2010 2011 BMW 5 Series Forum F10
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
 

2010 2011 BMW 5 Series Forum F10 BMW 5-Series (F10) Forums General 5-Series Sedan and Wagon (F10 / F11) Forum New to me 16 535i M Sport. Thoughts.
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      05-21-2019, 08:24 PM   #1
Damage Inc
Lieutenant Colonel
Damage Inc's Avatar
753
Rep
1,894
Posts

Drives: 2017 M2
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Nashville

iTrader: (1)

New to me 16 535i M Sport. Thoughts.

For 15 years I always had a single car - mostly M cars since they are jack of all trades - 4 doors, sporty, manual, 3 to 5 HPDE per year, and good resale. After LOVING the E46, E90, E60/63 NA M cars, I tried an F80 M3 and M2. Sold them both after a few months, never warmed up to the new M car philosophy of overpowered turbo cars with numb steering that sound like a farting lawnmower. Although they do look fantastic. Tried a 991.1 GTS and C4s, but for $100k I kinda expected more. Decided to get an R8, bingo. But now I needed 2 cars.

Picked up a 14 320i w 20k miles on it for DD. What a pile of garbage. I always read about the "dead spots" on the F30 steering but never understood what it meant. After driving the car it feels like all 4 tires are flat while turning on the highway. LOL. I remember a test drive on a 12 335 and the steering was so over boosted. OMG. What a failed generation of 3 series. I even sold my F80 M3 after 6 months. Ok, enough bashing.

So 2 cars works great. Sports car all shiny in the garage for when I'm in the mood to turn heads or wake the dead with the V8 race exhaust wailing at 8200 RPM. But needed a better DD. I do drive on the hwy for work so needed something practical and comfy. Decided on a 535i as the V8 sucks gas and the 4 is wimpy. Had to have M Sport, comfort seats, LCI, black/black. and prem pack.

Picked up a 16 535i M sport / lux seat pack / HK / prem / HUD / comfort seats / and a few other options. 32k miles CPO through Dec 20 for $29k. Not a killer deal but a good deal, and the car is in decent shape overall.

Random impressions

1. Look. The F10 is a bit dated but timeless. Handsome looking car, the M Sport w 19's has a good look to it.

2. Seats. Glad I stuck it out for the comf seats and M Sport pack. The seats are very comfy, however lacking in lateral support. You sit "on" them, you have to work hard to sit "in" them.

3. 704 suspension. I read over and over non 704, etc. Its a fantastic suspension on the 16. Suspension travel is shorter than my mag ride R8. Feels very buttoned down. Never harsh. But firm. Sweet spot for this size and class of car.

4. Trans. Love BMW trans sport settings. Always seems to shift at the right time. I drive in sport 100% of the time, with the shifter in sport mode. BMW always does a nice job matching the trans and motor for sporty daily driving.

5. Rattles. BMW quality has really fallen with the F30 and F10. I've had over 12 bmw, and none of my old cars had 1 single squeak or rattle. I hope BMW steps up their game. Things live shifting in my seat you hear noises, going over bumps there's weird vibration noises. Geez.

6. No longer solid built. see #5. The interior build quality feels very old, squishy, and just not solid. My 18 Q7 is a vault. So was my wife's MB ML350. Even my Caddy rentals are more solid built. I havent driven the new 5 yet, but BMW really needs to step up their game.

7. Sport sedan? Not really. The car is so dang big. This isnt a car that you take out looking for twisty roads, I imaging its scared to death it belongs on the highway, and driving from Starbucks to Nordstrom.

8. BMW DNA? Just hints of it here and there. If my E46 330i manual was a 50/50 jack and coke. This car is 10% jack and 90% coke. You can taste it but its very diluted. I wouldnt compare it to any M cars. Then its 0% jack lol.

9. Vent seat. they do nothing. had them in my E60 M6. Dont bother going out of your way to get them.

10... HUD. must have, wish every car had it.

11. Run flats. (puke in mouth). Cant wait to get rid of them.

12. Interior design. Nothing fancy but will age well. Better than the E60's that I had.

Anyways. I always like reading others opinion. Thought to share mine.

