Thinking about a new 5'er, BUT.....

Yes I know, I've read hundreds of posts about the F10 vs the E60 and the lack of road feel. Also read about the global software updates making the car "closer". Having owned many E60's and x5's, all 8cyl with m sport, I recently drove both a 535 and 550. The 535 seems too loose. It was an April or May build and not sure was updated. First thing my son said is "sounds tinny". The 550 had a heavier feel in the steering. Both m sports of course.

So question is, to those who have had both and the update, how close to the "BMW" feel has this update made the F10 or are we still a ways away? I just can't see spending 800-900/mo for a car with a BMW badge that doesn't drive like a Bmw.

I can't go to a 3, too small. The 6 gran coupe is too much money.

As always, looking for honest, to the point answers

Alternatively was contemplating waiting 10 months till my current lease is up and going for '13 with new cluster and nav. About 100 more a month we figure.

I think the car, looks wise in and out, is an absolute winner. It's all about te drive though.

For reference on the "deal", 36x12 with full multiples=

535- $66,000 Msrp. $780/month including 6% tax
550- $76,000 Msrp. $891/month including 6% tax.

Was $100 higher a year ago. Basic inceptions.

So get the Audi. Or G-d forbid, the GS.

Originally Posted by wassy

Yes I know, I've read hundreds of posts about the F10 vs the E60 and the lack of road feel. Also read about the global software updates making the car "closer". Having owned many E60's and x5's, all 8cyl with m sport, I recently drove both a 535 and 550. The 535 seems too loose. It was an April or May build and not sure was updated. First thing my son said is "sounds tinny". The 550 had a heavier feel in the steering. Both m sports of course.

So question is, to those who have had both and the update, how close to the "BMW" feel has this update made the F10 or are we still a ways away? I just can't see spending 800-900/mo for a car with a BMW badge that doesn't drive like a Bmw.

I can't go to a 3, too small. The 6 gran coupe is too much money.

As always, looking for honest, to the point answers

Alternatively was contemplating waiting 10 months till my current lease is up and going for '13 with new cluster and nav. About 100 more a month we figure.

I think the car, looks wise in and out, is an absolute winner. It's all about te drive though.

For reference on the "deal", 36x12 with full multiples=

535- $66,000 Msrp. $780/month including 6% tax
550- $76,000 Msrp. $891/month including 6% tax.

Was $100 higher a year ago. Basic inceptions.

Is there a question here somewhere?

Originally Posted by markl53

So get the Audi. Or G-d forbid, the GS.

Yup.

If you don't like the F10 you drove, no updates are going to change that. You're not going to like it more as you go along. You're going to like it worse.

Soory to be honest, but you asked for it. The F10 is what it is, and one thing it's not is the E60. Or even an E70. Those platforms were simply different.

Get the 550i RWD with the active roll stabilization and the integral active 4 wheel steering in addition to the dynamic damper control that comes with the M sport package. It's the combination of all three that will give you the most BMW like driving experience. Since you won't be getting the xDrive in Florida you won't be able to have the hydralic steering that comes standard with the xDrive cars. But with the xDrive you can't get the IAS.

Then consider changing to maximum performance summer tires if you don't like the tires that come with the M Sport package.

If you want to continue to have RFTs get the Bridgestone Potenza RE050A max performance summer tires. If you want to get rid of the RFTs get Michelin PSS or Bridgestone Potenza SO4 Pole Position tires.

Don't listen to some who will tell you that you don't need one of the three, IAS, DDC, or ARS. You need all three.

I'm kind of tired of people convincing themselves they want another BMW. You either like it or not. Look at some other comparable vehicles and make a choice. I knew I was buying the F10 535i as soon as I pulled out of the dealer lot on my test drive.

Originally Posted by wassy

Yes I know, I've read hundreds of posts about the F10 vs the E60 and the lack of road feel. Also read about the global software updates making the car "closer". Having owned many E60's and x5's, all 8cyl with m sport, I recently drove both a 535 and 550. The 535 seems too loose. It was an April or May build and not sure was updated. First thing my son said is "sounds tinny". The 550 had a heavier feel in the steering. Both m sports of course.

So question is, to those who have had both and the update, how close to the "BMW" feel has this update made the F10 or are we still a ways away? I just can't see spending 800-900/mo for a car with a BMW badge that doesn't drive like a Bmw.

I can't go to a 3, too small. The 6 gran coupe is too much money.

As always, looking for honest, to the point answers

Alternatively was contemplating waiting 10 months till my current lease is up and going for '13 with new cluster and nav. About 100 more a month we figure.

I think the car, looks wise in and out, is an absolute winner. It's all about te drive though.

For reference on the "deal", 36x12 with full multiples=

535- $66,000 Msrp. $780/month including 6% tax
550- $76,000 Msrp. $891/month including 6% tax.

Was $100 higher a year ago. Basic inceptions.

