When I was looking for my 2000, Murdock and I were also checking out the 2003 SSEi...I don't remember if it was 43 or 45K ...brand new sitting on the lot....then throw taxes in...and you're looking at 50-52K for the car in total.

Tell ya what, if you get a chance to drive a new BMW, do it.
BMW of North America supports the Susan J Komen Breast Cancer foundation with a Drive for the Cure at lots of their dealerships every year. You can go and drive all their models by yourself, no strings. I do it in Ft. Collins CO every year and it'* a blast.
I've also owned an older BMW, and the hard cold reality is that the BMWs outhandle, out brake and outcorner our cars by far. They are in a whole other league.

I did what brminder said. I was in Va Beach, VA last year on vacation. On my way to breakfast I saw the "Checkerflag BMW" dealership with all these bimmers painted white with a cancer socety logo and some people outside. So on way back from breakfast I pulled the 92 Explorer into the lot and parked. I inquired on what was goin on. They told me that for every 10miles I drive the bimmer some $$ goes to cancer research. They had food and drinks I had to pay for nothing. I askd to drive the 745i which was out on a run. But I noticed that I was allowed to drive whatever was there while I waited on my 745. This was fun and great, they gave me a map of highway to cover. I started with the 330. Didn't impress me much for a bimmer. My fiancee was with me maybe this was her style. I then drove the 525. Much better handling. Had that race car feel. Then I got in the 745i. Oh my god. Now I'm the type ofn person that can usuaally get right in any car and take off. Not the 745, I had to sit there for about 5minutes to learn my surroundings b4 pullin out. Technology is an understatement. Then I raced some old guy we were both pushin the Z3 convertible. I had the auto w sport sift option. He has the 5speed. He peeled tires and left me on every chance. I was goin so fast I overshot my exit had to back up. Each car I drove I got to over 105mph on the run. I hadn't a care in the world. The car wasn't mine, I was on vacation, and if a cop pulled me over I would blame it on cancer research. You guys should try to access bmwusa.com for the locations. It'* a BUNCH of fun.

Agreed BMW'* are a cut above any car.



I'd die in a M5. New or older...

You gotta drive a Bimmer if you get the chance. If you live near a BMW dealer, call them and ask if they participate in Drive for the Cure. IF they do, take the day off and drive the cars. It'* free, you can drive as many cars and times as you want.
You can drive all the models as many times as you want that day. They usually don't have the Z8, but they have all the rest.
The 540'* are hot rods, the X5 (Their SUV) with the 4.4 liter V8 is unbelievable.

I had a '77 530i, and I miss it. It handled and braked better than any car I've ever owned. When you drive a Bimmer hard and then get back into your GM product, you realize how far apart they are in design and ability.
One of the things I miss most is the braking. BMW and most German cars have designed into their suspension "anti-dive" geometry. That means when you slam on the brakes, the car stays level. Notice on your GM product how hard it dives in the nose when you slam on the brake, and how high the rear comes up... not safe or confidence building. The BMWs are amazing cars... of course they cost twice as much...

He'* right about their SUV. They have a 3.0 and a 4.4liter. I know when I was doin a buck and change in the drop top another driver was right on my *** in the 4.4 SUV. Those things hold a 100+ w no problem. When I was done and had to get back into the 92 Explorer to leave I just felt like crashing it into a wall. But the insurance $$ stil wouldn't get me a bimmer!

the BMW M1 is the best looking BMW EVER!!! hot *** car fast... did they have those in the US? they are older, hidaway headlights, don't even look street legal