BWM Ultimate Drive event report

MBrown1003 · 06-10-2010, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kripsykreme

After reading all the forum on the new 5. Its quiet interesting to see comment are so divergent.

It left me wonder the following.

Driver who praised F10 capability, how many of them went through generation of 5 or multiple BMW?

It appears that driver who slams F10 are either M owners, or owns multiple BMW in the past.

I really think F10 is really living off the name that previous 5 earned. Anyway, just a thought.

If I get an F10 (which is my current plan), it will be my fifth Five Series. (See signature.) I had one E34, three E39s, but I just couldn't bring myself to get an E60, hence the E92 335i and the E90 M3. But I'm pretty sure I'm going back to the Fiver with the F10...probably a 550i.

kripsykreme · 06-11-2010, 01:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MBrown1003

If I get an F10 (which is my current plan), it will be my fifth Five Series. (See signature.) I had one E34, three E39s, but I just couldn't bring myself to get an E60, hence the E92 335i and the E90 M3. But I'm pretty sure I'm going back to the Fiver with the F10...probably a 550i.

Good luck with F10. Because it will not be anything like E34 or E39. F10 is too mainstream.

I had E34, two E39, one E60. I will get F10 M5 which will be my 5th 5 as well. I just don't like base F10. Just does not drive like a 5 should

kripsykreme · 06-11-2010, 01:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robin Hood

I came from a 6MT E90 M3, had a E46 M3 before , a 330i E90, and a 335i. This is my 8th BMW in a row...

And I praise my 535i.

No 5 right.

I am from 525i E34, 530i E39, M5 E39, M5 E60. None 5, E46 M3, E90 335i, E93 M3 (technically wife's), E82 135i. While i had other cars as well, i haven't not had a BMW in garage since 2001.

I will stand by my comment. Every change on the 5 from E39 and onward has not been favorable in my opinion. Just does not handle well nor fun anymore.

Robin_NL · 06-11-2010, 07:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kripsykreme

No 5 right.

I am from 525i E34, 530i E39, M5 E39, M5 E60. None 5, E46 M3, E90 335i, E93 M3 (technically wife's), E82 135i. While i had other cars as well, i haven't not had a BMW in garage since 2001.

I will stand by my comment. Every change on the 5 from E39 and onward has not been favorable in my opinion. Just does not handle well nor fun anymore.

The 5er is somewat like a boat, but so is a E60. But I still drive it hard through the bends.
I 've driven/tracked more BMW's than you can imagine.

15 years ago I was a BMW salesperson. So there you are, and tell me something I don't know.Thank you.
The E34 was the most sporty 5er ever. By far.Especially the 3.8 M5. Excellent.

Cheers
Robin

SCtud · 06-11-2010, 09:01 AM

Drove the 550 as well. The HUD is awesome!

I thought the screen tilt angle seemed a bit odd as it is not adjustable and tilted rather high in my opinion (or maybe I'm just too short), but it is an impressively large screen. Not sure I like the console it sits in though with the odd looking side panels to the left and right of it.

The beastly engine is pretty quiet, but the turbo whine is definitely audible (not my cup of tea but maybe I'd change my mind once I see my gas lower gas bills).

There are far too many freaking buttons now and I think the technology has taking over the car a bit. Parking your car in reverse now seems like a video game with the mass amount of cameras that detect cars on your left, right, behind you, and paint the lines for you which is completely amazing. I referenced it against the Audi A6 which was completely unfair since it was not the quattro and used the smaller engine.

Anybody know what the "Auto H" button does?

Robin_NL · 06-11-2010, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCtud

Anybody know what the "Auto H" button does?

You push that button when you're standing in front of a trafficlight/jam whatever and the car holds a standstill in D(rive)without having to keep your foot on the brakepedal. Push the accellerator and you start to move forward again.

Very smooth thingy.

tony20009 · 06-11-2010, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vertigo//SD

I, too, drove the 550i yesterday at a driving event. Nice car overall, but I didn't care for the floaty feeling. Maybe it's because I'm currently in a Z4 M Coupe and previously E46 M3 coupe...