Overall the car is doing what its supposed to do - drive around daily in comfort with a tiny bit of the old BMW DNA
__________________
Current: 11 E90 M3 ZCP / R8 Performance

Past Performance Cars: 01 M3, 05 M3, 06 M5, 08 M6, 08 M3, 11 M3, 13 M3, 15 M3, 911 C4S, 911 GTS, 17 M2,R8 V8, R8 RWS

Last edited by Damage Inc; 05-21-2019 at 08:34 PM.. Reason: sp
Appreciate 2
      05-21-2019, 11:26 PM   #2
Cvx5832
Private
30
Rep
68
Posts

Drives: ‘15 535i M-Sport
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Walnut Creek, CA

iTrader: (0)

Loved the review, thanks for sharing. I feel the same way. Not sure where the “sport” is in this sport sedan.

That said it’s a nice cruiser. Wife loves it for our long drives. Just waiting on a deal on a couple choices and I’ll probably get myself back into something more my speed. My wife can’t wait for me to hand down the F10, same as my old W204.
__________________

Appreciate 0
      06-22-2019, 02:37 AM   #3
Casebrius
Private
6
Rep
75
Posts

Drives: 2016 535 M-Sport; 95,97 E36 M3
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Loosiana

iTrader: (0)

Going to tune it?
Appreciate 0
      06-22-2019, 09:26 PM   #4
johnhva
Private First Class
johnhva's Avatar
United_States
57
Rep
161
Posts

Drives: 2014 535ix
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Virginia

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
14 BMW 535ix  [0.00]
04 BMW 325cic 5MT  [0.00]
16 BMW R1200RT  [0.00]
F10 is a heavy highway car no question. Numb steering but comfy stable cruiser with the right tires. Style is timeless in and out. No rattles on mine yet.
__________________
2014 535i XDrive Alpine/Mocha Nappa Contour
Appreciate 0
      06-28-2019, 01:45 AM   #5
mike@x-ph.com
Joint Chiefs of Staff
mike@x-ph.com's Avatar
United_States
23784
Rep
190,103
Posts

Drives: 07-335/12-328/18-M4/21-M4CP
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Las Vegas

iTrader: (23)

Thank you for the review
__________________
Check out our current sale by clicking on this link!
https://x-ph.com/sale/

Phone number 702-494-9435
Appreciate 0
      06-28-2019, 03:02 AM   #6
city1991
Captain
United_States
228
Rep
788
Posts

Drives: 2015 535i x drive F10
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Iowa

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Damage Inc View Post
For 15 years I always had a single car - mostly M cars since they are jack of all trades - 4 doors, sporty, manual, 3 to 5 HPDE per year, and good resale. After LOVING the E46, E90, E60/63 NA M cars, I tried an F80 M3 and M2. Sold them both after a few months, never warmed up to the new M car philosophy of overpowered turbo cars with numb steering that sound like a farting lawnmower. Although they do look fantastic. Tried a 991.1 GTS and C4s, but for $100k I kinda expected more. Decided to get an R8, bingo. But now I needed 2 cars.

Picked up a 14 320i w 20k miles on it for DD. What a pile of garbage. I always read about the "dead spots" on the F30 steering but never understood what it meant. After driving the car it feels like all 4 tires are flat while turning on the highway. LOL. I remember a test drive on a 12 335 and the steering was so over boosted. OMG. What a failed generation of 3 series. I even sold my F80 M3 after 6 months. Ok, enough bashing.

So 2 cars works great. Sports car all shiny in the garage for when I'm in the mood to turn heads or wake the dead with the V8 race exhaust wailing at 8200 RPM. But needed a better DD. I do drive on the hwy for work so needed something practical and comfy. Decided on a 535i as the V8 sucks gas and the 4 is wimpy. Had to have M Sport, comfort seats, LCI, black/black. and prem pack.

Picked up a 16 535i M sport / lux seat pack / HK / prem / HUD / comfort seats / and a few other options. 32k miles CPO through Dec 20 for $29k. Not a killer deal but a good deal, and the car is in decent shape overall.

Random impressions

1. Look. The F10 is a bit dated but timeless. Handsome looking car, the M Sport w 19's has a good look to it.

2. Seats. Glad I stuck it out for the comf seats and M Sport pack. The seats are very comfy, however lacking in lateral support. You sit "on" them, you have to work hard to sit "in" them.

3. 704 suspension. I read over and over non 704, etc. Its a fantastic suspension on the 16. Suspension travel is shorter than my mag ride R8. Feels very buttoned down. Never harsh. But firm. Sweet spot for this size and class of car.

4. Trans. Love BMW trans sport settings. Always seems to shift at the right time. I drive in sport 100% of the time, with the shifter in sport mode. BMW always does a nice job matching the trans and motor for sporty daily driving.

