35 or 50? Another NewB thread

[Pex5]

I was shocked by a comparison test drive I took yesterday.

X6s, 2012 35 vs 2012 50.

Took out the 6 first. Strong motor keeps pulling as it revs (quickly compared to the V8). Although its clear the 50 has more midrange torque, the 6 felt fun to rev, whereas the V8 felt criminal doing so. 1st b/c you can just feel the world's fossil fuel deposits shrinking and secondly the car just piles on speed (very convenient for autobahn passing - but overkill at anything under 90).

Engine mapping has retarded timing between shifts for many years in luxury cars, but unshifting the 8 speed using the paddles in the V8 requires that you lift a touch or else the sound/feeling is like a large caliber shell being fired into the air. Just was not working for me.

The biggest issue though is lag. The 6 has almost none and the 8 has aplenty by 2012 standards. I got back into our 4.8 X5 and the throttle felt razor sharp compared to the 5.0. The ttV8 is excellent for mid range push. What surprised me is that it stunk 0-10 mph. That initial neck snap isn't there. The pedal goes down...pause...then power.

I'm not saying the 8 was bad, I was just expecting it to be superior to the 6 in all ways and its not. The 6 feels more sophisticated, whereas the V8 is the class bully. The 6 is for a woman, the 8 is for a dude.

After the fluctuating gas bills over the last 3 years, I was actually happy that the wife preferred the 6.

Now we have to decide whether to take one out of inventory to utilize these killer deals, or put an order in since her lease is up in March.

Regards,
DRP

[doug_999]

Originally Posted by Pex5

I was shocked by a comparison test drive I took yesterday.

X6s, 2012 35 vs 2012 50.

Took out the 6 first. Strong motor keeps pulling as it revs (quickly compared to the V8). Although its clear the 50 has more midrange torque, the 6 felt fun to rev, whereas the V8 felt criminal doing so. 1st b/c you can just feel the world's fossil fuel deposits shrinking and secondly the car just piles on speed (very convenient for autobahn passing - but overkill at anything under 90).

Engine mapping has retarded timing between shifts for many years in luxury cars, but unshifting the 8 speed using the paddles in the V8 requires that you lift a touch or else the sound/feeling is like a large caliber shell being fired into the air. Just was not working for me.

The biggest issue though is lag. The 6 has almost none and the 8 has aplenty by 2012 standards. I got back into our 4.8 X5 and the throttle felt razor sharp compared to the 5.0. The ttV8 is excellent for mid range push. What surprised me is that it stunk 0-10 mph. That initial neck snap isn't there. The pedal goes down...pause...then power.

I'm not saying the 8 was bad, I was just expecting it to be superior to the 6 in all ways and its not. The 6 feels more sophisticated, whereas the V8 is the class bully. The 6 is for a woman, the 8 is for a dude.

After the fluctuating gas bills over the last 3 years, I was actually happy that the wife preferred the 6.

Now we have to decide whether to take one out of inventory to utilize these killer deals, or put an order in since her lease is up in March.

Regards,
DRP

Weird - I had the exact same experience. In fact, one of the challenges I have with my 50 is that it is hard to get it off the line smooth - it GOES unless you totally feather the throttle (the 2010 and earlier with the 6 speed auto do not have this issue IMHO).

I thought the 6 was nice - but it was no rocket. The 50 however is scary fast.

I do however notice lag occasionally - that tends to be when I'm in a higher gear and then slowing down and need to go. But never off the line. I would suggest you go test drive them again... wait come to think of it, don't - you might just end up spending more cash than you need to.

In all seriousness however, I didn't get the 8 for the power, I got it for the sound.

[Pex5]

no argument there on the sound. The V8 burble is incredible and so is the low note inside the car.

I'm curious what kind of reaction this will get:

Option A) blk/blk 5.0 $78,725 msrp 12k mi/yr lease $0 down $824/mo. only under current incentives

Option B) order blk/oyster 35 $74,025 msrp 12k mi/yr $0 down $875/mo.

To my disbelief, I'm taking B.

But it will avoid installing a rear DVD and having an extra car for 2 months.
Maybe some specials will extend into February?

DRP

[doug_999]

As you have discovered, the 50i has one of the best residuals out there. That said, I seem to remember that March/April tends to be the high point for BMW residuals. While BMW is throwing some money your way for December, unless they are letting you out of your lease with a pull ahead, you are crazy to not get the exact car you want WHEN YOUR LEASE ENDS. I'll bet that you could order exactly what you want (yes, a 35) have it delivered in March and with the lease payments you won't have to eat, be ahead of the game. For all we know gas prices could skyrocket making the 35i a better lease as well.

In short, get the car you want, but don't get it early.

edit: and don't forget about the double insurance as well if you go early.

[Pex5]

Originally Posted by doug_999

In short, get the car you want, but don't get it early.

It's easy to get caught up thinking of all the possible scenarios. But your advice hits home.

I have always ordered our cars. You get what you want, no more, no less.

This is my wife's car. I know what she wants and that's what we'll get.

I'm told at least 6 weeks out from order to delivery in the northeast. As long as it comes in after 3/1/12 I'm good. Time for an order should be mid Jan.
then.

Thanks again.

DRP

[doug_999]

Originally Posted by Pex5

I'm told at least 6 weeks out from order to delivery in the northeast. As long as it comes in after 3/1/12 I'm good. Time for an order should be mid Jan.
then.

Thanks again.

DRP

I think that you will want to work with your dealer to make sure they have a slot available. If so, then order-production-delivery can be like 2 weeks (or worst case it sits at the dealer and drives you nuts!). My dealer had to trade a slot with another dealer to get my X6 but it was no big deal.

Now all that said, you could of course do the Performance Center Delivery with your wife. Would be a great experience.

That does need to be scheduled in advance however - so you would want to reserve the date now (ugh, I think you have to order before you can reserve the date - they keep the car down there waiting for you however - once again driving you nuts).

Good luck!