I've had it for over a month now, and only have one regret.

The seats could be a little more cushy and comfortable. It is a little too firm in my opinion. Then again it might be because I sat in my friends 7 series bmw--very comfortable. Is it true they will use better leather in the 05?

 

why is that a regret. that was a 7 series and this is like a third the price?

 

Good whining... I could see how good your 04TL is... because "no rattle/squeaks".

 

I have sat in a 7 series BMW and older TL's and Lexus, the older TL's seem cushy because the suspension is softer, This TL's have a firmer suspension since they wanted to attract younger buyers(seems like its working) and same with 7 series BMW, sit in a 3 series BMW and 7 series BMW and the ride in a 3 series is not as comfortable because of the suspension, they have the exact same leather in both. Hope this helps, but as rets said, its good whining and for a change something different.

 

Good whinning... never heard that before. lol

Ya, overall the cars been great... just have to get used to it I guess. The only other problem was the sqeeky sun visor... (oh bad whinning I guess). The dealer will replace it. I figured out it's because of the small rubber piece on the top of the mirror on the visor... I think if that's a little bigger it will support it and no more noise... Either way I'll get some new one's soon.

Your right that bmw was like 80k... ok I feel better now...
One more plus - I drove my friends g35 coupe and our interior is so much better. Our navi is a lot better also.

 

I prefer stiff leather over cushy.

quick story
Sat in a friend's Z3....then came back and sat in my 6gen V6 Accord....didn't notice a difference and I only paid a fraction of the cost for a luxurious feel.

 

Was it in the shop being fixed? That's where most 745's wind up I am told within 5 months.

 

Not to turn this into a BMW bashing thread but a Partner in our firm just had BMW Corporate buy back his 2002 7-series and they paid him sticker for it as long as he would apply it towards another BMW. The thing had to have been in the shop at least 50 times since he's had it and all problems a direct result of that idiotic I-Drive system they put in that car. Supposedly they had fixed all those systems on newer models....but guess where his 2004 7-series is right now as I type? In the shop....

 

The new 5 series has a more simplified I-Drive system and extremely comfortable seating. I test drove one yesterday.

 

Stiffer seats are better. As a healthcare professional, we always recommend poeple sit in seats that provide adequate back support to prevent back pain and posture issues. Stiffer seats also makes you feel less fatigued after a long drive. The leather and foam will get softer with age but your back will thank you for choosing the TL.

dsc888

 

There is no single style of seat that will be comfortable for everyone unless it can change its shape at will. I find the TL seats very comfortable and like the slightly stiff feel of the car. I can see how someone else might prefer a Lexus-style seat. You could spend 100K on a car and find that you prefer some other, less expensive, car's seats.

BTW, I strongly prefer the ergonomics of the TL's control center to the that of the BMW iDrive. The iDrive in the 5 series is much better to the very awkward original iDrive in the 7 series. But, it's still awkward. I would much rather press a temperature button on the dash (or speak it) than go through a two-level menu system to make it cooler. However, BMW has a higher resolution display that is easier on the eyes.

 

I bet if you take a long trip that the seats would feel pretty good after a few hours. I agree with dsc888!

 

I now have no regrets... After putting in over 2000 miles, I can honestly say the seats are very comfortable. Seems like it needed a breakin in period. They are much softer now than when I first got it also.

 

I just drove 1,726 miles in a 4 day period, was in the seat for 28.5 hours, and never once got tired. The TL has the most comfortable seats of any car I've had, and I've owned 52 cars.