E-Class (W212) 2010 - 2016: E 350, E 550
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2012 BMW 550iX and MB E550 4-matic

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Old Dec 7, 2011 | 01:33 PM
  #151  
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Originally Posted by Wig
I think he is saying that only Audi offers the dual-clutch transmission and that he prefers Audi's Quattro set up over 4Matic and X-Drive.

Absolutely + sport differential. But S6 is not here yet.
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Old Dec 19, 2011 | 10:12 PM
  #152  
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Originally Posted by Tonvic
Hi, MB experts. I have just joined the forum. Two or three days ago I posted, as some of you may know (Hi, K-A), on the Bimmerfest the following:

"need to order, please help decide

I tested both last Saturday. Superb acceleration and handling. Practically identical behavior. Except: MB's steering feels a bit "lighter" but its ride on NYC roads is very smooth. It kinda "absorbs" potholes and other imperfections of the road. same monthly lease payments . My concerns ref F10 are the forums' constant and valid negative comments about run-flat 19" wheels. On the other hand, 550's multicontour driver seat provides a more refined and pleasant support for the back.

BMW 550iX
Space Gray
Black Dakota leather
Cold weather
Convenience package
M sport
HUD
Side and Top cameras
Premium sound
Sunshades

MB E550
Palladium silver
Black leather
Airmatic suspension
Wood steering Wheel
P1 & P2
Active Multicontour Seat
Panorama sunroof
Split folding rear seats
18" AMG wheels
includes free 3-year maintenance"

The Bimmerfest has basically recognised that both vehicles are very good and it's a matter of personal preference.

What would your advice be?

Appreciate in advance your responses...
And the winner IS......


BMW GT 550iX

Last edited by Tonvic; Dec 19, 2011 at 10:15 PM.
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Old Dec 19, 2011 | 10:21 PM
  #153  
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1953 300 Adenauer, 1971 300 SEL 6.3, 1975 600, 1978 450 6.9
Originally Posted by Tonvic
And the winner IS......


BMW GT 550iX
Enjoy.
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Old Dec 19, 2011 | 10:26 PM
  #154  
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Nooo, not a GT!! Other way, go back, go back!!
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Old Dec 19, 2011 | 11:00 PM
  #155  
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1953 300 Adenauer, 1971 300 SEL 6.3, 1975 600, 1978 450 6.9
Originally Posted by K-A
Nooo, not a GT!! Other way, go back, go back!!
No issues - he cross shopped the Acura ZDX and the Honda Crosstour - two very fine cars.

The GT isn't a bad car. It was undoubtedly cheap and is just a 5series that is a bit bloated. I'd consider one too at the right price. When I was in Colorado earlier this year, the dealer had a new GT priced about $5k below a comparably equipped 535xi. I was tempted.
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Old Dec 20, 2011 | 01:47 AM
  #156  
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They're clearly slashing prices on them heavily, as they're just collecting dust on U.S lots (the price shares the same "bloated" nature, not to mention most "niche" BMW's are becoming ridiculously priced).

The GT appears to be a functionality beast, literally. It apparently is a great car to drive and ride in, for long distances and the like especially. I just happen to find them to be one of the ugliest things on the road, akin to a German Aztek.
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Old Dec 20, 2011 | 07:31 AM
  #157  
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sorry bromigo........maybe next time eh?
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Old Dec 20, 2011 | 09:28 AM
  #158  
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1953 300 Adenauer, 1971 300 SEL 6.3, 1975 600, 1978 450 6.9
Originally Posted by K-A
They're clearly slashing prices on them heavily, as they're just collecting dust on U.S lots (the price shares the same "bloated" nature, not to mention most "niche" BMW's are becoming ridiculously priced).

The GT appears to be a functionality beast, literally. It apparently is a great car to drive and ride in, for long distances and the like especially. I just happen to find them to be one of the ugliest things on the road, akin to a German Aztek.
They look better than the ZDX and the Crosstour, but slightly worse than the Aztek.

Who decided that Americans wanted ugly hatchbacks on stilts? Give me an X1/3/5 anyday.
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Old Dec 20, 2011 | 11:04 AM
  #159  
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Originally Posted by CEB
They look better than the ZDX and the Crosstour, but slightly worse than the Aztek.

