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      04-14-2010, 03:51 PM   #39
HighlandPete
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Drives: BMW F11 535i Touring
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Scotland, Highland Region

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I've test driven two F10s 'back to back' and have to say the Autocar comments, so far, are making some sense. The standard car on 18" wheels is flawed. Based on the first test drive I wouldn't be ordering an F11 touring, as the run-flat tyres have too much influence on the steering and vibration back to the steering wheel, broken surfaces make the car fight for line and spoil the composure. Some weird sensations come back through the car on some surfaces. Cause a numbness and vague feel to the steering.

The second car had Dynamic Drive and was on 19" wheels, the car was much more composed even on the normal setting, steering more meaty and when switched to sport, the car was even more composed and settled. On poor or broken surfaces and twisty roads, the car was so much better than the standard car. No strange feedback or vagueness in the steering, even on normal setting.

The next test car will have the whole Adaptive Drive package, as I need the car to drive with more poise on poor road surfaces, but sporty when on some decent roads. So very interested to see how VDC works with the active roll bars.

To me, the run-flat shod wheels are still the issue here, and I'm to be convinced which size will work better on these cars, 18" don't work, IMO, the frequencies they generate, feed back in conflict with the suspension. Same as in the 3-series cars.

I'm surprised the 19" wheels work better than 18". The dealer has tried 20" wheels and they completely spoil the ride, I'm informed.


HighlandPete
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