November 21, 2009, 09:14:37 pm *
Welcome, Guest. Please login or register.
Did you miss your activation email?

Login with username, password and session length
Day-by-Day Review: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8GT; Day 3
So the Genesis Coupe isn't the most practical sports car around, says James, but what really matters here is how the car drives. And it's in that department that this car really shines, he says.

Read the article | View the photos | All the blogs
News: Porsche unveils new 911 GT3 R
 
   Home   Help Search Calendar Login Register  
Pages: [1] 2 3   Go Down
« previous next »
  Print  
Author Topic: CD Article: 2008 BMW 5-Series  (Read 5144 times)
CD_Editor
Drunk on Fuel
****
Offline Offline

Posts: 1182

member


View Profile
 Stats
« on: May 21, 2007, 11:45:01 pm »
You may discuss our cover story of the day in this thread....
Today's First Drive:
2008 BMW 5-Series
2008 BMW 5-SeriesSenior Editor, Paul Williams, spent three days driving most variations of the new 2008 BMW 5 Series sedans in a BMW-organized "rally" from Las Vegas, Nevada to Monterey, California. His overall impression? "Where many companies market their products on image and hype, BMW's commitment to performance-oriented vehicles is absolutely supported by the product on the ground," he says.
   
   More...
 

Read the article | View the photos | All the First Drives


Logged
initial_D
Car Crazy
*****
Offline Offline

Gender: Male
Location: Deer Red Green Lodge, Ab
Posts: 11000



View Profile
 Stats
« Reply #1 on: May 21, 2007, 11:49:43 pm »
The M5 is not your average family sedan. Actually, none of these cars 5 Series cars are, but the M5 possesses a different order of performance. With 500-hp under foot, the M5's turbine-like engine can literally shove you back in your seat and pin you there while accelerating, and it tracks around corners like a two-seat sports car. Its quad exhaust is a perfect finishing touch.

Oh Boy. What wouldn't I give to be able own an M5!  Bow Bow
Logged
ovr50
Car Crazy
*****
Offline Offline

Gender: Male
Location: Kelowna, BC
Posts: 17189


View Profile
 Stats
« Reply #2 on: May 21, 2007, 11:58:10 pm »
While the M5 is the epitome, I would be a happy camper to have the 535i or 535xi. There is no doubt in my mind that BMW still is the leader in making the "ultimate driving machines".

The 5 Series is likely beyond my grasp, but I still am harboring the desire to own a 3 Series, perferably the 335xi in sedan, coupe or (if made for '08) in wagon form.

Beautiful machinery. Beyond a doubt. 

Thumbs up Thumbs up Thumbs up Thumbs up Thumbs up
Logged
2009 BMW M3 Sedan in Alpine White
and
2005 Toyota Highlander in Indigo Ink
and
1992 Honda Accord Coupe (nasty day car).
Snowman
Car Crazy
*****
Offline Offline

Vehicle: 2006 Subaru WRX Wagon - 2008 Subaru Tribeca Limited
Gender: Male
Location: South West Rim Impact Crater
Posts: 19311



View Profile
 Stats
« Reply #3 on: May 22, 2007, 05:12:02 am »
M5 is my dream car. Drool
Logged
tpl
Car Crazy
*****
Online Online

Vehicle: VW GTI, Honda Fit
Gender: Male
Location: The Royal City
Posts: 10490



View Profile
 Stats
« Reply #4 on: May 22, 2007, 07:07:48 am »
I would go for a 535xi  an invest the change to pay for maintenance after the warranty is up.
Logged
In what is seen, there should be just the seen;
In what is heard, there should be just the heard;
In what is sensed, there should be just the sensed;
In what is thought, there should be just the thought.
 The Buddha.
mdxtasy
Guest
« Reply #5 on: May 22, 2007, 09:38:42 am »
Quote from: Snowman on May 22, 2007, 05:12:02 am
M5 is my dream car. Drool

Do it....nothing stopping you. 
Logged
quadzilla
Car Crazy
*****
Offline Offline

Vehicle: 2009 GTi
Gender: Male
Location: Toronto
Posts: 5058



View Profile WWW
 Stats
« Reply #6 on: May 22, 2007, 10:20:54 am »
Sign me up for a 535xi Touring please.

Also, Death Valley is an awesome place to check out. They even filmed parts of Star Wars there.
Logged
I'd rather see the whole picture on part of the screen than part of the picture on the whole screen.
CSH
Auto Obsessed
***
Offline Offline

Vehicle: 2007 Toyota Camry, 1998 Nissan Altima
Gender: Male
Location: guelph
Posts: 629


member


View Profile
 Stats
« Reply #7 on: May 22, 2007, 01:11:09 pm »
500hp in a sedan(practical) and fun...yummy, would love to own one...
Logged
Live & Let Live
Demosthenes X
Car Crazy
*****
Offline Offline

Vehicle: 2009 Honda Fit Sport
Gender: Male
Location: Kingston, ON
Posts: 6143


the mighty duck


View Profile
 Stats
« Reply #8 on: May 22, 2007, 03:18:14 pm »
The M5 actually seems to represent very good value, too.  It's as or more powerful than many supercars, handles very well, and is cheaper by a wide margin.  And it seats four.

