I've joined the club...

[musher51]

Well, a six-year love affair with a 5-speed 530i sport/premium pkg is abruptly over. I bought a black/black Tech 3.8 today. Yikes.

I've been waiting rather impatiently for my dealer/bro-in-law to track down a sapphire blue/beige Tech for a couple of weeks, but the number of cars finding their way to the midwest hinterlands is limited so far. None of this 20+ cars per dealer thang that seems to be kicking into gear in CA and other points west.

Then I told myself I'd wait 'til the V8s arrive...after all, it's only 6 - 8 weeks, and I'm a patient man, right?

Yeah right...all my arguments against a black car (essentially impossible to keep clean in snowy winters, salt stains on the carpet, etc.) fell mute as soon as I saw this damn thing!

But no complaints -- she rides like a dream, and Garcia never sounded better than he does comin' at me through those 17 well-powered speakers! Time now to wade through this seemingly incomprehensible owners manual. Viva la toys!

 

[jwaters943]

Congrats! Your purchase process seems just as impulsive as mine. I was planning on waiting until after the first of the year, but after I saw the Genesis in person and then drove it, it was done. I had to have it.

I hope it treats you well and that you don't regret gping w/ black!

 

[BaywayRic]

Time now to wade through this seemingly incomprehensible owners manual. Viva la toys!

Congrats on the new ride. Enjoy Don't forget the pics, can't have too many black on blacks on here. Both manuals are daunting, but I have found it much easier to read and sort through them at the PC with the PDF version. Much much easier to jump around in the pages. If you missed the thread in here, you can get them [along with all the shop manuals] at:
http://www.hmaservice.com/

 

[Simonwpb]

Welcome aboard, enjoy your new Genesis!

BMW is a great brand and they make wonderful "driving machines". It is a testament to Hyundai that they got it right when the Genesis wins over a formerly happy Bimmer driver like yourself.

 

[TML2]

Agreed. I really think the head of Hyundai's product development & strategy had it right on that youtube video when he said it was current/former luxury car owners who would seriously consider this car as opposed to those who currently have an accord or a camry.

Once the new has worn off of your lexus or your BMW, you're much more likely to consider the Hyundai because you realize (my opinioin) that, even if you love the car, the badge didn't really change your life that much. If you haven't owned a luxury vehicle, the marketing gets to you and you just KNOW that driving brand x will change your life....

 

[GrandPrix08]

Though I still prefer the Bimmer's interior(that does not smell like a generic Asian import, well to me that is, though I still haven't had the chance to test out the Genesis seats inside, just looked at it from outside), and gauge layouts and designs that looks to be more sporty and European at a glance, and I prefer the round BMW badge over anything Korean or Japanese, congrats on your purchase and I wish you a long, happy miles.

Welcome aboard.

 

[njohnson]

musher congrats on the new car. When I first saw the photo of the black Genesis on another forum lowered with wheels and tint I fell in love even though I'd normally shy away from black cars. Can't wait for some good photos.

 

[Sal Collaziano]

Congratulations, Musher! So you went and did it, huh? You replaced the Bimmer.. I hope to see some reviews and comparisons very soon! And pictures, of course.

 

[gipp]

Well, a six-year love affair with a 5-speed 530i sport/premium pkg is abruptly over. I bought a black/black Tech 3.8 today. Yikes.

I've been waiting rather impatiently for my dealer/bro-in-law to track down a sapphire blue/beige Tech for a couple of weeks, but the number of cars finding their way to the midwest hinterlands is limited so far. None of this 20+ cars per dealer thang that seems to be kicking into gear in CA and other points west.

Then I told myself I'd wait 'til the V8s arrive...after all, it's only 6 - 8 weeks, and I'm a patient man, right?

Yeah right...all my arguments against a black car (essentially impossible to keep clean in snowy winters, salt stains on the carpet, etc.) fell mute as soon as I saw this damn thing!

But no complaints -- she rides like a dream, and Garcia never sounded better than he does comin' at me through those 17 well-powered speakers! Time now to wade through this seemingly incomprehensible owners manual. Viva la toys!

