The Spies get the REAL scoop on public reaction to the 2004 BMW 5-series

email: Robert.wolf@era.com

1. Will it be accepted? Based on our surveys around the country the answer is a resounding yes. The buzz is much different (positive) on this car than it was with the 7-series.
   
   
2. Will it sell? Another yes here…dealers tell us the demand is higher for the five than any BMW in a long time.  High rollers are using their corporate BMW contacts to get them cars as we speak…the bad news is BMWUSA is so backed up with orders, even the rollers aren’t getting cars…Even when they’re going right to Purves! And, if you think you’re going to get a good discount on this car for the first six months or so, you’re dreaming…there is a huge waiting list for the car.
   
   
3. What do the Spies think of it now that they’ve seen it in person- When we first started talking about the five we told you we would reserve our opinion until we saw it in person…Although were not 100% sold on the back end, the car is much more attractive and interesting in person. We love the interior, much more so than the Seven. And there’s one other minor detail we should mention…it’s the best driving car on earth! If you thought the old five was good, test drive one of these babies to find out for yourself! NOTHING drives like a BMW. In our opinion, this car was not designed for BMW traditionalists...it was designed for a new and larger audience that might normally defect to an asian brand.
   
   
4. Did BMW blow it? Obviously not, but before we give it a A+ rating, let us warn you that early owners of the car are experiencing electrical problems (non-starting for no apparent reason, etc.). Let’s hope it's just the first few off the line and this problem is not predominant throughout the entire first run…

email chad: chawkins@southbaybmw.com