[scorped]

So the other day, I attended the event, thinking it would be all about the 4 series. I didn't realize they would have coupes from the competition to drive back to back; it was basically like the yearly Ultimate Drive event, except the focus was on the 4.

Anyway, I got to drive each variant of the 435 (GC, coupe and hardtop), and a c350 coupe and the S5. I had yet to drive any of these so it was good to finally get some alone time behind the wheel, even if it was only 10-15 minutes.

I was all but sure I would end up with a 435 sometime this summer, but after driving them back to back, Im now torn between the 4 and the S5. I had very low expectations for the S since Ive never really been impressed by Audi, but man, this car is MUCH nicer than I realized. The c350, however....well, lets just say I couldnt wait to park it and wouldnt consider it even if it was half the price....

Anybody else attend the event yet? If it hasnt passed your city yet, check it out; free food, free test drives, and $1000 allowance towards purchase...win, win, win. Now, if I could just decide between the 4 and the Audi....

[ThaiBruin]

I signed up for one in LA in September. I'm sure it's going to be dealer-dependent, but did they push you to buy a car? Or did they just let you drive everything without trying to get you to leave with a 4 series right then and there.

[scorped]

Originally Posted by ThaiBruin

I signed up for one in LA in September. I'm sure it's going to be dealer-dependent, but did they push you to buy a car? Or did they just let you drive everything without trying to get you to leave with a 4 series right then and there.

Not at all. This is put on by 3rd party people, so you dont even talk to client advisors unless you want to drive something that isnt set aside to drive (like the GC). I jokingly asked them if I could drive a M4, and she said sure, but she would have to go find a CA for me to get the keys.
I didnt drive it though, just listened to the engine and explored the interior...

[nop]

Oh cool, now I'm looking forward to this. I just signed up for the allowance, but I'd really like to drive those cars back to back. I didn't realize they'd be doing that.

[scorped]

Originally Posted by nop

Oh cool, now I'm looking forward to this. I just signed up for the allowance, but I'd really like to drive those cars back to back. I didn't realize they'd be doing that.

Yeah it was a nice surprise. It was good to drive them back to back, to show closely matched the 435 and the S5 are....and how they both outclass the c350.

[DZ153]

Does the $1000 allowance only apply to the dealership in which you attended the event? Or can the credit be used at any dealership?

[ThaiBruin]

Did they have the actual 2015 C-Class? That would be a more fair comparison I think.

[G30 B58]

Originally Posted by DZ153

Does the $1000 allowance only apply to the dealership in which you attended the event? Or can the credit be used at any dealership?

Any dealer but not ED.

[DZ153]

Originally Posted by F32 N55

Any dealer but not ED.

Thanks. I assume I can bring a friend right?

[scorped]

Originally Posted by DZ153

Thanks. I assume I can bring a friend right?

Of course. They will just have to register, either online or once you arrive, if they plan to drive. Then you can drive til you drop; I drove about six cars, some multiple times. This event really isnt huge this time around so plenty of available slots, at least on the day I went.

[scorped]

Originally Posted by ThaiBruin

Did they have the actual 2015 C-Class? That would be a more fair comparison I think.

Nope, 2014 coupe. I think the new c coupe is probably a few years.

[drob23]

Wow very surprised they had an S5 to compare with. That car is incredible, sounds like you have some tough choices ahead, especially if you aren't looking to lease. Agreed with someone else that the Merc C class coupe is very dated, the new sedan is coming very soon...not sure about the coupe though, might be at least another year.

The new S5 (B9) won't be out for a while, at least 3 years IMO. The 2013 S5 represented a dramatic change, since it go LCI exterior upgrades, but also got the B8 S4 powertrain: 3.0 SC, sports diff and DCT option. The 2012 S5 was the 4.2 NA V8 with slushbox auto and no sports diff.

[Hound Passer]

Originally Posted by Turbotx

So the other day, I attended the event, thinking it would be all about the 4 series. I didn't realize they would have coupes from the competition to drive back to back; it was basically like the yearly Ultimate Drive event, except the focus was on the 4.

You make is fairly clear, but I can be dense so... just for clarification this is the event held nationwide at local dealers not the larger one held at a few regional tracks, right?

Just want to be 100% sure because I'm tempted to do the one at the dealers but only if CAs leave me alone. I have a CA I like and use when I'm ready so just want to be able to get a real feel for the car w/o the test drive pressures. Thanks for your report.

[shivaswrath]

Originally Posted by drob23

Wow very surprised they had an S5 to compare with. That car is incredible, sounds like you have some tough choices ahead, especially if you aren't looking to lease. Agreed with someone else that the Merc C class coupe is very dated, the new sedan is coming very soon...not sure about the coupe though, might be at least another year.

The new S5 (B9) won't be out for a while, at least 3 years IMO. The 2013 S5 represented a dramatic change, since it go LCI exterior upgrades, but also got the B8 S4 powertrain: 3.0 SC, sports diff and DCT option. The 2012 S5 was the 4.2 NA V8 with slushbox auto and no sports diff.

Yeah, that is surprising - good competition, and I guess a properly spec'ed 435i with LSD+PPK should be compete well with it.

[rjpeaks]

the B8 S5 with 4.2 was available with the manual.

[rjpeaks]

the B8 S5 with 4.2 was available with the auto.

[scorped]

Originally Posted by Hound Passer

You make is fairly clear, but I can be dense so... just for clarification this is the event held nationwide at local dealers not the larger one held at a few regional tracks, right?

Just want to be 100% sure because I'm tempted to do the one at the dealers but only if CAs leave me alone. I have a CA I like and use when I'm ready so just want to be able to get a real feel for the car w/o the test drive pressures. Thanks for your report.

Correct, its an event thats currently going from city to city, like Ultimate Drive. Check bmwusa.com under the sales & programs tab for a schedule. And yes, you get to go by yourself, so long as you pick one of the provided vehicles. If you want to drive something like a Gran coupe, an advisor will have to pull it up for you and will likely tag along.

[scorped]

Originally Posted by drob23

Wow very surprised they had an S5 to compare with. That car is incredible, sounds like you have some tough choices ahead, especially if you aren't looking to lease. Agreed with someone else that the Merc C class coupe is very dated, the new sedan is coming very soon...not sure about the coupe though, might be at least another year.

The new S5 (B9) won't be out for a while, at least 3 years IMO. The 2013 S5 represented a dramatic change, since it go LCI exterior upgrades, but also got the B8 S4 powertrain: 3.0 SC, sports diff and DCT option. The 2012 S5 was the 4.2 NA V8 with slushbox auto and no sports diff.

Incredible indeed. I had no idea it was that nice. I truly tried to abuse it on one particular stretch of road (downhill, rough road, a few sweeping curves) but the car was unflappable; that same stretch upset both the 4 and c350 though. The v6 felt a little soft off the line but when it wakes up it feels evert bit as strong as the 435 with m-pak I drove right before it.

Decisions, decisions....

[Salaman]

Yeah, just signed-up for this event, should be very informative, the opportunity to drive comparable vehicles back to back, helps to eliminate confusion such as all options available, performance and that good, old-fashioned gut feeling, it Always works for me when driving any new stuff.

[purephase]

Are you able to apply the $1000 credit towards any new vehicle or just those they are showcasing? We're interested in the 3-series diesel wagon though I would love to drive the 4 series just to try it. Realistically though we won't be purchasing a 4. Just want to know if the credit is available on something other than a 4.

Thanks in advance,

Kevin

[donsbabybeamer]

Any vehicle except an X5