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      06-07-2010, 11:57 PM   #1
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BWM Ultimate Drive event report

I attended a BMW Ultimate Drive Event in Encinitas, CA this afternoon and wanted to share my experiences. First, some background about me. I already own a 2011 535i 6MT (had it for a week) and I'm coming off of a 2007 335i Convertible. I was curious about other BMW models other than the 535i at the Event since I already own one.

The 550i
First up, I drove the 550i. The 550i at the event included the Sport and Dynamic Handling packages, but not Integral Active Steering. I drove the car with the Handling in Sport mode and the auto tranny in Sport mode. Wow, is this car fast! When I floored the accelerator, the car took off like a rocket. Definitely faster than the 535i. The engine has a lower, raspier note than the 535i as well. If you have any doubts if you want more power in the car, get the 550i. It's a beast.

Integral Active Steering
I can also safely say that I really enjoy the Integral Active Steering. IAS enhances steering feel at low speeds making it easier to get around the parking lot. And when driving in the twisties, my 535i steering feels much sportier than the steering did in that 550i. With IAS when driving through the curves, I can keep my hands at 10 and 2. I can go through the curves only having to turn the wheel between 60 and 90 degrees. Without IAS, you have to turn the wheel more like 120-180 degrees. It takes more effort. Without IAS, getting out of the parking lot, I had to turn the wheel about 200-270 degrees on some turns. With IAS, never more than about 180 degrees. The enhanced 4-wheel steering also gives me the feel that my 535i was planted more firmly to the road than what I felt on the non-IAS car. If you value steering feel and effectiveness, I highly recommend the IAS.

Mercedes E350
This was my "comparison" car. But to be fair, the engine in the E350 is on par with the 528i. Not the 535i and 550i. Definitely, a big power deficit. Handling wise, the E350 wasn't too bad. But I didn't care for the steering wheel with the Lexus-style wood part at the top. Gave the steering wheel a strange feel when turning.
The seats in the E350 were very comfortable and the brakes in the car felt very solid. I felt quite safe in the car.
The paddle shifters on the tranny were a joke. Hitting a shift paddle merely mailed a request to the tranny to shift. Occasionally when it felt like it would get around to it, you'd get your shift. And I was surprised how cheap the E350 looked inside. I was expecting much better interior materials.

535i GT
I was surprised by how well this car drove. It's a large car. There's at least an extra 4-5 inches of leg room in the back seat of the GT compared to my 535i. But the car still drove with a feel very close to the 550i in the handling department. The handling still felt solid. You sit higher in the GT compared to the F10. And the gauge panel design is a little more attractive. Interestingly, the gauges use a white-motif instead of the BMW-amber I'm used to from the 335i and 535i. They look real nice.
Driving this car highlighted the power difference between the 535i and 550i engine. Flooring the accelerator in this car produces a nice sound, but you don't get that "sucked into your seat" feel. It's the same as my 535i. You get firm, solid acceleration. But nothing like the "I'm going into orbit" feel of the 550i.
I don't like the back-end of this vehicle. It's looks silly and actually has very little trunk space. It's crazy that a car that has plenty of interior room for 4 adults taking a weekend trip would have barely enough luggage space for two people in the trunk.

My F10 purchasing tips and recommendations

After driving my F10 535i for a week and driving the 550i and 535i GT at this event, I'll share my opinions.

1. Only get the 6MT if you are sure you want to drive with 3 pedals. You know who you are if you want the 6MT. That's fine. But it isn't for everyone. Be aware than the 6MT feel in the F10 is designed for smooth comfort shifting, not sporty M3-style shifting. If you have any doubts, get the 8-speed AT. It's a fabulous auto-tranny that works really great. I really liked the AT even though I bought the 6MT. I don't regret my choice... much.

2. If you truly value Sporty handing, get the Integral Active Steering package. This implies you are also getting Dynamic Handling and the Sport Packages. IAS enhances the grip of the car in the twisties, and enhances the feel of the steering at both low and high speeds. It's a win-win option.

3. The power of the 550i is intoxicating. In my 535i, when I punch it I get nice, solid acceleration. But I don't get that "sucked into my seat" feel. The I-6 engine does sound fabulous. With the 550i, you get a growlier engine note and strong "OMG" acceleration. But it's over fast as you hit and blow past the speed limit before the engine really gets going. The 535i is features smoother acceleration with a better engine note and better mileage. For around town, this is a more reasonable engine. For the highway, I'd love that 550i.
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      06-08-2010, 01:25 AM   #2
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Does the IAS activate/make the steering more responsive at high speeds? I thought it's for slow speed maneuvering and has no effect at high speeds? What do magazine reviews say on this?

