Questioning my 2011 5-Series allocation... Time for a 7?

[lagunadallas]

Hello all...I'm an 8-time BMW owner (4 3s, 2 5s, 2 X5s). I have my dealer's first ordering slot for the 2011 535i, but my salesperson thinks the lease money factors and residuals are going to be really lousy on this car. I'm self-employed and can write off most of my payment, so leasing is the only way I go for my business vehicle. He thought the numbers on a 740i would be stronger and put it not much more than a loaded 535i on a monthly basis, so I'm now considering the F01 (and perhaps even splurging on a 750i).

I've always thought the 7 was too big and for an older demographic (I'm 31), but I sell real estate and clients will love the space. Anyone here go from a 5-Series to a 7 that can comment on how this F01 feels in everyday driving compared to the smaller 5? I know that's kind of vague, but I just put the 7 into the mix as of yesterday so my mind is in full brainstorming mode. I'm currently in a '07 X5 4.8i Sport that I have absolutely loved, but I bought an old Lexus LX for SUV errands and would like to get back to a sedan this time around for client duty. Dealers are closed in Texas on Sundays, so a test drive today is out and I won't have a chance to get to the dealer this week.

Thanks in advance for any initial thoughts on this car! Oh...I'd likely be ordering something with the M-Sport Package and 20" wheels if I go the F01 route.

[xDrive50i]

If you drive around clients (in the backseat), you should consider the F02 rather than the F01! Your clients would REALLY love that

There is definitely more space in the 7 series.

Best thing for you would obviously be to test drive both an F01 and F02 and see what fits your needs and wants the most!

[Fastbuck]

Was in a new 535 today. A very nice car indeed. You could easily forget you weren't in a 7 series.

[species]

I placed an order for a 550i, but my dealer kept telling me that there were no allocations as yet. I wanted a 550i with adaptive drive, integral active steer, night vision, heated and ventilated seats, 19' rims, hifi logic 7 sound, dvd player etc. I eventually got fed up.
I took delivery of a 750i innovations model (friday 19)in space grey with exlusive nappa oyster seats and all the gadgets from night vision to stop and go. The car was a 1 year old with only 9000 km. I am thus far happy with my choice. Best part, it was much cheaper than the 550i brand new.

[lagunadallas]

Originally Posted by species

I placed an order for a 550i, but my dealer kept telling me that there were no allocations as yet. I wanted a 550i with adaptive drive, integral active steer, night vision, heated and ventilated seats, 19' rims, hifi logic 7 sound, dvd player etc. I eventually got fed up.
I took delivery of a 750i innovations model (friday 19)in space grey with exlusive nappa oyster seats and all the gadgets from night vision to stop and go. The car was a 1 year old with only 9000 km. I am thus far happy with my choice. Best part, it was much cheaper than the 550i brand new.

Thanks for the post. I've been going back and forth between a 535i or 550i vs. a 740i M Sport. I'm now leaning back in the 5-Series direction based on the difference in the payments on the two cars equipped as I'd like. I'm self-employed and it makes the most sense for me to lease, so to a great extent I'm at the mercy of BMWFS' figures in determining what the cars will cost. The fact that you can get the new 5 with the two-tone Oyster & Black Nappa leather really helped bring the 5 back into the mix, as the interior feels much more luxurious and custom ordered that way vs. the standard choices. Congrats on your new car!!!

[LLepard]

I have the new 750 xi, moved up from the 2007 530xi and probably will go back to the new 5 when it comes out in xi version.

The 7 is spectacular, but just too big for me.

Also, I think the straight 6 is a funner engine, it seemed more responsive.

I also have some questions regarding the 7 transmission. See my post on same.

[lagunadallas]

Llepard --- Great feedback...thank you. I'm still undecided! I just found out my lease isn't up until the end of August (I thought it was mid-July for some reason), so I have some time.