[Mark]

Their summary: The March Toward Technological Perfection Continues.

Although edmunds have give snippets of reviews for the new F10 5-Series in the past, this is their first full review of the new 5-Series. Their test model was a beautiful example of a 535i with automatic transmission. Here are a few quotes from the review, but follow the link at the bottom to the actual article.

Certainly the only bit in the 2011 BMW 535i that is simpler is the engine — a new version of the 3.0-liter turbocharged mill that previously powered 1, 3 and 5 Series cars. The simplification was accomplished by removing both turbochargers and replacing them with a single twin-scroll turbo, which BMW says helps improve throttle response. Also absent is a throttle valve. The new engine is throttled via BMW's Valvetronic system, which alters valve lift to control engine speed.

Ultimately, however, almost every interface inside the 535i is quite good. Especially considering the audience. Sure, there will always be those hard-core devotees who insist that this sedan should come with a manual transmission and be driven accordingly. Largely, though, this is a comfortable cruiser that is just as at home in the daily traffic slog as it is on the open road. And there are few machines better adapted to those environs.

In following the current more-is-better automotive design philosophy, the 5 Series' wheelbase has grown 3.2 inches. At 116.9 inches it is the longest in its class. Oddly, this doesn't translate to the most front and rear legroom — that honor goes to the Infiniti M. Even our larger editors found ample space in the 5, however. Average-size passengers have room to swim in the rear seat and large adults (6 feet plus) can fit behind their own driving position without being cramped. But none of this should come as a surprise in this class.

Source / Link: Edmunds' InsideLine Review: BMW 535i

[AlexK]

You've chosen the wrong quotes. The most interesting and most significant (to me) quotes were:

Standing starts, though, never feel intuitive. Acceleration, at least initially, isn't proportional to pedal input. On many occasions this caused us to dig into the pedal even further — an effort which often produced an unwanted surge of acceleration once the throttle position actually registered with the car's electronic brain

Electric power steering enhances efficiency and offers appropriate weight in most situations, but still lacks the feedback of the best EPS systems

it's no longer the sportiest driving car in its segment

Overall a very informative and consistent review. Sad to see another confirmation about the inferior steering system. Strange to see the inconsistent throttle response, something that existed even on my 2 year-old 328i.

[Zunkung]

Nice and very informative review! Thank you!

Imo, looks like the new 5 has really lost some of the BMW's sportiness, but instead, become more balanced in comfortableness and sportiness in overall(sounds very promising for the mid-speed daily drive around town), and which might be good for my family since my dad complain that the ride quality on the previous generation(E60) was too hard.

However, it is kindda sad for me after watching and reading many reviews on the New 5-series, and see about half of them complains abut the new 5 is might no longer be the sportiest lux-sedan in its class as it used to be in the past.


P.S. It would be very nice and present if i can also hear some of the overall feedback from the currently F10 owners.

[Bimmer5]

I can only say that I have had several 3 series and a E60 5 series.
I went from a 07 335 with sport package to my 11 535 and it is the best BMW I have ever owned. I have no problem with the steering at all, The car feels better built and the quality of materials is outstanding.

[Oulixes]

A professional review and well-chosen quotes - thanks.

[BimmerGuyFL]

It's so sad to see that the new BMW 5-series has lost it's edge for being known what a 5-series was. Too bad they don't make the E39 still, That was/is the best 5er ever.

[datbimmerdoe]

very good review.

[TonyMeister]

VS

[Year's_End]

Originally Posted by AlexK

You've chosen the wrong quotes. The most interesting and most significant (to me) quotes were:







Overall a very informative and consistent review. Sad to see another confirmation about the inferior steering system. Strange to see the inconsistent throttle response, something that existed even on my 2 year-old 328i.

+1

[delvek]

sigh ... this steering discussion is getting old and mostly discussed by non owners. Can we make a separate section for steering talk?

[alex_c]

Originally Posted by BimmerGuyFL

It's so sad to see that the new BMW 5-series has lost it's edge for being known what a 5-series was. Too bad they don't make the E39 still, That was/is the best 5er ever.

Have you driven the E39 and the F10 back to back? I read lots of post of people saying how the E39 was the best thing since sliced bread.

Once you drive both back to back, you will realize they are not even in the same league. The F10 blows the E39 out of the water in almost every category. I understand the nostalgic factor: For its time, the E39 was great, but that was many, many years ago, and engine and overall automotive engineering has advanced dramatically since then.

Pacman was a great videogame for its time... but it is certainly no Nintendo Wii.

[Canuckistan]

E39 was the bomb in its day. I had a stick shift 540i and an M5, and those both drove like 4-door sports cars. The F-10 is squishy and soft, and although the car is much bigger, I am actually less comfortable in it. I find the high rim of the centre console digs into my right shin as I am driving. The F-10 is a beautiful car, but it is no longer a sport sedan.