5. Rattles. BMW quality has really fallen with the F30 and F10. I've had over 12 bmw, and none of my old cars had 1 single squeak or rattle. I hope BMW steps up their game. Things live shifting in my seat you hear noises, going over bumps there's weird vibration noises. Geez.

6. No longer solid built. see #5. The interior build quality feels very old, squishy, and just not solid. My 18 Q7 is a vault. So was my wife's MB ML350. Even my Caddy rentals are more solid built. I havent driven the new 5 yet, but BMW really needs to step up their game.

7. Sport sedan? Not really. The car is so dang big. This isnt a car that you take out looking for twisty roads, I imaging its scared to death it belongs on the highway, and driving from Starbucks to Nordstrom.

8. BMW DNA? Just hints of it here and there. If my E46 330i manual was a 50/50 jack and coke. This car is 10% jack and 90% coke. You can taste it but its very diluted. I wouldnt compare it to any M cars. Then its 0% jack lol.

9. Vent seat. they do nothing. had them in my E60 M6. Dont bother going out of your way to get them.

10... HUD. must have, wish every car had it.

11. Run flats. (puke in mouth). Cant wait to get rid of them.

12. Interior design. Nothing fancy but will age well. Better than the E60's that I had.

Anyways. I always like reading others opinion. Thought to share mine.

Overall the car is doing what its supposed to do - drive around daily in comfort with a tiny bit of the old BMW DNA
Had a 2015 M-sport 535 xdrive. Fully loaded. Loved the car, hated getting out. Sedans and me don't mix. But the car was killer. I do miss it.
Appreciate 0
      07-01-2019, 07:55 PM   #7
Blue Streak
Gunny
Blue Streak's Avatar
United_States
30
Rep
623
Posts

Drives: '07 E90 335i 6MT, 2016 F10 535
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: San Diego, CA

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2007 E90 335i  [9.00]
I'm very happy with mine. I just sold my 2007 E90 335i 6MT ZSP that was full bolt on with JB4. That was a great drivers car. My 2016 535i is totally different, but I welcome it. I did flash with MHD and it made a big difference with power and stuff, but it's more of a big comfy cruiser.
Attached Images
    
__________________
2007 E90 335i 6MT, ZSP, Nav, PDC, CA, Montego Blue, Terra Dakota leather, CDV, clutch-stop, E46 M Shift Knob, Logic HVI, JB4 PnP, MS 3" downpipes, Koni Yellow adjustable sport shocks, RE 12mm(f)/BMS 15mm(r) spacers, Blacklines, LUX 5.0 LED halo ring lights, DAEOS (Vista) harness, GP Thunder 7500k fogs, 35% sides-20% rear tint, matt black kidney grill, matt black 335i trunk badge
Appreciate 1
      07-20-2019, 04:13 AM   #8
F15_SGM
Insta~ f10_sapphire
154
Rep
407
Posts

Drives: BLACK 2015 528I
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: N/a

iTrader: (0)

Seems like u hate the F10, I think the car is very capable of twisty roads I have driven my f10 on a twisty mountain roads going pretty fast it feels pretty comfy whippin it compared to any of the f10s competitors of its size and Cadillacs interior feel like garbage 😂
Appreciate 1
      07-20-2019, 12:54 PM   #9
Damage Inc
Lieutenant Colonel
Damage Inc's Avatar
753
Rep
1,894
Posts

Drives: 2017 M2
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Nashville

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by osmansiddiqui95 View Post
Seems like u hate the F10, I think the car is very capable of twisty roads I have driven my f10 on a twisty mountain roads going pretty fast it feels pretty comfy whippin it compared to any of the f10s competitors of its size and Cadillacs interior feel like garbage ��
Nope, don't hate it. Its a good comfy cruiser with a hint of sport dialed in. While I'm not saying it cannot go fast in turns, its just not any fun due to lack of driver feel which equals involvement.

You have to understand for an old timer BMW guy like me who started with E36, E46 etc - those were sport sedans out of the box. You didn't have to have an M badge to have an engaging car. BMW had engaging steering, excellent feedback - they were "drivers cars". Try driving a 2003 ZHP manual. A slow car that's super engaging to drive fast.

With that said there are times I want a luxo cruiser like this 535i - with a little sport, not bland like a Lexus - and that's what it specializes in. Which is what I bought it for.

