[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by makkan00

Thanks for the prompt response.
What is the difference b/w active suspension option and EDC (electronic damper control)?
There are two different cars with literally similar specs but one of them had EDC.

EDC is an active suspension known as VDC in the F10/F11. There is the higher specification of Adaptive Drive (not available in the 520d) which is VDC and ARS, (variable damping control and active roll stabilisation). I'm running AD in my 535i along with SAT (sport automatic transmission) so have the full works.

Throttle response changes quite dramatically between Normal and Sport, that may be more noticeable in something like the 535i than a 520d. Suspension modes show up more if roads are not too smooth, my typical roads are pretty variable so the different modes, driving the same stretches of road have a completely different feel.

HighlandPete

[makkan00]

Originally Posted by CraigUK

I've got an LCI 520D and there is a marked difference between comfort and sport modes. It's no rocket ship but when talking everything into account I'm amazed at the performance and economy for such a big car.

Craig
Good to hear some positive feedback on 520d. On 3 series forums 2 litre engine is always trashed.

Also good to see some familiar names here which is assuring.


Lastly, some cars have switch next to gear shifter for comfort, normal and sport (sport plus). Other cars do not have it despite of auto transmission. Looking at VO specs of those cars, there is no difference.

So those cars who do not have this switch, can you alter the mode from idrive to sport?

Thanks.

[makkan00]

Originally Posted by HighlandPete

EDC is an active suspension known as VDC in the F10/F11. There is the higher specification of Adaptive Drive (not available in the 520d) which is VDC and ARS, (variable damping control and active roll stabilisation). I'm running AD in my 535i along with SAT (sport automatic transmission) so have the full works.

Throttle response changes quite dramatically between Normal and Sport, that may be more noticeable in something like the 535i than a 520d. Suspension modes show up more if roads are not too smooth, my typical roads are pretty variable so the different modes, driving the same stretches of road have a completely different feel.

HighlandPete

Yup 335i will show massive difference pete. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[xenon]

Sam. After LCI, the "sports" 8-sp AT was dropped on the 520d (but you could get it before LCI). After LCI it's the "regular" 8-sp AT (paddles optional) and in my experience the sport button (you don't get sport+ unless you have sport AT) makes sod-all difference.

If you're getting a pre-LCI model then the sports AT is the one to go for.

The reason why the 20d has a lukewarm reception on the 3 forums is because it's a noisy bastard but it's suitably muted in the F10.

It's a big car though, I've had two and I'm quite enjoying chucking the 3 series round again.

[gspannu]

Originally Posted by makkan00

Craig
Good to hear some positive feedback on 520d. On 3 series forums 2 litre engine is always trashed.

Also good to see some familiar names here which is assuring.


Lastly, some cars have switch next to gear shifter for comfort, normal and sport (sport plus). Other cars do not have it despite of auto transmission. Looking at VO specs of those cars, there is no difference.

So those cars who do not have this switch, can you alter the mode from idrive to sport?

Thanks.

The 5 series (F10) has always had the switch next to the gear shifter. Only some modes have been changed post LCI (Comfort used to be Normal), and you can get additional modes (Comfort+) if you choose VDC or AD - but all F10s should have this switch.

I am pretty sure that this is the case, but happy to stand corrected.

[xenon]

No my first (2011) F10, manual, did not have the "drive mode" switch at all.

[makkan00]

Originally Posted by xenon

Sam. After LCI, the "sports" 8-sp AT was dropped on the 520d (but you could get it before LCI). After LCI it's the "regular" 8-sp AT (paddles optional) and in my experience the sport button (you don't get sport+ unless you have sport AT) makes sod-all difference.

If you're getting a pre-LCI model then the sports AT is the one to go for.

The reason why the 20d has a lukewarm reception on the 3 forums is because it's a noisy bastard but it's suitably muted in the F10.

It's a big car though, I've had two and I'm quite enjoying chucking the 3 series round again.

Thanks mate. Really helpful and I will be try to get sports 8-sp AT.

Originally Posted by gspannu

The 5 series (F10) has always had the switch next to the gear shifter. Only some modes have been changed post LCI (Comfort used to be Normal), and you can get additional modes (Comfort+) if you choose VDC or AD - but all F10s should have this switch.

I am pretty sure that this is the case, but happy to stand corrected.

