With Scott hogging all the seat time in the Hyundai Genesis I was forced into the BMW 750i recently. But I'm used to compromising my lifestyle when circumstances require it, so hold off on any cards or letters of concern.
Some (including Scott) have commented on the 750 feeling less sublime than its pricetag would suggest. And while no tire pressure warning lights have appeared in the gauge cluster I took it upon myself to check air levels on a cool morning before setting off. Truth be told, I'm a bit of stickler for tire pressure, and pretty much assume its off until I've checked it myself.
Surprise-surprise, every tire was low by 2-3 pounds (factory calls for 32 psi). This isn't enough to set off any warning lights, but it can impact everything from ride quality to steering feel (especially if your PSI-OCD, like me).
I actually thought the car felt great before adjusting the tire pressure, but I feel better knowing they're spot on now. About the only thing that annoys me on the 7 is the need to constantly upgrade its throttle setting to "Sport" every time I start it. And the variable steering often has me "over-turning" at low speeds as the steering ratio ramps up.
Otherwise I love this car. But I'm taking the Genesis this weekend, so maybe I'll agree with Mr. Oldham by Monday.
Karl Brauer, Edmunds.com Editor in Chief @ 9,764 miles
dougtheeng says:
11:03 AM, 06/ 5/09
Shame that on such an expensive vehicle you can't get an in-dash tire pressure reader like you can on a 25k pontiac.
joefrompa says:
11:41 AM, 06/ 5/09
I thought the same thing. Maybe Karl didn't know how to load that information? I'm shocked that the car doesn't give exact pressures on the display screen.
editor_karl says:
11:54 AM, 06/ 5/09
I'm sure that info is buried somewhere in the dark recesses of the iDrive interface. But I've got an accurate gauge in my man-purse and by the time I get in, sit down, fire up and scroll to find tire pressure readings my energy to get back out, find the air pump and start in on filling the tires is greatly dimished.
Remember, they have to be checked cold to make sure you get an accurate reading. I'd just assume get the pressure in order without even unlocking the car (as I did with the 750i on this day).
stingray454 says:
12:48 PM, 06/ 5/09
"By dougtheeng on June 5, 2009 11:03 AM
Shame that on such an expensive vehicle you can't get an in-dash tire pressure reader like you can on a 25k pontiac."
I agree. Most GM vehicles give you the exact tire pressure reading for each of the tires right on the dash display.
Once again, BMW for some reason thinks less driver information is better. Shameful for a company that prides itself on it's aeronautical history.
joefrompa says:
01:24 PM, 06/ 5/09
Stingray - Did you miss Editor_Karl's comment that he probably just didn't dive into iDrive to find that info? I assume in your rush to impugn, you overlooked the fact that Karl didn't even search for the car to have the capability.
Joe
jeffal says:
02:56 PM, 06/ 5/09
No, what's shameful is how the richest country in the world created a global recession.
Stupid Americans.
redliner says:
03:29 PM, 06/ 5/09
'No, what's shameful is how the richest country in the world created a global recession.'
What the heck does that have to do with tire pressure??
Anyways, iDrive does in fact have a tire pressure display.
cwc1 says:
09:29 PM, 06/ 5/09
Yes, this doesn't have anything to do with tire pressure. But the amount of America bashing lately is just tragic. This country provides more freedom and quality of life for its citizens than any other country in the world. When people can be left unfettered to pursue their own interests and become the best at it, instead of being constrained by meddling governments; that is when America is at its best. And too many seem to not even understand that. Instead, they've been indoctrinated into this 'America is guilty for every evil in the world' mentality.
Are we perfect? Of course not - no individual or country is. But we have the best opportunity for success here than anywhere else, or we used to before the new socialist government started destroying more of the private sector.
I'm tired of hearing how this country sucks from people too spoiled and economically ignorant to understand the importance of preserving the very principles that made this country relatively prosperous for 200 years, particularly when compared to so many other places in the world where there is genuine suffering.
That is all. So, how about that tire pressure?