[gatorfast]

I received a brand new 2015 528i loaner today while my 2012 528i is in for service and couldn't help but notice that the transmission felt smoother and the car seemed to even handle a little better, almost a lighter feeling. My 12 has m sport package and this was just a base model so the difference struck me as odd.

Does anyone know if there were any transmission software changes throughout the model years? Is it possible this is just a placebo effect of a brand new car?

[COBodom]

I had 2012 528xi non-msport and now have 2015 528xi msport. The car handles way better, but that's coming out of MY12 non-msport. The MY15 528xi does not have 704 suspension included in the msport package yet handling is very different. Maybe the 18 inch wheels, not sure.

[valbmw]

Handling and transmission may feel differently depending on:
- brand new car has no wear of suspension, also the wheels can be bigger/lighter/newer
- DDC option provides different struts vs. 704 m-sport or a regular suspension
- LCI software release is different also yearly version impacts handling due to electric steering
- 2TB sport transmission (paddle shifters) has different software and faster timing
- xDrive has a bit different feel compared to RWD

[SonicEndeavor]

The LCI (mid cycle refresh) in 2014 introduced suspension and steering improvements as well as acoustic enhancements to make the car quieter, so that's probably what you're feeling. Throttle/transmission response have gone through continuous improvements as well.

[wheresmy5]

Originally Posted by SonicEndeavor

The LCI (mid cycle refresh) in 2014 introduced suspension and steering improvements as well as acoustic enhancements to make the car quieter, so that's probably what you're feeling. Throttle/transmission response have gone through continuous improvements as well.

Can anyone speak to the suspension/steering improvements? DDC was removed from the 528 M package- was this for business reasons or were the improvements enough to negate the need for DDC?

[SonicEndeavor]

Originally Posted by wheresmy5

Can anyone speak to the suspension/steering improvements? DDC was removed from the 528 M package- was this for business reasons or were the improvements enough to negate the need for DDC?

The suspension improvements just made the ride slightly firmer but it's still a passive suspension and in no way competes with DDC. I would guess that the DHP package was not popular with the 528, and BMW decided to take the opportunity to push those buyers up to the 535. The 528i MSport also does not get the passive sport suspension like the 535 and 550 do. The 528 is really positioned for those drivers who aren't concerned about sporty handling.
Steering improvements were similar in that BMW made hardware and software changes to give the steering a more connected feel - an incremental improvement rather than a major change.