Hi everybody

I just thinking about to change from the BMW 7-Series (Model from 2003, the last one) to a Cadillac DTS (2006). As you know, in Europe you can't buy the DTS official, so it is very difficult to make a decision because I have not the possibility to drive the DTS and feel the car:mad2:

So my question:

What do you think to change from BMW 7-Series to Cadillac DTS?

Is it a opinion??

Thanks for your input

All the best from Switzerland

Pascal

Wow... I love the DTS, but I have to say when compared to the BMW 7 Series its a tough sell. Honestly these two cars share almost nothing in common in terms of style and driving experience.

The 7 Series obviously contains the elements that give a BMW its character... Precision, teutonic exterior and interior and rock solid resale. The BMW is by all means the drivers car, especially if you own a V8 model. IF you own a Turbodiesel or V6 Gas engine, the difference will be much less apparent as the Northstar V8 in the DTS will make up for the lack of power in the BMW.

The Cadillac is a much softer riding and more luxury tuned driving experience. It FINALLY has all the bells and whistles that were sorely missing for along time, like heated windshield wiper nozzles, Radar cruise control, heated and cooled seats, Xenon lights. You wont be longing for any features from your 7 Series because the DTS has them all now, but expect to be in for quite a different driving experience.

[quote=Playdrv4me]Wow... I love the DTS, but I have to say when compared to the BMW 7 Series its a tough sell. Honestly these two cars share almost nothing in common in terms of style and driving experience.

The 7 Series obviously contains the elements that give a BMW its character... Precision, teutonic exterior and interior and rock solid resale. The BMW is by all means the drivers car, especially if you own a V8 model. IF you own a Turbodiesel or V6 Gas engine, the difference will be much less apparent as the Northstar V8 in the DTS will make up for the lack of power in the BMW.
[\quote]


O.k. Thank's. I drive a 730d means Gas engine, I have already a lot of features on it (Xenon, Sportpackage, Digital-Sound-System and a lot more).

But just one thing, let me say the quality is not so good what a lot of people means.:mad:

And about resales, the prices in Switzerland are very down, example, if I sell it I will get about $ 48'000,-- with approx. 50'000 Miles. New I paid in 2003 $ 85'000,--:mad:

I don't about prices in US..

all the best

Hi everybody

I just thinking about to change from the BMW 7-Series (Model from 2003, the last one) to a Cadillac DTS (2006). As you know, in Europe you can't buy the DTS official, so it is very difficult to make a decision because I have not the possibility to drive the DTS and feel the car:mad2:

So my question:

What do you think to change from BMW 7-Series to Cadillac DTS?

Is it a opinion??

Thanks for your input

All the best from Switzerland

Pascal

Hi Pascal,#
I drive the 2000 DTS since oct. 2000 here in germany and all I have to say, it`s a great car. In 5 years not one problem with this car!
Only thing I don`t like is the speed-limiter at 210 kph (130 mph)

Another point, I drove the 7 series BMW too and the differences to the DTS isn`t so much as some of you think. The DTS offers much more room than the 7 does and the seats in the DTS are much more comfy.
I saw the first new DTS in aug. while was for vacation in the US and it looks good but the side look is similar to my 00 model.

I´ll trade in my DTS soon for a new STS or maybe the STS V but again, the DTS is a very good car!!!!
PS durchschnittsverbrauch liegt bei 13,2 Liter Normalbenzin.

