2009 all-new BMW 7 series pics and article
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2010 CL65
Don't think BMW really competes w/S63/65 (or CL63/65 or SL63/65).....
BMW avoids $150K+ mkt (as does Lexus/Audi)....simply lack needed deep-pocketed repeat buyer base....and have never engineered particularly remarkable/innovative cars to capture those jaded buyers....
BMW struggles w/basics for high-end commuter cars....like advcd/innovative/capable safety engineering/strucs/systems; effortless tq....and fuel tanks relevant for commuting (see M5's puny tank).....and, unless BMW has improved lately, has always had rap of laughably ineffective air cond systems....
Dynamically, have test-driven enough M3/5/6 to always be amused that an alleged perf-oriented car co. develops cars w/such unremarkable steering precision; downright inept/primitive brakes; and has difficulties engineering robust motors/gearboxes.....
IIRC, the CY02 4300lb SL55 (let alone a MY08 SL55 w/030....or MY09 SL63 w/030) scored almost identical NBR time as 3100lb 997S Coupe (would prob beat 997S Cab around NBR) and signif (?10secs) faster than ?3900lb M5/6.....there are a few twisties around NBR, right???.....NBR times seem to refute various urban legends re: alleged perf/sportscars.....esp embarrassing vs much heavier, more luxurious commuter cars....the marvels of advanced chassis engineering/technologies and tq.....
BMW avoids $150K+ mkt (as does Lexus/Audi)....simply lack needed deep-pocketed repeat buyer base....and have never engineered particularly remarkable/innovative cars to capture those jaded buyers....
BMW struggles w/basics for high-end commuter cars....like advcd/innovative/capable safety engineering/strucs/systems; effortless tq....and fuel tanks relevant for commuting (see M5's puny tank).....and, unless BMW has improved lately, has always had rap of laughably ineffective air cond systems....
Dynamically, have test-driven enough M3/5/6 to always be amused that an alleged perf-oriented car co. develops cars w/such unremarkable steering precision; downright inept/primitive brakes; and has difficulties engineering robust motors/gearboxes.....
IIRC, the CY02 4300lb SL55 (let alone a MY08 SL55 w/030....or MY09 SL63 w/030) scored almost identical NBR time as 3100lb 997S Coupe (would prob beat 997S Cab around NBR) and signif (?10secs) faster than ?3900lb M5/6.....there are a few twisties around NBR, right???.....NBR times seem to refute various urban legends re: alleged perf/sportscars.....esp embarrassing vs much heavier, more luxurious commuter cars....the marvels of advanced chassis engineering/technologies and tq.....
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1988 535i 5 speed
Don't think BMW really competes w/S63/65 (or CL63/65 or SL63/65).....
BMW avoids $150K+ mkt (as does Lexus/Audi)....simply lack needed deep-pocketed repeat buyer base....and have never engineered particularly remarkable/innovative cars to capture those jaded buyers....
BMW struggles w/basics for high-end commuter cars....like advcd/innovative/capable safety engineering/strucs/systems; effortless tq....and fuel tanks relevant for commuting (see M5's puny tank).....and, unless BMW has improved lately, has always had rap of laughably ineffective air cond systems....
Dynamically, have test-driven enough M3/5/6 to always be amused that an alleged perf-oriented car co. develops cars w/such unremarkable steering precision; downright inept/primitive brakes; and has difficulties engineering robust motors/gearboxes.....
IIRC, the CY02 4300lb SL55 (let alone a MY08 SL55 w/030....or MY09 SL63 w/030) scored almost identical NBR time as 3100lb 997S Coupe (would prob beat 997S Cab around NBR) and signif (?10secs) faster than ?3900lb M5/6.....there are a few twisties around NBR, right???.....NBR times seem to refute various urban legends re: alleged perf/sportscars.....esp embarrassing vs much heavier, more luxurious commuter cars....the marvels of advanced chassis engineering/technologies and tq.....
BMW avoids $150K+ mkt (as does Lexus/Audi)....simply lack needed deep-pocketed repeat buyer base....and have never engineered particularly remarkable/innovative cars to capture those jaded buyers....
BMW struggles w/basics for high-end commuter cars....like advcd/innovative/capable safety engineering/strucs/systems; effortless tq....and fuel tanks relevant for commuting (see M5's puny tank).....and, unless BMW has improved lately, has always had rap of laughably ineffective air cond systems....
Dynamically, have test-driven enough M3/5/6 to always be amused that an alleged perf-oriented car co. develops cars w/such unremarkable steering precision; downright inept/primitive brakes; and has difficulties engineering robust motors/gearboxes.....
IIRC, the CY02 4300lb SL55 (let alone a MY08 SL55 w/030....or MY09 SL63 w/030) scored almost identical NBR time as 3100lb 997S Coupe (would prob beat 997S Cab around NBR) and signif (?10secs) faster than ?3900lb M5/6.....there are a few twisties around NBR, right???.....NBR times seem to refute various urban legends re: alleged perf/sportscars.....esp embarrassing vs much heavier, more luxurious commuter cars....the marvels of advanced chassis engineering/technologies and tq.....
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GT63S ePerformance 4dr, '25 Bentayga Black Ed.(wife), Wrangler and 250 MLB(kids)
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'05 SL 55 Black/Black w/mods from Eurocharged/Kleemann/BuckheadImports
You make alot of great points
You make alot of great points...
Another question though.....
Do you guys think then that the next 7, 8, Z9 series cars with their all-new apple-based infotainment, improved everything, twin-turbo engines (possibly high-powered V-10 and V-12's) will then finally be atleast competitive somewhat with an SL 55, or a CL63 or S63?
I'm just curious now to imagine what Benz is going to counter with when the all-new S and CL class comes out for the 2014 model year!
Another question though.....
Do you guys think then that the next 7, 8, Z9 series cars with their all-new apple-based infotainment, improved everything, twin-turbo engines (possibly high-powered V-10 and V-12's) will then finally be atleast competitive somewhat with an SL 55, or a CL63 or S63?
I'm just curious now to imagine what Benz is going to counter with when the all-new S and CL class comes out for the 2014 model year!
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2007 S600
Exhaust pipes are way too small. Needs larger , non round ports. Maybe oval or semicircular.
Overall, it looks much much better than current 7. Hopefully the gear shifter in cars like this will go back down to the console. That is the only thing I just can't get used to in my MB 600
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2007 S600
I really believe their focus should remain on quality, image, and dependability/reliability instead of increased quantity of goodies. Right now, they are making great strides and improvements in the quality booth, so trying to keep up in terms of engine power, handling, and interior creature comforts should take a "back seat" to the upward momentum of quality and reliability. The current S class (and other MBs) has plenty of great features. We really are spoiled when it comes to luxury features in today's Mercedes , but it is of no good if a car stays in the bottom of the pile in the complaint department as MB is so desperately trying to crawl out of from the Chrysler days.
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From: Canyon Country, CA
08' E350 with P2 & AMG sports package, 03' BMW 325i
For Die-hard MB lovers, they will trash any car that comes out just because it is not a 3-point star. As for me, these are two different style of cars. For elegant styling, I say our MB is the winner. For rugged sporty look style, I say BMW is second to none. The new 7-series in this article (even though this is just artist's conception and no one knows what will it actually be like when it comes out), is 10X better than current model. I'm glad they get rid of the I-drive. It's a piece of junk.
Last edited by JCsE350; Dec 29, 2007 at 03:54 PM.
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‘23 EQS AMG