I noticed the floaty feeling as well. I'll need to spend more time in it to really gauge how I feel about it...no twisties where I was able to try out the F10.

Alchem · 06-11-2010, 05:24 PM

Just drove the 550i and 535i. 550i was ridiculously fast and quiet. The 535i was quick to but just doesn't throw you back into your seat you could also hear the engine a lot more.

I think the most important thing I got from the test drive is that Drive Dynamic Package is a must it is like getting 4 cars in one!

ibimmer954 · 06-11-2010, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tony20009

I noticed the floaty feeling as well. I'll need to spend more time in it to really gauge how I feel about it...no twisties where I was able to try out the F10.

I agree, just driving down the road it feels floaty. But once you hit some curves, the car really sticks. Much more than you think it should. And with IAS you get quick response on the steering wheel. (Some think too-quick).

kripsykreme · 06-11-2010, 11:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robin Hood

The 5er is somewat like a boat, but so is a E60. But I still drive it hard through the bends.
I 've driven/tracked more BMW's than you can imagine.

15 years ago I was a BMW salesperson. So there you are, and tell me something I don't know.Thank you.
The E34 was the most sporty 5er ever. By far.Especially the 3.8 M5. Excellent.

Cheers
Robin

Aren't we a little touchy today.

5er is boaty compare to lighter three. But I really didn't think it would become a barge. F10 felt like a barge.

Drive it hard through bend, so what, F10 felt like a barge. Yes there is minimize body roll, but it's slow to move and I don't like floating on water. I was at fault comparing none M to base F10.

I just don't find current F10 dynamic impresses me.

delvek · 06-12-2010, 04:05 AM

I have to say krispykreme that your overall assessment while valid because its your personal impression is by far in the minority of the minority.

The F10 whether its your type of machine or not is still an impressive evolution and like many things in life will yield both joy and MORE joy.

Around town especially where you live, the 535 and 550's from what i am told should be much more responsive and performance oriented then the M series. I have never driven an M series but have been told by many that it is geared for a track and on the streets its like having a greyhound in a kennel, awkward.

As for me, I have 1 week from the moment until I get delivery of my 550 here in Germany and I cant wait! Reading these posts have been both good and bad, its like watching people eat steak at a great steakhouse. Makes you hungrier but at least you know from peoples expressions that its going to taste awesome.

Robin_NL · 06-12-2010, 04:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kripsykreme

5er is boaty compare to lighter three.

A E90 M3 is a boat as well. The 535i is only 80kgs heavier. The Pilot Sports tyres help a bit. And that's about it. Track a E90 M3 and you will see what I mean. After a lap or 2 .

Romo · 06-12-2010, 09:34 AM

Quote:

floaty feeling

This is not a car for me..............

The M3 maybe just a little lighter, but no floaty feeling..........

I`ll stick to the M3, and see what next 3 series will bring..............

TonyMeister · 06-12-2010, 10:49 AM

I don't get this hatred for the F10, I really don't.

Here's a suggestion to the "I hate the F10" brigade: Open your mind, forget any prejudices that you might have about the F10 and just take the car for a test-drive.

xraymd · 06-12-2010, 08:31 PM

Drove a 550, 535, and the MB E350 today. I have a 335 vert now but came out of a 2005 E55 and a 2002 540 before that.

I was really surprised how soft and floaty the E350 was, more like a Lexus. Different strokes for different folks, but usually MB has a more firm ride. The transmission was terrible. I don't know if has an adaptive transmission that's been beaten on and needs resetting. I caught it out of position several times and got some really hard shifts up and down. The Nav was a tremendous improvement over my old COMAND in the E55.

Except for some grabby brakes, I liked the 535 a lot. Definitely more power than the Benz. For all of you who think it's "floaty," have you tried the Benz? The GS? I'd be curious about the new Jag. I haven't tried one yet.

The 550 would be the car for me. I got a chance to floor it from about 10mph on an on-ramp. Big time power. Little if any turbo lag. Is it as maneuverable as an M3? No. Did you really think it would be?

Now, when's the new 6 coming out?

wac77 · 06-13-2010, 12:10 AM

I also drove 535i, E350, and 550i.

