[wellee]

Just wanted to introduce myself to you all in the 5 Series group. I picked up a 2014 Alpine White 535i M Sport this past Friday after returning my 2011 Alpine White M3 coupe. The 5 is such a beautiful, luxurious car that feels really solid on the road. Quite different from the M3 (and the 335i coupe I had before that), of course, so I'm still in the adjustment phase. That said, I'm loving it so far! Can't wait till 1,200 miles comes along!

[TheBlackGT]

Welcome! Do you have pictures?

The F10 is a bigger and more luxurious car than the E92, however with a few upgrades you can improve your performance and handling.

Springs help a lot with body roll and the boaty feeling. H&R springs and ACS springs are excellent, go with the former if you want a more aggresive drop, the latter is more subtle.

Another thing you can do is purchase a tune for the car. Burgertuning Motorsports makes a tune called JB4 for your 535, and it comes in various stages.

Anyways, greetings again from the #F10crew. You should join our Facebook group, link is here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/soca...0crew/members/

Congrats again on your new ride

[avengerboater]

Congrats!!! What are your thoughts on the handling characteristics of the F10? Granted, it can never be compared to the M3's handling, but I'd be interested to see if BMW improved the handling on the 2014's. Did your M Sport come with the M-Suspension? I'm guessing not since it was likely built back in July?

Oh, and pics, please!!!

[Atombyte]

I also have a 535 as well as a M3 coupe (and have also had a 335 coupe), so I know how you feel. The 5er is a wonderful car, but a much different animal than the M3. Enjoy, and yes, post some pics!

[wellee]

Here are some photos: 2 that I took of the M3 when I first got it, and 2 of my new ride. Still lovin' the Alpine White!

[wellee]

Thanks for chiming in, everyone! I'm not great at describing this stuff, but here goes...

The handling characteristics are definitely quite different from the M3, but having not really driven a pre-LCI 535i for any significant amount of time (I had a loaner once for half a day), I can't comment on how the driving dynamics of the LCI compares to a 2013 535i. Unfortunately, my M Sport package didn't come with M-Suspension. Overall, I feel the 5's handling is more than adequate for me.

What can I say about the M3 compared to the 535i? The M has the razor sharp handling and whip crack throttle response (especially at higher RPM) that makes you feel 100% in control. And the adrenaline rush going past 8,000 RPM is addictive! I have yet to really push the 5 above 3,500 RPM, but so far I'm reminded of the "easy" torque and acceleration I felt from my previous 335i's turbocharged N54. While I had the M, there were definitely times when I missed the low-end torque. If you want the acceleration rush from the M, you kinda have to work for it. Once you're in the zone though, it's pretty awesome. The pull is constant and seems to last forever.

On the one hand, the 5 has a compliant ride and feels big and boaty. On the other hand, it does what I want it to do. I made some sharp and fast turns to test the handling, and the car felt solid and confident. The wheels didn't chirp and I didn't sense body roll. At low speeds, though, when I turn it feels like the steering wheel goes around like 10 times haha!

At the end of the day, with the 535i I was expecting a softer, more comfortable ride that felt planted and didn't sacrifice all of the driving joy I used to have with the M3 or 335i. So far I'm not disappointed. One thing I won't miss is the clunky, jerky dual clutch transmission in the M. The 5 has that silky smooth transmission that's so plush! I'd say the biggest thing I'll have to get used to is the "squishier" gas pedal. Other than that, the car is sporty and nimble enough for me. Really happy with my new ride as is, although we'll see if I can resist the urge to eventually get a tune and some springs!

I've also got my eye on the next M3, which looks like it's gonna be a beast!

[Bmoney2K4]

Love how it looks in white, a no brainer to pick these new 5s in white. Enjoy