Who decided that Americans wanted ugly hatchbacks on stilts? Give me an X1/3/5 anyday.
I agree. That car is hideous. I'd much rather get an X5 with a decent engine OR a 550ix. If I were to make the same decision today I might actually opt for the 550ix as BMW had done a great job of integrating more technology to the 5 series than what MB has done. I can see the heads up display being very useful when driving long distances.
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Old Dec 20, 2011 | 09:37 PM
  #160  
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Originally Posted by K-A
They're clearly slashing prices on them heavily, as they're just collecting dust on U.S lots (the price shares the same "bloated" nature, not to mention most "niche" BMW's are becoming ridiculously priced).

The GT appears to be a functionality beast, literally. It apparently is a great car to drive and ride in, for long distances and the like especially. I just happen to find them to be one of the ugliest things on the road, akin to a German Aztek.
Originally Posted by CEB
They look better than the ZDX and the Crosstour, but slightly worse than the Aztek.

Who decided that Americans wanted ugly hatchbacks on stilts? Give me an X1/3/5 anyday.
Originally Posted by WEBSRFR
I agree. That car is hideous. I'd much rather get an X5 with a decent engine OR a 550ix. If I were to make the same decision today I might actually opt for the 550ix as BMW had done a great job of integrating more technology to the 5 series than what MB has done. I can see the heads up display being very useful when driving long distances.
Since I am not American, I love that car. I think that some of you thought at times about acquiring it, but traditional attitudes may have kept you away, just my thinking. It's a gem.

Last edited by Tonvic; Dec 20, 2011 at 09:47 PM.
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Old Dec 20, 2011 | 10:05 PM
  #161  
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It seems to me it is a reasonably functionless hunk of metal. One of the least green vehicles ever created. Sorry. Ned.
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Old Dec 20, 2011 | 10:22 PM
  #162  
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1953 300 Adenauer, 1971 300 SEL 6.3, 1975 600, 1978 450 6.9
Originally Posted by Tonvic
Since I am not American, I love that car. I think that some of you thought at times about acquiring it, but traditional attitudes may have kept you away, just my thinking. It's a gem.
What we think is immaterial. It is clearly a car that drives as close to a BMW as possible for a car of that ilk. It has all the toys and you'll be happy with it assuming you have a competent dealership.

Enjoy your new car. It is a good car.
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Old Dec 20, 2011 | 11:40 PM
  #163  
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I would say that, being a BMW, I would think that it drives just like a BMW. Just a hunch. Unfortunately, when most folks talk about "driving like a BMW", they are referring to a 3 series. There are many different options in the BMW line just as in MB.
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Old Dec 21, 2011 | 11:47 PM
  #164  
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Originally Posted by Wig
I think he is saying that only Audi offers the dual-clutch transmission and that he prefers Audi's Quattro set up over 4Matic and X-Drive.
I know the Panamera is a different style of car, but someone did mention the A7 and 5GT, and I did cross shop the E with a Panamera.

If I'm not mistaken the Porsche uses a dual-clutch automatic manual as well.

Now, without going into a debate about its looks (although I did find it quite attractive in person, not so much in pictures) it definitely is a "Porsche" car (despite having 4 doors) and drives very well.
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Old Dec 22, 2011 | 12:19 AM
  #165  
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Here is 550iX GT - the hunk of metal, as some describe it, - ordered (though, probably the following belongs to the BMW forum, but I appreciate all support and "thoughts" received, which helped me find what I belive is a good car):

Imperial Blue
Venetian Beige or I may change to Everest Gray
Fineline Matt wood
Black all-weather BMW floor mats (front, rear and luggage compartment) - free
Convinience PKG (power tailgate, soft closing doors, etc)
Cold Weather (heated wheel, front and rear seats)
Driver Assistance Pkg (Lane departure, blind spot, head-up display, etc)
Dynamic Handling Pckg (Damper, ARS, adaptive drive - have to find more about the latter)
MSport PKG
Value PKG (premium hi-fi and satellite radio) - included be default, no charge
19" RFT insurance for life (not mine, vehicle's) - free
Ski bag

Info on the pricing and some suggestions will be posted to BMW GT section (so not to disturb MB with figures)

Warmest... to all.