Mr. Magic is also saying that steering with IAS is more responsive? http://f10.5post.com/forums/showpost...52&postcount=1

--------------------
However, below as taken from http://www.bmwusa.com/standard/conte..._steering@more

Integral Active Steering.
A new, flowing driving feeling. More agility and stability in every situation. Rear wheels that help to turn up to a maximum of 2.5° degrees – a small movement with large effects.
In tight bends or when parking a car, Integral Active Steering makes maneuvering easier. Under 30 mph, the front and rear wheels steer in opposing directions to reduce the turning circle and ensure every bend is taken with direct precision.

Above 50 mph the front and rear wheels turn in the same direction to ensure an extremely comfortable and superior response on the road when changing lanes.

With Integral Active Steering, the driver and passengers in the BMW 5 Series Sedan experience a relaxed journey with increased comfort. Fast, flowing changes in direction, sharp bends, simple parking – enjoy steering that actively supports your driving pleasure.

Last edited by bm323; 06-08-2010 at 01:31 AM..
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      06-08-2010, 01:30 AM   #3
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Another great review! Thanks!

So the IAS is very much improved compare to the last model then? Does it feel artificial at all or does it make the car drive like a smaller car, say a 3-series? I wonder how would IAS feel in the winter with some snow on the road?

Based on the latest great reviews....I have a dream....535i - Space Grey/Oyster Black Dakota Leather/Anthracite Wood - ZPP, ZCW, ZSP, ZDH, PDC, IAS = $61,775 I wish I had in my bank account
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      06-08-2010, 01:38 AM   #4
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While endowing the new 5-series with tremendous agility and great stability, the new active steer system is still rather lifeless. Incorporating a rear steer function that sees the rear wheels move in the opposite direction to the fronts at speeds below 37mph and in the same direction at higher speeds, it is claimed to reduce the turning circle by up to 0.5m at parking speeds.
However, the altering of the steering ratio at higher speeds is not seamless, and it takes a good while before you feel confident enough to attack corners with any great gusto. http://www.autocar.co.uk/CarReviews/...series/246752/

Integral Active Steering is another new option. This promises to improve all-round road manners, from low-speed manoeuvrability to high-speed stability. At its core is an active rear-wheel-steering arrangement which ensures the 5 turns into corners more rapidly than before. There’s a new aluminium front axle, while the engine is set as far back in the bay as possible – and all this means the new 5-Series is one of the most accomplished driver’s cars BMW has ever launched. http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carrevi...#ixzz0qF10uYOy


... but in short – go for the dampers, avoid the steering, and the roll-bars are a matter of preference. http://www.autocar.co.uk/blogs/still...-the-same.aspx

Last edited by bm323; 06-08-2010 at 03:14 AM..
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      06-08-2010, 03:07 AM   #5
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how does IAS enhance the steering feel/feedback at higher speed? I really hate the active steering and servotronics changing steering ratio and the weight of the steering wheel at lower speed. Some people might prefer to have a lighter steering wheel to make getting in/out parking more easily but I am not one of them, I like my steering to be consistent at all time. However, if IAS could enhance the steering at higher speed, i might forgo what I just mentioned.
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      06-08-2010, 09:51 AM   #6
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The car was much more agile and balanced at high speed curves. I didn't perceive any steering ratio changes between the 2 systems - I'm sure it was there.

The curves I was taking/testing above 50 mph only required the slightest steering movement - with or without IAS. So, didn't notice the ratio change.

At low speeds, well, I couldn't tell IAS from without it to be honest. I'm sure it turned a bit tighter, I had to turn the wheel less, but nothing to write home about here.

I believe BMW USA has oversold IAS at low speeds, where many people just don't notice it. At high speeds, they talk about comfort in lane changes. Most people driving expensive cars don't make jerky lane changes, so most will not notice IAS here either.

IAS really shines on switchback, hairpin, or even sweeping 30 to 90 degree (esp. non-uniform) curves above 50 mph. Downhill slopes will be felt more than level or uphill. This means mountain highways will benefit most along with winding back country 2-lane highways.

I didn't feel it degraded feedback or control. the only difference in feedback was lack of understeer, and that's because there simply was no understeer.

-Magic
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      06-08-2010, 10:29 AM   #7
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There is no mention of any better steering response at higher speeds in the following video for the relatively new 7 series, and I've not read of any difference between IAS in the 7 and 5 series http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Conte...+gRO1AkEqBnQ==

Sharper steering response is brought about by the sport tranny with dynamic driving control toggle button in sport mode and/or dynamic drive tightening the chassis. Dynamic driving control is not the same as dynamic drive and the long route taken (including checking with BMW Germany) to understand these options are in http://f10.5post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=368952

However, I am open to IAS bringing about sharper response if this can be substantiated.