[delvek]

Well said Alex.

There is no comparison between the F10 and any previous models. There are no daily driver vehicles that can seriously challenge its total package.

[SilverNMeanE92]

Originally Posted by alex_c

Have you driven the E39 and the F10 back to back? I read lots of post of people saying how the E39 was the best thing since sliced bread.

Once you drive both back to back, you will realize they are not even in the same league. The F10 blows the E39 out of the water in almost every category. I understand the nostalgic factor: For its time, the E39 was great, but that was many, many years ago, and engine and overall automotive engineering has advanced dramatically since then.

Pacman was a great videogame for its time... but it is certainly no Nintendo Wii.

The F10 five series is a perfectly engineered car, but it's more of a baby 7 series than a true "5" series. That's what people are complaining about. It's gotten bigger, heavier(just like every past iteration of the 5) and SOFTER!

[BimmerGuyFL]

Originally Posted by SilverNMeanE92

The F10 five series is a perfectly engineered car, but it's more of a baby 7 series than a true "5" series. That's what people are complaining about. It's gotten bigger, heavier(just like every past iteration of the 5) and SOFTER!

I have to Agree with SilvernMeanE92, The new F10 5-series has gotten way to soft and has lost that "SPECIAL" feeling that BMW's are known for. it just doesn't inspire the same soul and wanting to jump in one and drive it like BMW's are known for. The steering is to blame as well as the heavy weight of the car.

[Ash83]

Nice

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by alex_c

Once you drive both back to back, you will realize they are not even in the same league. The F10 blows the E39 out of the water in almost every category. I understand the nostalgic factor: For its time, the E39 was great, but that was many, many years ago, and engine and overall automotive engineering has advanced dramatically since then.

Very valid comments, we can live in the past. Perception is another thing and the fact that all advancements are not necessarily real progress for man and machine together. From my 'seat of the pants' experience, electronic bits can get in between, feel artificial and also be very slow in response, even if it is milli-seconds in real time. Our brains can expect and process faster responses.

The first time I got in an E39 I was at one with it, never changed to the minute I parted with an E39 touring and moved on. I tried several E60/1 cars, not the same at all. One got close, an LCI 535d M-sport touring, even my wife thought that was getting close to the E39 with M-tech suspension.

Now we both love the F10, trying the Adaptive Drive on Saturday (and the Touring). Just want a setup that gives the E39 driving feel, so close to perfection IMO, so much so that I don't want to compromise.

HighlandPete

[uhn2000]

Say what you want but I found the F10 to be perfection and I came from an M5 and owned and 530 as well. It oozes sportiness, comfort, and performance.. not to mention all the great modifications you can make to it from BMW. It is so king in its class, not even a joke, nothing, in my opinion, on the market today, compares to it.

BMW have done it again and I am almost 100% positive the next ///M5 will sell in droves as they come out with another true monster in its category.

[delvek]

well said uhn, nothing comes close, period.

[SilverNMeanE92]

Nothing wrong with the F10 as previously pointed out, however it's a "7-series lite". In the past, this was never the case. Some of us would like the have the 5 series back. It's all subjective but BMWs are becoming increasingly un-dynamic, unless you purchase an M-car! The new M5 should be great. I feel BMWs are becoming too much like Mercedes - that is - big, heavy, loads of power to make up for weight and size, and lack of dynamic feel or handling!
I'm not sure the new F10 is quite an evolution, rather a departure from the traditional 5 series.

[HaloEye]

F10's longevity will be based on the new A6. This is audi's chance to pull ahead if you ask me. I have heard too much about the electronic steering, good thing the X drive models will not have it :-), especially if i do go with the F10 i will get x drive.

[BimmerGuyFL]

Originally Posted by SilverNMeanE92

Nothing wrong with the F10 as previously pointed out, however it's a "7-series lite". In the past, this was never the case. Some of us would like the have the 5 series back. It's all subjective but BMWs are becoming increasingly un-dynamic, unless you purchase an M-car! The new M5 should be great. I feel BMWs are becoming too much like Mercedes - that is - big, heavy, loads of power to make up for weight and size, and lack of dynamic feel or handling!
I'm not sure the new F10 is quite an evolution, rather a departure from the traditional 5 series.

+1 for SilverNMeanE92. I 100% agree with you on the direction BMW has taken with the new F10 5-series. it doesn't have that special dynamic appeal from the E39 generation and back. Even all the car magazines feel the same way. Sure the F10 is a great car but it no longer has that edge they had as before and it surely no longer is the king of the midsize sedans. Now they all blend pretty much the same in terms of handling.