As I recall, for the better part of its life, many people whined about the e60 and how it wasn't up to the standards of the e39. Now the e60 seems to be the standard of what a BMW 5 series should be. So, if you are looking for a pure sport sedan, get an A6 or the new Porsche sport sedan. Or just stick with a used e60. The f10 is not going to satisfy what you are looking for. The 2013 f10 is unlikely to drive much differently from a 2012. Maybe an M5? But some complain that is too big, heavy and not good enough. from a handling perspective.

You will not like your F10.

Don't make the same mistake as I did. If you like driving, F10 is not for you.

Have you test driven F30? It has much larger legroom than E90 in the back.

Originally Posted by bodonx

You will not like your F10.

Don't make the same mistake as I did. If you like driving, F10 is not for you.

Have you test driven F30? It has much larger legroom than E90 in the back.

That's a bit of a far reaching statement.

Originally Posted by markl53

I'm kind of tired of people convincing themselves they want another BMW. You either like it or not. Look at some other comparable vehicles and make a choice. I knew I was buying the F10 535i as soon as I pulled out of the dealer lot on my test drive.

Amen!

Originally Posted by bodonx

You will not like your F10.

Don't make the same mistake as I did. If you like driving, F10 is not for you.

Have you test driven F30? It has much larger legroom than E90 in the back.

Strange I have a e90 and I don't find the f30 any roomier at all. The difference is barely noticeable on the inside.

My e90 drives like a go kart and it seems like that's what a lot of you guys want out of the f10. It's simply not that type of car built for a different purpose. I for one can't wait to jump into a F10 where the interior doesn't rattle and feel every single bump through the suspension and steering wheel.

Alan

Originally Posted by wassy

Yes I know, I've read hundreds of posts about the F10 vs the E60 and the lack of road feel. Also read about the global software updates making the car "closer". Having owned many E60's and x5's, all 8cyl with m sport, I recently drove both a 535 and 550. The 535 seems too loose. It was an April or May build and not sure was updated. First thing my son said is "sounds tinny". The 550 had a heavier feel in the steering. Both m sports of course.

So question is, to those who have had both and the update, how close to the "BMW" feel has this update made the F10 or are we still a ways away? I just can't see spending 800-900/mo for a car with a BMW badge that doesn't drive like a Bmw.

I can't go to a 3, too small. The 6 gran coupe is too much money.

As always, looking for honest, to the point answers

Alternatively was contemplating waiting 10 months till my current lease is up and going for '13 with new cluster and nav. About 100 more a month we figure.

I think the car, looks wise in and out, is an absolute winner. It's all about te drive though.

For reference on the "deal", 36x12 with full multiples=

535- $66,000 Msrp. $780/month including 6% tax
550- $76,000 Msrp. $891/month including 6% tax.

Was $100 higher a year ago. Basic inceptions.

How about MB CLS550?

Originally Posted by Alan L.

Strange I have a e90 and I don't find the f30 any roomier at all. The difference is barely noticeable on the inside.

My e90 drives like a go kart and it seems like that's what a lot of you guys want out of the f10. It's simply not that type of car built for a different purpose. I for one can't wait to jump into a F10 where the interior doesn't rattle and feel every single bump through the suspension and steering wheel.

Alan

F30 is NOT roomier than E90 EXCEPT the rear legroom. You will notice 2 inch extra legroom which is a lot for me.

F10 interior will feel a lot wider than F30. The rear legroom of F10 and F30 are not much different.

Driving feel of F10 vs F30, they do not compare. Although sharing same engine, transmission etc, they seem like to come from two different brands.

I understand all your comments except the one about the F10 sounding tinny. That, I don't get at all. Nothing could be further from the truth. The F10 is solid, smooth and quiet, like a luxury car should be. Maybe your son was noticing the doors which weigh less than before. They are light, not tinny. Light is good.

JMO, but I wouldn't buy a car if I needed people on an internet forum to convince me that I like it. Find something that you do like and go with it.

Originally Posted by wassy

So question is, to those who have had both and the update, how close to the "BMW" feel has this update made the F10 or are we still a ways away? I just can't see spending 800-900/mo for a car with a BMW badge that doesn't drive like a Bmw.

Why dont you ask the dealer for a test drive of a 5 series that had the software update and then decide.

'08 550i Carbon Black/Natural Brown/Anthracite, Sport Pkg, Active Steering, Comfort access, Sport transmission, rear shades, NAV, Sirius, L7, Ipod/USB, PDC, Heated Front Seats.
'08 750i Sapphire Black/Natural Brown
'06 750i Sapphire Black/Natural Brown
'07 550i Sapphire Black/Black
'05 545i Silver Grey/Black
'04 545i Black/Black,

From your driving history I doubt that you will be pleased with the F10. Results of the "Global Update" have been mixed. Some have noticed some improvement, but many have not. The F10 is a different animal and it is simply not going to drive or feel like the BMW's you have been accustomed to driving.

Why not get another Panny?

