Maxima lost it's spot in the garage
11-08-2010, 07:18 AM
#1
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Maxima lost it's spot in the garage
Picked up my new daily driver over the weekend, a slightly used 2008 BMW 550i, 4.8L V8, 6MT, Sport Package, and more electronics, adjustments, gadgets and gizmos than the Space Shuttle. A bit under 25,000 miles, with full factory warranty and maintenace through 100,000 miles or 2013, whichever comes first. Man, what a drive. Was going to get a new G37, but after driving one of these, and realizing I could get it for the same price as a new G37, decided to pull the trigger. Man, what a ride. Sounds like a muscle car, and simply hauls BUTT!
We're going to keep the Max, my oldest son starts driving in a few months, so he can use it. Can also use it as the airport car, since I travel quite a bit for work.
Not sure how to post pictures, or I would show some.
Keith
We're going to keep the Max, my oldest son starts driving in a few months, so he can use it. Can also use it as the airport car, since I travel quite a bit for work.
Not sure how to post pictures, or I would show some.
Keith
Last edited by stockmax; 11-11-2010 at 12:32 PM.
11-08-2010, 03:01 PM
#6
Being car enthusiasts, as most of us like to think of ourselves, we can all certainly relate to the excitement of getting a new car. Particularly when it's a 6MT sport sedan.
However, since most people here, by virtue of being here, are into their Nissan Maxima as the car that satisfies that enthusiasm, don't be too put out if few people care about your BMW. Particularly after hearing the old Maxima will be collecting dust at the Airport's long-term parking lot.
This thread belongs in the "other cars" forum.
However, since most people here, by virtue of being here, are into their Nissan Maxima as the car that satisfies that enthusiasm, don't be too put out if few people care about your BMW. Particularly after hearing the old Maxima will be collecting dust at the Airport's long-term parking lot.
This thread belongs in the "other cars" forum.
11-08-2010, 06:35 PM
#9
Great choice.
For several years I participated in BMW's Ultimate Drive for a Cure as transfer driver to the next dealership. The 5 series were always my favorite.
The certified BMW program is excellent, I read about it in Card and Driver.
For several years I participated in BMW's Ultimate Drive for a Cure as transfer driver to the next dealership. The 5 series were always my favorite.
The certified BMW program is excellent, I read about it in Card and Driver.
11-08-2010, 07:06 PM
#10
I know what you mean about making the Maxima sleep outside. When I had my M45 my Maxima was parked in the driveway. Now that I have a 3 car garage the Maxima once again has a nice warm spot indoors. Enjoy the Bimmer.
11-08-2010, 07:16 PM
#11
In for pics as well. I have a lot of love for BMWs, when I enter the full-time workforce and can afford it, I plan on picking up an E30 M3 as a weekend car. Sounds like a great pickup, I'm sure the 6MT V8 is a fun time.
11-08-2010, 07:35 PM
#12
Very nice car, sound like you got a fully certified car, and that the previous owner also added extended maintenance (about $2800 for that car)
BTW, you have a 4.8L engine, not a 4.6L in the 550i
BTW, you have a 4.8L engine, not a 4.6L in the 550i
that was a good one!
11-08-2010, 08:19 PM
#15
Ouch. That smarts. To your point, bragging rights are pointless if you don't know what you're bragging about. Don't anybody say "typical BMW owner"... That would be WAY out of line! 
It seems I was mistaken, OP. There appear to be a lot of BMW lovers in the 5th gen forum. And here I thought they were all in the OT.
Of course the 550i is a gorgeous, respectable vehicle... that almost goes without saying. 13.3 quarter mile times out of a full-sized, luxury sedan. That's an amazing thing. But your Maxima was amazing, too, when you bought it. Don't forget that as it sits outside in the rain. Lonely and forgotten.
It seems I was mistaken, OP. There appear to be a lot of BMW lovers in the 5th gen forum. And here I thought they were all in the OT.
Of course the 550i is a gorgeous, respectable vehicle... that almost goes without saying. 13.3 quarter mile times out of a full-sized, luxury sedan. That's an amazing thing. But your Maxima was amazing, too, when you bought it. Don't forget that as it sits outside in the rain. Lonely and forgotten.
