[sygazelle]

I posted this (in quotes below) on the F30 Post site since I am now an F30 owner. Since the post is about the F10, I thought I would post it here as well.

I drove 5 series for the past 20 years before downsizing.
When the F10 was introduced in 2011, I test drove it and ehated the way it drove; runflats, suspension, weight, steering, all of it. I went with the F30 instead and I love it. I decided to give the F10 another go at the BMW Ultimate Driving event in Alameda, CA yesterday. Wow, was I impressed! Either this car has changed significantly since 2011 or I am getting used to runflats and electric steering. Anyway, you F10 owners have a great car. Very impressive!


"I participated in the BMW Ultimate Driving Experience autocross this morning in Alameda, CA.

The cars I got to drive were the 535i and 535d.

Quick summary:

BMW puts on a great event. Well organized. Instructors were excellent.

The F10 handled much better than I expected considering the weight difference over the F30. I test drove the F10 a couple of times in 2011 and 2012 and hated it. The steering was numb, the run flats were awful, and the suspension was like my fathers Oldsmobile. That was the main reason I went from a 5 series to a 3 series. Fast forward to today: The F10 535i and 535d were both night and day difference to the F10 of MY2011. With the improvements they have made, I would have no trouble owning this car. I'm still thrilled with my F30 and not sorry at all that I "downsized", but when I am looking for my next car, the 5er is back in the running for sure."

[Ben2k9]

Maybe the difference is the M-sport package? The Dynamic Handling package is a game changer. I first had a 535i without this package and now I have a 550 with the package, and the difference in handling is huge.

[sygazelle]

Originally Posted by Ben2k9

Maybe the difference is the M-sport package? The Dynamic Handling package is a game changer. I first had a 535i without this package and now I have a 550 with the package, and the difference in handling is huge.

That could be it. I got my F30 with M-sport and DHP and it is fantastic. It's a bit sad that you have to pay extra for the BMW ride, but BMW is selling to a much broader audience now and that strategy is certainly working for them.

Anyway, I'm still amazed about the F10 handling. This "free" BMW Ultimate Driving Experience is probably going to cost me when it comes time for a new car.

[Azurite2020]

Yep, went from a MY11 to MY14 this week and the ride is much better. Takes rough roads better and handles better.

[radarguy]

The 535i and 535D that I drove in the autocross event did not have DHP. Also they were not M-Sport although some were. They seem to handle much better than my 2011 with DHP although road feel isn't much different. My 2011 is an X-drive with hydraulic steering. The autocross cars have electric steering.

[mness]

Originally Posted by radarguy

The 535i and 535D that I drove in the autocross event did not have DHP. Also they were not M-Sport although some were. They seem to handle much better than my 2011 with DHP although road feel isn't much different. My 2011 is an X-drive with hydraulic steering. The autocross cars have electric steering.

I was at the San Francisco (Alameda) 5er autocross. The two 535i's were MSport, the two 535d's were not. The i's had the sport suspension, but all were on runflats.