Interested in the '07 M35x

[Dr. Decatherm]

I'm interested in buying the M35x after reading a variety of glowing reviews. The posts on this forum have done nothing but make me even more anxious to test drive this car.

I am currently driving an '05 RL. I bought this car new and have already put 61,000 miles on her. I'm looking for a change and it's too expensive to divorce my wife, so I'll change cars instead.

All the usual suspects are in play as I car shop: GS350, A6, 5 series.

I was hoping to get some input on a couple of concerns: I use my nav alot and have grown accustomed to using those functions while in motion. The M won't allow inputs while moving, correct? I have read some posts here saying that the sound system could use a bit more on the 'base' responses. Does the premium audio package solve this issue?

I'm sure I'll learn these answers during my test drive, but I thought I could get an earfull of experience from veteran owners. Thanks!

[buhdda]

To answer your question. I dont have the NAVI. But for the sound i think the preimum audio is for better sound clarity/quality not necessary more bass. You could always add subs.

car i looked at b4 buying the M

Audi A6 both 3.0 and 4.2: I really like these cars and was close to getting one. I since my M is not an AWD this is something that i would have liked. Also there are tons more aftermarket parts with these and near none with the M.

BMW 545i 530i: These cars are very good in performance. But the design is ugly both on the inside and outside. The avaibility of aftermarkets is a plus. But the extram $$$ it costs to buy one eliminated it from my choices.

MB E: This was another car i was VERY close to getting, but the high costs both intially and in parts later on turned me away from deciding on it.

Jag s-4.2 - ugh! i was afraid it would break down immediately, not a big fan of ford/gm plant made cars

I personally dont like lexus. And the RL 3.5 reminded me too much of my Honda Accord before i could afford a nicer car.

I would stronly recommend the M, although I guess being an owner of one makes me highly biased.

[exbmwdude]

The Nav system won't accept any button inputs (read destination changes) but you can always change your destination via voice commands. It's simple and effective once you get used to it.

The sound system gets a lot better if you pony up for the premium setup with the DVD player. I wasn't that hot on the system actually until I bought a few DVD-Audios. THOSE sound amazing! Regular CD's sound OK but the system is typical Bose - one note bass. If you don't know what that means then maybe it won't be a big deal to you. Basically it thumps but does not produce accurate, musical bass notes. The additional quality of the souce on dvd-a's really goes a long way towards addressing the shortcomings of the stereo though. There's about 10x more info on the disk than a typical audio CD which is itself 10x more than a typical MP3 or ipod-quality tune. I'm only listen to the pod when I have to and it'll never get hooked up to this stereo. What a waste that would be....

Damn it, now I have to start searching ebay and half.com for used dvd-a's!



exbmwdude 2006 M35S

[scjconsulting]

You are looking at the same group of cars I did, before buying my 06 M35x.

1) Lexus GS 350 AWD - The word "sport" never applies to this car. Same dependibility, better service, and behind in options. Not in the same league as the M35x - look at the "Car & Driver", "Automobile" & "Consumer Report" reviews

2) I have bought 6 Audis, so I am Audi partial. More classy, more expensive, behind in options, and the A6 dependability has been a problem in the near past.

3) I love BMWs - 2 of those. More sporty, more expensive, behind in options, and dependibility has been worse than the Audi.

Glad you are getting out of the Accura. Hard to keep the 05 after seeing the 06 & 07. I had the best Accura ever.

[Dr. Decatherm]

Thanks for the input. I appreciate the help.

I have driven the Lexus gs350, and have ruled it out. At 6' 2" tall, I couldn't adjust the seat sufficiently enough to stop my head from rubbing the roof. Also, there is an annoying protrusion along the trans. hump, just in front of the gas pedal. It actually rubs your outside right ankle as you apply that pedal. The standard sound system (in my test car) was weak. However, the ride and power plant was impressive.

I don't want to start any flames, but I do like my RL very much, and actually, there is very little differences (no styling changes) between model yr.s '05 thru '07. The A-spec package isn't for old farts like me.

I'm looking for change, for change sake. I can't think of any better way to spend the spring than shopping for a car in this class, and from the research so far, the M looks very impressive.

