http://forums1.roadfly.org/mini/foru...4907809-1.html

Wasnt it Clements who recently said something like if Lexus updates their motors, BMW sales are screwed.

I wonder where all the 7-series sales went.

 

http://www.autoweek.com/cat_content...._code=02186323

 

The new M5 looks like a beast on paper...can't wait to see it in person.

 

Looks like a beast in pictures, too--a hideously ugly beast that should have been cleaned up before being brought to the ball. Even 500 HP isn't enough for that car to outrun its bad looks.

 

lol

 

True story. The head of BMW design (the guy that designed the 80s and early 90s BMWs) was charged with killing his son I think in 1994 or so. SO no more job. Then enter Bangle. And we have BMW screwing up from there.

 

Even worse, I understand it has I-Drive just like the regular 5's. That's JUST what this car needs.....the driver screwing around with his eyes off the road trying to figure out that *!?%#$ **** in a car capable of essentially race-car speeds.

 

I am still at a loss why the "ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE" needs something as distracting as I-drive.

 

BMW's argument ( THEIR words, not mine ) is that contempory dashes are getting too cluttered with dials, buttons, *****, slides, etc.....and that I-Drive (and Audi's similar system) is their way of cleaning up the dash, and putting everything together, and making it more efficient.

However, like you, I don't see anything "efficient" about having to screw around with a computerized joystick hunting for the different heat, AC, defrost, radio, or NAV functions while you are trying to keep your eyes ahead in dense traffic or on a dangerous mountain road.

 

Agreed.

I don't care how many buttons they would need to put on a console,
it would still be much more easy to use than an i-Drive menu.

To perform a function in a normal car, you simple tap one button.
With i-Drive, you must 1st select the desired catogory (climate,
entertainment, ect. ). Then you must scroll down trying to locate
a command and go from there.

All while driving "The Ultimate Driving Machine".

 

I think everyone is ignoring this car has a 5.0L 500hp V10.
Thats 100hp/L
V10 n/a flexibility.

The E55AMG is a 5.5L force fed V8. It makes less hp, and less hp/L.
Not to mention it's mostly low-end power.

Toyota is too conservative to build such an engine, MB probably doesnt have the technology.

 

Wow, whats that they say about the mental conflicts of 'great' people? Who would think anything like THAT?

 

I'd still take the E55. The M5 'only' has 360 or so lb/ft torque. Also, the interior of the 5 series is foul.

 

Torque?
The M5 is not some lowly dragster.

I would prefer the M5, which will school the E55 AMG from a roll.

 

MB CLK-DTM




Engine: 5.4-liter supercharged AMG-tuned V8
Horsepower: 582 hp
Torque: 590 lb-ft

If the E class had the same engine then it could compete with the new M5 no problem. Too bad it doesn't offer in North America.