Interior wise its 'ok'. It was designed back in 2010 so its dated, so gotta keep that in mind. Its night / day comparing my wife's 18 Q7 however that's a new gen car vs. old gen. No rattles (yet) which is good.
__________________
Current: 11 E90 M3 ZCP / R8 Performance

Past Performance Cars: 01 M3, 05 M3, 06 M5, 08 M6, 08 M3, 11 M3, 13 M3, 15 M3, 911 C4S, 911 GTS, 17 M2,R8 V8, R8 RWS

Last edited by Damage Inc; 07-20-2019 at 01:10 PM.. Reason: sp
Appreciate 0
      07-21-2019, 05:28 PM   #10
destruct007
Private
18
Rep
62
Posts

Drives: 2013 535i M-Sport
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Raleigh, NC

iTrader: (0)

I agree with most of what you said in your review. I went from a '02 330i 5MT which was great has it for more than 10 years to this so very very different. I'm mostly sitting in LA traffic with small mild bursts of dare I say speed, more like accelerate to 50 then back down. I like that it truly feels like 2 cars when you go from comfort to sport in SD mode. Both cars are big but one is definitely more sporty, just nothing like a smaller lighter car.

Its not been my experience with build quality. I felt lucky tho with mine, no squeaks (knock on wood) and very solid so far (4 years).

And lastly I think the BMW DNA is more like the 7 series luxury side vs the classic 3 series.
Appreciate 0
      07-21-2019, 06:05 PM   #11
Surly73
Lieutenant Colonel
Canada
525
Rep
1,868
Posts

Drives: '11 535xi 8AT KWv3 MPE MHD xHP
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Oakville, Ontario

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Damage Inc View Post

You have to understand for an old timer BMW guy like me who started with E36, E46 etc - those were sport sedans out of the box. You didn't have to have an M badge to have an engaging car. BMW had engaging steering, excellent feedback - they were "drivers cars". Try driving a 2003 ZHP manual. A slow car that's super engaging to drive fast.
Yep.

I have yet to ever find my F10 "fun", even though it's faster and arguably more refined than other "fun" cars I've had. I'm putting KWv3s on my F10 as soon as I can sort out some issues (backordered, then they showed up with a damper shaft protruding from the box...). We'll see if that sharpens it up a bit to be more like my E39... MHD, xHP and larger anti-roll bars have made things somewhat better so far.
Appreciate 0
      07-21-2019, 09:13 PM   #12
lsturbointeg
Lieutenant General
lsturbointeg's Avatar
United_States
9149
Rep
14,522
Posts

Drives: 2011 535i Jet Black
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Asian lost in OH

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Surly73 View Post
Yep.

I have yet to ever find my F10 "fun", even though it's faster and arguably more refined than other "fun" cars I've had. I'm putting KWv3s on my F10 as soon as I can sort out some issues (backordered, then they showed up with a damper shaft protruding from the box...). We'll see if that sharpens it up a bit to be more like my E39... MHD, xHP and larger anti-roll bars have made things somewhat better so far.
I think you feel a bigger difference once you put the KW's on cause after I put mine on along with my Meisterschaft's the car is BEAST! I come from the import scene back in the day so pushing the car to it's limits was easy. pushing the F10 tho she feels like a heffer I can still put this into corners and still have control while the back end is loose! i'm still looking into upgrading the sways but that'll be down the road
__________________
~F90Conversion~21"3Piece Forged AvantGardeWheels~KWV1Coilovers~CQUENCE slotted/drilled rotors~GoodridgeStainlesslines~MeisterschaftQuadEx haust~Akrapovic 4"tips~VRSF DP~VRSF CP~TurboSmart BOV~K&N filter~CarbonFiberExteriorComponents~GladenAlphaCo mponents~MatchUp7BMW~Punch P300-12T~
Follow me on Instagram: lsturbointeg
Appreciate 0
      07-22-2019, 04:40 PM   #13
destruct007
Private
18
Rep
62
Posts

Drives: 2013 535i M-Sport
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Raleigh, NC

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Damage Inc View Post
You have to understand for an old timer BMW guy like me who started with E36, E46 etc - those were sport sedans out of the box. You didn't have to have an M badge to have an engaging car. BMW had engaging steering, excellent feedback - they were "drivers cars". Try driving a 2003 ZHP manual. A slow car that's super engaging to drive fast.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Surly73 View Post
I have yet to ever find my F10 "fun", even though it's faster and arguably more refined than other "fun" cars I've had.
I noticed the refinements of BMW through the years also softens the driving experience but gives "better track times". I used to drive a '80 320i on Mulholland drive here in LA, and it was a thrill and I was only going 25-40mph. Then, like I said above, I got a '02 330i (not ZHP but close) and I was going 45-60 to have the same feeling and knew it was getting unstafe. Now in a 535i I feel nothing at any speed, lol. There no thrill, but that's not this car is it? It's quiet, smooth, cushy, but could still be in a Jame Bond film... well, in my mind it could.