Viele Grüße
Harry

I also have owned a 2000 DTS...LOADED, and im sorry, im a car guy, i dont desribe cars like ''oh they have a lot of room, oh the seats are comfy'' (no offense to anyone) THE DTS CANNOT BE COMPARED TO THE 7 SERIES...that sthe bottom line. I loved my DTS but I knew its limitations. The DTS is nowhere near a premium flagship like the S class, A8 or 7 Series, this is one piece of the market Cadillac needs to fill. Now if your budget is tight, go for the DTS, but man, once you ride in a 7 series...wow, absotuly gorgoues, high quaility, and smooth car. You just cant compare the two.

all i got out of that was "im very full of myself today, and a hypocrate to boot"

kthx =]

Pascal,

A couple of thoughts come to mind:
1. You'll probably save money on gas because the Caddy takes lower octane gas than BMWs, but
2. Measure the size of the DTS against the size of your 7-series, and then think about where you need to go and park regularly. European parking spots are way smaller than North American ones and the Caddy is a huge car compared to most European cars.

Pascal,
A couple of thoughts come to mind:
1. You'll probably save money on gas because the Caddy takes lower octane gas than BMWs, but
2. Measure the size of the DTS against the size of your 7-series, and then think about where you need to go and park regularly. European parking spots are way smaller than North American ones and the Caddy is a huge car compared to most European cars.
http://www.internetautoguide.com/reviews/45-int/luxury-cars/cadillac/dts/2006/
The Cadillac DTS is a big car. With an overall length of more than 207 inches, it's a foot longer and 2 inches wider than the nearest-sized Cadillac. The DTS is 9 inches longer than a BMW 7 Series and almost 4 inches longer than a Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedan. ['06 DTS]

The 7-series is more powerfull than the DTS, but it looks ugly (very fat). I prefer the DTS for its design. It's better inside and outside.

The 7-series is more powerfull than the DTS, but it looks ugly (very fat). I prefer the DTS for its design. It's better inside and outside.

Hi Rauf, you are right and the ride in the DTS is much smoother than of the bimmer. I have a two friends driving the 7s and both likes my DTS alot and not only the look of it, also the way it drives.

Harry

Well, he owns a '77 Eldo, so I don't think the DTS being a big car will bother him:thumbsup:. Personally, I'd save money and just get a Buick Lucerne with the N*. It has everything the DTS has, but better styling:thumbsup: not MUCH better, but still better...

Pwe65, I want your Eldorado!

I dont think Buick is available in Switzerland, is it?

Okay, go for the 7 if you can! I have driven many a 7 including the my previous 7. IF your bargain shpping and can get the lexus ls430 go with that.

Watch out for tranny problems on the Lexus.

Hi Everybody

nice to see what a lot of different views between Caddy and BMW.:rolleyes:

Don't worry, I'am very happy with the BMW, but in Switzerland the Cadillac is more exclusiver then the BMW (a lot of people are driving BMW, not so Cadillac:bouncy: ).

The Buick Lucerne you can't buy in Switzerland and just for Info the DTS is not available in Switerland too, I have to import by my self..(In Europe you can only have: BLS (in future, but that is NOT a Cadillac, it's more a SAAB:mad: :thepan: ), CTS, STS and Escalade. You have to import direct from US (is not distributed by GM in Europe: CTS-V, STS-V, DTS.


Point of view qualitiy: I had a lot of problems with my BMW (7er), examples: Navigation, Parking Distance Control, Closing System for Trunk, Leather was going bad after 3 months and more, more , more :mad: :mad: so don't talk about better qualitity on German Cars!!

I have no problems about parking, I'am working in Zurich with good parking conditions and at home, you know other cars and no any problems:duck:

Finally let me say, I will NEVER SALE THE ELDO, Sorry :bouncy: :bouncy:

You can buy my BMW 7er it is with Diesel-Engine.....:rolleyes:


All the best from Switzerland and have fun....


Pascal

Hi Everybody

nice to see what a lot of different views between Caddy and BMW.:rolleyes:

Don't worry, I'am very happy with the BMW, but in Switzerland the Cadillac is more exclusiver then the BMW (a lot of people are driving BMW, not so Cadillac:bouncy: ).

