OK - everyone be nice, now!

[CenTexan]

I realize I open myself up to scathing comments, but I'm sincerely looking for good advice here.

I'm stuck/immobolized in my decision process. . .probably because I have researched too much, too long.

I've owned BMWs for the last 24 years. But the Genesis is causing me serious grief over which vehicle to buy. The 2011 528i is gorgeous, but has some things I really don't like (run-flat tires, for one). And for about $11k less, I can get a beautiful Genesis 3.8.

Any former Bimmer-owners out there that have "jumped ship" to the Genesis? Was it a hard process? Do you ever regret the decision?

Thanks, folks. And remember - go easy on me, ok??

 

[dg_moore]

I realize I open myself up to scathing comments, but I'm sincerely looking for good advice here.

I'm stuck/immobolized in my decision process. . .probably because I have researched too much, too long.

I've owned BMWs for the last 24 years. But the Genesis is causing me serious grief over which vehicle to buy. The 2011 528i is gorgeous, but has some things I really don't like (run-flat tires, for one). And for about $11k less, I can get a beautiful Genesis 3.8.

Any former Bimmer-owners out there that have "jumped ship" to the Genesis? Was it a hard process? Do you ever regret the decision?

Thanks, folks. And remember - go easy on me, ok??

I only owned one BMW, quite a few years ago, and I still remember it as the worst car I ever owned. I don't remember what I paid for it new, but it seemed like repairs and maintenance in the ensuing years doubled that price. I never owned a less reliable car either before or after. My two cents FWIW: go for it! You won't be sorry. And for once you'll have a car that is worth what you paid for it! .

 

[esulto]

Below is my response to a previous thread when I first got my 2010 Genesis 3.8. I have now had it for 10 months and still love every bit of it.

The 2007 335i, that I had was a twin turbo....I can honestly say I had no problems with the car at all....I really enjoyed the car....the car had everything except nav....I wanted to go into another bmw,but the 2010 335i with nav, would brought my payment up to $621.00 per month....My son had suggested to test drive the genesis....so just to please him....I did....I never expected the car to be as good as It was....(going from a bmw to a hyundai) ????......I've had bmw's since 1989...and very pleased with every one...totally a different type of car.....So here I am in a hyundai(genesis)....Only had It for a few days has a very simular feel as the bmw and also the quality......So my payment is a $100.00 less per month....and I'm sure I'll enjoy as much as the bmw.....(maybe more with all the new toys)

 

[homeofstone]

I have a 2.8 Z3 and we traded a 2004 acura tsx for the 4.6 genesis. We have never looked back. We also drove two 2009 535's and after driving the 4.6 on several test drives well.. wwe got a 2011 genesis.

 

[silverado]

i also traded my 2007 335i coupe for the genesis and have no regrets. i now realize that at 64 i am more of a luxury car guy than a sports car guy. the genesis is a pleasure to own and i like everything about it.

 

[Cut-Throat]

I realize I open myself up to scathing comments, but I'm sincerely looking for good advice here.

I'm stuck/immobolized in my decision process. . .probably because I have researched too much, too long.

I've owned BMWs for the last 24 years. But the Genesis is causing me serious grief over which vehicle to buy. The 2011 528i is gorgeous, but has some things I really don't like (run-flat tires, for one). And for about $11k less, I can get a beautiful Genesis 3.8.

Any former Bimmer-owners out there that have "jumped ship" to the Genesis? Was it a hard process? Do you ever regret the decision?

Thanks, folks. And remember - go easy on me, ok??

Well, the run flat tires would be the least of your problems with the BMW - I had run flats on my Lexus GS350 and replaced them the day I bought the car. No big deal at all.

You should be looking at the 4.6 Genesis -

I think the Genesis will be a better, more reliable car. Except for those that write for Car and Driver Magazine.

 

[homeofstone]

Yep, get the 2011 4.6. Not only do you get a v8 but larger brakes, larger wheels, tech pkg is std on 2011, and it comes with the ZF 6 speed transmission hooked up to the
385 hp 4.6 V8. 0-60 in 5.3 sec.