When test drove the F10, I decided it was a solid luxury car with a sporting foundation, so I planned buy some mods to tune the car to my tastes. Today, I love the way my car drives. I have an E90 335d Sport, also with some mods, but almost never choose to drive anymore.

Originally Posted by Alan L.

Strange I have a e90 and I don't find the f30 any roomier at all. The difference is barely noticeable on the inside.

My e90 drives like a go kart and it seems like that's what a lot of you guys want out of the f10. It's simply not that type of car built for a different purpose. I for one can't wait to jump into a F10 where the interior doesn't rattle and feel every single bump through the suspension and steering wheel.

Alan

Totally agree. My e92 335i was too involved with the road. I sometimes felt the car would snap in half when i went over a pothole. It was a fun car though!

Originally Posted by dunderhi

Why not get another Panny?

When test drove the F10, I decided it was a solid luxury car with a sporting foundation, so I planned buy some mods to tune the car to my tastes. Today, I love the way my car drives. I have an E90 335d Sport, also with some mods, but almost never choose to drive anymore.

I agree with the Panny comment. It is on my short list along with the M5 and E63 for my next car. While my F10 is nothing like my former E60, I like it for what it is and it was a great value for the price I paid. Next time I want something more sporting and more fun. For now I get my fun out of the E90, but that will be going away soon in favor of an SUV.

Originally Posted by Alan L.

Strange I have a e90 and I don't find the f30 any roomier at all. The difference is barely noticeable on the inside.

My e90 drives like a go kart and it seems like that's what a lot of you guys want out of the f10. It's simply not that type of car built for a different purpose. I for one can't wait to jump into a F10 where the interior doesn't rattle and feel every single bump through the suspension and steering wheel.

Alan

I hear you. This is why I have both so I can drive whatever fits my mood at that given time. I love both for what they both do best.

Originally Posted by BobRBob

I understand all your comments except the one about the F10 sounding tinny. That, I don't get at all. Nothing could be further from the truth. The F10 is solid, smooth and quiet, like a luxury car should be. Maybe your son was noticing the doors which weigh less than before. They are light, not tinny. Light is good.

JMO, but I wouldn't buy a car if I needed people on an internet forum to convince me that I like it. Find something that you do like and go with it.

I agree. My F10 550xi is quiet and smooth. It rides like a solid luxury car with a dash of sport thrown in. Far from being tinny, the car is very heavy and substantial -- in reality a slightly downsized 7 Series. To me it is like a rolling tank -- a lighting fast one.

think bomber. e60 was fighter bomber. m3 is fighter

Originally Posted by wassy

So question is, to those who have had both and the update, how close to the "BMW" feel has this update made the F10 or are we still a ways away?

I don't think anyone has answered your question directly, so I will: We've had the update on our F10. It made a difference, and after about a month of driving it I'm feeling better about the car overall. It still has a lag from a dead stop that doesn't exist in my E60, but it is better than it was before. Also, I have started driving the car in Sport mode anytime I'm not on the freeway, which combined with the update has eliminated about 90% of what I've complained about.

Having said that - the update is not a panacea for what some of us have complained about (that it feels more like a 7er than a 5er), so if that's what your asking, there's your answer.

Originally Posted by markl53

I'm kind of tired of people convincing themselves they want another BMW. You either like it or not. Look at some other comparable vehicles and make a choice. I knew I was buying the F10 535i as soon as I pulled out of the dealer lot on my test drive.

I have to agree with markl53 here. Our F10 is my wife's car. She test drove a Benz (C and E Class) and the Audi A6 before the F10 was out. Even though both of those cars are AMAZING, she felt really ambivalent about both of them. Once she had a chance to test drive the F10, she was hands-down convinced that was the car she wanted. She comes home every night after work and still says "I LOVE my car!"

I like the F10 better than the alternatives, too, no question. I don't like it better than my E60 though, so it's just a personal preference.

Now that's one happy garage!


My $0.02 for you is that you listen to yourself and not the opinions on this board. You've got enough experience with BMWs to know what the various models are like, and you're the only one that knows what you want to get out of the driving experience. If the F10 doesn't excite you, do you want to be stuck with it for 3-8 years? For me the answer was easy - No - but I get the best of both worlds (having both models in my garage) and was never really confronted with the either/or scenario, so it's easier for me to be both criticizing and praising of the F10 at the same time. My signature says it all: E39 < E60 > F10.

"It's all about te drive though"

If this is true skip the F10. It isn't easy to find something to fit that requirement though. If the crash turned you off the Panny and the F30 is too small I honestly don't see any current sedan to fit the bill. Maybe a Cayenne or X5 if you don't mind an SUV, they are both more communicative and engaging than the F10 but they are still behind the E60 due to bulk and center of gravity. Difficult times for sport sedan lovers unless the Panamera interests you ( which given your history with it I understand if it doesn't ).

If you are really concerned about how it drives, go to a used car dealer who has an F10 and ask if you can rent it for the weekend. That's the best way to know what you are getting into. I love the car.