I have a 2010 535i sport and am considering trading up to a 2013. I test drove the car today and while the features inside are nicer, smarter, etc; the drive itself felt very different. The drive was obviously awesome but seemed to lack the sturdiness and sportier feel that the E60 has. I don't want to say it felt clunky but certainly a less aggressive feel. Thoughts?
Debating trade in???
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I completely agree with you in the fact that both cars feel different to drive. That's why I have not sold or traded my E60 2010 550i. When getting behind a wheel of an F10, it feels nice. The technology is updated. The smell of a new car is intoxicating. However, when I am done with the test drive and get back into my car and start driving, I just don't see a compelling reason why I would take an F10 over E60. Of course, that's just my personal opinion.
I totally agree with you, OP. The F10 is a luxury car, NOT a sport sedan. If you are looking for another driver's car I'd suggest looking at Cadillac, either CTS or ATS depending on your desires.
If you're looking for a luxury car then look at Lexus. They drive very much like current BMW models and have much better reliability.
I plan on holding on to my E60 for as long as it makes maintenance/expense sense. Every time I drive it, even just going to the mall, it puts a smile on my face.
Whenever I've gone to test drive each new BMW model over the last 5 years, I always go into the dealership with a smile on my face and walk out feeling very let down. Very sad.
If you're looking for a luxury car then look at Lexus. They drive very much like current BMW models and have much better reliability.
I plan on holding on to my E60 for as long as it makes maintenance/expense sense. Every time I drive it, even just going to the mall, it puts a smile on my face.
Whenever I've gone to test drive each new BMW model over the last 5 years, I always go into the dealership with a smile on my face and walk out feeling very let down. Very sad.
This. The new bimmers are very much so a disappointment where feel and response is concerned. I would love the updated tech, refinement, and styling if it could be had with old school BMW goodness.
Doesn't seem to be available though, atleast not from BMW.
Doesn't seem to be available though, atleast not from BMW.
The current F30 3 series is closer to the size of an E60 than the F10. The F10 is a massive boat of a luxury car; the E60 is a sport sedan. Remember that the 5 gained a whopping 1000 pounds and 7 inches of wheelbase from E60-F10.
If you want a new car closer to the E60 then get a 3 Series. Or you could just keep it. Case in point; my 525 is a unicorn because it is a manual AWD. Beast in the snow and WOT launches with no wheelspin.
If you want a new car closer to the E60 then get a 3 Series. Or you could just keep it. Case in point; my 525 is a unicorn because it is a manual AWD. Beast in the snow and WOT launches with no wheelspin.
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You make good points, however, I found that the 2016 340i is actually 40 lbs. heavier than my 2007 530xi. The wheelbase on my E60 is about 3 inches longer, overall length is 9 inches longer, and 1-2 inches wider and higher. But you're right, the 3er has gained some dimensions. The question is, is the F30 as spirited as an E60?
I think the different "feel" you are referring to is the introduction of EPS in the Fxx models. I agree that the feel/handling is quite different in the F10 vs the E60 and (to me) the steering is almost non-responsive.
http://www.caranddriver.com/feature...ering-a-comprehensive-comparison-test-feature
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Never could warm up to the F10. Am hoping the G30 is better. If not, I don't know what I'll do after my E60. You can drive 700 miles in a day, and come out still comfortable. It is quick and responsive, for its type, on two-lane blacktop, where the faster you go, the smaller the car gets. It is as comfortable and rock-steady at 100 as it is at 50.
Tough hurdle to overcome in a next car.
Tough hurdle to overcome in a next car.
I had the same feeling after an autocross event where I got to drive an F10 535. The newer technology is great but my 2010 550 felt more sporty and handled better. I have 84,000 miles on it now and most of the common issues have been taken care of under warranty. Now I am just waiting on the valve stem seal issue to come up. I really don't know what other car I would want after this. This is this the first car I owned that I haven't wanted to trade it in after a few years of ownership. I enjoy driving it everyday.
i have the non-turbo N52 530xi wagon so I haven't been plagued by some of the common problems on the N54s (turbos, HPFP, etc.). that being said, if this car were crashed tomorrow, I would immediately start looking for an 2009-2010 535 and absolutely avoid anything 2011-newer.
I will never forget the parting words of my dealer's sales advisor when I bought mine ... In essence he said I was getting a sportier drive with the E60 "the way a 5-series is supposed to drive". He mentioned he thought the F10 was dumbed down to make it more appealing to a wider audience.
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Gee, that's sure to instill confidence that you made a good buying decision! Way to go, dealer! :rofl:
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My 535 has been rock solid. I had it in to the indy for a state inspection, and he had 3 760s there, and an E39 that I was looking over. His lead mechanic was elbow deep in the 760. 'Nice, powerful car' says me. 'Yeah, but they are full of problems. I wouldn't take one as a gift'. "What about my car?", I said. He said "I would take it in a heartbeat, those things are solid".
When I paid for the inspection, the owner of the shop (it is just him, his lead mechanic, and a C mechanic, and they all work) said "I saw you looking at my 540, it is the perfect size, and an overall great car." "What if it crapped out on you?", I asked. Then I would get your car, the 535, but the 2009 or 10. If I'm gonna get that car, may as well get the updated iDrive."
When I paid for the inspection, the owner of the shop (it is just him, his lead mechanic, and a C mechanic, and they all work) said "I saw you looking at my 540, it is the perfect size, and an overall great car." "What if it crapped out on you?", I asked. Then I would get your car, the 535, but the 2009 or 10. If I'm gonna get that car, may as well get the updated iDrive."
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