I was thinking how funny it would be to take this car to autocross. It'd drive fine, but probably handle like a boat compared to most every other car there.

I was thinking of getting a clean Z3 for the "fun". The complete opposite of this car.
Appreciate 0
      07-22-2019, 08:36 PM   #14
Surly73
Lieutenant Colonel
Canada
525
Rep
1,868
Posts

Drives: '11 535xi 8AT KWv3 MPE MHD xHP
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Oakville, Ontario

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by destruct007 View Post

I was thinking how funny it would be to take this car to autocross. It'd drive fine, but probably handle like a boat compared to most every other car there.
I've been generally describing mine as a "school bus" lately.

As I've said, although at first I didn't think so, it's faster than all of the previous ones (esp w/ MHD), and it goes where you point it, it just isn't very fun or communicative while doing it. More than that, it never, ever seems to beg for more. It feels more like I've just "gotten away with" a 6-7/10ths handling maneuver and I should be sensible enough not to try it again. E39, E46 and E90s (with 704 suspension and good summer rubber) always seemed to beg me to try again, and go a little faster, cause it'll stick.

I have lots of theories - the simple "progression" of "refinement" that the market demands, poor steering rack design, X-Drive suspension geometry designed to soak up torque steer also deadening roadfeel, I'm just getting old etc...etc...
Appreciate 0
      07-22-2019, 09:08 PM   #15
ezaircon4jc
Major General
ezaircon4jc's Avatar
United_States
4259
Rep
5,285
Posts

Drives: 2019 540i M Sport
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: San Diego

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Surly73 View Post
I've been generally describing mine as a "school bus" lately.

As I've said, although at first I didn't think so, it's faster than all of the previous ones (esp w/ MHD), and it goes where you point it, it just isn't very fun or communicative while doing it. More than that, it never, ever seems to beg for more. It feels more like I've just "gotten away with" a 6-7/10 handling maneuver and I should be sensible enough not to try it again. E39, E46 and E90s (with 704 suspension and good summer rubber) always seemed to beg me to try again, and go a little faster, cause it'll stick.

I have lots of theories - the simple "progression" of "refinement" that the market demands, poor steering rack design, X-Drive suspension geometry designed to soak up torque steer also deadening roadfeel, I'm just getting old etc...etc...
Don't think it's a fair comparison between a 704 suspended RWD and an X-Drive.
Appreciate 0
      07-23-2019, 08:02 AM   #16
Goldmember2
New Member
2
Rep
8
Posts

Drives: 2016 BMW 535i MSport
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: USA

iTrader: (0)

My 2016 535i is my first BMW ever. I really enjoy driving the car. I picked it over the 2016 A6. I appreciate the POV from members who've driven BMW over the years. You can see how the car company as evolved.

Compared to my last 3 cars (2016 Ford Edge Sport, 2013 Passat TDI, 2006 Audi A4) this car is a blast to drive. I find it very responsive to accelerate, sharp in turns and comfortable to ride in. I'm mostly driving around the suburbs of Atlanta and the associated freeways. Plus the car just looks cool so I feel awesome while running errands and stuff.

My biggest gripe is the infotainment system. The USB on my car is hit or miss when playing media. I need to get it into the dealer and have them look at it. I've got a carplay mmi plus retro fit on the way. I need the USB to be rock solid so I can fully take advantage of that upgrade.
Appreciate 1
      07-23-2019, 01:03 PM   #17
dcbullets
New Member
2
Rep
9
Posts

Drives: 2015 535i
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Fairfax, VA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by ezaircon4jc View Post
Don't think it's a fair comparison between a 704 suspended RWD and an X-Drive.
I was thinking the same thing. To me, the X-Drive ruins the feel of the car. it's so weird and artificial. the 704 RWD is awesome and really fun to drive. It's weird to see people say their 5 series isn't fun to drive. probably should have purchased a RWD.....
Appreciate 0
      07-23-2019, 03:38 PM   #18
jonobro
Lieutenant
59
Rep
590
Posts

Drives: bmw f10 535i
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: CA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by lsturbointeg View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Surly73 View Post
Yep.

