[SpokenHands]

I previewed a Space Gray Metallic 535i F10 in SE trim on 16-Feb at Rybrook Warwick, in Warwickshire, England. No pictures were allowed so apologies in advanced - the car was even hidden behind screens to protect it from general view within the dealership.

My first observations were:
1. Well-proportioned if somewhat conservative exterior. The kidney grill looks great but the Volvo S80 type hood is a bit old-fashioned at a time when Jaguar, Mercedes, even Vauxhall and Honda are going the taut, flame-surfacing route.
2. No significant improvement in interior space (esp rear legroom) and boot space is actually less than current E60.
3. Several storage cubby holes every where (front and rear console)
4. Interior switchgear, layout and iDrive quality was superb.


What I was surprised by:
1. Sophisto Grey Xirallic is an excellent color, quite like Sparkling Graphite and not flat as some Color Thread pictures suggest. Dealer suggest darker colors will look better on this design and I would tend to agree.
2. Interior quality of switchgear is markedly improved, now approaching 7-series/X5 level of premiumness. Lots of small but excellent finishing touches.
3. 19" and 20" alloys have a lot of presence: Style 331 and Style 332 I think it was.


What I loved over my E60:
1. Excellent cabin feel, ergonomics and quality of switchgear materials
2. Excellent high-resolution 10.4" screen in Professional Sat Nav
3. Black Panel Technology on instrument panel
4. Clean centre console and nice big centre armrest storage area
5. Integrated puddle lamps in door handles (ambient light package)
6. The 520d will also have two chrome tailpipes on the LHS
7. BMW are making adjustments to the 520d currently to get emissions down to 130g/km to benefit from lower tax band, hence all brochures show 'tbc' against fuel and emissions.

What I didn't like at all:
1. Rear parcel-shelf (behind the rear seats) was covered in some kind of perforated linen, jute-like fabric which looks like it will collect dust and debris in normal use
2. The bottom part of the SE Rear bumper is a bit fussy - with unresolved surfaces and angles and an embedded red reflector strip. Iccck!
3. Rear boot is large and deep but doesnt have a flat surface to maximise the floor area, so appears smaller than the current E60. Very small under-floor storage too.

I am planning to order the M-Sport version when they begin taking orders August 2010 for a Nov 2010 delivery in the UK. The combination I am proposing is:
Sophisto Grey Xirallic Exterior
Cohiba Brown Extended Leather [Individual]
Dark Poplar Wood [High Gloss]

Cheers

AR

[Jason]

Nice detailed writeup, thanks for sharing! Any plans to test drive the F10?

Can't wait to see photos of your car come November.

[Acquarian]

I think it was the same car on show in Luton , but on the 12th of february,

very nice car indeed,
I have put and order for 535i in Sophisto grey with venetian beige, and 332 alloy wheels,

I did not know if to go for the Diesel or petrol version, but went for the petrol in the end

[SpokenHands]

Congratulations! What delivery date were you quoted?

I am unhappy by the old Volvo S80 styling to the kidney grill but the overall package is very refined indeed. Finally interior spec approaches Jag level of finish though contrast saddle-stitching on leather etc remain elusive. Ask them to show you the Individual brochure - Leather wrapped dash and extended leather is quite sumptuous.

[serali]

you mean m5 in Nov. 2010 or a regular one with M package?

[kinan_sleiman2006]

congrast...

[kinan_sleiman2006]

pics man please?????????

[bdardashti]

Originally Posted by kinan_sleiman2006

pics man please?????????

He said no cameras were allowed at the very beginning of the post

[Acquarian]

[QUOTE=SpokenHands;6747240]Congratulations! What delivery date were you quoted?

Delivery was quoted a Mid to end of April 2010

[Sputnik1961]

I love the Cohiba Brown Extended Leather, that is the color I want but the dealer said I can not get it.

What is an individual color? How do I go about trying to get that color leather in my car?

Thanks for you help

[zibawal]

Originally Posted by Sputnik1961

I love the Cohiba Brown Extended Leather, that is the color I want but the dealer said I can not get it.

What is an individual color? How do I go about trying to get that color leather in my car?

Thanks for you help

bmwusa, 5er 2011 config is up!

[flyinbrian]

Originally Posted by zibawal

bmwusa, 5er 2011 config is up!

I am surprised this is not on the home page, I have been waiting for what seems like forever for this.

[stevenw211]

Originally Posted by bickers1972

Just ordered my 520d. It seems I am on a pre-list before the official launch of the 520d in March. The lease runs out on my current car in mid June & the dealer was certain that the new beast would be ready for then

Went for the following spec:

Sophisto Grey
Oyster/Black Dakota
19" V spoke 331 wheels
Dynamic Pack
Xenon's
Front Heated Seats
Sun Protection Glazing
USB
Ambient lighting

Had considered the sports auto transmission but this added a further £25 pm to the lease costs which when you add all the other toys up, seemed a bit steep.

I too saw the car in the flesh at a pre-launch event at Williams BMW on the 10th Feb. I had an immediate smile on my face when the covers were pulled from the car. Some of the pictures really do not do the car justice as it just looked so much bigger in the flesh with a more commanding presence than the E60.

The interior is absolutely 1st class in my opinion. Lots of similarities with the 7 series & oozes quality. I can't wait to take delivery!!

Welcome to the F10 family, Bickers.

[Nicky P]

I'm getting mixed messages as to when the M Sport version of the F10 will be available in the UK, is Aug a def date for configuration ?