I have only owned 3 series vehicles, so I may be biased here. I have a 528i loaner and it handles like a turbocharged Toyota. When I'm in a BMW I expect to "feel the road", like the car is gripping the turf and providing precise feedback to the driver. I don't feel like I'm one with this car. I'm currently driving a 2006 330xi with the M package, so maybe the difference is in the suspension? Are there suspension upgrades for the 528i?
I don't think suspension upgrades should make that big of a difference in a BMW. They should be built to drive, not "add-on package" to drive.
Somebody prove me wrong here because I'm getting some real disenchantment from the brand. I even went to the BMW website and their logo is no longer the ultimate driving machine, but "sheer driving pleasure" wtf does that mean? Do they not care about crafting machines that perform out of the box anymore? Are they leaving their well-crafted suspensions behind to just put turbocharged engines on a ford chassis and covering the seats in Leatherette (yeah, BMW went there)?
I will be very cautious when I eventually upgrade to 5 series vehicles.
I have only owned 3 series vehicles, so I may be biased here. I have a 528i loaner and it handles like a turbocharged Toyota. When I'm in a BMW I expect to "feel the road", like the car is gripping the turf and providing precise feedback to the driver. I don't feel like I'm one with this car. I'm currently driving a 2006 330xi with the M package, so maybe the difference is in the suspension? Are there suspension upgrades for the 528i?
I don't think suspension upgrades should make that big of a difference in a BMW. They should be built to drive, not "add-on package" to drive.
Somebody prove me wrong here because I'm getting some real disenchantment from the brand. I even went to the BMW website and their logo is no longer the ultimate driving machine, but "sheer driving pleasure" wtf does that mean? Do they not care about crafting machines that perform out of the box anymore? Are they leaving their well-crafted suspensions behind to just put turbocharged engines on a ford chassis and covering the seats in Leatherette (yeah, BMW went there)?
I will be very cautious when I eventually upgrade to 5 series vehicles.
Have you Tried the Sport Mode :yikes: There are alot of people complaining about the N20 which is the 4 Cylinder engine in a heavy car, people have their own preferences on what engine they want.
You should next time try the 535, 328i, and tell us how is it :thumbup:
I did try that! I felt that the handling tightened up a little bit, but maybe it was in my head. It wasn't a lot though.
The engine is great! For a four-cylinder, it is pretty amazing at take-off and for accelerating when cruising above 80 MPH. Like I mentioned, it handles like a turbocharged Toyota. It feels very loose, and the road feedback is just not there.
It seems like BMW went for speed but just left any thought out of the suspension/steering design.
For example, on the highway it tends to weave out of lane. I really had to focus on where the car was going, whereas on my 330 I don't think about it. The 330 seems to go where I think (the whole "one with the car" thing).
I wonder if the dealership would let me test drive those, just for ****s and giggles.... I'm pretty curious after this experience on how the entire line-up performs.
The engine is great! For a four-cylinder, it is pretty amazing at take-off and for accelerating when cruising above 80 MPH. Like I mentioned, it handles like a turbocharged Toyota. It feels very loose, and the road feedback is just not there.
It seems like BMW went for speed but just left any thought out of the suspension/steering design.
For example, on the highway it tends to weave out of lane. I really had to focus on where the car was going, whereas on my 330 I don't think about it. The 330 seems to go where I think (the whole "one with the car" thing).
(...) I don't think suspension upgrades should make that big of a difference in a BMW. They should be built to drive, not "add-on package" to drive(...)
A 2013 535i with M Sport Package will be the best setup to try for you as it will be the closest to that "classic BMW feel" of the F10 bunch.
Your issue isn't with the suspension as much as it is with the chassis. The F10 chassis is one that in its inherent nature is not only meant to coddle 7 Series drivers, but Rolls Royce drivers. It's an extremely heavy, extremely strong, and remarkably well built chassis for a luxury car. To me, the dynamics if you take all of its merits into account is best in breed. I came from an E-Class who's suspension was a mess, choppy/loud/rough over rough patches and then extremely rolly on turns. I personally think that BMW is designing suspensions remarkably, at least the mechanical M Sport suspension which comes on 2013 535 & 550 M Sports (a must if you're seeking more "sportiness" from this chassis), as the F10 is not only smoother, quieter and more comfortable than my E Classes as it swallows imperfections in the way you'd imagine a Mercedes should, but much more sporty as well. The Audi A6 will feel sportier in terms of road feel, but it comes at the expense of not matching the F10's quiet and smooth, ultra solidity.