 

[iqjumpuw]

I was looking at 2009 BMW 528i vs. the 2011 Genesis Sedan. BMW had more luxurious features and it was actually cheaper.

Things I didn't like about the BMW:
-Everyone drives one. It's so common.
-Didn't like the interior at all. The red console/dash design. You either love it or hate it but I didn't like it.
-Don't know about the 535i but it definitely lacked power.
-The value of the car had depreciated so much. 2008 models were even worse.
-In dash menu controls were terrible. Even the salesman couldn't navigate it that well.
-Optional extended warranty was ridiculously expensive.

Things I liked about the BMW:
-There's a button for folding side mirrors
-The unique shift knob. I loved it.
-It's a bimmer

I ended up going with the Genesis 3.8 with Technology package. I got a brand new car with more power and features, not to mention a much better warranty.

It's a tough choice. BMWs are amazing cars and you get that brand name recognition. I made my decision after test driving the genesis.

 

[Trackman]

I currently have an '06 330i and am seriously considering a Genesis (my lease is up in 6 mos.). The BMW has been great - three oil changes and an armrest replaced (purely cosmetic issue) - that's it. As one said above, I am getting older and more into luxury mode than pure sport but want to keep some driving feel. The BMW avgs 23 - 24 mpg in mostly mixed driving (it hits 34 easy on the freeway). The sport seats are great for short trips but are far less fun when you get past about 45 mins. (too hard). Plus, a new BMW would cost far more to get the same eqpt (335) or else I would have to step down to the 328. I really liked the Genesis 3.8 I test drove (esp the seat!). Allso, as noted above, the Genny stands out as unique whereas California is just saturated with BMW 5s and Mercedes E's (and Infiniti G's).

I also drove an A4 (good but nothing really grabbed me) and a LaCrosse (nice but the A pillar visibility issue is a problem). The Genny is easily better based on my short drives.

 

[daviderle]

Hi CenTexan, another point to consider is the current resale value, a friend has a fully loaded 530i that he bought his 18 months before I got mine, granted his has few more miles as well, however his BMW lost 70% of its value while mine lost less than 25% in two years (Nov 2) and that was a cash offer made by a major used car dealer prior to me sending a check to HMFC (with a smile ) to payoff my lease...
I also agree with others that you should at least consider the 4.6, personaly I liked the 3.8 but love the 4.6.. Good luck...

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[PSL]

If you do buy a Genesis, you should test drive both the 3.8 V-6 and the 4.6 V-8 before you make your decision. I own a V-8 with the ZF transmission and the tech package, and am currently driving a V-6 loaner Genesis while my map update software is being installed, and to me there is a lot of difference in the way they handle. In short, I'm glad I spent the extra and got the V-8 tech package.

 

[msitter]

I have both and I can tell you that the BMW has frequent visits to the dealer for little repairs. The only big problem has been the radiator failure. Several trips have been for check engine lights and little trim items that have had the finish peel off or have themselves fallen off the car. Electronic glove compartment lock failure took 2 trips to fix. The service department has never been less than pleasant and the car is returned cleaned and vacuumed so I cannot complain about the treatment. All this from the non turbo 3 series which Consumer Reports claim is the most reliable BMW model. I was seriously looking at a 550i but my wife's 328i convertible convinced me otherwise. Even though the BMW service is superb I have little tolerance for repeated visits. My Genesis 4.6 has been rock solid with zero problems and the loaded 4.6 Tech listed for $10k less than the smaller less powerful BMW. I am for sure very pleased.

