535 v genesis V8

[MrLucky]

<what was your final decision to go with a Gen vs a Jag? The cars are worlds apart>

My reasoning:

1. Cost
2. The V6 gives me all the performance I need and it handles pretty close to the Jaguar I owned.

There is no doubt that the trim, the wood, the leather etc. are much better in the Jaguar. The exterior paint, fit etc. are similar between the cars.

I will post more as I gain experience with the Genesis.

 

[nextcar]

another way to compare the genesis with the 5 series is by picking the trim levels with the same MSRP:

2012 R spec for $46k
2012 528 for $46k (without any options)

obviously, the R spec blows away the 528 in terms of horsepower and features such as Nav, backup camera, radar cruise, superior audio system, etc. The V8 in the genesis would be more refined than the turbo 4 banger in the 528.

the only significant advantage the 528 would have: it absorbs road bumps a bit better than the genesis.

 

[mistersteve]

Hello. Forgive me but I'm new to this forum and after reading the first couple pages of this topic I immediately jumped to the last page so I could register and add my own comment.

I think I am eminently qualified to give an opinion on the Genesis 4.6 versus the BMW 535i because I actually own both of them. If someone has also presented this comparison in the intervening pages, I apologize.

OK, here's the history. I've been a 36-year BMW owner. During that time I've had 18 BMW's including recent 750's, X5's, and a 535i. I currently own an X5 diesel (had 2 previous X5-4.4 V8's) and a 535i twin-turbo 6 (the wife traded her 325xi in April or I could have said we had 3 BMWs right now ;-) My 2008 535i has active roll stabilization and sport suspension. Basically, the 535i is a hot car and I would recommend it to anyone with the cash to buy it and the fortitude to continue paying the service costs after the 4-year warrantee (I never owned one longer than 5 1/2 years). And, that's the rub for me. I have 6 cars (7 if you count the Genesis but I'll get into that later) and spend 6 1/2 winter months in FL each year (summers in the snow belt). Life down here in FL is a 2-car garage unless you live out in the boonies. My problem is having too many high-dollar cars that don't get used enough (and, no, you can't help ;-)

Telling people I own BMWs and a Porsche was helpful when I was in business and had to appear successful to be successful. But, I don't care as much about that now and getting an exceptional car for a decent price seems considerably more logical these days.

So, how do these cars compare? Here's my opinion:

I traded my last BMW 750iL for the 535i. It was a combination of reasons. First, the new ones were hitting over $100K (now the one I'd want is $110K) and the financial world was imploding at the time. Since there wasn't any stimulus money headed my way, I opted for the 535i this time (about $75K). The second reason is that the 750iL is so bloody big it is impossible to park it anyplace where jerks aren't dinging your doors or smashing you with shopping carts. At least with the 535i I can fit in a parking place and people can walk between the cars without scraping it! The 535i (with active roll stabilization) is wonderful. I'd say it's 0-60 in 5.7 or so, maybe less. Unfortunately, the very sticky low-profile run-flat Dunlops that account for the great handling last about 15,000 miles. I know because I just paid $2031 to replace them a month ago ;-)

I generally alternate the cars I drive to FL and if we go back during the year to either place we swap them out again. But, the reality is that there are always a bunch of cars sitting unused. That was the rational for looking at the Genesis. The 535i is nice but it is a lot of money to just sit there and say I have a BMW. Besides, given all my BMW driving experience, if I was only going to own one BMW, it would be the X5 diesel, which I already have (it has active roll stabilization too).

So what sedans fit in the average parking space, don't get beat at a stop light by a Jetta, and don't break the bank when you say you want it "fully loaded"? That's how I came upon the Genesis and specifically the 4.6.

When I went in to price and test drive the Genesis I had in mind to get the new 3.8. After all, at $34K it sounded like a bargain. Of course, Hyundai seems to be taking a bit too much from the BMW playbook and not mentioning what it takes to make a real car with a few options. When I priced the 3.8 and added the 2 option packages it came out to $44K. The 4.6 with all the option was a grand or so more. Reading the reviews said that while the 6 was more efficient and economical while the v8 was faster and smoother (and a bit more of a gas guzzler). Since I tend to appreciate brute force when properly applied (and already have a couple diesels if I feel eco-motivated), I bought a 2012 4.6. I'll get rid of the 535i in a few months.

So, how do they compare?

Well, my first answer is that if you buy a Genesis thinking that it is a cheaper BMW 535i forget it. My second answer is that if you buy a Genesis 4.6 thinking it is a cheaper BMW 535i, it's OK if you really mean a BMW/Lexus combo and say it with a smile ;-)

Seriously, the Genesis doesn't turn corners or take sharp turns at high speeds as well as a 535i with the optional active roll stabilization (I've never driven one without it) but then again there are very few cars that do. If you want a car that can still make the exit ramp across 3 lanes 150 feet before the ramp while going 75mph, get the 535i. If you want a car that can blow the 3 cars in front of you off the road so you can get around them quickly enough to be in the right lane in time for the exit ramp, get the Genesis 4.6! In my opinion, the absolute handling on the BMW is better. The absolute power and performance of the 4.6 is smoother. You'll never catch the BMW in a race if corners are involved but you'll beat it after the first stop light.