Last edited by Tonvic; Dec 22, 2011 at 08:59 AM.
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Old Dec 22, 2011 | 06:26 AM
  #166  
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1953 300 Adenauer, 1971 300 SEL 6.3, 1975 600, 1978 450 6.9
You may really want to reconsider venetian. While the color itself is fine for the seats, the huge patches of beige plastic on the dash and doors looks like a cheap 80's Hyundai

Everest gray looks much richer and is easier to maintain to boot. You may also want to consider a two tone interior (is Cinnamon available in the GT?) as that looks quite stunning with Imperial on the 5.
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Old Dec 22, 2011 | 08:56 AM
  #167  
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Originally Posted by CEB
You may really want to reconsider venetian. While the color itself is fine for the seats, the huge patches of beige plastic on the dash and doors looks like a cheap 80's Hyundai

Everest gray looks much richer and is easier to maintain to boot. You may also want to consider a two tone interior (is Cinnamon available in the GT?) as that looks quite stunning with Imperial on the 5.

Thanks, CEB. What is there (on the dash and doors) in Everest Gray? Same plastic but less visible? Cinnamon is available but the family does not like it.
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Old Dec 22, 2011 | 02:35 PM
  #168  
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1953 300 Adenauer, 1971 300 SEL 6.3, 1975 600, 1978 450 6.9
Originally Posted by Tonvic
Thanks, CEB. What is there (on the dash and doors) in Everest Gray? Same plastic but less visible? Cinnamon is available but the family does not like it.
Yes, the everest has a gray lower dash, gray plastic on the center console, bottom of door panels and gray carpeting. I think only the Cinnamon and the Ivory/black come with black trim bits in those areas.

Cinnamon looks very nice in real life if you're only going from the pictures.

I currently have Monaco blue over Saddle and I've yet to have anyone not talk about how nice that combination is. The closest in a 5/GT is Imperial over Cinnamon.

Try to find a dealer who has Cinnamon on a car. I'd suspect that the family will like it if they actually see it.

The problem with Venetian and (to a lesser extent) Everest is that everything except for the tops of the doors and the top of the dash is light. Not only is it a dirt magnet but the beige is pretty overwhelmingly yellow - almost like a post-it pad - and IMO looks very cheap. I've had a couple loaners in Venetian and was always happy when I turned them back.
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Old Dec 22, 2011 | 07:27 PM
  #169  
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Originally Posted by CEB
Yes, the everest has a gray lower dash, gray plastic on the center console, bottom of door panels and gray carpeting. I think only the Cinnamon and the Ivory/black come with black trim bits in those areas.

Cinnamon looks very nice in real life if you're only going from the pictures.

I currently have Monaco blue over Saddle and I've yet to have anyone not talk about how nice that combination is. The closest in a 5/GT is Imperial over Cinnamon.

Try to find a dealer who has Cinnamon on a car. I'd suspect that the family will like it if they actually see it.

The problem with Venetian and (to a lesser extent) Everest is that everything except for the tops of the doors and the top of the dash is light. Not only is it a dirt magnet but the beige is pretty overwhelmingly yellow - almost like a post-it pad - and IMO looks very cheap. I've had a couple loaners in Venetian and was always happy when I turned them back.
The family actually saw Cinnamon - the reation was totally negative. However, I have asked the dealership to change from Beige to Gray: I've been thinking about this but your post acted as "the last drop." So thoughts can be material.
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Old Dec 22, 2011 | 08:59 PM
  #170  
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1953 300 Adenauer, 1971 300 SEL 6.3, 1975 600, 1978 450 6.9
Originally Posted by Tonvic
The family actually saw Cinnamon - the reation was totally negative. However, I have asked the dealership to change from Beige to Gray: I've been thinking about this but your post acted as "the last drop." So thoughts can be material.
I guess that why we're not all driving the same color car with the same interior.

Imperial and gray is very nice. It'll take a bit more care that a darker interior but much less than Venetian. Enjoy.

Which board did you post your comments and pricing on?
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Old Dec 22, 2011 | 10:59 PM
  #171  
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From: Killarney, MB
C 300 4matic + BMW 335i Conv + F10 535 xi M
My C 300 4-matic replacement after considering E is Carbon black on beige F10 xi M sport package. Changed the 19" sport rims + RFTs to 20" + Conti DWS.
Attached Thumbnails 2012 BMW 550iX and MB E550 4-matic-dsc_0341.jpg  
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Old Dec 23, 2011 | 04:19 PM
  #172  
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Originally Posted by CEB
Which board did you post your comments and pricing on?
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=589512
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Old Dec 23, 2011 | 04:33 PM
  #173  
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Thanks. You'll enjoy your new car.
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