BMW Guy Here Jumping Ship...
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 280
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From: Dallas, Texas
SL550
BMW Guy Here Jumping Ship...
Great forum you guys (and gals) have here. I'm a current 530i owner and will be getting something new by the end of the year. After seeing the new E60 5-Series pics, the E500 is definitely my next car. I'm a former '93 400E & '97 SL500 Sport owner and look forward to seeing the 3-pointed star again in my garage. I'm going to wait for a 2004, but what do you think of these options? Anything I'm missing that some of you feel is a must-have? I'm in Dallas if that affects some option suggestions --- our summers are pretty nasty, but the car will be garaged at home and at work. I look forward to spending more time here in the future! Thanks in advance for any input on the below...
2004 E500
Black/Charcoal
E2 Package (Moonroof/HK Sound)
E3 Sport Package
In-Dash 6-Disc CD
Heated Front Seats
Keyless Go (worth it?)
Wood & Leather Steering Wheel (any thoughts?)
Wheel Upgrade? I like the thin-spoke 18" AMGs
2004 E500
Black/Charcoal
E2 Package (Moonroof/HK Sound)
E3 Sport Package
In-Dash 6-Disc CD
Heated Front Seats
Keyless Go (worth it?)
Wood & Leather Steering Wheel (any thoughts?)
Wheel Upgrade? I like the thin-spoke 18" AMGs
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 5,110
Likes: 3
From: SoCal
MB
Re: BMW Guy Here Jumping Ship...
Originally posted by bm75204
Great forum you guys (and gals) have here. I'm a current 530i owner and will be getting something new by the end of the year. After seeing the new E60 5-Series pics, the E500 is definitely my next car. I'm a former '93 400E & '97 SL500 Sport owner and look forward to seeing the 3-pointed star again in my garage. I'm going to wait for a 2004, but what do you think of these options? Anything I'm missing that some of you feel is a must-have? I'm in Dallas if that affects some option suggestions --- our summers are pretty nasty, but the car will be garaged at home and at work. I look forward to spending more time here in the future! Thanks in advance for any input on the below...
2004 E500
Black/Charcoal
E2 Package (Moonroof/HK Sound)
E3 Sport Package
In-Dash 6-Disc CD
Heated Front Seats
Keyless Go (worth it?)
Wood & Leather Steering Wheel (any thoughts?)
Wheel Upgrade? I like the thin-spoke 18" AMGs
Great forum you guys (and gals) have here. I'm a current 530i owner and will be getting something new by the end of the year. After seeing the new E60 5-Series pics, the E500 is definitely my next car. I'm a former '93 400E & '97 SL500 Sport owner and look forward to seeing the 3-pointed star again in my garage. I'm going to wait for a 2004, but what do you think of these options? Anything I'm missing that some of you feel is a must-have? I'm in Dallas if that affects some option suggestions --- our summers are pretty nasty, but the car will be garaged at home and at work. I look forward to spending more time here in the future! Thanks in advance for any input on the below...
2004 E500
Black/Charcoal
E2 Package (Moonroof/HK Sound)
E3 Sport Package
In-Dash 6-Disc CD
Heated Front Seats
Keyless Go (worth it?)
Wood & Leather Steering Wheel (any thoughts?)
Wheel Upgrade? I like the thin-spoke 18" AMGs
hey welcome aboard, and thank god your not getting a bimmer. since you live in dallas, your options are good. i dont know if chrome rims are popular where you live, but if they are, i highly suggest telling your dealer to chrome them. they look like 18's to me whenever someone else drives it, and im looking at the car. also, regarding keylessgo, we think it was our best option. it isnt needed, but it is a very fun toy to play around with. also the power rear sunshade, and rear blinds might be a good idea because of the hot weather. other than that i think you'll enjoy your options. hope your new MB experience goes well. what about NAV? it will be out for MY04 so that might be another fun toy to have
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 6,753
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From: South Orange Co., CA
'03 W211 aka E-500
Perfect
I think your car sounds perfect! I have the sport silver/charcoal too! The chromed sport wheels look great! I would change the sunroof to a panaroma roof, and definitely add the rear roller shade.
