Hey guys (and gals?) -
A newbie here. Just discovered your forum today...its solid. You guys have a really nice community going here.
I'm really pondering an '04 LS and wanted to get the thoughts of those of you who have many miles behind the wheel. As for history, I came from a 2001 BMW 740iL, sport package, etc. I really liked the car, but late last year, it started having some of the typical BMW issues (electrical problem, radiator, etc) so I got rid of it while it still had its CPO warranty. Great car, and i still miss it.
I went for an '07 BMW 550i, with sport package and manual transmission. Its a great car, and a real rocket, but hoenstly, I am missing having a full size sedan, like a 7 series or an LS. I've had an ES300 before and thought it was amazingly reliable.
So, with only 5 months and 7000 miles on the 550i, why would I sell it? I suppose that for the money ($64k), I was expecting to LOVE LOVE LOVE the car, and while I think its a great car, I dont adore it. That, and I miss a full size sedan more than I thought I would. At the time, I thought going from a 7 series to a 5 series would be fun & sporty - which it is - but I miss the luxury ride. I spend a lot of time on the interstate for work, and I miss a cruisemobile.
So, with that being said, if you will indulge me for a few questions, I would appreciate it.
1. Am I right that between '04 and '06, there are minimal changes? Thus, getting an '04 isnt missing out on anything profound?
2. I drove an LS once, with a salesman, so I didnt really get to play with it much, but as far as handling goes, is it "responsive" enough? I sort of recall it being super luxusious - kind of like a large marshmallow. I realize it wont be as "performance oriented" as the BMW cars, but does it handle well enough on curvy roads not to feel like my grandfather's car?
3. The "Sport Suspension" option - does it really change the handling? The Sweet '04 that I found doesnt have it - and I cant really find one nearby that does. Just wondering if its something I should really look hard to find.
4. Is Mark Levinson stereo everything they say.....as in, amazing?
Any other thoughts to ponder and share in my search?
I looked back through many pages of posts so as not to repeat anything previously posted, so forgive me if I am asking the regular newbie questions.
Many thanks...
- lawguy aka Pete