Last edited by Rochester; 11-08-2010 at 08:33 PM.
11-09-2010, 06:14 PM
#17
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11-09-2010, 06:56 PM
#18
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As far as I can remember without Googlin' it, the last time I've seen or heard of a manual tranny in a 5 series was the previous M5 V8 before they made the switch to the V10 and that gastly SMG tranny. Yeah I gotta see pics of this, unless this is a Euro spec car that wasn't destined for the U.S. market that someone imported...
I found 56 manual 550i's available today across the US through 2010, one within 50 miles of me: http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/search...=1289357639521
That's not counting the 2011 550i. Those also have 6-speed options, but have the new TWIN-TURBO V8 engines. *drool*
11-09-2010, 07:55 PM
#19
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I found 56 manual 550i's available today across the US through 2010, one within 50 miles of me: http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/search...=1289357639521
That's not counting the 2011 550i. Those also have 6-speed options, but have the new TWIN-TURBO V8 engines. *drool*
11-09-2010, 08:01 PM
#20
550's with 6-speed are probably 1-in-20 that were delivered.
Personally, in a big, full-size sedan like that, I would take the Steptronic.
The 2004-2010 545 and 550's were at best 365hp machines with I think about 360lbs of torque. 4.8L V8, nice pickup at almost all speeds, throughout the rpm range.
The new 2011 has a smaller engine, a 4.4L V8, but it has twin intercooled turbos, and makes 400hp but 450lbs of torque, and it makes 100% of that available torque at something like 1400 rpms. That, my friend, is why you are able to get such a good deal on the last generation 550i.
Personally, in a big, full-size sedan like that, I would take the Steptronic.
The 2004-2010 545 and 550's were at best 365hp machines with I think about 360lbs of torque. 4.8L V8, nice pickup at almost all speeds, throughout the rpm range.
The new 2011 has a smaller engine, a 4.4L V8, but it has twin intercooled turbos, and makes 400hp but 450lbs of torque, and it makes 100% of that available torque at something like 1400 rpms. That, my friend, is why you are able to get such a good deal on the last generation 550i.
11-09-2010, 08:39 PM
#21
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The turbo only makes 400/450? I thought it would have made more... The Porsche Panamera Turbo makes 500/568! 0-60 is 3.7 sec, 0-100 in 9.1 sec, and has clocked the 1/4 mile in various tests between 11.7 and 12 flat... BMW needs to step it up!
11-09-2010, 10:11 PM
#22
The Panamera Turbo will set you back $135,300.
BMW is fine where they are at.
11-10-2010, 07:12 AM
#23
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Ouch. That smarts. To your point, bragging rights are pointless if you don't know what you're bragging about. Don't anybody say "typical BMW owner"... That would be WAY out of line!
It seems I was mistaken, OP. There appear to be a lot of BMW lovers in the 5th gen forum. And here I thought they were all in the OT.
Of course the 550i is a gorgeous, respectable vehicle... that almost goes without saying. 13.3 quarter mile times out of a full-sized, luxury sedan. That's an amazing thing. But your Maxima was amazing, too, when you bought it. Don't forget that as it sits outside in the rain. Lonely and forgotten.
It seems I was mistaken, OP. There appear to be a lot of BMW lovers in the 5th gen forum. And here I thought they were all in the OT.
Of course the 550i is a gorgeous, respectable vehicle... that almost goes without saying. 13.3 quarter mile times out of a full-sized, luxury sedan. That's an amazing thing. But your Maxima was amazing, too, when you bought it. Don't forget that as it sits outside in the rain. Lonely and forgotten.
Everybody, thanks for sharing my excitement with the BMW. I still haven't had a chance to post up some pictures (why doesn't this forum just allow us to attach a small picture????), but will soon. And, thanks for pointing out that the engine is a 4.8, not a 4.6, my fat fingers again!
Keith
11-10-2010, 07:26 AM
#24
I'm on the 10 year plan, too, Stockmax. Reading back into my comments after your bump... maybe I took it personal interpreting your Max as being dismissed, and projected that against the positive feelings I have about my Nissan. But from what you're saying, it's not so much that you're dissing the Maxima, you're just jazzed about the 550i.
Interweb Psychology 101. I should audit that course.