Congrats on a great selection! I think the black is the best color and the tech package will bring loads of enjoyment. I have to tell myself everyday - wait for the V8, wait for the V8- I understand your move.... Many happy and safe miles.

 

[musher51]

Thanks, all. As for my rationale in replacing a Bimmer with the Genesis, the decision had nothing to do with badges. I'm long past the point of trying to impress anyone with the brand of car I drive, particularly random strangers on the road. This decision is all about value, and in the final analysis, it was pretty simple. The 530i cost me $55K (and that was six years ago...more like ~$65K in present $$), and now in '08, Hyundai offers me a damn long list of features for two-thirds the money.

That said, there are things about the BMW that I'll miss. That car was clearly targeted at the sporty end of the "luxury/sports" continuum, while the Genesis is aimed at the other end. Making peace with that simply requires me to evaluate what my current requirements are, and they've changed since I ordered the Bimmer from Munich. While it'll take me a while to fully adjust (it's my first auto trans in 20+ years, and my left foot and right hand are BORED), I fully expect that I'll enjoy the Genesis for what it is...a nice ride and lotsa features for MUCH less than what the other brands are charging (the family discount helps, too, as I paid ~$3K below MSRP).

I've only had a chance to put on a few miles so far - and a short business trip looms - so I'll post comments and pictures later this week. The two 'cons' I've come up with so far (which I'll add to the appropriate thread) are <1> dim cabin lighting (hopefully I can remedy that via user controls after I've waded through the manual), and <2> chrome strips around the doors that are magnets for fingerprints. Pretty minor stuff, happily.

More to come...

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[realpix]

I bought a black/black Tech 3.8 today. Yikes.


Yeah right...all my arguments against a black car (essentially impossible to keep clean in snowy winters, salt stains on the carpet, etc.) fell mute as soon as I saw this damn thing!

But no complaints -- she rides like a dream, and Garcia never sounded better than he does comin' at me through those 17 well-powered speakers! Time now to wade through this seemingly incomprehensible owners manual. Viva la toys!

Well living in Phoenix, AZ a black on black is a no no for me.

the sound system didn't seem like a 500+ watt system to me - my Azera seemed louder!

Of course I put on the Beatles "I Saw Her Standing There" and put the bass of full to judge the quality of the sound system!

I'll most likely get one in several months - I have an Azera and this is my 3rd Hyundai.

 

[musher51]

RealPix: Interesting feedback re: the audio system. I was an active audiophile in my youth, and I still have an insanely-expensive tube amp system at the cabin (that would surely prompt my wife to divorce me if she knew how much it cost).

My recently traded-in Bimmer had the upgraded Harmon-Kardon system, and while it was pretty good, it wasn't spectacular. All car audio systems have to live with the inherent limitations of an oddly-shaped car cabin, of course.

All that said, while I haven't spent a lot of time with the 17-speaker Lexicon system yet, my first impressions are VERY positive. I've put on a few CDs that I'm very familiar with (all sonically challenging), and the Genesis system has been very impressive so far.

But I haven't heard the Azera system, either. Perhaps it's a case of diminishing returns...

 

[papadondo]

musher....I concur with your initial assessment of the Lexicon system. I've only had two brief encounters so far, but was impressed with the clarity and accuracy. I find it interesting how more high-end audio companies are diving into the mobile audio ranks (Levinson w/Lexus, B & O w/Audi and now Lexicon w/Rolls & Hyundai). I think the Genesis is a great platform to start with considering how quiet and well isolated the cabin is.

Lexicon is part of the greater Harman International family of companies (JBL, Infinity, Harman Kardon, etc.) and Hyundai has already established a relationship having Infinity systems in a lot of their cars. Do BMW & Harman have some sort of exclusivity pact together and is that why Hyundai went up to Lexicon? Whatever the case, I'm looking forward to really putting the system through it's paces down the road. Enjoy your new ride.

