535i test drive - BMW builds a Benz. Sigh.

[adc]

Originally Posted by kmarei

Welcome to the new BMW
You're thinking of the BMW of "the ultimate driving machine" era
The new ones are "joy"
how gay

lol

Edit: Do you still have the M?

[sensi09]

The e46 M3 and e60 complemented each other well. The e46 was quite a rough ride, but jumping in the e60, it was much more comfortable yet still sporty.

With the e90 M3, I think you have the best of both worlds. Much faster of course, but just as comfy as my old 545 IMO.

[kmarei]

Originally Posted by adc

lol

Edit: Do you still have the M?

no and yes

i sold the red one
i have a 2012 Le Mans one now
still E92

[erio]

Originally Posted by adc

Just got my car back from service where the loaner was a 2011 535i (N55 engine).

What can I say, the car is very luxurious, the interior is executed absolutely perfectly for an executive car. Superb ergonomics, amazing materials and fit&finish, excellent ride on runflats, car was reasonably quick and the average mpg was over 20. Oh yeah, and it looks absolutely gorgeous to my eyes.

So why didn't I like it one bit?

I drove the previous generation cars (535i and 528i, both stock non-sport) and they drove like a BMW should, I wasn't expecting much and was extremely impressed. A more mature driving experience for sure, but still imbued with that iron-fist-in-velvet sense of control that the best BMW's posses. Didn't like the design but thought to myself I could absolutely live with it because the driving experience was so good. I entertained the idea of getting one for my wife (still do).

All that is gone in the new car. Treacle steering with no self-centering and zero feedback, floaty suspension (so it can ride well on those stupid runflats), a marked disconnect between front and rear suspension movements, heavy heavy chassis that takes awhile to settle and all crowned with an automatic gearbox with a silly selector. Did I mention it has a *big* footprint?

Oh yeah - forget all the hoopla about the 8 speed being as responsive as a manual, if you believe that might as well give my best regards to the Easter Bunny. But automatic transmission rant aside, my overall impression was of a beautifully executed, solidly engineered barge of a car, without any soul or character. A Benz in other words. Go drive one if you don't believe me...

RIP, 5 series.

+1. I totally agree with you. I test drove a 535i with the sport package soon after it first came out. It was heavy and the electronic assisted steering felt numb. Although it's a very luxurious and beautiful car, in terms of driving enjoyment, I prefer the e60 535i. I really felt like they were trying too hard to appeal to Lexus and MB crowd. I also drove the 550i afterwards. It felt unbalanced and nose heavy, esp in the corners. To me it was an obvious business move by BMW. Of course, this is just my personal opinion. To give them credit, I read somewhere that they are working on fine tuning the electronic steering. Based on reviews, the new 3 series has pretty much sorted out the kinks. However, it is of note that they used the hydraulic assist in the f10 m5 for a reason.

[adc]

Originally Posted by CAPSGOD

I think it's a result of going after sales figures.. there are far more people who hate driving than enjoy it. This isolating trend is almost industry-wide now. Even a run-of-the-mill '95 Civic used to come with double wishbone suspension and a tossable platform (that is, if it's not riced out).
Look at the involvement of the average car 10 or 20 years ago compared to now.

Agreed on all points, but it's a little irksome when Audi makes a better driver's car in that segment, don't you think?

I mean BMW was able to provide both the well sorted ride and sporty demeanor. Not anymore? Well at least in the 5 series, by all recent reviews the new 3 is excellent.

Point is, absolutely no F10 5 series for me or my family.

[brava09]

Wasn't it pulling to the right when you drove it?

I know there's an issue with the F10 pulling to the right and wondering if they solved it. I test drove one F10 550i and was pulling quite hard to the right if you let go the steering.

[adc]

Originally Posted by brava09

Wasn't it pulling to the right when you drove it?

I know there's an issue with the F10 pulling to the right and wondering if they solved it. I test drove one F10 550i and was pulling quite hard to the right if you let go the steering.

No, this one didn't. Come to think about it, steering was so dead that I probably wouldn't have noticed anyway...

[IMG]

Crazy to think BMWs are becoming so soft and unathletic that Audi and Merc are coming close (i.e. M3) or even bettering BMW (i.e 5 series) in segments. I would have never thought the A6 would be the best driving mid size car in the luxury segment.