First I have to dismiss the E350. Elegant and luxurious, but slow and ponderous compared to the 5er. And even the interior was a bit of a disappointment.

The F10 is a great car. Perhaps it's a little too heavy, but probably that's why it feels much more luxurious than the E60. And still handles at least as well as the E60, and better than the competition.

I agree with most people here that the 550i with was the star of the event. It was loaded with plenty of goodies, and was tremendously fast. The dynamic drive (ability to select comfort/normal/sport/sport+ modes) is simply awesome!

Still, the 535i was very good. I am thinking of getting one, with manual transmission. Am I crazy?

ibimmer954 · 06-13-2010, 01:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wac77

Still, the 535i was very good. I am thinking of getting one, with manual transmission. Am I crazy?

Of course not. Your car is right here.

I'm getting more used to the clutch. Not perfect yet, but much better.

bdardashti · 06-13-2010, 12:58 PM

I went for the BMW event in Toronto this morning, and got to try out the 535i, 550i, and a few other non-5 BMWs. While I do agree with some saying the car in some scenarios lacks the 'BMW' dynamics, I found it to be a good compromise over the E60 and whatever it could have been instead of the way it is. I've driven (not owned, but driven the E60 quite extensively in different scenarios), and apart from feeling heavier, I definitely liked the F10 much more OVERALL.

Any product is a package of different things , and every package has its comprises. The E60 had its compromises, and I'm sure (although I've never driven anything below E60), the E34 had compromises as well. The F10 is just a different package of compromises than enthusiasts are used to seeing from BMW. Instead of airing on the more sporty side, they've taken a more luxurious side, but the car is still VERY, VERY sporty. Sure it was no where near the 135i or 335i that I also drove, but neither is it built for that market.

Of course there are a few people (perhaps thousands, but a small percentage nonetheless) of customers who would have appreciated a slightly smaller, lighter, less luxurious, and much more sporty F10. And if I was in the market for a car in the segment, I would be one of those people. But BMW isn't looking to increase sales to a few enthusiasts; they want to increase mass sales, and I'm sure the package they've put out is what customers wanted/they thought they wanted.

