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I loved the Aero, especially the value considering the amazing power and handling. Didn't care for the torque steer and manual tranny feel, but lived with them. Overall a wonderful car that I miss.
6 months ago got a new 530i (wanted one of the last nice E39's as my wife and I hate the look of the new one). The 530 is obviously a more refined & sophisticated car, with far better handling and feel.
Having said that, the BMW is far from perfect, and I preferred many things on the Aero. Most importantly - BMW's prices are ridiculous, especially considering the very strong competition in recent years such as G35, TL, etc. I enjoy the 530, but can't help feeling that it's too expensive - I could buy a new Acura TL for 11k less than I paid (I know FWD doesn't compare). The new E60 5 series has gone up in price by about 5k for a similar car to mine, making it totally uncompetitive on price.
After driving the revised Aero w/the improved suspension at the GM proving ground event last summer, I came away with even more respect for the Aero compared to the 530.
I will be considering a used '03 or newed Aero wagon in a few years (love the ventilated seats) as the value is incredible.
Other negatives of the 530: outside mirrors way too small for a suppossed drivers car - miss the Aero's huge mirrors w/wide-angle view.
No folding rear seat (couldn't find one in stock w/this option and the others I wanted).
Manual shift throws way too long for a sport sedan. Also, clutch take-up is impossible to drive smoothly launching in first. Even after removing the "clutch delay valve" that BMW puts on (which should never be there in the first place), the car is still way too hard to drive smoothly. From a stop the car lurches and the engine surges. This aspect of the car has been very disappointing overall, and of course no reviews mentions this.
(I have driven stick all my life with many different cars, so the problem is not me).
The stock stereo is terrible! Upgrade is $1200 and impossible to find on dealer stock cars.
Based on message boards etc, the long-term quality/reliability will be not that great, and I expect worse than a 9-5.
I have driven BMW's whole line every year for the last several years at their Susan Komen Breast Cancer Ultimate Drive events, so I feel I have a good sense of their cars.
I had a '99 Audi A4 1.8 that drove great and offered far better value than a comparable 3 series.
Bottom line: BMW's drive very nicely, but they are overrated in most other areas such as value, luxury features, reliability, interior quality, etc.
The Aero represents amazing value, especially used. It offers unbelievable power (similar torque to my Boxster S, but much lower on the tach), great handling, great seats and interior, great looks, and is less common.
posted by 138.88.208...
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