Quote:
Originally Posted by BimmerGuyFL
Well they basically blasted the new 535i for the too light steering and numb on center feel when driving the car. These are the same thought when I test drove the 535i & 550i twice. They also stated that the new platform is too heavy since it's based from the 7-series platform. A lot is blamed from switching the steering system to an Electric power assist which doesn't give too much feed back.
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Having just test driven a 535i, I would have to agree with these comments.
The car feels very large and heavy compared to my 335d, although the actual difference in weight is only about 100 kgs or 220 lbs.
The car that I drove was equipped with Sport Package and Executive Package (no active steering). The steering felt direct but very numb on centre and very uncommunicative compared to my 335d.
Being completely unfamiliar with the auto transmission shifter in the 5, it took me about a minute to figure out how to get the car from Park into Drive and to locate the Parking Brake release switch. Once underway, I immediately noticed the rather small side mirrors, much smaller than the ones on my 335d. Rearward vision is also compromised in the new 5er.
The engine seemed very docile and muffled compared to my 335d engine; maybe it was the big difference in torque or maybe it was just me. The 5 rides very well, although there were muted thumping sounds coming from either the suspension or the tires as I drove over uneven and broken pavement.
I found it difficult to get just the right seating position and kept trying to find a way to adjust the headrest angle which slopes too far forward for me. The only adjustment seems to be for height.
When I first got into this car, I had high expectations. But after returning to the wheel of my 335d, I felt much better about my current ride. In comparison to the 535i, the d feels so much more alive and responsive, and much more fun to drive. The 535i offers more comfortable seats, more space and a smoother ride. However, the very numb steering and the subdued response from the engine left me disappointed.
In terms of styling, the new 5 is definitely a good looking machine (in lighter colours), but it does look very large compared to a 3 Series.
The interior is well executed design-wise, but in all black, it feels very confining, especially in the back seat.
For me at least, the 5 does not meet my expectations.