Am I stretching?  Would that argument work on your wife?  "But honey, it's cheaper than a Ferrari, and we can fit your parents in the back seat!"

Drool
Logged
Demosthenes [noun], dem-aws-thene-s
1) (384 BC – 322 BC) the greatest of the Ancient Greek orators
2) pseudonym used by Valentine Wiggin in Orson Scott Card's Ender's Game to alter the events of world history
Giant Dwarf
Car Crazy
*****
Offline Offline

Vehicle: '06 BMW 330i, '07 Mazda3 Sport
Gender: Male
Location: Over Yonder
Posts: 9639



View Profile WWW
 Stats
« Reply #9 on: May 22, 2007, 05:43:23 pm »
Quote from: Demosthenes X on May 22, 2007, 03:18:14 pm
The M5 actually seems to represent very good value, too.  It's as or more powerful than many supercars, handles very well, and is cheaper by a wide margin.  And it seats four.

Am I stretching?  Would that argument work on your wife?  "But honey, it's cheaper than a Ferrari, and we can fit your parents in the back seat!"

Drool

...although when you consider a Dodge Charger SRT8 has 425 hp and costs... what, a third the M5's cost how much of a bargain does that M5 sound now?
 Grin Grin
Logged
DEPARTURES on CityTV and OLN is my favourite show.
initial_D
Car Crazy
*****
Offline Offline

Gender: Male
Location: Deer Red Green Lodge, Ab
Posts: 11000



View Profile
 Stats
« Reply #10 on: May 22, 2007, 07:42:51 pm »
M5 has a V10 ... not just a Hemi ... down by 2 sellinders.  Smiley Smiley No bargin IMO. and no stick available in the SRT8.
Logged
Snowman
Car Crazy
*****
Offline Offline

Vehicle: 2006 Subaru WRX Wagon - 2008 Subaru Tribeca Limited
Gender: Male
Location: South West Rim Impact Crater
Posts: 19311



View Profile
 Stats
« Reply #11 on: May 22, 2007, 09:48:13 pm »
Quote from: MdX5 on May 22, 2007, 09:38:42 am
Quote from: Snowman on May 22, 2007, 05:12:02 am
M5 is my dream car. Drool

Do it....nothing stopping you. 

  where do I start!
Logged
ovr50
Car Crazy
*****
Offline Offline

Gender: Male
Location: Kelowna, BC
Posts: 17189


View Profile
 Stats
« Reply #12 on: May 22, 2007, 10:21:35 pm »
Quote from: Giant Dwarf on May 22, 2007, 05:43:23 pm
Quote from: Demosthenes X on May 22, 2007, 03:18:14 pm
The M5 actually seems to represent very good value, too.  It's as or more powerful than many supercars, handles very well, and is cheaper by a wide margin.  And it seats four.

Am I stretching?  Would that argument work on your wife?  "But honey, it's cheaper than a Ferrari, and we can fit your parents in the back seat!"

Drool

...although when you consider a Dodge Charger SRT8 has 425 hp and costs... what, a third the M5's cost how much of a bargain does that M5 sound now?
 Grin Grin

I think that at high speed driving on freeways, preferably the German Autobahns, you would know why the M5 is double, almost treble the Charger SRT8.
Logged
2009 BMW M3 Sedan in Alpine White
and
2005 Toyota Highlander in Indigo Ink
and
1992 Honda Accord Coupe (nasty day car).
mmret
Car Crazy
*****
Offline Offline

Vehicle: 06 Acura TSX
Gender: Male
Location: Not Hamilton
Posts: 4498



View Profile
 Stats
« Reply #13 on: May 22, 2007, 10:30:45 pm »
Quote from: ovr50 on May 22, 2007, 10:21:35 pm
Quote from: Giant Dwarf on May 22, 2007, 05:43:23 pm
Quote from: Demosthenes X on May 22, 2007, 03:18:14 pm
The M5 actually seems to represent very good value, too.  It's as or more powerful than many supercars, handles very well, and is cheaper by a wide margin.  And it seats four.

Am I stretching?  Would that argument work on your wife?  "But honey, it's cheaper than a Ferrari, and we can fit your parents in the back seat!"

Drool

...although when you consider a Dodge Charger SRT8 has 425 hp and costs... what, a third the M5's cost how much of a bargain does that M5 sound now?
 Grin Grin

I think that at high speed driving on freeways, preferably the German Autobahns, you would know why the M5 is double, almost treble the Charger SRT8.

