Coming from a 2008 535 BMW, it's very refreshing and comforting to see the lack of issues with the A7.

When a forum is mostly filled with cosmetic alterations it's a good sign.

I'm looking forward to many many good years with the dependable fun car.

I have absolutely no complaints with the car overall - engine, transmission, interior, exterior, looks handling is all superb!!!

It's a wonderful feeling spending $65K - and having no regrets...

I am a total Audi convert!

 

I'm a current BMW 2012 650i lessee and can't wait for my lease to be up so I can make the switch to Audi. I've had 5 BMW's trade assisted over the past few years and gave it one more shot with the 650i (which is my second since the first one was trade assisted with EPS issues lol). I've been smitten over the A7/S7 for a while now. Looking forward to ordering one in about 8 months! Good to hear that Audi is working better for you.

 

What has been the main disappointment with the 650i?

I compared it to the A7 and Mercedes CLS 550 and chose Audi. Had a good impression of the Bimmer, though. Audi gets you more for your money.

If you are used the the 650's V8 you may want the S7. I prefer the six though.

 

My first 2012 650i was a vert and it had issues with the little rear quarter windows not closing and also the steering. The wheels just wouldn't turn, as if they were locked. Definitely a safety issue. After the third time being in the shop for the steering, BMW agreed to get me in a new one. The one i have now, a coupe, gets all types of malfunctions. I've had the dreaded drivetrain malfunction a couple times, chassis stabilization malfunction, various driver assistance systems malfunctions, sunroof wouldn't close, a bent strut, bent 5 wheels and bubbled 12 tires (from potholes that weren't even that bad)... the list goes on. Not to mention, a lot of 2012 owners were pissed that BMW gave the 650i a 40 HP bump only a year later for the 2013 MY. In the past, I've trade assisted a 650i vert, X6 50i, X5 50i, 335i and a 330ci. I know what this looks like but believe me when I say that I baby my cars. If it were user error, not so sure BMW wouldve been so eager to trade assist them. BMW has caused me nothing but grief, however, I always gave them the benefit of the doubt. When they work though, they are great. At this point, I think it's time to throw in the towel.

And yes, I think I will be going for the V8 S7 variant. Besides its stunning appearance and performance, the S7 just meets all my requirements at this time and I'm counting the days for my BMW lease to come to an end.

 

Can you provide more details on the BMW trade assist. I have read some posts on Bimmerfest - and it appears to be an easier resolution to "lemon law" type issues.

Are you saying that you had serious lemon law type issues with 7 different BMW's - including 3, 5, X and 6 series?

 

Yes and it was 5 different BMW's. Enough of a problem for them to take the cars back. Talk about a string of bad luck. I believe you can only do a trade assist on a lease. They are more willing to take the car back because it belongs to them. Eventually, it will be their problem when it comes time to CPO it. If you purchase, they are more reluctant to take it back. Then it becomes the owners problem. In that case you have to pursue a lemon law recourse if the dealership doesn't want to help out.

Basically, I just take the car back, explained the problems and they try to fix it. If it can't be fixed, they trade assist it. Take it back and get you in a new one. I think the same rules apply as lemon laws though. 3 or more times for the same issue or 30+ consecutive days in the shop without being able to be fixed. I'm not sure of the exact stipulations so don't quote me on that.

 

The statistical probability of this would be infinitesimally small. I hope you have more luck in other areas of your life.