Last edited by bm323; 06-08-2010 at 11:15 AM..
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      06-08-2010, 02:38 PM   #8
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I drove 550i yesterday on the event as well
Great car overall
Power is definetelly there, though, kind of quiet type of power
It accelerates so fast and smooth that you see 100mph in few seconds without even realizing it
It felt a bit floatty to me even in sport+ mode and felt large, like 7-er
It had dynamic handling and active steering packs
Didnt like steering feel
Very impressed with the car in the end though

Drove X6 5.0 with all the goodies right after 550i
Liked it much-much better in all aspects, well except the interior design
550i takes that one for sure
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      06-10-2010, 02:42 AM   #9
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ok you people are making me anxious to drive a 550i I think i might do that this weekend.
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      06-10-2010, 06:09 AM   #10
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how would Integral Active Steering be on track ? Not that anyone going to try it heh
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      06-10-2010, 06:16 AM   #11
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      06-10-2010, 06:53 AM   #12
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Having driven both the F10 and the E60,I have to say that the E60 felt much sportier - it felt like a 5er....unlike the F10,which feels like a slightly slimmed down 7er

great review

enjoy your new car!

And if you don't use it for business,I'd be happy to see some elegant mods on that thing
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      06-10-2010, 08:02 AM   #13
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Nice report.. thanks.
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      06-10-2010, 09:32 AM   #14
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Great review. I drove the 550 AT yesterday too and I would agree with all the points.

FWIW here is my perspective with respect to an E90 M3:

- The E90 feels tiny and far less luxurious
- The 550 is surprisingly agile for such a big car. I was expecting it to feel much much worse than an M3. It doesn't. This anticipation was based on my experience with the corresponding mercedes.
- The 550 feels clearly slower than the M3 which is due to the extra weight as the engine is pretty much on par in terms of engine power.
- The ZF 8 speed auto is superior in comfort to the DCT but it is definitely much worse than the DCT in terms of responsiveness and speed of shifts. A DCT on the 550 car would greatly improve the sporty feeling.
- Brakes are great!!! A few panic stops with them were thoroughly convincing.
- I didn't find a way to turn off all the nanny controls. Even in SPORT+ DTC kicked in after little wheelspin
- If you are used to the NA V8 throttle response, the 550 will leave you yawning.
- The gadgetry is outstanding. They now include the manual inside the iDrive . The HUD was nice but I forgot about it 4 min into the drive.

Verdict: Superb car. Easily the best in its class. I don't see why you would want a 7, since this car is really BIG.
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      06-10-2010, 10:04 AM   #15
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I saw both the 550i and the 535i at JMK BMW in Springfield, NJ and wow they both look so amazing- especially the interior! I can't wait to drive both!
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      06-10-2010, 10:09 AM   #16
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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...
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      06-10-2010, 12:14 PM   #17
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I also test drove a Z4 35i at that event. It wasn't part of the event, but my saleslady took me out in the Z4 anyway since I asked. Boy is that a totally different experience! Much louder inside the car and more of a go-kart feel in the handling. If you like the Z4 M Coupe, then I'd well imagine the F10 isn't for you!
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      06-10-2010, 12:30 PM   #18
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Great review. Thanks.
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      06-10-2010, 02:37 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Vertigo//SD View Post
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 think F10 is even more disconnected than E60.

Funny thing a lot of people were complaining how bad E60 was a follow up to E39. The same issue now exist with F10. Too much technology for no true purpose. I really think BMW has moved too much toward mainstream.

Seriously, I really don't get it why do I need a comfort setting on dynamic handling. At sports +, the suspension is already a little on the soft side. Why do a BMW owner want their car to drive and handle like a lexus? Don't get it.

Too many useless technology adding weight and no purpose. Each generation of 5 has gotten more heavier with useless technology(yes i know the base F10 is 50 lbs lighter- but i doubt that after adding all the junk options.) Very disappointing. Go back to the root. Outside the roadster (even that has gotten fat and less agile), the only thing that really reminds me of good ol day is the current 135i. Small, agile, with big power and tires. Fun to toss around, and most importantly almost no electronic gizmo.
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      06-10-2010, 02:43 PM   #20
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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.
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      06-10-2010, 03:08 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kripsykreme View Post
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 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.
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      06-10-2010, 04:44 PM   #22
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I'm happy with my 535i. Previous: 335i E93, VW Jetta TDI, Acura TSX 6MT, Acura RSX-S 6MT, couple of Chryslers -- we won't go into those.
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