The decision to replace my 535i and go with the 4.6 ended up being about price/performance. As I said, I wanted a fully optioned Genesis and the 4.6 is basically a no-option car. I paid $44K total including tax and license. When I priced an equivalently optioned 535i, the price with tax and license was over $75K. And, this isn't even a correct comparison. The 4.6 is closer to a BMW550i if you are talking horsepower. The equivalently optioned 550i was about $80K. So, I'm still a BMW owner (for the cocktail party circuit) but I'm also an intelligent car shopper now too (for the Genesis Forums).

Thanks for the opportunity to share my experience.

Steve

 

[tompass]

Super commentary. How does the ride of the 4.6 compare to 535 on highway and when on uneven road surface? Many comment on the unsettled ride of the Genesis when on rough patch of road.

 

[jolind72]

I too have owned bmw 535 in the past. My BMW was in the shop more than I can remember. From yrs 2007-20011, there are major issues with 'high pressure fuel pump' in N54 turbo engine. Only reason they recalled the fuel pump was because ABC news decided to do a story on it last yr. Why did it take so long for BMW to acknowledge this problem??? This problem has been going on since late 2006 for 2007 model? Funny thing is even with a recall, problem with their turbo engine is not fixed. Long story short, I've traded 535 for a new 2012 3.8 genesis. I am loving this car!!! I really like the new front and back modifications for 2012. I use regular gas vs premium. Very low maintenance cost. Keep in mind I have also owned Lexus ls430, sc300, es350, audi a4, bmw 325is, etc. As I get older, my definition of luxury is not the 'badge' on my car but really the quality and reliability of the car that I am driving... So far my Genesis fits this description.

 

[Cut-Throat]

I too have owned bmw 535 in the past. My BMW was in the shop more than I can remember. From yrs 2007-20011, there are major issues with 'high pressure fuel pump' in N54 turbo engine. Only reason they recalled the fuel pump was because ABC news decided to do a story on it last yr. Why did it take so long for BMW to acknowledge this problem??? This problem has been going on since late 2006 for 2007 model? Funny thing is even with a recall, problem with their turbo engine is not fixed. Long story short, I've traded 535 for a new 2012 3.8 genesis. I am loving this car!!! I really like the new front and back modifications for 2012. I use regular gas vs premium. Very low maintenance cost. Keep in mind I have also owned Lexus ls430, sc300, es350, audi a4, bmw 325is, etc. As I get older, my definition of luxury is not the 'badge' on my car but really the quality and reliability of the car that I am driving... So far my Genesis fits this description.

+1

 

[mistersteve]

For the record, I've only had the Genesis 4.6 for a couple weeks and 600 miles. Since everything is flat with no pot holes or front heaves down here, I haven't experienced rough handling yet. Put 19" low-profile wheels and tires on a 535i if you want to feel bumps As for the hightway, after experiencing Genesis active cruise, I'll never go back ($2400 option on all the BMWs).

Speaking of repairs, I have been very lucky in 18 BMWs. Very few major issues that weren't readily fixed. As for 535i fuel pumps, funny you should mention that. We were in RI a month and a half ago when the high pressure fuel pump failed. You could still drive the car but it would only let you drive it less than 40mph. It took an overnight stay to find a dealer and get it fixed. I'm currently dealing with BMW on the rental car and lodging bills for the trip interruption. So far they are paying but giving me problems about the meals. I guess if I added it up, of the 18 BMWs I've had, this 535i has had the most repair problems (4). That may have contributed to getting the Genesis ;-)

Steve

 

[tompass]

Thanks for response and look forward to updates.

 

[nextcar]

For the record, I've only had the Genesis 4.6 for a couple weeks and 600 miles. Since everything is flat with no pot holes or front heaves down here, I haven't experienced rough handling yet. Put 19" low-profile wheels and tires on a 535i if you want to feel bumps As for the hightway, after experiencing Genesis active cruise, I'll never go back ($2400 option on all the BMWs).

Speaking of repairs, I have been very lucky in 18 BMWs. Very few major issues that weren't readily fixed. As for 535i fuel pumps, funny you should mention that. We were in RI a month and a half ago when the high pressure fuel pump failed. You could still drive the car but it would only let you drive it less than 40mph. It took an overnight stay to find a dealer and get it fixed. I'm currently dealing with BMW on the rental car and lodging bills for the trip interruption. So far they are paying but giving me problems about the meals. I guess if I added it up, of the 18 BMWs I've had, this 535i has had the most repair problems (4). That may have contributed to getting the Genesis ;-)

Steve

I've only driven the 2011 BMW 535 and 528, which have very comfortable soft suspensions compared to the prior generation 5 series. My suspicion is that your 535 rides just as stiff, if not stiffer, than the genesis, since you have the sport suspension.

 

[Aquineas]

Hello. Forgive me but I'm new to this forum and after reading the first couple pages of this topic I immediately jumped to the last page so I could register and add my own comment.

Good write-up. I'm even more impressed that you made it through without typos or grammatical errors with no edits. Also, may I inquire if your nickname is derived from the fabulous movie "Imitation of Life?"

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[EXBMWGUY]

After about 1,000 miles, life with the R-Spec is pretty good after trading the 2011 535xi. BMW ownership was too much an emotional experience for me (pro and con). This car is WYSIWYG -- fun, reasonably luxurious, very comfortable on trips, and quite efficient, at a fun-for-the-buck price. Lots of drivers will enjoy the R-Spec, those stepping up, and even people stepping down.