One less marauder

[RAUDER]

I'm sad to say my marauder was totaled about three weeks ago.
Not my fault.....someone used my back end for their brakes.
What a shame.....this also happened the day before my anniversary.

Obviously getting a second Marauder is a no brainer. I loved this car since the day I drove it home. We all know of the few imperfections but I was very satisfied with it. Not to mention the $$$$ savings I can now save.

Here is where I need some help. I test drove a 2000 BMW 540I Sport and it just blew my mind. All around perfect car.

Yes, I know imports are not the favorites on this site, but give me your honest opinion, especially those who have owned one.

Thanks
Rauder

[JamesHecker]

I've never driven a new BMW. Unfortunately, I suspect that if I did that I would forsake American made. Fact is though, the Marauder is a lot of car for a lot less than anything BMW has that could compare.

Buy American:D

[JamesHecker]

Sorry, I forgot to add my condolences for the accident. I certainly hope that no one was hurt!

[Jeff]

Your inner child says: "Get the Marauder, you know you should." :D

[TAF]

RAUDER,

Sorry to hear of the total, glad to assume you are O.K. and no one was hurt.

IMO, the 5 Series BMW that has been produced from the late '90s on, is one of the finest 4-door sedans available. I think you would not be making a bad decision with a decent '00 model. And, as a bonus (maybe) BMW is about to introduce a controversial redesign, that some say the diehard enthusiast are not too enthused with. Could make late model body styles even more desireable. A penny here, a penny there.

[bchapman]

Rauder, I'm sorry you lost your beautiful car. I too hope you and everyone involved was ok. Good thing you had that safe Panther platform!! The 540 also has good standard safety features. After all, arriving alive is at least as important as arriving in style!

Good luck in whichever car you choose.

[RoyLPita]

Rauder,
Sorry to hear about your MM. Good to hear that you are OK, though. Keep this in mind- Maintenance and parts prices for the Beemer are pretty high.

[sailsmen]

The 5 series is an awsome dirver's car. But beware I have had several friedns that have owned the BWM V8 and have had to replace the block every25k-40k miles.

2 of them now own 525's because they got tired of replacing the blocks. It is my understanding BMW fixed the block problem but I beleive it was after the 2000 model year.

I beleive the problem had to do with the cylinders in the aluminum block being silicone impregnated vs using a liner.

IMHO you need to do some research on this.

[BigMerc]

Ok to help you decide, 2 things to consider. How many people do you know have said, "ooo look a bmw!!" and how many say "ooo a marauder!!" (or what is that?) the second is you're known a "Rauder" do you really want to be called "Beemer"?

[MAD-3R]

Beemer might not like that. :lol:

[rumble]

RAUDER, sorry about the fate of your MM. Thank heavens no one was hurt.
You pose a very interesting question of comparing the MM with a BMW or any thing else for that matter. I chose the MM over all other cars regardless of price because of it' s very unique qualities that are just simply not found in any other car. All cars are a compromise of price, size, luxury, performance, looks, handling, comfort, economy, reliability and "soul". Naturally many cars can beat the MM on some of these things but when you add them all up together none comes close.

[prchrman]

Sorry about the car and glad you are ok...but don't even ask about a BMW...read their history...

[Zack]

Where is the Car???????????????
I want the extra parts and engine!!!! How do I get a hold of the car???????????????? Send me a PM immediately!!

[rct]

Sorry about your wreck, I hope all involved are ok and that you still had a good anniversary.

Don't know about the EuroHooptie, bein from South Jersey, I ain't never rode onea them. Lot's of them here in this lot where I work, people that own them swear by them. But as this place demonstrates, people swear by FoMoCo also.

Tough decision, but a personal one, you'll have to go drive them and work it out.

Good luck with it. Sorry again about the wreck, that is a shame.

[TAF]

Originally posted by Zack
Where is the Car???????????????
I want the extra parts and engine!!!! How do I get a hold of the car???????????????? Send me a PM immediately!!

Since he was rear-ended...my guess is it's parked outside of "Dewey, Cheatem & Howe, Attorneys at Law"J/K:lol:

For you Marty ^^^

[tomd]

Sorry to here about your Marauder.

2000 BMW - 5-SERIES Summary

Summary based on 32 reviews Average Rating
Overall 9.69
Vehicle Styling 9.22
Braking 9.3
Handling 9.69
Fuel Economy 6.88
Interior Comfort 8.83
Acceleration 9.06
Dependability 9.45
Fit and Finish 9.53
Transmission 8.98
Ride 9.77

Rating Scale: 1= worst 10= best

[TAF]

WOW!^^^

Guess the BMW owners actually filled out their surveys...

Can't complain about those numbers.

