc...... Why can't people just drive??!!?? I you must play while in the driver's seat, do it in the slow lane..... but I digress....

Im_DANomite

iTrader: (1)

iDrive isn't that bad...you have to get used to it. when i first bought my RX8, i had trouble finding stuff too. btw...i keep forgetting to take pictures...i'll take some tomorrow.

RotoRocket

iTrader: (1)

I agree with you there.

If so many auto journalists are griping about it, though, where there's smoke there may be fire.

You're right though. I would be wrong to dis it until I've had 1st hand experience with it.

Im_DANomite

iTrader: (1)

ok here are some pictures. i was busy as hell today at work, so i couldn't really spend a lot of time exploring the M5.

Im_DANomite

iTrader: (1)

some more...

czr

iTrader: (3)

Is it me or does that thing look more like a regular 5 series? The old M5 was more "aggressive" and you could tell right away what it was from and and all sides. And I like the wheels posted earlier a lot better.

therm8

It's not you...

I'm thinking that aluminum trimmed dash doesn't belong in a $100k car. Looks cheap.

BlueRenesis82

stats are amazing, looks are generic

BlueEyes

There are cars 5 times as much with aluminium trimmed dashes. It's an option anyhow, you can get wood trim if you want.

therm8

possibly but they probably don't come off looking cheap about them.

iKenndac

Is it worrying that I can not only tell what race track that car is on (the Nürburgring), but also exactly where it is on the 10-mile long track?

RX-Hachi

^Cause you've been there and done that, you lucky bastard. Most of us only get to drive the Ring in video games like GT4.

babylou

Not knowing it is 13.5 miles long is worrying!

RotoRocket

iTrader: (1)

Just my take-it-for-what-it's-worth opinion (mabe nada), but $96,000 for the M5 is a bit much.

Im_DANomite

iTrader: (1)

i don't think any BMW is worth what they are. sure, they use some top notch materials and engineering. but the japanese are already up to par....and you will never see a japanese car that high priced. except maybe the NSX...but that's considered an exotic.

BlueEyes

find a competitor that comes close, cheaper.

Hint: there isn't one.

Im_DANomite

iTrader: (1)

the only "comparisons" that i can think of right now are the Audi RS6, Dodge Charger SRT8, and Cadillac STS-V. but i have no clue how much they cost and what kind of performance numbers they throw out.

blue, you do have a point tho...there isn't anything worth being compared. M5 stands alone in it's own class.

ECHO1

this one comes close, although i see it as more luxo than sporty http://www.mbusa.com/brand/models/CLS55.jsp

Im_DANomite

iTrader: (1)

Benz will always be more luxurious than BMW. BMW calls themselves the Ultimate Driving Machine...that's b/c they're cars perform very very well. the rest of the car is something else...

Christianv

That's because people won't pay for it. The ONLY reason why the German premium brands command such a high price is because the market will bear it.

RotoRocket

iTrader: (1)

As far as performance and material quality, I'll go on a limb and say that the new Infinity M45 is none too shabby, and is about 60% of the cost of a M5.

My buddy just bought an '06, and the vehicle is impressive to say the least, and the stats seem to measure up quite well, too.

INFINITI M45 SPORT
Vehicle type: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan

Estimated price as tested: $55,000 (estimated base price: $52,500)

Options on test car: Journey package (includes Bose stereo, rearview camera and display screen, and compass)

Major standard accessories: power windows, seats, locks, and sunroof; remote locking; A/C; cruise control; tilting and telescoping steering wheel; rear defroster

Sound system: Bose AM-FM-satellite radio/cassette/CD changer, 8 speakers

ENGINE
Type: V-8, aluminum block and heads
Bore x stroke: 3.66 x 3.26 in, 93.0 x 82.7mm
Displacement: 274 cu in, 4494cc
Compression ratio: 10.5:1
Fuel-delivery system: port injection
Valve gear: chain-driven double overhead cams,
4 valves per cylinder, hydraulic lifters,
variable intake-valve timing
Power (SAE net): 335 bhp @ 6400 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 340 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Redline: 6600 rpm

DRIVETRAIN
Transmission: 5-speed automatic with manumatic shifting
Final-drive ratio: 3.36:1
Gear, Ratio, Mph/1000 rpm, Max test speed
I, 3.83, 6.0, 40 mph (6600 rpm)
II, 2.37, 9.7, 64 mph (6600 rpm)
III, 1.52, 15.2, 102 mph (6600 rpm)
IV, 1.00, 23.1, 152 mph (6600 rpm)
V, 0.83, 27.8, 155 mph (5600 rpm)

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 114.2 in
Track, front/rear: 60.2/60.8 in
Length/width/height: 192.6/70.8/59.5 in
Ground clearance: 5.3 in
Drag area, Cd (0.27) x frontal area (26.7 sq ft, est): 7.2 sq ft
Curb weight: 4020 lb
Weight distribution, F/R: 53.7/46.3%
Curb weight per horsepower: 12.0 lb
Fuel capacity: 20.0 gal

CHASSIS/BODY
Type: unit construction
Body material: welded steel and aluminum stampings

INTERIOR
SAE volume, front seat: 59 cu ft
rear seat: 46 cu ft
luggage: 11 cu ft
Front-seat adjustments: fore-and-aft, seatback angle, front height, rear height, lumbar support
Restraint systems, front: manual 3-point belts; driver and passenger front, side, and curtain airbags
rear: manual 3-point belts, curtain airbags

SUSPENSION
Front: ind, unequal-length control arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear: ind; 1 upper control arm, 1 diagonal link, and 1 lateral link per side; active rear toe control; coil springs; anti-roll bar

STEERING
Type: rack-and-pinion with variable hydraulic power assist
Steering ratio: 16.4:1
Turns lock-to-lock: 3.0
Turning circle curb-to-curb: 36.7 ft

BRAKES
Type: hydraulic with vacuum power assist, anti-lock control,
and electronic panic assist
Front: 12.6 x 1.1-in vented disc
Rear: 12.1 x 0.6-in vented disc

WHEELS AND TIRES
Wheel size/type: 8.5 x 19 in/cast aluminum
Tires: Bridgestone Potenza RE050A, 245/40R-19 94W
Test inflation pressures, F/R: 30/30 psi
Spare: full size on matching aluminum wheel

C/D TEST RESULTS
ACCELERATION Seconds
Zero to 30 mph: 2.1
40 mph: 3.1
50 mph: 4.3
60 mph: 5.6
70 mph: 7.3
80 mph: 9.2
90 mph: 11.4
100 mph: 14.0
110 mph: 17.7
120 mph: 22.1
130 mph: 27.1
140 mph: 33.3
Street start, 5-60 mph: 5.7
Top-gear acceleration, 30-50 mph: 2.9
50-70 mph: 4.1
Standing 1/4-mile: 14.2 sec @ 101 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 155 mph

BRAKING
70-0 mph @ impending lockup: 165 ft

HANDLING
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.86 g
Understeer: minimal moderate excessive

FUEL ECONOMY
EPA city driving: 17 mpg
EPA highway driving: 23 mpg
C/D-observed: 15 mpg

INTERIOR SOUND LEVEL
Idle: 45 dBA
Full-throttle acceleration: 75 dBA
70-mph cruising: 67 dBA