aramation

After reading the glowing review of 2008 BMW 535i by Edmunds, I was partially convinced that it was a great choice for the next car (replacement for the aging 2004 Infiniti FX35 due for return later this year). However there are few issues, some beyond BMW’s control, that have now convinced the car isn’t worth purchasing.

1. 2009 BMW 5-series

If rumors are true, then the BMW 5-series will get completely redesigned for model year 2009 due in regular year 2008, which basically means the 2008 model will get obsolete within just 1 year. When you make a multi-year commitment on a car’s lease or finance, that’s not an attractive position.

2. Hyundai Sonata

Lately Hyundai has been comparing their vehicles to high-end vehicles touting how much they’re better and cheaper. They compared the 525i vs. Sonata and declared Sonata’s more powerful, more performant, better equiped and a lot cheaper (by about $20,000 USD). Granted this comparison doesn’t put it into perspective since the brand value is different between the 2… still this kind of comparison cheapens the car.

Here’s the video if you still haven’t seen the TV commercial

3. Performance issue

In Toronto, there’s no lack of BMWs on the road and I’ve seen many 545i (with V8 engine): whenever I take them on with my G35x, I usually end up winning whether it’s a game of acceleration or top speed, which doesn’t bode well for the smaller engine in the 2008 BMW 535xi. Especially since all-wheel drive system makes you lose some power.

Which brings me to the next point to be explored further in another post: comparison with 2007 Infiniti G35x

Usually travel agents arrange for travel guides should the occasion rise. One such occasion is bus travel.