[mousie]

I've been driving Lexus GS models for the past 8 years, and I too, made a change for change sake in Feb. when I got an M35 Sport. A totally different car than the GS and I love the tightness of the suspension and steering, the fantastic handling, exhaust note, and much more spirited performance. While I haven't had an opportunity to experience the Infiniti owner's experience (Lexus takes VERY good care of you, and they are hard to beat), the only drawbacks are the quality of materials used in Infiniti is lacking compared to Lexus, but then again, there is a price difference between similarly equipped Lexus and Infiniti models.

Inside, besides the quality of materials, I like the layout of the dash and controls, and love the nav system (I've never had a nav system before, so it's still somewhat of a novelty). I have the high-end sound Bose sound system, and enjoy watching DVDs while waiting to pick the kids up from school!

I owned a Nissan Maxima in the mid 1990's and while it was a great car, the resale value sucked (Nissan subsidizes the cars so heavily on the front end, that you pay for them on the back end), so you suffer there.

If you're looking for a great driver's car, go for it. Infiniti is much closer (if not better than BMW) and Lexus is more like a Mercedes. Both great cars, but after 8 years of driving GS models, I needed a change, and am very happy with my decision.

[Dr. Decatherm]

Thanks Mousie.

How do you like your sound system, and which system comes with the sport package? I have heard rumblings about the Bose system and the lack of 'real' base notes (no woofer) just the bose 'table radio' technology to deliver low frequency.

Also, what is your experience with the voice activated inputs to your nav? My RL understands me about half the time, and the Lexus was awful in that regard.

[mousie]

The sound system is great... I'm not an audiophile and I just ordered the package... Advanced Tech I think, but I don't think it was part of the sport package.

I wouldn't have ordered the car this way but I had to have Sirius radio and they are very hard to get as Infiniti is switching to XM only, so this was the only car with the color I wanted that had it.

Haven't tried the voice feature with the nav yet .... still just enjoying the concept of having the nav in the first place. Love the bluetooth.

[Dr. Decatherm]

That helps.

My test drive is next week and I'm looking forward to it.

Also, I'm waiting for my dealer here in Erie to get the 2008 BMW 535xi. Twin turbo 300+ horses, and I like the exterior styling (not so sure about the inside though). But reliability and price are big issues there.

Thanks again.

[mousie]

I'm not a fan of current BMW styling inside or out, but that's all subjective. You didn't mention price ... not sure if that's an issue for you or not, but when you option out a 5 series and compare it to the M, you'd better be sitting down if price is an issue, because it's a shocker.

fwiw my friend has a 2 year old 7 series and it's been in the shop so many times for electronic issues .... they replaced the entire nav system, and he always seems to have lights coming on the dash telling him he has flat tires (never does) or low oil pressure lights, etc.... I've been in the car and while the ride and "hunkered-down" feeling is great, I'm not that impressed with the overall package. And... the styling.... still hasn't grown on me.

[Bloodredhog]

I'm interested in buying the M35x after reading a variety of glowing reviews. The posts on this forum have done nothing but make me even more anxious to test drive this car.

I am currently driving an '05 RL. I bought this car new and have already put 61,000 miles on her. I'm looking for a change and it's too expensive to divorce my wife, so I'll change cars instead.

All the usual suspects are in play as I car shop: GS350, A6, 5 series.

I was hoping to get some input on a couple of concerns: I use my nav alot and have grown accustomed to using those functions while in motion. The M won't allow inputs while moving, correct? I have read some posts here saying that the sound system could use a bit more on the 'base' responses. Does the premium audio package solve this issue?

I'm sure I'll learn these answers during my test drive, but I thought I could get an earfull of experience from veteran owners. Thanks!

Dr., my 07 M35X with Premium package, adv. tech and tech package has only 2,000 miles and I bought it in March. Fully loaded with factory chrome wheels. You can buy it. Black with black/rosewood interior....love it, but I need to get something else for personal reasons...

[namyac]

I closely examined the Lexus and BMW. I have had nightmarish Audi experiences and will never do that again.

Someone else said wasn't really sport and I agree. Tthe Lexus (in my opinion) is a luxury car, not a performance/handling car. I love the look and interior, just not my cup of tea to drive.

The Beemer is the best handling car of the class. I am uninspired by the interior and the $6k or so extra you pay isn't worth it.

As far as the stereo goes, no two people hear alike. Asking for other opinions on sound is like asking what the best color is. Its personal taste. I really like the upgraded stereo I have. But that's just me. Buy the M. You will love it!