I've had my 1997 SE since 1999, and since then I've considered "trading up" to a BMW 740iL, because the cars are similar in size, and well, you know, BMWs are supposed to be all status-symbol and stuff.

But I looked up reviews and statistics on both cars, and I'm impressed with how the Bonneville stacks up. Pretty much, if I were to trade up to a same-year BMW 740iL, I'd simply be spending more money, and getting worse gas mileage. Owners of both cars give them similar marks for reliability & repairs.

The only major difference is that Kelly Blue Book lists my Bonnie as retailing for around $7000, and the BMW is around $21000.

Why did I think I wanted a Beemer? I dunno maybe they're great cars, but I think my Bonneville is every bit as much car, if not more. I'm keeping it! Maybe in 2008 I'll trade up to a RWD Bonnie!

Am I crazy? Is a Bonnie as good as a BMW?

BMW is a status thing.... way overpriced


im not sayin i wouldn't take a nice M5 or anything.... but for relability +economical +speed the bonneville is it

Yeah my buddy has a newer 3series still under warranty. They told him if he gets his oil changed anywhere other than a dealership it'll void his warranty. If I remember correctly its like $70 a pop too. bleh

Does the BMW have a HUD or an air pump and accesory kit? NOPE!!!!! All in the Bonneville

i think you'd be much better off with a 5-series (i.e. 540i Sport) they finish first in just about every magazine comparo you could find

yea BMW'* are nice but why spend more money for something u already have???

I have a "baby beemer" as my 2nd car, a 1984 318i. I know its no 7 series, but it was only $500 and its a blast to drive, you can't beat the fun factor of a rear wheel drive 5 speed. The bonnie is more comfortable on long trips, but for some serious corner carving i'll take the BMW, it handles like it'* on rails.

My dad has an '85 745i.. with a turbo'd engine.. it is very quick, gets 14mpg, and blows the accessory belt every 5k miles. the seats are real cow hide, and everything is in german. He can take any corner at 80mph.. no matter what. [its lowered.. an inch or two]. Would I trade my bonnie for it? Not a chance.. but it is a nice car.


-justin

I get the oil changed in my Bonnie at my Pontiac dealer. It saves me the hassle, and they cheerfully let me know if they find anything wrong with the car that I didn't know about. But generally, I keep it in tip-top shape, and it gets anything it needs.

I'm glad people are pretty much of the same opinion with me on the Bonnie -vs- Beemer. And I'm not knocking the Beemers, I wouldn't turn one down, but there'* no way I'm going to let go of my perfectly good Bonnie that I like driving so much I actually feel guilty about it, to spend three times as much on a somewhat comparable Beemer (at least in terms of size and amenities, I'm aware that the RWD 740iL with a 4.4L V8 is going to outperform my SE'* stock V6).

But like I said, after comparing, I'd just be spending more money for worse gas mileage and more expensive replacement parts.

I suppose its one of those "If you can afford to buy it, you can afford to fix it" kinda cars.

I'm also thinking about trading "across" to a late 90'* silver 740i (I prefer the shorter wheel base)



Awesome, I just dont think we can compare the two..lol

4.4L V8