Coming from my perspective, I think they nailed this car, however my perspective is that it's a Luxury beast first, and a performance beast second. Coming from your perspective, it only makes sense that you'll be shocked at the isolation from the car.
Keep in mind, many F10 drivers want a plush luxury car, i.e the non Sport 528i is built specifically for them (think the "masses" F10).
That is probably a very correct observation. Regardless, a 5-series will allways feel different from a 3-series. I find my F10 with the N53 6-cylinder to be more luxurious than my previous E60. but it also felt much more at ease on the Autobahn doing 240+km/h.
One of the main reasons why I bought my 5 series was the driving characteristics. I never owned before a BMW, but did own Volvo's, Mercedes and a bunch of Fords. I was during the test drive particular impressed by the luxury drive; the sheer smoothness of the drive train, and ride. I look for a combination of ultimate comfort and handling; the 5 series is a topper at this balance. I'm very glad the 5 series BMW is set-up like this; I may otherwise not have bought it.
Looking at the success BMW has with the 5 series; I think they nailed it at their best.
I have only owned 3 series vehicles, so I may be biased here. I have a 528i loaner and it handles like a turbocharged Toyota. When I'm in a BMW I expect to "feel the road", like the car is gripping the turf and providing precise feedback to the driver. I don't feel like I'm one with this car. I'm currently driving a 2006 330xi with the M package, so maybe the difference is in the suspension? Are there suspension upgrades for the 528i?
I don't think suspension upgrades should make that big of a difference in a BMW. They should be built to drive, not "add-on package" to drive.
Somebody prove me wrong here because I'm getting some real disenchantment from the brand. I even went to the BMW website and their logo is no longer the ultimate driving machine, but "sheer driving pleasure" wtf does that mean? Do they not care about crafting machines that perform out of the box anymore? Are they leaving their well-crafted suspensions behind to just put turbocharged engines on a ford chassis and covering the seats in Leatherette (yeah, BMW went there)?
I will be very cautious when I eventually upgrade to 5 series vehicles.
If you are looking for a bigger version of your 2006 330xi, you are looking at the wrong place. The F10 is not the ultimate driving machine, it is the ultimate combination of comfort and performance. Sure, BMW can design the F10 to have rock hard suspension like your 330xi so it can handle well or design a steering that is so stiff that you need to be a body builder to parallel park the car, but who would buy it? The F10 is generally bought by older drivers who have graduated from the 3 series and the natural progression of wanting a more comfortable ride and luxury.
What the OP is saying here is no different than what F10 owners coming from the previous generation 5 have been saying for the past two years. People need to either accept that BMW is moving a different direction, or buy another brand. I like what they have done because where I live the roads are so damn boring that I prefer luxury with decent control over a more focused sports sedan.
Coming from an E46 to the F10 it is going to feel like how you described. I also came from an E46 to E90 to F10 and each model got softer and softer.
Also the F10 wasn't ever meant to feel or handle like the 3 series so if that is what you are after then you need to stick with the 3 unless you can go M5.
I came to an E60 535 from a B6 S4, and pouted for a good year before I accepted the 5-series is a different design for a different purpose. I kept telling myself the whole driving machine propaganda, but you just can't change the fact a longer, heavier, and more unbalanced car will not handle as well as a smaller one. Even if it is a BMW.
That's why a base 3-series will be more fun than a base 5-series.
With my F10 535, I have really grown to enjoy the car (I like it a lot more than my E60) because it's an excellent combination of power (the N55 is impressive), handling, and utility (it can carry 5 people in relative comfort).
BMW has learned in the last decade that there are different market segments who desire different benefits out of their cars. That's why there are 4 different SUVs (soon to be 5!), three sedan styles (with major variants of each), and 4 coupes!
I am in the same process myself. I've always had smaller sporty cars and every time i drive my F10 i have to keep reminding myself this car is built for a different purpose and I am driving it for a reason (new baby). I've had my car for alittle less than a year now and i've come to enjoy the F10 much more only now. Still miss not having something faster and sportier but I do enjoy the F10 for what it does best. Sporty cruiser sedan. In a ideal world i would have the F10 as my family car and a M3 for my solo milk/diaper runs but we can't have it all sometimes...
BMW has naturally upside the car for you from E90 to F30. If you want more "dynamic" ride then 335i sounds like a better choice.
