Planning to buy BMW 523 or Audi A6

[jonzilla]

Re: Planning to buy BMW 523 or Audi A6 2.4

Once again thank you all for your responses. You guys have been great!

Welbo: will heed your advise. I will post the question in vagsg.com and see the responses. Guess you own a A4 Cab, if you do, nice ride you got there.

Bravojs: hmm......this doesnt sound too good. Better ensure that PML rectify the problem. My ex E36 started with a leaking hose and then.....ultimately engine (overheating).

 

[bravojs]

Re: Planning to buy BMW 523 or Audi A6

speaking of which the e60 has no temperature gauge!

 

[x3mblack]

Re: Planning to buy BMW 523 or Audi A6

Latest Edition of Car Magazine made comparison between Merc CLS, BMW 530i & GS300:

1st BMW 530i, 2nd Lexus GS300, 3rd Merc CLS350

I was considering the GS300 before its official launch in Singapore, the price was good $168k for the non-super luxury. I believe its a reliable car, well built, good quality and performance + handling has improved but not significantly. Downside - its very bland, its a toyota no matter how you look at it. If you have sat inside enought toyotas, the GS300 will suddenly look very familiar to you. I will only buy the GS300 if i'm looking at value for semi-luxury sedan, not if i'm looking for a car with more character in terms of look and performance.

One important point to note - the new GS300 is very cramp at the back. If compared to the new 5 series, it makes the 5 feels like an MPV. For the rear passenger in GS300, u can't stretch ur legs to beneath the driver or front passenger seat. It has very low headroom too.

Anyway - this is a bmw forum, u'll never get an unbiased view and if I'm ever going to buy a toyota, it'll be the Trueno AE86

 

[jonzilla]

Re: Planning to buy BMW 523 or Audi A6

Reviving the post - an update.

I have test driven both the A6 2.4 and the 523. Both are fine cars. Both appeals to me. But to what extent, is the question I pose myself.

The A6's transmission is very smooth, thanks to the CVT. Initially I thought that the 523 might lose out on this 'smoothness' but I was quite surprised - the magnesium aluminum engine is surprising smooth and agile. The maximum torque was delivered at lower revolutions. It felt good - agility. The 523 has a pretty quiet cabin, on the other hand for the A6 it is noiser, bearing in mind that this is an executive car, i think one would place quietness as a factor in choosing a car. Another small issue (BUT it all adds up) is the idrive is in colour whereas the A6's MMI is in mono colour.

Oh yes the dreaded experience that I experienced in Australia when I test driven the A6 - the "articificial brake" feeling still exists! Maybe it is just me. Overall both cars has its pros and cons.

Here are some questions that I hope someone out here can enlighten me.

Q.1 The 523 doesnt have active steering, what are your thoughts on that. The sales exec reckons that the active steering is overhyped. Any thoughts?

Q.2. Is price haggling still a common practice in Singapore, say the sales exec offers this price, is it possible to 'bargain" - sorry for such a dumb question, guess I have left Singapore for too long and lost in touch with the car scene.

Q.3. As I will only be back in Dec permanently, I was told to wait (by my friends) instead of putting a deposit down now BUT I would like to the car delivered before Lunar New Year. Good move?

Look forward to hearing from you guys.

Best,

 

[eggz]

Re: Planning to buy BMW 523 or Audi A6

Here are some questions that I hope someone out here can enlighten me.

Q.1 The 523 doesnt have active steering, what are your thoughts on that. The sales exec reckons that the active steering is overhyped. Any thoughts?

Q.2. Is price haggling still a common practice in Singapore, say the sales exec offers this price, is it possible to 'bargain" - sorry for such a dumb question, guess I have left Singapore for too long and lost in touch with the car scene.

Q.3. As I will only be back in Dec permanently, I was told to wait (by my friends) instead of putting a deposit down now BUT I would like to the car delivered before Lunar New Year. Good move?

Ok let's see, try and answer your questions

Q.1 I wouldn't say it's overhyped, I like it a lot, gives a sportier feel to the driving experience, especially on curvy roads. Also very nice in the carparks and tight spots. The only issue is that it does load the engine quite a bit, with a 523i, you might experience some vibrations from the engine when you are in half or full steering lock, but stationary. eg. waiting at a U-turn etc The problem was more serious with the 520i, but I think recent CIP updates have improved this. Best to test drive E60s with and without, on different types of roads.

Q.2 Yes, price haggling is very much a common practice in Singapore, especially with PML working very hard to meet sales targets this year, it's likely with some aggressive bargaining, you'll get a good deal. Important thing is to mention the competitors, Audi, Merc, Lexus, talk about discounts/goodies that you've heard other people get either with BMWs or other cars. The trick is to push, push and more push....

Q.3. Hard one to call, timing can be ticky with COE prices getting lower and lower....I'll leave others to answer this one

 

[totoseow]

Re: Planning to buy BMW 523 or Audi A6

i reckon 2 things that u must hv in the E60 are the active steering n dynamic drive. those 2 items contitutes the chracter of the car to me.

 

[zag]

Re: Planning to buy BMW 523 or Audi A6

Reviving the post - an update.

I have test driven both the A6 2.4 and the 523. Both are fine cars. Both appeals to me. But to what extent, is the question I pose myself.

The A6's transmission is very smooth, thanks to the CVT. Initially I thought that the 523 might lose out on this 'smoothness' but I was quite surprised - the magnesium aluminum engine is surprising smooth and agile. The maximum torque was delivered at lower revolutions. It felt good - agility. The 523 has a pretty quiet cabin, on the other hand for the A6 it is noiser, bearing in mind that this is an executive car, i think one would place quietness as a factor in choosing a car. Another small issue (BUT it all adds up) is the idrive is in colour whereas the A6's MMI is in mono colour.

Oh yes the dreaded experience that I experienced in Australia when I test driven the A6 - the "articificial brake" feeling still exists! Maybe it is just me. Overall both cars has its pros and cons.

Here are some questions that I hope someone out here can enlighten me.

Q.1 The 523 doesnt have active steering, what are your thoughts on that. The sales exec reckons that the active steering is overhyped. Any thoughts?

Q.2. Is price haggling still a common practice in Singapore, say the sales exec offers this price, is it possible to 'bargain" - sorry for such a dumb question, guess I have left Singapore for too long and lost in touch with the car scene.

Q.3. As I will only be back in Dec permanently, I was told to wait (by my friends) instead of putting a deposit down now BUT I would like to the car delivered before Lunar New Year. Good move?

Look forward to hearing from you guys.

Best,

The AFS is the best thing since coke machine. I am sorry to see the 523i being done away with active steering instead they make PDC standard option. You can retrofit PDC but not active steering.
It is pure sales talk, PML should be ashamed of this. When they launch the e60, guess what they brag about in Sepang... Active steering and Dynamic drive. If I were you go get an active steering option from factory.
Of course the M5 does not go with the above two and that is different story.
For me, the best things after driving the e60 for more than 1.5 years.. it is the active steering and dynamic drive. Period!

 

[marclees]

Re: Planning to buy BMW 523 or Audi A6

one MAJOR point to note .. the BMW 523s in SG do NOT have cruise control...so if you are one for long distance driving..this is a consideration...