Enjoy your BMW, Keith.
Interweb Psychology 101. I should audit that course.
Enjoy your BMW, Keith.
11-10-2010, 07:50 AM
#25
*pats Rochester on the head* There, there, now...
@stockmax: Sigh... Ten years together is a long time! It's a very interesting leap, to go from a 2000 Maxima 5MT to a 2008 BMW 6MT, but still a cool one. A BMW with a stick? Craziness!
Oh, and Rochester, you make me feel like a terrible person because I can't keep my Maxima in a garage because I don't have one.
@stockmax: Sigh... Ten years together is a long time! It's a very interesting leap, to go from a 2000 Maxima 5MT to a 2008 BMW 6MT, but still a cool one. A BMW with a stick? Craziness!
Oh, and Rochester, you make me feel like a terrible person because I can't keep my Maxima in a garage because I don't have one.
11-10-2010, 11:39 AM
#26
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I'm on the 10 year plan, too, Stockmax. Reading back into my comments after your bump... maybe I took it personal interpreting your Max as being dismissed, and projected that against the positive feelings I have about my Nissan. But from what you're saying, it's not so much that you're dissing the Maxima, you're just jazzed about the 550i.
Interweb Psychology 101. I should audit that course.
Enjoy your BMW, Keith.
Interweb Psychology 101. I should audit that course.
Enjoy your BMW, Keith.
But, trust me, the BMW is simply in a league by itself. The G37 is equally as fast (within a few 10ths of a second one way or another), and is really a nice car. I know I would have been happy had I bought one of those instead of the BMW, remaining with the Nissan family. But, I chose a different path.
I'll still be hanging out around here, and likely my oldest son will be as well once he starts driving the Maxima. Oh, and thanks for all the congratulations, guys. Yes, I'm really jazzed about the BMW, and wanted to share.
Keith
11-11-2010, 10:59 AM
#34
Not sure what "balling" means... 
Good? Bad? Round like a ball?
Anyway, I've been in the 550i 6MT a number of times, and the interior is typical 5-series. By that I mean, ergonomically perfect (seriously, spot on BMW perfect), but stylistically dull. Boring, old-man dull.
Now, if you want to compare interiors between the OP's two choices... here's what he passed up.
Good? Bad? Round like a ball?Anyway, I've been in the 550i 6MT a number of times, and the interior is typical 5-series. By that I mean, ergonomically perfect (seriously, spot on BMW perfect), but stylistically dull. Boring, old-man dull.
Now, if you want to compare interiors between the OP's two choices... here's what he passed up.
11-11-2010, 12:39 PM
#35
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Posts: 115
Not sure what "balling" means... Good? Bad? Round like a ball?
Anyway, I've been in the 550i 6MT a number of times, and the interior is typical 5-series. By that I mean, ergonomically perfect (seriously, spot on BMW perfect), but stylistically dull. Boring, old-man dull.
Now, if you want to compare interiors between the OP's two choices... here's what he passed up.
Good? Bad? Round like a ball?Anyway, I've been in the 550i 6MT a number of times, and the interior is typical 5-series. By that I mean, ergonomically perfect (seriously, spot on BMW perfect), but stylistically dull. Boring, old-man dull.
Now, if you want to compare interiors between the OP's two choices... here's what he passed up.
Like I said earlier, I'm sure I would have been completely happy with the G, same as I've been (and still are) completely happy with my Max. But, decided to go a different direction (notice I didn't say better).
Again, thanks for the congratulations on the new car from all of you.
Keith
PS - also not sure what is meant by "balling"; should I be pleased or offended?
PPS - oh, and just to be clear, yes I am an old man; I'm going to be 50 in February!!
11-11-2010, 12:54 PM
#37
Very nice assessment on the distinction between style and quality materials. I've no argument about BMW quality at all; it's top-notch. Calling the Infiniti G "delicate" compared to the BMW 550i... I'd have to agree with that, too. The G feels more like typical Nissan than something seriously upscale, like the Infiniti M.
I'll be 47 in January. Wish there were more of us here... but the Original Owners Club is a dying breed.
I'll be 47 in January. Wish there were more of us here... but the Original Owners Club is a dying breed.
11-11-2010, 02:43 PM
#38
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Keith
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