I have yet to ever find my F10 "fun", even though it's faster and arguably more refined than other "fun" cars I've had. I'm putting KWv3s on my F10 as soon as I can sort out some issues (backordered, then they showed up with a damper shaft protruding from the box...). We'll see if that sharpens it up a bit to be more like my E39... MHD, xHP and larger anti-roll bars have made things somewhat better so far.
I think you feel a bigger difference once you put the KW's on cause after I put mine on along with my Meisterschaft's the car is BEAST! I come from the import scene back in the day so pushing the car to it's limits was easy. pushing the F10 tho she feels like a heffer I can still put this into corners and still have control while the back end is loose! i'm still looking into upgrading the sways but that'll be down the road
What are KW's?
Appreciate 0
      07-23-2019, 03:39 PM   #19
jonobro
Lieutenant
59
Rep
590
Posts

Drives: bmw f10 535i
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: CA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Goldmember2 View Post
My 2016 535i is my first BMW ever. I really enjoy driving the car. I picked it over the 2016 A6. I appreciate the POV from members who've driven BMW over the years. You can see how the car company as evolved.

Compared to my last 3 cars (2016 Ford Edge Sport, 2013 Passat TDI, 2006 Audi A4) this car is a blast to drive. I find it very responsive to accelerate, sharp in turns and comfortable to ride in. I'm mostly driving around the suburbs of Atlanta and the associated freeways. Plus the car just looks cool so I feel awesome while running errands and stuff.

My biggest gripe is the infotainment system. The USB on my car is hit or miss when playing media. I need to get it into the dealer and have them look at it. I've got a carplay mmi plus retro fit on the way. I need the USB to be rock solid so I can fully take advantage of that upgrade.
Can you link me to the retrofit you have on the way ?
Appreciate 0
      07-23-2019, 06:14 PM   #20
Surly73
Lieutenant Colonel
Canada
525
Rep
1,868
Posts

Drives: '11 535xi 8AT KWv3 MPE MHD xHP
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Oakville, Ontario

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by dcbullets View Post
I was thinking the same thing. To me, the X-Drive ruins the feel of the car. it's so weird and artificial. the 704 RWD is awesome and really fun to drive. It's weird to see people say their 5 series isn't fun to drive. probably should have purchased a RWD.....
Well there's a few things here.

ezaircon4jc : Sure, they're not to be reviewed back to back as comparables, but I've driven non-704 E39s, E46s, E90s and F30s too. The F-series lack in feedback and involvement, not just outright capability.

dcbullets : X-Drive ruins the car by feeling artificial...? Yeah, but what about it does that? Having torque go to the front wheels? Audi's been doing quattro for a long time and I found the 2000 A6 reasonably entertaining. The new M5 is AWD too. Pre-LCI, anyways, everyone was praising that the X-Drive cars had hydraulic steering instead of the "weird and artificial" electrically boosted steering the RWD cars had. So what's the deal?

I'm looking forward to giving xDelete (by the same folks as xHP) a try when it supports my chassis. It won't erase the weight or the suspension geometry of the X-Drive, but it could change the torque steer situation. On the other hand, I know that unplugging the transfer case is a diagnostic step in certain stages of debugging - I've never heard someone chasing a transfer case problem get this to step and ooh and aah about how the car now feels like it should with X-Drive disconnected. Also, when I'm running into a brisk lefthander trail braking, I'm not really sure the X-Drive is doing anything other than coming along for the ride anyways. It's not just on-throttle that things feel "off".

As for "should have bought an RWD" - they don't sell any where I am and I have what I have. With all the M cars going AWD I think RWD is going to be a dying breed along with 6MT. I wonder if every F90 M5 owner thinks they're "weird and artificial".

FWIW, I read a lot that something changed in the LCI that dramatically improved steering feel. Unfortunately most people reporting that aren't specific about AWD or RWD. Lo and behold, it seems like the big difference is the use of hydro bushings in the front end of the RWD, which the X-Drive already has, so...

Anyways - rant over. I hope the KW's do something good. They are priced pretty dear.
Appreciate 0
      07-23-2019, 06:18 PM   #21
Surly73
Lieutenant Colonel
Canada
525
Rep
1,868
Posts

Drives: '11 535xi 8AT KWv3 MPE MHD xHP
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Oakville, Ontario

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by jonobro View Post
What are KW's?
https://www.kwsuspensions.com/kw-sus...-352200bd.html
Appreciate 0
      07-23-2019, 07:10 PM   #22
jonobro
Lieutenant
59
Rep
590
Posts

Drives: bmw f10 535i
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: CA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Surly73 View Post
Wait tooo damn much
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:26 AM.




5post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST