535 v genesis V8

[msitter]

What I'd really like to hear your opinion on is Reliability Genesis vs. BMW

I cannot speak of 5 series reliability but since all BMW's use some common parts and I have a 3 series, the reliability is not what I would expect from a car of this stature. So far our 328i convertible at 38000 miles has had numerous electronic sensors fail, a new radiator due to a crack in the plastic tank, a new 6 speed manual trans due to bearing failure and a new rear differential for some unknown noises. This on a car driven exclusively by my wife who in 41 years of marriage has had mostly manual shift cars and has never worn out a clutch. BMW has been great on service to the point that even with the problems, I probably would not complain to the gov about any of them. They deliver a new 1 or 3 series to my wife's office and pick up her car and return it when they complete the work. The only problem I have escaped is the HPFP failure that has plagued most of the past 6 cyl turbo motors as I don't have one. I think BMW's excellent service policies have shielded it from more scrutiny by consumer groups for the mediocre reliability. As far as my Genesis is concerned, nothing more than oil changes(free) in 13 months.

 

[nextcar]

Btw, the 535i has 300hp, should it be compared to Genny 3.8?
Judging by power, the 4.6 should be compared to 550i. Did anyone test drove it?
(I guess 750 has the same engine, so drvinhle's post might address it)
What about interior space? How Genny looks vs. 5 series vs. 7 series?

even though the new genny 3.8 has 333 peak HP, the turbo I-6 in the 535 feels faster to me. i think it's due to the area under the curve, especially for the torque curve, which hits 300 ft-lb at a ridiculously low 1200 RPM.

in terms of acceleration, i think the genny 4.6 is more comparable to the turbo I-6, but i really like creamy smooth power of the 4.6, which feels more luxurious than the 535i.

i haven't driven the bmw 550, but i would bet that it's considerably more powerful than the genn 4.6, but i could not accept the poor fuel economy.

 

[nextcar]

What I'd really like to hear your opinion on is Reliability Genesis vs. BMW

according to consumer reports, genny 3.8 is above average, and 4.6 is average in reliability.
the new 535i is too new to have any rating.

 

[tonygxp]

even though the new genny 3.8 has 333 peak HP, the turbo I-6 in the 535 feels faster to me. i think it's due to the area under the curve, especially for the torque curve, which hits 300 ft-lb at a ridiculously low 1200 RPM.

in terms of acceleration, i think the genny 4.6 is more comparable to the turbo I-6, but i really like creamy smooth power of the 4.6, which feels more luxurious than the 535i.

i haven't driven the bmw 550, but i would bet that it's considerably more powerful than the genn 4.6, but i could not accept the poor fuel economy.

yep.. but worse fuel economy, weighs a couple hundred lbs more and starts at over $60K

VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan


PRICE AS TESTED: automatic, $75,100/manual, $69,575 (base price: $60,575)


ENGINE TYPE: twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection


Displacement: 268 cu in, 4395 cc
Power (SAE net): 400 bhp @ 5500 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 450 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm


TRANSMISSIONS: 8-speed automatic with manumatic shifting, 6-speed manual


DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 116.9 in Length: 193.1 in
Width: 73.2 in Height: 57.6 in
Curb weight: 4417 lb (auto); 4358 lb (manual)


C/D TEST RESULTS (auto):
Zero to 60 mph: 4.8 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 11.0 sec
Zero to 130 mph: 19.0 sec
Street start, 5–60 mph: 5.3 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 13.1 sec @ 109 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 155 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 170 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.86 g


C/D TEST RESULTS (manual):
Zero to 60 mph: 5.1 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 11.3 sec
Zero to 130 mph: 19.4 sec
Street start, 5–60 mph: 5.3 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 13.1 sec @ 109 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 155 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 171 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.88 g


FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA city/highway driving: 17/25 mpg (auto), 15/22 (manual)
C/D observed: 18 mpg (auto), 17 mpg (manual)

 

[Mark_888]

according to consumer reports, genny 3.8 is above average, and 4.6 is average in reliability.
the new 535i is too new to have any rating.

A lot of Genesis problems relate to Tech Package items like audio system, and there are more Tech Pakcages on V8's than on V6's (now all V8's now come standard with Tech Package).

 

[nextcar]

A lot of Genesis problems relate to Tech Package items like audio system, and there are more Tech Pakcages on V8's than on V6's (now all V8's now come standard with Tech Package).

yes, and also i read about the adjustable steering wheel getting stuck in low position. is this mainly a problem in 2009 yr or does it still persist in newer models?

 

[TJPark01]

What I'd really like to hear your opinion on is Reliability Genesis vs. BMW

Both have been good.
Initially the Genesis was worse but it was all electrical. A TPMS light that wouldn't go off and I had the head unit replaced twice. The BMW surprisingly has been flawless. Since the initial issues with the Genesis it's also been flawless.

Btw, the 535i has 300hp, should it be compared to Genny 3.8?
Judging by power, the 4.6 should be compared to 550i. Did anyone test drove it?
(I guess 750 has the same engine, so drvinhle's post might address it)
What about interior space? How Genny looks vs. 5 series vs. 7 series?

Im surprised that people are cross shopping these two since there is such a huge price difference. The Genesis has considerably more interior and tunk space. The BMW is midsize in comparison.

according to consumer reports, genny 3.8 is above average, and 4.6 is average in reliability.
the new 535i is too new to have any rating.

I take consumer reports reliability with a grain of salt. Counting the number of problems tells me generally how reliable a car will be, ok. But do you assign the same value to a a TPMS light staying on versus a stuck accelerator? I Don't.

 

[hwks1]

The only problem with that theory is that it contradicts everything the automotive press has said about the 2012 Genesis V6 after test drives, and contradicts everything members of this forum have said about the 2012 V6 after test drives (including those who compared it to a 2011 V8).

There is no evidence that 2009-2011 Genesis V8 road better than the V6. Keep in mind that the spring and shock rates and rear stabilizer bar are different (all firmer) on the V8 to account for the extra weight, so the fact the V8 has extra weight is not going to make it ride any better.

I have driven both, back to back.... the V8 drives better by noticeable margin. The V6 feels unsettled... and the engine doesn't sound refined like the V8

As far as BMW reliability goes, only one word says it all HPFP=fail

 

[timc1475]

I would say to test drive the 2012 Hyundai Genesis sedan V8 R-Spec. To leave this out of your perspective new car purchase could be regretful, especially if you like power and a tight sport tuned suspension.

Again just take your tire guage with you as anything over 33psi is a no no.
Trust me and others when they say that dealers neglect to lower the psi upon delevery from 50psi more often than not.

 

[nextcar]

I have driven both, back to back.... the V8 drives better by noticeable margin. The V6 feels unsettled... and the engine doesn't sound refined like the V8

As far as BMW reliability goes, only one word says it all HPFP=fail

i agree. anyone who has done a back to back drive of the v6 and v8 (and it doesn't matter what year model) should feel an obvious difference.
when i first test drove a genesis, it was a 2012 v6 with tire pressure 34 psi, and the ride was so nervous compared to my honda accord coupe v6, that i had ruled out getting a genesis.
then, when i drove the 2011 v8, i fell in love with the ride and effortless power.

______________________________

Help support this site so it can continue supporting you!

 

[Ormond]

I've got a 750i and am considering the Genesis. I was planning on just driving the 3.8, but after reading the comments would probably prefer the 4.6. I have nothing wrong with my low mileage (17,000) BMW, but I like change.

I am an admitted car snob, and don't care for my dumpy local dealership. Also, the lack of a proper power passenger seat bugs me.

As you can see by my membership date here, I've been a Genesis fan for quite a while. I'll report back after my test drive.

 

[gadgetboyatl]

I would say to test drive the 2012 Hyundai Genesis sedan V8 R-Spec. To leave this out of your perspective new car purchase could be regretful, especially if you like power and a tight sport tuned suspension.

Again just take your tire guage with you as anything over 33psi is a no no.
Trust me and others when they say that dealers neglect to lower the psi upon delevery from 50psi more often than not.

My 2012 was delivered after their "inspection" and "prep" with 50psi all around. I doubt Jim Ellis did anything but pull the plastic off the exterior/interior, wash it and fill it up with gas. Check EVERYTHING yourself before you pull off the lot.

 

[acoga]

I am an admitted car snob, and don't care for my dumpy local dealership.

Even though I'm rooting for Hyundai, this is one area where they're never going to measure up to the luxury brand competition. If a person is used to being coddled at a Mercedes or Lexus dealership, a Hyundai dealership (and their service department) is going to inevitably be a turn off.

 

[Genny46PM]

I think the tire pressure plays a big part in Genesis ride quality. Case and point. Recently replaced all 4 tires to Kumho Ecsta LX Platinum from the OEM Dunlops at about 26k. On the way home the car felt very very bouncy on the freeway. Next morning with the car being cold, I checked the pressure on all four and they ranged between 45-46. I adjusted the pressure to about 33 on the front tires and to 34 on the rear tires. Guess what! The ride quality is back to what is was.

 

[StarkyLuv]

i agree. anyone who has done a back to back drive of the v6 and v8 (and it doesn't matter what year model) should feel an obvious difference.
when i first test drove a genesis, it was a 2012 v6 with tire pressure 34 psi, and the ride was so nervous compared to my honda accord coupe v6, that i had ruled out getting a genesis.
then, when i drove the 2011 v8, i fell in love with the ride and effortless power.

We get it. You can stop justifying your purchase. The whole silly v6 vs. v8 thing is tired. Buy what you want and be happy.

 

[collegeparkgenesis]

I just sold my CPO 08 535i Sport Premium for a loaded 09 Genesis V6. Here are my initial thoughts:

The Genesis is much larger inside then the BMW. Feels like a 7 series inside, much roomier. It rides softer than the BMW, much more like my previous Lexus GS430. Not a big deal, as I have a Z06 as a weekend cruiser when I want to drive something sporty.

The stereo in my Genesis (17 speaker) blows away the BMW system. It is almost at the level of the Mark Levinson system in my old Lexus.

The BMW has the most comfortable seats of any car I have ever owned. The Genesis seats are good , but the BMW's were great.

The BMW was quicker, but the Genesis has plenty of power. It's no rocketship, but I drive my Z06 when I feel the need for speed.

The Genesis offers so much more in terms of value that it isn't even comparable. Sure, you can get a free breakfast and car wash at the local BMW dealer when you are there for service, but it isn't worth the extra $25k-$30k.

Lastly, the BMW was an unreliable POS. I bought the car CPO from BMW with 24k miles. In 15k miles of ownership, the HPFP was replaced, along with the fuel injectors, sparkplugs, and passenger headlight assembly. The gas lid would pop open for no reason, the A/C sucked, I could go on and on. I really wanted to love the Bimmer, as I have several friends who swear by them. Unfortunately, my experience was so poor that I will never drive one again.

 

[nextcar]

I just sold my CPO 08 535i Sport Premium for a loaded 09 Genesis V6. Here are my initial thoughts:

The Genesis is much larger inside then the BMW. Feels like a 7 series inside, much roomier. It rides softer than the BMW, much more like my previous Lexus GS430. Not a big deal, as I have a Z06 as a weekend cruiser when I want to drive something sporty.

The stereo in my Genesis (17 speaker) blows away the BMW system. It is almost at the level of the Mark Levinson system in my old Lexus.

The BMW has the most comfortable seats of any car I have ever owned. The Genesis seats are good , but the BMW's were great.

The BMW was quicker, but the Genesis has plenty of power. It's no rocketship, but I drive my Z06 when I feel the need for speed.

The Genesis offers so much more in terms of value that it isn't even comparable. Sure, you can get a free breakfast and car wash at the local BMW dealer when you are there for service, but it isn't worth the extra $25k-$30k.

Lastly, the BMW was an unreliable POS. I bought the car CPO from BMW with 24k miles. In 15k miles of ownership, the HPFP was replaced, along with the fuel injectors, sparkplugs, and passenger headlight assembly. The gas lid would pop open for no reason, the A/C sucked, I could go on and on. I really wanted to love the Bimmer, as I have several friends who swear by them. Unfortunately, my experience was so poor that I will never drive one again.

i agree. turbocharged motors in general are not as reliable as naturally aspirated ones. i think a BMW 5 series, which will only offer turbo motors starting in 2012, is good to lease for 3 years, but i would not want to own one for a long period of time.

 

[Aquineas]

Btw, the 535i has 300hp, should it be compared to Genny 3.8?
Judging by power, the 4.6 should be compared to 550i. Did anyone test drove it?
(I guess 750 has the same engine, so drvinhle's post might address it)
What about interior space? How Genny looks vs. 5 series vs. 7 series?

Just a small point: you can't really look at BMW's rated horsepower and compare it to another vehicle's rated horsepower. BMW tends to understate their horsepower, by a lot.

 

[Skywagon]

Nextcar,
First, I'm no expert. However, I recently owned a BMW X6 with the twin turbo 535 engine. I'm told that they have gone to a single turbo in the new 535's. That's good. I must have gone into "Limp Mode" 15 times while I owned the X6, turbos shutting down from the ethanol in the gas. The single turbo has allegedly solved that problem. One thing about a turbo is that you can put a "chip" into the engine ECU and boost horsepower considerably. Don't waste your time trying that with a non turbo engine. My limited experience showed it doesn't work. If you're not into playing with engines get the Genesis. Better yet, find a R-Spec and jump on it. Just took a 600 mile road trip in mine. A truly amazing car. 25MPG at 80 miles per hour, and it's not even broken in yet. I don't know if the 4.6 Genesis has the same active cruise control and Lane Deviation Warning System but both are excellent safety devices.

 

[nextcar]

Nextcar,
First, I'm no expert. However, I recently owned a BMW X6 with the twin turbo 535 engine. I'm told that they have gone to a single turbo in the new 535's. That's good. I must have gone into "Limp Mode" 15 times while I owned the X6, turbos shutting down from the ethanol in the gas. The single turbo has allegedly solved that problem. One thing about a turbo is that you can put a "chip" into the engine ECU and boost horsepower considerably. Don't waste your time trying that with a non turbo engine. My limited experience showed it doesn't work. If you're not into playing with engines get the Genesis. Better yet, find a R-Spec and jump on it. Just took a 600 mile road trip in mine. A truly amazing car. 25MPG at 80 miles per hour, and it's not even broken in yet. I don't know if the 4.6 Genesis has the same active cruise control and Lane Deviation Warning System but both are excellent safety devices.

you're right about most BMWs adopting the single turbo motor now, but it's only been a year, so the jury is still out about their reliability.

when i first drove the 4.6, i was very happy with the power. but now that i'm used to the power, i kinda wish i had more. you know how that is. even if i had the 5.0, i would quickly get used to the power, and wish for more. i think it's human nature.

same goes for the quiet ride. now that i'm used to it, i think it could be quieter.