Other than that, the only other thing I would consider, but I don't have so I don't know for sure, just going on what others say, is parktronic. Oh, I've used my folding rear seat a time or two already and was glad to have it when I needed to stick something through the trunk into the cabin (rolled up 9X13 rug for the floor).
HTH,
EDJ
Other than that, the only other thing I would consider, but I don't have so I don't know for sure, just going on what others say, is parktronic. Oh, I've used my folding rear seat a time or two already and was glad to have it when I needed to stick something through the trunk into the cabin (rolled up 9X13 rug for the floor).
HTH,
EDJ
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Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 5,110
Likes: 3
From: SoCal
MB
Re: Perfect
Originally posted by ElDiabloJoe
I think your car sounds perfect! I have the sport silver/charcoal too! The chromed sport wheels look great! I would change the sunroof to a panaroma roof, and definitely add the rear roller shade.
Other than that, the only other thing I would consider, but I don't have so I don't know for sure, just going on what others say, is parktronic. Oh, I've used my folding rear seat a time or two already and was glad to have it when I needed to stick something through the trunk into the cabin (rolled up 9X13 rug for the floor).
HTH,
EDJ
I think your car sounds perfect! I have the sport silver/charcoal too! The chromed sport wheels look great! I would change the sunroof to a panaroma roof, and definitely add the rear roller shade.
Other than that, the only other thing I would consider, but I don't have so I don't know for sure, just going on what others say, is parktronic. Oh, I've used my folding rear seat a time or two already and was glad to have it when I needed to stick something through the trunk into the cabin (rolled up 9X13 rug for the floor).
HTH,
EDJ
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 280
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, Texas
SL550
Chromes, etc.
Thanks for the replies so far! I agree that the chromes look great --- I'm from SoCal where 2/3 of luxury cars have them. They're not so popular here in Texas, but I still might go for it. The 530i is my 7th and *first* car not to have them. I think my Texan friends would be all over the 'bling-bling' jokes, but they'll get over it. 
I'm skipping the glass roof because I'm not sold on the look and the extra cost of the option. I'll probably pass on the rear sunshade because I plan to tint the car pretty dark. I've had the Parktronic-type device on a previous car and found it helpful...I might go for that option.
It's many months away but I'm already looking forward this car! The only negative I can say about the E is the electronic braking system, which drives me nuts, but a friend with a week-old E320 said he's already gotten used to them.
I'm skipping the glass roof because I'm not sold on the look and the extra cost of the option. I'll probably pass on the rear sunshade because I plan to tint the car pretty dark. I've had the Parktronic-type device on a previous car and found it helpful...I might go for that option.
It's many months away but I'm already looking forward this car! The only negative I can say about the E is the electronic braking system, which drives me nuts, but a friend with a week-old E320 said he's already gotten used to them.
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 6,753
Likes: 3
From: South Orange Co., CA
'03 W211 aka E-500
Dude!
Once you're used to those brakes, they are the most advanced, amazing things on earth! Automatic individual ABS to each wheel and compensating slide control! I can slow down in a heartbeat without that dreaded front end drop!
Don't let them deter you, they are great, along with the airmatic suspension! Absolutely amazing!
I'm not sure, but you might get lucky with a 2004 and get those corner-moving headlights that point where you're going, not just straight ahead.
Oh yeah, make sure you get the bi-xenon headlights! I'll never go to halogen yellows again!
EDJ
Don't let them deter you, they are great, along with the airmatic suspension! Absolutely amazing!
I'm not sure, but you might get lucky with a 2004 and get those corner-moving headlights that point where you're going, not just straight ahead.
Oh yeah, make sure you get the bi-xenon headlights! I'll never go to halogen yellows again!
EDJ
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 280
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From: Dallas, Texas
SL550
Xenons
I'm thrilled that the Sport Package is so cheap, especially when it includes the xenons. My last few cars have had the xenons, so now that's a necessity for anything else I purchase. I guess I'll get used to the brakes...if you say so!
