Commuter car down the road

[wdc330i]

Originally Posted by FC

They seem big and pricey.

I was just looking up the 540, and realized that there was an M550, and then I remembered that the president of my last company bought one of those and parked next to the F80 and it was massive. I can’t imagine wanting that.

Like I said, I’ll have to check them out in person.

I believe Alan and Sarafil both own one…

[Jeff_DML]

Originally Posted by JST

Arteon? They won’t make them much longer but they should be available cheap.

Actually going to miss mine it is a good commuter

[JST]

I think a 440 gran coupe is the ticket.

[wdc330i]

Originally Posted by JST

I think a 440 gran coupe is the ticket.

Wut?

TBH, I love mine. Despite its looks.

[JST]

The i4 looks ok, other than the grille. The m50 is a fast car but it’s 5000 lbs and you can really feel it. The M440
is *800* lbs lighter and still gets 30 mpg on the highway according to C/D.

I want to like the i4 but its specs are so far behind those of the Model 3 that I just can’t. And it feels like a pig compared to the Tesla.

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...y-the-numbers/

Plus it’s a hatch and looks elegant, especially in that dark green color. Customers will be impressed.

[SARAFIL]

Originally Posted by wdc330i

I believe Alan and Sarafil both own one…

Yes we have a M550 - it’s definitely a bigger car than a 3 series or C class which is why I asked about the E53 vs. others on list - there are pros & cons.

It’s a very comfortable car with more interior space and much more comfortable seats vs. a 3 series. I commute from Boston area to Hartford several times a month and it’s an excellent car to spend a few hours in on the highway. The M550 has more power than you practically need but you don’t have to drive it aggressively if you don’t want to and it can be pretty smooth & relaxed around town. With dynamic handling package it handles well and feels like a smaller car, without DHP it’s floaty. Overall we’re happy with it and the balance of power, comfort, etc.

Actually considered an E43/E53 as well but at the time we were looking they were considerably more $$ for similar year and mileage with much less power from 6cyl vs. V8. I’m not planning to keep this much outside of warranty so I wasn’t too worried about long term ownership cost of the turbo V8’s but if you are thinking it is a long term purchase that might change your pick. The current V8 is the 3rd gen of this motor and supposed to be significantly improved, but still too early to see real examples to back that up.

M340 or C43 are also great cars and will be sportier, but I personally don’t find a 3 series that comfortable to spend a lot of time in anymore. Maybe just preference so definitely worth checking them out.

[Josh (PA)]

I don't think the b58 is lacking power in the 5 series platform. For FCs application, I'd trade the V8 grunt for the i6 reliability

[wdc330i]

Originally Posted by JST

The i4 looks ok, other than the grille. The m50 is a fast car but it’s 5000 lbs and you can really feel it. The M440
is *800* lbs lighter and still gets 30 mpg on the highway according to C/D.

I want to like the i4 but its specs are so far behind those of the Model 3 that I just can’t. And it feels like a pig compared to the Tesla.

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...y-the-numbers/

Plus it’s a hatch and looks elegant, especially in that dark green color. Customers will be impressed.

Seriously, it is a great middle ground between sporty, practical, and comfortable. It would be terrific in combination with the LR4 and Boxster. Get the xi version and it will be the family’s go-to easy vehicle all-year-round.

Originally Posted by Josh (PA)

I don't think the b58 is lacking power in the 5 series platform. For FCs application, I'd trade the V8 grunt for the i6 reliability

I like the 5 series a lot, but would avoid the V8 and wait for the new model with more power from the i6. The current (or used version) has less power than my car.

[Josh (PA)]

Originally Posted by wdc330i

]

I like the 5 series a lot, but would avoid the V8 and wait for the new model with more power from the i6. The current (or used version) has less power than my car.

I just know my x5 with the same engine is perfectly capable. I've never felt the need for more power in it, and i figured the 540 has to be lighter and therefore incrementally quicker. I think the current gen is quite attractive, and if FC is thinking used commuter, the extra depreciation with a new model coming out might be a win.

[wdc330i]

Originally Posted by Josh (PA)

I just know my x5 with the same engine is perfectly capable. I've never felt the need for more power in it, and i figured the 540 has to be lighter and therefore incrementally quicker. I think the current gen is quite attractive, and if FC is thinking used commuter, the extra depreciation with a new model coming out might be a win.

Good points. And I agree it’s about the best looking modern BMW. Gas mileage will be considerably better with the new engine, if that matters. My bigger, heavier 4 gets MUCH better mileage than my little 2 did.