Or on any road that isn't straight.
Logged
Two idiots > one wise man.
mdxtasy
Guest
« Reply #14 on: May 22, 2007, 11:36:03 pm »
Quote from: Snowman on May 22, 2007, 09:48:13 pm
Quote from: MdX5 on May 22, 2007, 09:38:42 am
Quote from: Snowman on May 22, 2007, 05:12:02 am
M5 is my dream car. Drool

Do it....nothing stopping you. 

  where do I start!

Well if you hadn't purchased that Echo for your daughter, you'd be tooling around in a blue M5 right now.   Kiss Grin
Logged
auto_enthusiast
Enthusiast
**
Offline Offline

Posts: 315


View Profile
 Stats
« Reply #15 on: May 23, 2007, 01:15:00 am »
I'm torn on the M5.  On one hand it has an amazing engine and brakes, and would cover most roads at a great clip.    You could carry 5 people with luggage all day long at high speeds, match most exotic cars in acceleration, and not attract much attention doing it.

That said, you can't get the car without the confounding I-drive, and if you get the 6spd, you get significantly diminished acceleration and handling because of the intrusive stability/traction control.  And it's not just a tenth or so, but half a second in both 0-60 and the 1/4 mile.  Handling limits drop significantly to the point of being similar to an econobox.  That and the styling doesn't look "right" compared to some other BMW's.

My ideal M5?  Put the 500 hp engine into the E39 M5 (previous generation) without the electronic nannies and I'd be a happy camper. Cheesy
Logged
initial_D
Car Crazy
*****
Offline Offline

Gender: Male
Location: Deer Red Green Lodge, Ab
Posts: 11000



View Profile
 Stats
« Reply #16 on: May 23, 2007, 01:19:14 am »
OK, you can your dream M5, but i-drive, you passenger.  Smiley  Driving 2
Logged
tpl
Car Crazy
*****
Online Online

Vehicle: VW GTI, Honda Fit
Gender: Male
Location: The Royal City
Posts: 10490



View Profile
 Stats
« Reply #17 on: May 23, 2007, 06:43:33 am »
Quote from: auto_enthusiast on May 23, 2007, 01:15:00 am
I'm torn on the M5.  On one hand it has an amazing engine and brakes, and would cover most roads at a great clip.    You could carry 5 people with luggage all day long at high speeds, match most exotic cars in acceleration, and not attract much attention doing it.

That said, you can't get the car without the confounding I-drive, and if you get the 6spd, you get significantly diminished acceleration and handling because of the intrusive stability/traction control.  And it's not just a tenth or so, but half a second in both 0-60 and the 1/4 mile.  Handling limits drop significantly to the point of being similar to an econobox.  That and the styling doesn't look "right" compared to some other BMW's.
My ideal M5?  Put the 500 hp engine into the E39 M5 (previous generation) without the electronic nannies and I'd be a happy camper. Cheesy

I just checked the BMW site both Canada and USA.

In the USA the smg or 6 spd are just no charge options
In Canada the 6spd is standard and the smg is a $2200 option.      very weird.

and the price differential needs some work as well   $113000 in Canada  $82,900 in the USA

 Seems easier to me just to save the money and buy a 550i if one has to have a V engine in a BMW.
Logged
In what is seen, there should be just the seen;
In what is heard, there should be just the heard;
In what is sensed, there should be just the sensed;
In what is thought, there should be just the thought.
 The Buddha.
Spheric
Enthusiast
**
Offline Offline

Vehicle: 2007 VW Passat 2.0T
Location: Mississauga, ON
Posts: 258



View Profile
 Stats
« Reply #18 on: May 23, 2007, 09:01:06 am »
Nice cars.

Given the recent VW television ads which pits a Passat against a 525i series, I'd be half-tempted to race against one of these ultimate driving machines....  Grin
Logged
mdxtasy
Guest
« Reply #19 on: May 23, 2007, 09:40:39 am »
Quote from: Spheric on May 23, 2007, 09:01:06 am
Nice cars.

Given the recent VW television ads which pits a Passat against a 525i series, I'd be half-tempted to race against one of these ultimate driving machines....  Grin

Make sure it's the baby 5...and not a 550i.   But remember, there's no driving sedan out that that quite feels like a BMW.  Wink
Logged
Pages: [1] 2 3   Go Up
  Print  
CarTalkCanada > The Press Room > CanadianDriver Articles/Reviews > Topic: CD Article: 2008 BMW 5-Series
 « previous next »
 
Jump to:  



Don't miss these great features

Photo Galleries
1000s of photos, with full screen enlargements, all 2006 - Today models

Focus on Trucks
We've brought all our truck reviews and photos together in one place. Easy.

Powered by MySQL Powered by PHP Powered by SMF 1.1.4 | SMF © 2006-2007, Simple Machines LLC      Disclaimer        Privacy Advertise
© 2005 - 2009 CarTalkCanada & 1999 - 2009 CanadianDriver Communications Inc, all rights reserved.
Page created in 0.067 seconds with 38 queries.