The Buick Lucerne you can't buy in Switzerland and just for Info the DTS is not available in Switerland too, I have to import by my self..(In Europe you can only have: BLS (in future, but that is NOT a Cadillac, it's more a SAAB:mad: :thepan: ), CTS, STS and Escalade. You have to import direct from US (is not distributed by GM in Europe: CTS-V, STS-V, DTS.


Point of view qualitiy: I had a lot of problems with my BMW (7er), examples: Navigation, Parking Distance Control, Closing System for Trunk, Leather was going bad after 3 months and more, more , more :mad: :mad: so don't talk about better qualitity on German Cars!!

I have no problems about parking, I'am working in Zurich with good parking conditions and at home, you know other cars and no any problems:duck:

Finally let me say, I will NEVER SALE THE ELDO, Sorry :bouncy: :bouncy:

You can buy my BMW 7er it is with Diesel-Engine.....:rolleyes:


All the best from Switzerland and have fun....


Pascal

Hi Pascal, grüsse nach Zuerich

Yes, most americans think Germans built the best quality cars in the world - but it`s not true. I had in the 70s big problems with a Merc 450 SE and that was after my Opel Diplomat`s I drove ( they had the 327 Vette engines in it) since this Merc. I only drove US cars and never had any big problems with them, or almost NO problems.
You can get the CTS V, but very limited over Cadillac-Europe (export model) and the STS V and XLR V will also be available in mid 2006.

Have a nice weekend and if you like the DTS just GET IT, it`s a great car.

Harry

Hi Pascal, grüsse nach Zuerich

Yes, most americans think Germans built the best quality cars in the world - but it`s not true. I had in the 70s big problems with a Merc 450 SE and that was after my Opel Diplomat`s I drove ( they had the 327 Vette engines in it) since this Merc. I only drove US cars and never had any big problems with them, or almost NO problems.
You can get the CTS V, but very limited over Cadillac-Europe (export model) and the STS V and XLR V will also be available in mid 2006.

Have a nice weekend and if you like the DTS just GET IT, it`s a great car.

Harry

I have said it before. I dont think I have ever endorsed German cars based on reliability. German cars are more about the driving experience than 100 percent troublefree ownership. Alot of owners of German cars (to an extent of course, theres always the exception), happily deal with some of their niggling issues because the cars are such a joy to drive otherwise. I like German cars because of their build quality and attention to detail, and because they feel like precision driving instruments.

Pascal,

A couple of thoughts come to mind:
1. You'll probably save money on gas because the Caddy takes lower octane gas than BMWs, but
2. Measure the size of the DTS against the size of your 7-series, and then think about where you need to go and park regularly. European parking spots are way smaller than North American ones and the Caddy is a huge car compared to most European cars.

I would go for the A8, better quality and service/warranty. Plus it looks much better interior especially!

Good Morning everybody

Yesterday I had the possibility to drive with the all new Mercedes S Class

Point of view Design very special :rolleyes:

But point of view driving experience let me say GREAT CAR:bouncy: :cool2:

So know I'am little confiused Cadillac DTS, BMW 7er or the all brand new Mercedes S:rolleyes: :helpless: :hmm: :hmm: :hmm:

Have good time

Pascal

lets not forget the new DTS actually has chrome all around it. I thought the new "art and science" designs got rid of chrome from the factory but not in the DTS, its more of a pre-2000 deville with a the new styling attached. Chrome at the trunk, chrome at the doors, chrome along the grill at front bumper. Finally it has Cadillac flare again. My only complaint with the new cars is that they look to much like any other car except with angles, to much monotone. If only the offered a chrome package for the STS. With that said they are certainly getting better and better.

lets not forget the new DTS actually has chrome all around it. I thought the new "art and science" designs got rid of chrome from the factory but not in the DTS, its more of a pre-2000 deville with a the new styling attached. Chrome at the trunk, chrome at the doors, chrome along the grill at front bumper. Finally it has Cadillac flare again. My only complaint with the new cars is that they look to much like any other car except with angles, to much monotone. If only the offered a chrome package for the STS. With that said they are certainly getting better and better.