06-11-2010, 09:01 AM	#27
SCtud First Lieutenant 20 Rep 329 Posts Drives: 2008 E93 M3 Join Date: May 2009 Location: CT iTrader: (1)	Drove the 550 as well. The HUD is awesome! I thought the screen tilt angle seemed a bit odd as it is not adjustable and tilted rather high in my opinion (or maybe I'm just too short), but it is an impressively large screen. Not sure I like the console it sits in though with the odd looking side panels to the left and right of it. The beastly engine is pretty quiet, but the turbo whine is definitely audible (not my cup of tea but maybe I'd change my mind once I see my gas lower gas bills). There are far too many freaking buttons now and I think the technology has taking over the car a bit. Parking your car in reverse now seems like a video game with the mass amount of cameras that detect cars on your left, right, behind you, and paint the lines for you which is completely amazing. I referenced it against the Audi A6 which was completely unfair since it was not the quattro and used the smaller engine. Anybody know what the "Auto H" button does?
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06-11-2010, 05:24 PM	#30
Alchem Lieutenant 43 Rep 420 Posts Drives: 335xi Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	Just drove the 550i and 535i. 550i was ridiculously fast and quiet. The 535i was quick to but just doesn't throw you back into your seat you could also hear the engine a lot more. I think the most important thing I got from the test drive is that Drive Dynamic Package is a must it is like getting 4 cars in one!
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06-12-2010, 04:05 AM	#33
delvek Major 32 Rep 1,134 Posts Drives: 2014 550i Msport Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Tampa, FL iTrader: (0)	I have to say krispykreme that your overall assessment while valid because its your personal impression is by far in the minority of the minority. The F10 whether its your type of machine or not is still an impressive evolution and like many things in life will yield both joy and MORE joy. Around town especially where you live, the 535 and 550's from what i am told should be much more responsive and performance oriented then the M series. I have never driven an M series but have been told by many that it is geared for a track and on the streets its like having a greyhound in a kennel, awkward. As for me, I have 1 week from the moment until I get delivery of my 550 here in Germany and I cant wait! Reading these posts have been both good and bad, its like watching people eat steak at a great steakhouse. Makes you hungrier but at least you know from peoples expressions that its going to taste awesome. __________________ 2014 550i M-sport
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06-12-2010, 10:49 AM	#36
TonyMeister Second Lieutenant 106 Rep 204 Posts Drives: Not a BMW... Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: I'm here I'm there I'm F' everywhere I'm the eggman iTrader: (0)	I don't get this hatred for the F10, I really don't. Here's a suggestion to the "I hate the F10" brigade: Open your mind, forget any prejudices that you might have about the F10 and just take the car for a test-drive.
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06-12-2010, 08:31 PM	#37
xraymd Lieutenant 309 Rep 572 Posts Drives: 23 M2, 22 Lincoln Navigator Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Toledo, OH iTrader: (0)	Drove a 550, 535, and the MB E350 today. I have a 335 vert now but came out of a 2005 E55 and a 2002 540 before that. I was really surprised how soft and floaty the E350 was, more like a Lexus. Different strokes for different folks, but usually MB has a more firm ride. The transmission was terrible. I don't know if has an adaptive transmission that's been beaten on and needs resetting. I caught it out of position several times and got some really hard shifts up and down. The Nav was a tremendous improvement over my old COMAND in the E55. Except for some grabby brakes, I liked the 535 a lot. Definitely more power than the Benz. For all of you who think it's "floaty," have you tried the Benz? The GS? I'd be curious about the new Jag. I haven't tried one yet. The 550 would be the car for me. I got a chance to floor it from about 10mph on an on-ramp. Big time power. Little if any turbo lag. Is it as maneuverable as an M3? No. Did you really think it would be? Now, when's the new 6 coming out?
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06-13-2010, 12:10 AM	#38
wac77 Private First Class 15 Rep 152 Posts Drives: 2023 BMW 330i Xdrive Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Port Washington, NY iTrader: (0)	I also drove 535i, E350, and 550i. First I have to dismiss the E350. Elegant and luxurious, but slow and ponderous compared to the 5er. And even the interior was a bit of a disappointment. The F10 is a great car. Perhaps it's a little too heavy, but probably that's why it feels much more luxurious than the E60. And still handles at least as well as the E60, and better than the competition. I agree with most people here that the 550i with was the star of the event. It was loaded with plenty of goodies, and was tremendously fast. The dynamic drive (ability to select comfort/normal/sport/sport+ modes) is simply awesome! Still, the 535i was very good. I am thinking of getting one, with manual transmission. Am I crazy? __________________ 2023 330i Xdrive, phytonic blue/ tacora Last edited by wac77; 06-13-2010 at 12:16 AM..
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06-13-2010, 12:58 PM	#40
bdardashti Captain 47 Rep 998 Posts Drives: '12 135i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Toronto iTrader: (3)	I went for the BMW event in Toronto this morning, and got to try out the 535i, 550i, and a few other non-5 BMWs. While I do agree with some saying the car in some scenarios lacks the 'BMW' dynamics, I found it to be a good compromise over the E60 and whatever it could have been instead of the way it is. I've driven (not owned, but driven the E60 quite extensively in different scenarios), and apart from feeling heavier, I definitely liked the F10 much more OVERALL. Any product is a package of different things , and every package has its comprises. The E60 had its compromises, and I'm sure (although I've never driven anything below E60), the E34 had compromises as well. The F10 is just a different package of compromises than enthusiasts are used to seeing from BMW. Instead of airing on the more sporty side, they've taken a more luxurious side, but the car is still VERY, VERY sporty. Sure it was no where near the 135i or 335i that I also drove, but neither is it built for that market. Of course there are a few people (perhaps thousands, but a small percentage nonetheless) of customers who would have appreciated a slightly smaller, lighter, less luxurious, and much more sporty F10. And if I was in the market for a car in the segment, I would be one of those people. But BMW isn't looking to increase sales to a few enthusiasts; they want to increase mass sales, and I'm sure the package they've put out is what customers wanted/they thought they wanted.
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