I had N52 530i before the smoothness is hard to replace with the 2.0T N20 muted engine.
In the name of CAFE standard, N20/N26 is a much welcomed change to volumn cars so M cars can continue to live on.....
It doesn't really mean anything what WE think BMW should or shouldn't be. What is important are masses who will buy them regardless. And those masses will rather buy them if BMW suspension was sold as extra.
I will be very cautious when I eventually upgrade to 5 series vehicles.
You should be very careful if you decide to "upgrade" to F30 3 series as well. Test drive is the key word. Then a careful look at the options list. Because, no, not even 3 series is a BMW as-is out of the box anymore.
Oh, almost forgot ... if you were having dreams about buying a BMW out of the box and looking forward to 2 series ... you can stop now. That one will have drive selector as well. No word yet on DHP, but at this point, I think it is inevitable.
I too like some of the other posters have gone through quite a few bmw's (e46 325i, e90 335i, e60 535i) and now an f10 535i. The change from my 335 to the e60 535i was not as drastic of a handling difference than going from the e90 directly to the f10. I really miss alot about my e60 (n54 and handling), but prefer the interior of the F10. I guess I am growing used to the f10..
Somebody prove me wrong here because I'm getting some real disenchantment from the brand. I even went to the BMW website and their logo is no longer the ultimate driving machine, but "sheer driving pleasure" wtf does that mean? Do they not care about crafting machines that perform out of the box anymore? Are they leaving their well-crafted suspensions behind to just put turbocharged engines on a ford chassis and covering the seats in Leatherette (yeah, BMW went there)?
Giving up on the funfer was hard for me but it's now done. After now having driven both the M5 and M6 I've fully realized that this new generation of BMW mid-size cars are just to big and heavy to appeal to me independent of configuration. It all comes down to the F80 now if I'm to remain a BMW customer.
@K-A I realized that earlier today, this car takes bumps exceptionally well. It is a very smooth ride, and I'm starting to get used to it in a way. It's great for my kids, very roomy inside.
Thanks all for the great information, I apologize I couldn't be here for it I've had a busy start to my week. I understand where BMW is going with their models now, and waxcomb you may be right, I'm thinking a 535i with the M sport package, or maybe even an M5 may be in my future.
I'm pretty amazed with how well a 4cyl moves this car. I have to agree, it's a good ride for what it's built for.
I specifically targeted a 528i. I was not looking for a sports car, but wanted a sedan that could seat my family of 5 in relative comfort, be a daily driver so MPG was some what of a concern and lastly have an interior so quiet I could plunk 5k worth of stereo equipment (yay Hertz Hi-Energy) in it and just melt in my music as I drive to and fro. The nav is an E class was pathetic, and AUDI was just too sporty, not enough luxury. For this type of customer, the 528i is remarkably well suited. Now that being said I did throw in a burger tune just for ****s and giggles. Unless Im feeling like an Andretti at a stop light MPG is pretty much the same.
Yeah, I just did not realize that BMW was focusing on a luxury niche like that. For what they made it for, it's nice. I like the turbo 4 cyl, although I don't really care for the delay when stomping on the peddle before the turbos kick in.
This 528 floats over bumps that I have to slow down for in my 330.
I have only owned 3 series vehicles, so I may be biased here. I have a 528i loaner and it handles like a turbocharged Toyota. When I'm in a BMW I expect to "feel the road", like the car is gripping the turf and providing precise feedback to the driver. I don't feel like I'm one with this car. I'm currently driving a 2006 330xi with the M package, so maybe the difference is in the suspension? Are there suspension upgrades for the 528i?
I don't think suspension upgrades should make that big of a difference in a BMW. They should be built to drive, not "add-on package" to drive.
Somebody prove me wrong here because I'm getting some real disenchantment from the brand. I even went to the BMW website and their logo is no longer the ultimate driving machine, but "sheer driving pleasure" wtf does that mean? Do they not care about crafting machines that perform out of the box anymore? Are they leaving their well-crafted suspensions behind to just put turbocharged engines on a ford chassis and covering the seats in Leatherette (yeah, BMW went there)?
I will be very cautious when I eventually upgrade to 5 series vehicles.
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
BimmerFest BMW Forum
11.4M posts
753.2K members
Since 2001
A forum community dedicated to BMW owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about Bimmerfest events, production numbers, programming, performance, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more! Bringing the BMW community together.