Eww... no chrome on the STS please. That car even with its high luxury status is designed to be the "sporty" Cadillac at the high end. I think Chrome draped all over it would just look strange. The DTS is the one that should carry the chrome, now and in the future

Eww... no chrome on the STS please. That car even with its high luxury status is designed to be the "sporty" Cadillac at the high end. I think Chrome draped all over it would just look strange. The DTS is the one that should carry the chrome, now and in the future
I don't mean they should have alot of chrome, just some. Like a thin strip along the doors. Just something on it to break up all the plane color along the sides. Now I have to admit an all black on black STS or CTS looks really good with just the front grill. Like a sleeper car. There are degress of chrome, and I would have to agree the same treatment as DTS on a STS wouldn't look good.

my girls aunt and uncle have a 7 series they say its been in the shop many times for problems they say that they really like it but to much of a hassle to keep takin it back they are thinkin bout gettin the 635 dropper

but to me i like the 7 series a lot but thats to much money for a car id rather have a fully loaded 06 DTS

Wouldn't the 7 series compare better with the STS ..??

STS goes H2H with 5 Series.



Cadilalc needs to make an FTS (Fleetwood Touring Sedan) and i want some damn fins! they need a enw flagship


As for the DTS... I enjoy the 300HP on my 2000, the ride is very supple but i can hit highway ramps at 50 MPH on a heavily banked curve. The new DTS drives excellent, i drove the Luxury 3 pakeage, and even though it was 275HP it still was very responsive, but in the luxury pakages, speed isnt your concer. When you have a really comforatbale car, in my opinion, whats the rush?



Go for the DTS. the FWD will probably benefit you mroe anyway

i wont drive in anything that doesnt have air ride suspension or RSS.......and by god, if Im paying close to 90 grand for metal, it beter have that....but nope, BMW doesnt. I for one don't see what the big deal is with bimmers and mercades....just a "foreign" somethin or other that costs more, so it is a status symbol. Kind of like paying $600 for denim jeans...its fkn rediculous.... but thats just my 2 cents

yea i agree with that

The DTS is substantially better than the DeVille in most every way. One exception might be rear seat room. I don't find the rear seat in the new car very spacious.

Someone recommended getting an Audi for better reliability. Huh?

The DTS is substantially better than the DeVille in most every way. One exception might be rear seat room. I don't find the rear seat in the new car very spacious.

Someone recommended getting an Audi for better reliability. Huh?
Hi mkaresh,
I don`t understand what you are meaning by rear seat room?
It is the same as the DeVille has. The changes on the car was the front and the rear, the sidelines are the same as my 2000 DTS.
Harry

Aside from the A8, you just can't beat the DTS for performance in the snow.

My old STS will go almost anywhere my Discovery will go on the street, as long as the snow isn't up to the bumper!

All the computer stuff works great on these cars, ABS, traction control etc.

That being said, it's a completely different car from a 7 Series. It's very good, but very different.

My STS which is similar to the DTS, refuses to die, get's great gas milage, and has terrific power, even after 120K miles. It's not a 7 Series, but it is a great car.

CG
99STS 122K

Hi mkaresh,
I don`t understand what you are meaning by rear seat room?
It is the same as the DeVille has. The changes on the car was the front and the rear, the sidelines are the same as my 2000 DTS.
Harry

They changed more than you think they did.

Just to be sure I hadn't imagined the DeVille's rear seat having more legroom, I checked the stats:

2006 DTS: 42.0 inches (and it doesn't feel like that much)
2005 DeVille: 43.2 inches

Front legroom is up 0.1 inches with the DTS, so that's not where it went.

I think a kneeroom stat would have changed by even more.

Rear shoulder room and rear hiproom are also each down by an inch.