[prchrman]

Originally posted by TAF
Since he was rear-ended...my guess is it's parked outside of "Dewey, Cheatem & Howe, Attorneys at Law"J/K:lol:

For you Marty ^^^

TAF...I see you are also a connoiseur of classic high art film entertainment...that moved your snob score up by at least 5 points...yuk yuk yuk....

[Bigdogjim]

RAUDER: By now we assume you are OK? Very sorry to learn of your accident. You walk away and that a major +. As far as BMW I have spent time in the 7 series. Friends of mine own them and have for some time. the Marauder hold up very well except in the speed department. Fit and finish is second to none IMHO. I prefered to bye new.
Maraduer are at fire sale prices.

[engine23ccvfd]

Rauder where the wreck happen at? Dont think I would get another 03 MM but would prefer to have waited for an 04 so some of the bugs can be worked out.....Beemers are nice under warranty

[jgc61sr2002]

Rauder - Sorry about the unfortunate accident. Apparantly there were no injuries a testament to the strength of the panther platform. Go immeadiately to your LM dealer and purchase another Marauder. P.S. you get another leather jacket.:D

[Dr Caleb]

Sorry to hear about your MM. I hope it died well, protecting you and any other occupants of the car.

I have never driven in a BMW, so I can't comment. But in researching cars before buying my MM, I did learn that the 735's computer system was so flaky it should have been produced by Microsoft - oh wait! - it was! (Who would trust a safety system to Microsoft??? Have they been living in a cave?)

Anyhow, just MHO, from the sounds of your accident; if it was severe enough to total a vehicle as big and strong as the Marauder, would the occupants of a 5 series have survived it?

I buy Panther vehicles for safety. Your accident has only firmed my resolve to keep buying Panter chassis vehicles.

Plus - you could buy a RED one!!! :rasta:

[WolfeBros]

Sorry for the loss of your car and hope there was no injuries.
My .02c on the BMW vs Marauder.
The BMW 540 series is a great car and will be produced in some form or model number for years to come. I doubt you would be disappointed. However........the bang for the buck factor for a true american muscle car.......that will not be around for you to buy in years to come (at least new anyway) should guide your decision. It is apples and oranges. What kind of car do you really prefer ????? Good luck. Let us know which way you go.

[RAUDER]

Thanks for all of your concerns. No severe injuries.
However my driver seat back broke, and the fullsize spare tire helped stop some of the impact.

Thanks again
Rauder

[Hemlock]

MY PAL JUST SOLD HIS BMW 540 . MAINTAINACE VERY HIGH, BRAKE JOB $2,000 ETC. LABOR RATE IN BMW SHOP $120 PER HOUR. G00D LUCK.

[Hemlock]

YOU MIGHT ADD THE BIG 18" SUPERFLOW MUFFLERS . LEAVE THE TIPS IN PLACE , WILL HAVE A NICE QUITE SOUND, AND REDUCED BACK PRESSURE . CHEERS!!!

[BigMerc]

Hey can you tell us where it is at? I would be intertested in the engine to make a hi-po, sleeved, forged engine to be put in when I blow the ass end out of the one in there now, give us numbers i'll call the Insurance or you whoever needs to be contacted

[martyo]

I'd be interested in some parts too....

[Merc-O-matic]

Love that "Full Sized Spare Tire"....wish I had one!... And
for the same reasons you needed one. Hang tough!

[RCSignals]

RAUDER Glad to hear you are OK. Sounds like it was some impact. How fast was the other car traveling? How did the gas tank fair?

As for a replacement, as nice as a BMW is, I'd go for the Marauder. The way things have worked out, the Marauder is a more unique vehicle as well

[amerikan]

my father has a 745Li... he drove both the marauder and that... he likes the marauder way more... but he needs the 745Li for business... you know.Ive also driven the 745Li...yeah it has all those extra luxury ammenities... but the marauder is way more fun... with a lot more potential. As for the 540i... ive also driven that car... for the money the marauder is way nicer... even not for the money...if you need prestige... id say the 540.. but the marauder is a real car. also theyre changing the body next year so expect to loose a lotta money... when bimmers change bodystyle.. u can say goodbye to your investment.. just my 2 cents.

[bnvus]

Rauder,

Sorry to hear about your MM.

On the BMW side, it is a tough call. I owned an older M5 in Germany when I was stationed there. THAT IS AN AWESOME RIDE! Plus you drive the car at speeds it was designed for. Does 0-60 in 4.7 secs and the 1/4 wizs by at a blistering 13.2 secs. Not bad.

One thing to remember though if you go the European way is the repair and parts costs. Parts and service are double that of what American prices are. TIFWIW

[Marauderman]

Rauder--Sorry to just now get the news--takes time cross reading so much on this board--anyway--glad your okay--WOW--two in one week--man! our MM's are holding up in protecting us ok but they sure are getting the worst of it--hope you can find another --keep us posted...Tom