 

[jwaters943]

Good obersvations, but FWIW, I don't think Harman/Kardon has an exclusivity pact w/ BMW since Subaru is now coming w/ Harmon/Kardon audio systems: http://news.cnet.com/8301-10784_3-9900158-7.html

On a somewhat random sidenote, I miss Nakamichi audio sytems and wonder why they no longer are offered in any cars. They used to be offered on Lexus prior to the Mark Levinson systems I thought they sounded really good. Then again, I'm not a true audiophile.

 

[papadondo]

Wasn't sure about the H/K thing 'cuz I think they might be used in some 'Benz as well. That being said, I'm just glad they didn't go with the old industry stand-by Bose...I can't stand that stuff. (No highs, no lows; it must be Bose). Seriously over-hyped. But then again as I learned selling audio products, if it sounds good to you...that's all that matters. (I'm so glad they went Lexicon!)

 

[RichieRichLancair]

I'm just glad they didn't go with the old industry stand-by Bose...I can't stand that stuff. (No highs, no lows; it must be Bose). Seriously over-hyped.

I didn't know that Bose wasn't a premium radio. Do you know what is specifically wrong with it? Doesn't Acura use Bose?

 

[papadondo]

It's not that there is anything specifically wrong with it, I just don't like the sound of it. After having sold Bose and other products and being able to listen side by side with other products, I'm not a fan. A lot of my disdain comes from their marketing and what I learned of the low tech materials they use. They had their own listening room (didn't want their stuff in rooms with other manufacturers). Great marketing company though, I'll give them that. Earned a lot of free Bose product, sold or gave it all away. (Didn't mind selling it, great commission!) But, as I said earlier and told customers, if it sounds good to you...buy it.

 

[jwaters943]

Actually, it's not just you. Most audiophiles consider Bose overpriced junk. There is a reason most people call them "Blose".

http://www.firstadopter.com/fa/archives/001749.html

 

[BaywayRic]

If you really want to give the Lexicon a good test, and you like the Eagles, try this:

dts DIGITAL SURROUND - EAGLES -Hell Freezes Over - DVD

When the disk boots up, select DTS Sound, then the Seven Bridges Road Track.

Crank it...and be prepared to blown out of the car.

This review is from: The Eagles: Hell Freezes Over (Bonus DTS track) (DVD)
Hell Freezes Over has to be the most realistic concert sound yet available on DVD. I have the DTS encoded six-speaker surround system with a 55" Widescreen HDTV, so the video is better than what I can see or hear at just about any motion picture theatre. I have found no other DVD that can match the production quality and sound, yet. Mostly due to the DTS encoding which is noticably superior to the Dolby Digital 5.1 surround on the home theater system. Above technical quality, the Eagles themselves perform their best yet. Comparing Hotel California on this DVD with their original is like comparing an old Chevy with a Rolls. The old Chevy is a great classic, and attractive, but the Rolls has the ride and the class. Don Felder and Joe Walsh perform better than I have ever before heard them, and playing the Alverez classical guitars on the Hotel California cut is hands-down, just the best version ever. Glenn Frey and Don Henley give impressive performances, and Timothy B. Schmidt also is at his best ever on bass and vocals. I watch it again and again. There is just no comparison to the sound of the DTS DVD and the CD of this same album. I have both and the CD is always a letdown after hearing the DVD. Well worth the price, and a DVD you will listen to again and again.

 

[Coug]

If you really want to give the Lexicon a good test, and you like the Eagles, try this:

dts DIGITAL SURROUND - EAGLES -Hell Freezes Over - DVD

OK help me understand this BaywayRic. I understand that if you put in a DVD with the car in Park (or does the engine have to be off?) that the DVD video will display on the screen and you will hear the sound. You could actually watch a DVD this way, right? What happens if you then put the car in Drive and you take off? Will you continue to hear the DVD sound without seeing the video?

This Eagles DVD is actually a video DVD of a live concert, right? So to listen to it in the car, are you actually playing a video DVD, but just listenting to the sound without the picture?