The car's silhouette might be unchanged, but I think they've fitted different seats inside and/or made other changes that have reduced interior room. If there were room for the rear passengers' feet beneath the front seats it would help a lot.

The Olds Aurora, Pontiac Bonneville, and Buick Lucerne also have less spacious rear seats than their exterior size suggests. With the partial exception of the DeVille, this platform doesn't have the best packaging. Previous GM large sedans had roomier rear seats.

Cadillac DTS kicks back BMW 7 . As for Mercedes W140 is the most durable Mercedes considering some transmission related problems with W 220 .
Especially CLS Series is awful when it comes to transmission with 7 frwd
You wouldn't be felt kicking off yourself yet you would be so happy if you pick up Cadillac DTS
Just my two cents and hope you will be happy with your choice

They changed more than you think they did.

Just to be sure I hadn't imagined the DeVille's rear seat having more legroom, I checked the stats:

2006 DTS: 42.0 inches (and it doesn't feel like that much)
2005 DeVille: 43.2 inches

Front legroom is up 0.1 inches with the DTS, so that's not where it went.

I think a kneeroom stat would have changed by even more.

Rear shoulder room and rear hiproom are also each down by an inch.

The car's silhouette might be unchanged, but I think they've fitted different seats inside and/or made other changes that have reduced interior room. If there were room for the rear passengers' feet beneath the front seats it would help a lot.

The Olds Aurora, Pontiac Bonneville, and Buick Lucerne also have less spacious rear seats than their exterior size suggests. With the partial exception of the DeVille, this platform doesn't have the best packaging. Previous GM large sedans had roomier rear seats.

When I was at the auto show they had the front seats all the way back and I found there decent room. I must say it still is pretty big inside even it is slightly less, I think it really has to do with how the front seat is arranged.

Well,

It's clear that the DTS is not intended/marketed to go head to head with the 7 series. The price difference alone is enough to prove the point. That said, I would buy the 06 DTS over a 7 series any day. I'm with Jonny5 on this one, $90k+ is just to much to pay for a car [read: status symbol], unless it is something ultra special or rare. Besides which, my fiscal sensibility will not allow me to spend that on a car, even if I had the money.

The 7 series, despite it's hefty price tag is still a mass-produced/marketed vehicle, like the DTS. Granted, there are fewer of them around in total than the DTS but in that stratospheric price range, I'd want something with real exclusivity, such as a Bentley or the like.

Aside from that, I like the look and feel of the DTS and it's predecessors. The 7's, like all BMW's, are too rigid and cold, they have no personality or style. Yes I am biased, and feel no shame in saying so. My personal preference is for large, [relatively] soft riding luxury cars. I don't care about the much vaunted superior handling of the bimmer.

Why not? Well, I am not driving around Pikes Peak doing 60 MPH in a light mist. I drive a 13 mile, boring strech of interstate that is not always well maintained to and from work every day. I want a car that isolates me and doesn't shellshock the hell out of me on the way there.

Cadillac's deliver the kind of drive that I find tolerable - isolated, quiet, and fairly soft but not so much that handling is compromised. I should point out that I do not enjoy driving. Driving sucks. There are too many pot holes, inconsiderate/unsafe drivers, accidents, traffic jams and other hazards for it to ever be enjoyable. At least I can tune out some of the surrounding aggravation in my Deville.

So, my vote goes to the DTS. Another thing to note, is that BMW's are commonplace throughout most of Europe. DTS's are not, thus the DTS will give a European driver the kind of [perceived] status and exclusivity that people in the US seem to think they get from BMW's and Mercedes.

Being a cynical SOB, I look at most BMW and Mercedes and think to myself "Uh huh, another yuppie realtor/financial planner/lawyer/stock broker/etc. who thinks the car gives them status, when it just shows a total lack of originality or independant thought, because 95% of people like them are driving the same thing, thus proving that they are just another conformist drone."

Looks to me like the Borg are here, and resistance is, in fact, futile.

Kevin