Unfortunately, that is not correct. I am looking to buy 8 speed AT 520d. Most of them do not have comfort / normal / sport and sport plus switch next to AT gear stick. I am looking at 2010-2011 520d which are pre-LCI F10.

Thanks.

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by xenon

No my first (2011) F10, manual, did not have the "drive mode" switch at all.

As you say, not all cars had DDC fitted.

When the F10 was launched the modes feature DDC (Drive Dynamic Control) only came with selected options, 2TB, 2VA, 223 and 2VH. (Sport Auto Transmission, Adaptive Drive, Variable Damping Control and Integral Active Steering).

It all changed when Eco-Pro was introduced and the name changed to DPC (Drive Performance Control) then all models had a version of it.

HighlandPete

[Pottsy]

On my 535d it's given the rather sickly name "Drive Experience Switch". Even when going to buy the groceries now you have to have a "retail experience".

[remmib]

Originally Posted by HighlandPete

As you say, not all cars had DDC fitted.

When the F10 was launched the modes feature DDC (Drive Dynamic Control) only came with selected options, 2TB, 2VA, 223 and 2VH. (Sport Auto Transmission, Adaptive Drive, Variable Damping Control and Integral Active Steering).

It all changed when Eco-Pro was introduced and the name changed to DPC (Drive Performance Control) then all models had a version of it.

HighlandPete

Yes, and I might add that they changed that from the 2012 model.

[makkan00]

Thanks guys.
Just put my deposit down for 2011 520d.
Any suggestions re; modifications?

[CraigUK]

What did you go for Makkan, SE or MSport? The only thing I've done to mine so far is updated to 2015 maps. Fancy coding EBT and some other things but need to do some research first.

[makkan00]

Originally Posted by CraigUK

What did you go for Makkan, SE or MSport? The only thing I've done to mine so far is updated to 2015 maps. Fancy coding EBT and some other things but need to do some research first.

My ignorance, what is EBT?

I've gone for SE with

2011 520d F10
Sports AT with sports steering wheel
Professional nav
Combox with 6FL (usb) / 6NF (music interface) / Internet / Bmw online
Electrical glass roof
Through loading system (was must)
Seat heating
Steering wheel heater
Piano black trim

It may not have as much toys as you guys have but a good start IMHO.

I am planning;
M sport conversion / M5 replica (later may not happen)
Eibach pro springs
Wheels to 19s/ 20s perhaps sticking with OEM Bmw
Xenon conversion?
Potentially NBT retrofit (I had it in my E91)
TV kit if I stick to CIC
6WA odometer retrofit
Reverse Camera retrofit


Well, that is my wish list. We'll see how it goes

[xenon]

EBT = Enhanced Bluetooth (6NS) - you'll have that anyway.

[CraigUK]

Nice spec Makkan, wish I had the pro Nav. Rather than eibach springs have a look over on the f30 forum, they ask rate the ACS springs highly.

[makkan00]

Originally Posted by xenon

EBT = Enhanced Bluetooth (6NS) - you'll have that anyway.

Thats just coding if you have nbt.

[makkan00]

Originally Posted by CraigUK

Nice spec Makkan, wish I had the pro Nav. Rather than eibach springs have a look over on the f30 forum, they ask rate the ACS springs highly.

Thanks Craig.
Will have a look mate.

[xenon]

Originally Posted by makkan00

Thats just coding if you have nbt.

Yes it is and I did it on my F31 yesterday. However, on a pre-LCI F10 with Pro-Media it will already be active on CIC.

[makkan00]

Originally Posted by xenon

Yes it is and I did it on my F31 yesterday. However, on a pre-LCI F10 with Pro-Media it will already be active on CIC.

Correct.
On CIC + Combox, it is activated by default. But BT streaming does not give you album art.

On NBT, it gives you album art with BT streaming as well.


Since, I am having F10 with combox, I will not be able to play videos from usb which I was able to do in my E91 on my last NBT.

On a positive note, I can retrofit TV module in F10.


Do you mind me asking how much difference is there in pre-LCI and LCI F10?

Thanks.

[xenon]

Well you have NBT, obviously, standard xenons (but adaptive and adaptive LEDs optional), Sports Auto dropped, not much else.

B47 engine on later 520d.

[makkan00]

Originally Posted by xenon

Well you have NBT, obviously, standard xenons (but adaptive and adaptive LEDs optional), Sports Auto dropped, not much else.

B47 engine on later 520d.

Thanks.

I wonder why have they dropped Sports Auto?