 

[mjsmith3]

Haven't owned a BMW myself but my friend's 2yr old 335xi has been in the shop multiple times. Warranty covered most of it but what a hassle

 

[robthoke]

BMW has great advertising and has established itself as the best driver's car. In fact when BMW's start coming to this country my Dad bought one. I dubbed it as a mechanic's dream and an owner's nightmare. It was always in the shop for something. That was in 1968, so it wasn't loaded with the computers and electronics we have today. Somewhere down the line BMW decided to compete with Mercedes for luxury and you know the rest of the story. When you buy BMW you buy for that name and everything that comes with it. Some are good experiences and many are bad. Look at the service bays for any brand and you will probably find loaded service bays. I've been told that Subaru's and Hyundai's typically don't break down. My local dealer's service bay is never full and the mechanics tell me that the Genesis (in their experience) don't have problems. We all know they are not perfect cars and do end up in the shop for things, but not at the frequency that German cars do. To get a BMW with the size and horsepower of the Genesis 4.6, you will pay thousands of dollars more. And if you are not on a track, the BMW's handling superiority is not apparent. Do yourself a favor - drive a Genesis 4.6. See if the dealer will let you keep it overnight so you can get a decent feel of the car. I'm betting you will end with the Genesis. It is the better car unless you really have to have that BMW logo and higher car payments.

 

[STREETS]

Had a BMW 530 before going with the 2009 3.6 Tech. After almost 2 years & 28K miles I haven't missed the bimmer one moment. People talk about BMW status but I get far more compliments from the Genesis than I ever did with my BMW- it is more rare.

As for the 2011 5 series- I think it looks very bland on the outside. I do however like the new 7 series, but heck, I like any $70+ car!

 

[dg_moore]

...The only big problem has been the radiator failure...

You mean they still haven't fixed that? I had a 528i that - among countless other problems - had a constant severe overheating problem from day 1. I lost count of the number of times the car was in the shop for that, and BMW refused to replace the car. Finally, after 3 or 4 years of aggravation (I couldn't sell or trade the car because it had no value, and I couldn't afford to replace it otherwise), a mechanic discovered that the radiator was defective when he flushed it and found that it would hold less than half of the required amount of coolant. It was too late by then, however: after all that time there had been damage to the camshaft, and bearings, cylinder head, and who knows what else. I got $200 for it at the junkyard. .

 

[CanukV6]

I have been fortunate to drive a range of sports & luxury cars over the last 20 years, some new, some pre-owned, from Lexus (LS400) Audi (A6 Avant) BMW (525it & 528it) Mercedes-Benz (S-Class) and others. My friends are very surprised when I tell them that my Genesis is the best car I have ever owned, period. I really enjoyed driving the BMW's and as a drivers car I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them, but the servicing costs are a killer. BMW definitely stands for Bring Money With-you!

 

[brthan550]

I treaded a 528 in favor of the Genesis. I still own a 550 sport. The Genesis does not have the BMW ride, however, most everything else is superior,even to the 550. Interior is much nicer, larger. 16 way seats in 550 are great likely the worst thing about the Genesis. Genesis is faster off the line than the 550 brakes seem quite good. Superior sound system. Tires will wear twice as long.

 

[jailer]

What is cool about Hyundai is that the Genesis Sedan is the FIRST EFFORT. Imagine if they created an slightly smaller version with all the right components, and actually created equal handling dynamics to the 5 or 3 series. They would really have something.

 

[ImInPA]

I was looking at 2009 BMW 528i vs. the 2011 Genesis Sedan. BMW had more luxurious features and it was actually cheaper.

Things I didn't like about the BMW:
-Everyone drives one. It's so common.
-Didn't like the interior at all. The red console/dash design. You either love it or hate it but I didn't like it.
-Don't know about the 535i but it definitely lacked power.
-The value of the car had depreciated so much. 2008 models were even worse.
-In dash menu controls were terrible. Even the salesman couldn't navigate it that well.
-Optional extended warranty was ridiculously expensive.

Things I liked about the BMW:
-There's a button for folding side mirrors
-The unique shift knob. I loved it.
-It's a bimmer

I ended up going with the Genesis 3.8 with Technology package. I got a brand new car with more power and features, not to mention a much better warranty.

It's a tough choice. BMWs are amazing cars and you get that brand name recognition. I made my decision after test driving the genesis.

The base price of a BMW 528i is: Starting at $44,550 MSRP
3.0 liter, 6-cylinder engine
240 horsepower
Rear-wheel drive
32 mpg hwy*

Not sure how this is cheaper than the 4.6 Genny.