About to buy a new car, should M45 be on my list?

[SilverCi]

I was pretty set to get a late model (04+) BMW 7 series. I used to own an '02 and I loved it.

However, in shopping for my wife's QX56 I saw the M45 at the dealer and thought it looked pretty good. The inside i LOVE. Have not driven on yet, but have read alot of reviews.

How do you think this car compares to the 7? I do like the exterior of the M, but i'm not blown away by it. I LOVE the look of the 7 however. The 7 is a pretty nice drive for a big car, and the interior is ok. I think the interior of the M is incredible. I will drive one this week, probably tomorrow.

So, what do you guys think if you could get a late model 7 or a later model M45, which would you get (assume both cost the same). What do you guys think?

I'm excited to drive one if its near as sweet as everyone says it is.

thanks!

Jim

[nisinfguy]

Probably M because its a fun loving car. Also its more reliable then the 7, ohh and its faster. But 7 isnt bad either, just a little too big.

[DRIPS]

Buy an M

[AD1787]

if you are a consumer reports fan you can brag to your friends, they said the M was the best car they ever tested.

If the test drive doesn't put a big smile on your face, then its probably not the car for you. A tap of your toe and 60-90mph goes by in an instant.

[StillaYankee]

I gotta agree with the others. My previous car was a '94 Q45a and it absolutely killed me to get rid of it, especially with less than 90,000 miles on it. I really didn't know what I wanted next--a Lexus GS300 maybe (always liked the look, thought I'd try Lexus after 15 years of Infinitis). Went to an upscale used car dealer in Tampa to test drive a few cars. He put me in an '06 M35 Sport (13,000 miles) & it was instant love. I drove around a bit & couldn't wait to get back to the dealer to sign the papers. The car is very fun to drive--every bit as fun as my old Q. I could do with a little less road noise from the tires but with the windows up it isn't much of a problem for me & if it is I just turn up the volume on my tunes a bit more! Good Luck!

[M4T5]

Of course everyone here at this site will more than likely tell you the M. Come on.... just look where your posting at. The test drive is what should tell you what to buy. I will agree with your statement of, "I do like the exterior of the M, but I'm not blown away by it." The exterior is good, but not the best I've seen. Though it's still by far a great looking car... none the less. When you get in, it's another story. It's a wonderfull place to sit. It comes with a lot of comfort features and amenities. They definately didn't skimp inside the car. You also need to look into which of the two cars are more reliable to own in the long or short run. From all my reads on editor reviews and owner reviews, this is definately a car to own. Not really too much to complain about. They hardly ever break down or need to go into the shop or dealer for repairs.The M's are wonderful to drive as well. They ride amazingly. No complaints...at least not for the base model M45 that I drive. If you do decide on the M, then you will be left with three major choices. Do you want the M35 or the mmmmM45? Lol. The next one is do you want the base or sport model? The other ones is, do you want the AWD or RWD? If you pick the AWD, that will eliminate the sport and base choice. The AWD M's come in the base form only. I personally like the base ride over the sport ride. It still gives you the sport feel and rides more compliant. The sport model was a bit too rough feeling for me. I guess if I was looking for a sports car, then that would be expected. Hey, good luck on the decision!

J

[Jimmyz]

...I personally like the base ride over the sport ride. It still gives you the sport feel and rides more compliant. The sport model was a bit too rough feeling for me. I guess if I was looking for a sports car, then that would be expected. Hey, good luck on the decision!

J

I just went thru a similar conundrum the past 3-4 months. I drove EVERYTHING in this class of cars. I choose the M45 Sport. What M4T5 says is true, the Sport does ride a bit stiffer to be sure. However, I choose it cause I believe the stock sport wheels set it off!

IMHO, the 7 series Bimmer is gorgeous but you owe it to your self to drive an M. If you can swing a brand new one (2009), that would the shizzle. I got a used 07, and the only thing this car is missing is another gear (or two) for the highway. The 09's come with a 7 spd transmission vs. a 5spd. It desperately needed this to compete in this class. Now, w/the 09 it has it all!!

Get the M, you'll not regret it for a second.
Modified by Jimmyz at 7:44 AM 1/19/2009

[mazz]

buy used infiniti and other cars in this class [except lexus] get there brains busted in resale valuei love my infiniti but resale value is not its strong point

[RaelOM]

For what it's worth --

I'm all about value for my money, regardless of what item that may be. If I'm spending it, I want VALUE, not perceived value.

So I based my decision between a 5 series, a a6 audi and an M on consumer reports, edmunds reviews and size/space. Consumer reports on M is 100% perfect three years in a row...I think they got one ding on electrics in 07 or something?

Go to edmunds and see the reviews on the M...I didn't come across a bad review for a few pages. Do the same on the A6 and 5 series in my case and it was almost every other post.

I bought the M....I *LOVE* the M.

[palincal]

I also compared M with 7-series. Few things to consider: 7-series got bluetooth only from 06 onwards. The "Bangled butt" was eased a bit from 06 onwards. Every small feature comes as a package on a 7-series so it is difficult to find the right set of features in used car market and makes it difficult to compare prices.

Also, this year redesigned 7-series is going to hit the market making the 08 7-series "previous generation". M is slated to be redesigned in 2010 or 2011.

For me the idrive system and interior looks of 7-series was the big deal breaker.

[SilverCi]

MT45 and all, thank you guys!

MT, you hit the nail on the head... about posting here I'll receive biased opinions.. well I want biased opinions because I want in this car!

I am definitely looking used, for me this is a daily driver and I can't get myself to plunk down 60/70 grand on ANYTHING when I can get one of these bad boys loaded for 16-20k at auction.

I'm also looking for the base model as I'm getting old and don't need the sports suspension I do love those damn sports wheels though, they are a must!!

Looks like I won't get to test drive until Friday, I'll post back here with my review of the ride. Oh, and will only look at the M45 as I'm coming from an old A6 4.2 and don't want to give up the power!

thanks all!

Jim

[M4T5]

MT45 and all, thank you guys!

MT, you hit the nail on the head... about posting here I'll receive biased opinions.. well I want biased opinions because I want in this car!

I am definitely looking used, for me this is a daily driver and I can't get myself to plunk down 60/70 grand on ANYTHING when I can get one of these bad boys loaded for 16-20k at auction.

I'm also looking for the base model as I'm getting old and don't need the sports suspension I do love those damn sports wheels though, they are a must!!

Looks like I won't get to test drive until Friday, I'll post back here with my review of the ride. Oh, and will only look at the M45 as I'm coming from an old A6 4.2 and don't want to give up the power!

thanks all!

Jim

SilverCi,

It's M4T5, not MT45. Easy mistake.

I agree, it does look better with the 19" wheels. One more thing I need to add, these M's looks are more set off by the Aero package. You will not find it on all of the cars. Base or Sport models. In my opinion, ALL the SPORT MODELS should have come with AERO PACKAGE. STANDARD! It's only logical, but then again, these are the Japanese making them. They seem to have their own style and thoughts. Whatever you do, try to purchase one with the Aerodynamics package. Get one with the Advanced tech minimum. The Premium packaged ones give you pretty much all options available.It's up to you on the M45 or M35. I'll post pics of mine here soon.

J

[antzrus]

Oh geeez. Don't get the M. I used to lust after all kinds of machines reading all kinds of mags and reviews before I purchased my M. Now I'm completely bored w/all the other brands and I derive no pleasure from my previous lust filled wishes. The M has ended all that.

Damn, maybe I need to raise my Prozac level.