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Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 420
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles
2003 E320
Sounds like you're going to have a gorgeous car!!
I would suggest you reconsider going for the panorama roof. I LOVE mine!! It's really a cool feature. For Dallas, I'd pair it with the solar panels! TOTALLY COOL!!!
I wish I had known about the automatic self closer feature for the trunk. Consider that if you use your trunk a lot. I never saw it offered anywhere, but it is available.
I wish I had gotten the illuminated door sills in blue. I still have never seen them, though. But the dashboard lighting at night is amazing, and I think the sills would complete the effect. I'm looking into a dealer retrofit.
Also be aware that there are 3 different tire brands that are standard--Continental, Pirelli, and Michelin. My car came with Continentals, but I had my dealer change them for Michelins (no additional cost, but you'd better spell it out up front if you care, like I did).
The brakes are excellent and you'll love them! My braking was kind of jerky on my very first test drive, but it's been smooth ever since.
Enjoy!
I would suggest you reconsider going for the panorama roof. I LOVE mine!! It's really a cool feature. For Dallas, I'd pair it with the solar panels! TOTALLY COOL!!!
I wish I had known about the automatic self closer feature for the trunk. Consider that if you use your trunk a lot. I never saw it offered anywhere, but it is available.
I wish I had gotten the illuminated door sills in blue. I still have never seen them, though. But the dashboard lighting at night is amazing, and I think the sills would complete the effect. I'm looking into a dealer retrofit.
Also be aware that there are 3 different tire brands that are standard--Continental, Pirelli, and Michelin. My car came with Continentals, but I had my dealer change them for Michelins (no additional cost, but you'd better spell it out up front if you care, like I did).
The brakes are excellent and you'll love them! My braking was kind of jerky on my very first test drive, but it's been smooth ever since.
Enjoy!
Last edited by rickyfanmdr; Apr 1, 2003 at 01:16 AM.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 280
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, Texas
SL550
Panorama Roof
Thanks for the post Sue! I'm going to pass on the Panorama roof --- I don't love the look (although it's still attractive) enough combined with the price to make it worthwhile. Those door sills you mentioned are pretty cool. Now it's a wheel decision I'm having trouble with, but if that's one of my main concerns in life right now, I guess I'm a lucky guy. Thanks again to everyone for their replies!
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 957
Likes: 1
was '03 E320 - now - '04 S4
I think you'll love that car. It's going to be spendy, but dealers right now are getting very agressive. It seems like $500 to $1000 over invoice is pretty easy - especially on a car in stock.
I've never had a car with chrome wheels until now. This car is my daily driver, not a track car so I wanted a little bling. IMO, looks great on black!
I've never had a car with chrome wheels until now. This car is my daily driver, not a track car so I wanted a little bling. IMO, looks great on black!
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 280
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, Texas
SL550
Bling!
Originally posted by lig
I think you'll love that car. It's going to be spendy, but dealers right now are getting very agressive. It seems like $500 to $1000 over invoice is pretty easy - especially on a car in stock.
I've never had a car with chrome wheels until now. This car is my daily driver, not a track car so I wanted a little bling. IMO, looks great on black!
I think you'll love that car. It's going to be spendy, but dealers right now are getting very agressive. It seems like $500 to $1000 over invoice is pretty easy - especially on a car in stock.
I've never had a car with chrome wheels until now. This car is my daily driver, not a track car so I wanted a little bling. IMO, looks great on black!
A little bling never hurt anyone...
Re: Bling!
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 280
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, Texas
SL550
E60
I just don't think that car's attractive, and you definitely chose the best pictures of it. I also don't trust a first-year BMW's reliability after the disaster of the E65 7-Series. I'll take a 2004 E500 for a couple years and reconsider at the end of the lease.
Originally posted by aaron300z
Before you buy your E500 take a look at these pics of the new 5
Before you buy your E500 take a look at these pics of the new 5
