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2010 2011 BMW 5 Series Forum F10 Random Thoughts on the 5 and 7 |
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06-02-2011, 06:56 PM | #1 |
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Random Thoughts on the 5 and 7
As a propsective buyer who is sure he wants to order a 5 or 7 M sport, in the next 6-8 months, I have these random thoughts...
1. I really don't like the 5 hood at all. 2. I don't like the 7 interior door handles or the 6 speed trans. (Presumably, these will be fixed during the LCI next spring)... Beyond these, I'm OK with the cars... Just sayin... |
06-02-2011, 07:25 PM | #3 |
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Even bimmer hater Jeremy Clarkson loved the F10 hood/bonnet.
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06-02-2011, 07:48 PM | #5 | |
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IMHO, door pulls are cool in the seven. At first it seems to intimidate anyone who sits in the car, even cocky know it alls. Second, from a design perspective it gets the vehicle occupants to touch the wood. Highly unusual and it grows on you.
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06-02-2011, 08:07 PM | #6 |
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Ok, I'll play along... Am I blowing the 6 speed thing out of proportion?
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06-02-2011, 08:12 PM | #7 | |
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The 750i with M Package I saw the other day struck me as a poseur car: - the M Package signifies an interest in performance and vehicle dynamics; - ideally, that driver would prefer to drive an M3 (or a 911), which will drive circles around any 550i, 750i or 650i - but, he needs space, luxury and effortless speed. So he goes for a 550i Why would that buyer go for a 750i, which weighs more, accelerates more slowly, and does not handle as well as a 550i? Oh, it's because he doesn't care about performance. He just wants to look the part. i.e. Poseur. But, it's a personal choice. Adding aerodynamic pieces to a 7-Series is certainly a harmless activity. |
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06-02-2011, 08:24 PM | #8 | |
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550 tested 3/11 5.0 0-60 and 11.4 Qtr 750 tested 10/10 4.9 0-60 and 11.3 Qtr... BTW, I really like the 550 M Sport, and frankly, am leaning toward it. BUT, let's not get silly and characterize it as a drivers' car materially more than a normal 550... C'Mon, you be Frank and I'll be Ernest, it has a kit on it... Sheesh. Last edited by GARBAJ; 06-02-2011 at 08:39 PM.. |
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06-02-2011, 09:05 PM | #9 | |
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And, I do agree the M Sport 550i adds nothing to performance (assuming Dynamic Handling would be added to regular 550i). But, it does look pretty cool (especially in a lighter metallic, which highlights F10 ducting and curves). It is a defensible choice for a true performance aficionado, who just happens to 'need' size and luxury. Besides, I wouldn't want to critique both of your candidates. |
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06-02-2011, 09:18 PM | #10 | ||
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06-02-2011, 09:44 PM | #11 | |
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Well, I have a 750 LI Xdrive. It is the most untame BMW I have ever driven. It is not smooth as silk by any stretch.
I don't know if an 8 speed is the solution. I mean it will probably make better use of the expended energy and give this thirsty beast better gas mileage. But, it would suck if they tame the car by making you feel like you are always in overdrive. I thought the crudeness was due to the xdrive. This thing is no caddy from a tranny perspective. But for general driving at speed it is very smooth. The 0 to 80 is not a linear push you in your seat experience. Rather, it is disjointed thrust that starts to get out of control. You can capitalize on its wildness after you learn its behavior. That's part of the fun factor. But, it is also the funnest BMW I have ever driven. The xdrive is unbelievably amazing in the winter. It gives you total confidence even on snowy and icy roads. While the interior is highly refined, the ride not so much. But it is fun and after seven months I feel this vehicle is worth every blessed nickel. Quote:
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06-03-2011, 12:00 AM | #12 |
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Can you get you hands on anything from the alpine family?????? Both the b5 and the b7 look amazing... If your going to spend that much cash, might a well do it right!
http://www.bmwalpina.co.uk/fileadmin/user_upload/website/IMAGES/gallery/B7_Bi-Turbo/ALPINA_B7_BITURBO_08.jpg |
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06-03-2011, 12:01 AM | #13 | |
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06-03-2011, 11:24 AM | #16 | |
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06-03-2011, 07:18 PM | #18 |
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06-03-2011, 10:58 PM | #19 | |
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So, I guess a Continuously Variable Transmission ("CVT", found in some Audi, Nissan, Honda, and other models) probably wouldn't be high on your list of desirable features in a car. Although you would get a bigger gap between shift points, you probably wouldn't want to go back to the 3-speed GM 'Hydramatic' from the 1960s. Everything in moderation. |
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06-04-2011, 08:15 AM | #21 | |
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In any event, no, I am not a fan of the motorboat effect of the CVT. I base that comment on driving a 335i with the N55 and 6 speed auto. I did not prefer that transmission overall, but I did prefer the lack of constant shifting and the car's behavior revving up through the powerband. |
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06-04-2011, 09:12 AM | #22 | |
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In theory, a CVT offers advantages in terms of efficiency. But, a CVT is not designed for performance driving (e.g. downshifting; holding a lower gear in corners). And, even for normal city driving, people tend to be put off by the 'odd' effect (which feels like slippage). I happen to think the 8-speed ZF Sport Automatic is a great piece of engineering, although I haven't driven it extensively (yet). I do like the Sport AT 6-speed on the 335i (even though I've had manuals in three BMWs). |
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