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Old 10-17-2003, 10:02 AM   #1
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Went to an e60 unveiling last night....

United BMW held their New 5er unveiling last night at the Atlanta Athletic Club...

Very nice event -- I'd say they had 200+ customers there for the appetizers and drinks. At 7:27 (don't know why they picked an odd time), they unveiled a silver 530i. They also had 3 others for people to look at and sit in... We'll see if I win one of the 3 door prizes -- BMW art-car models

Observations - it is better looking in person than in photos. Like all Bangle designs, some elements of the design are interesting and well done, some details are fantastic (detail within the tailights for example -- a small round light on each side within the taillamp area is very striking, as well as the non-dame edna portion of the eyebrow light -- a thin neon amber sliver when lit). But other details are odd (dame edna shape of headlights, kidney shape, and slab sides). One interesting note is that the toolkit in the trunk now contains a first-aid kit. The interior, while nice in some ways does feel cheaper than my e46 -- lack of wood on the doors is the primary reason, but also the flimsy-fealing steering wheel. The higher dash caused by the i-drive display and relatively narrow center console make it feel more enclosed. But at the same time it is very comfortable.

I overheard many people saying how beutiful of a car it is -- can't completely agree. They are doing test drives this weekend... may need to go for a spin...
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Old 10-17-2003, 10:04 AM   #2
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Whatever you do, don't drive the non-SP car. It's both nauseating and scary.

I'm told the SP version is totally different.
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Old 10-17-2003, 10:05 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Nick325xiT 5spd
Whatever you do, don't drive the non-SP car. It's both nauseating and scary.

I'm told the SP version is totally different.
Heard the same, but just to go on record here, the e60 is growing on me. I am really starting to dig this car.
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Old 10-17-2003, 10:13 AM   #4
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I don't object to it. Except for the iDrive.

When they "simplified" it, they added an extra layer on to the interface, and took away a fair bit of functionality.

Of coruse they SHOULD have just put freaking buttons in. It's not like E60 iDrive really does all that much.
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Old 10-17-2003, 10:42 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Nick325xiT 5spd
I don't object to it. Except for the iDrive.

When they "simplified" it, they added an extra layer on to the interface, and took away a fair bit of functionality.

Of coruse they SHOULD have just put freaking buttons in. It's not like E60 iDrive really does all that much.
Yeah... especially without Nav!!! One funny comment last night... People saw the screen and iDrive controller and said "oh look... it has a navigation system"... I didn't have the heart to tell them that Nav isn't avail until spring.

I really haven't played with iDrive, so I'm saving judgement until Thanksgiving when I can play with my stepdad's e65. However so far I think iDrive is a somewhat interesting idea for controlling the nav and making some selections for CD/radio and some set-and-forget car settings. Just think they tried to do too much and eliminate a few too many buttons...
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Old 10-17-2003, 11:06 AM   #6
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I should note that I LIKE iDrive in the E65. I do wonder what the hell possessed them to put it in a car aimed at that age bracket, but I like it. I just don't see the point in the E60.
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Old 10-17-2003, 11:09 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Nick325xiT 5spd
I just don't see the point in the E60.
Cost savings by not having to put all those extra wiring harnesses/buttons/pots/knobs/etc.

At least the new 5er has real knobs for the climate controls again.
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Old 10-17-2003, 12:42 PM   #8
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You like the E65, too, right?

Quote:
Originally Posted by dredmo
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nick325xiT 5spd
Whatever you do, don't drive the non-SP car. It's both nauseating and scary.

I'm told the SP version is totally different.
Heard the same, but just to go on record here, the e60 is growing on me. I am really starting to dig this car.
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Old 10-17-2003, 12:53 PM   #9
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2 of the guys in our club are employed by BMW to go around the country and introduce the new 5. They say sport is a must with these cars!

I've got an event on the 23rd for the launch of the new 5.
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Old 10-17-2003, 01:00 PM   #10
dredmo
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ichabod
You like the E65, too, right?

Quote:
Originally Posted by dredmo
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nick325xiT 5spd
Whatever you do, don't drive the non-SP car. It's both nauseating and scary.

I'm told the SP version is totally different.
Heard the same, but just to go on record here, the e60 is growing on me. I am really starting to dig this car.
yup, sure do
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