ajm

Just received the August issue of Excellence Magazine. They also publish Bimmer. The editor of Execllence writes in the Commentary section that:

"Another surprise are the BMW 528i and 530i sedans with the optional sport package. Despite having only 190-225 hp they're more satisfying to drive than the mighty 400-hp M5. Why? The six-cylinder 5-series is better balanced and invites you to take corners with aplomb. After getting used to th M5's raw power, it's really not much fun to drive. Its heavy V8 and the required packaging switch from rack-and-pinion steering to a recirculating ball system can't match the 528/530i's near-perfect balance and sharp steering".

I have not driven the 528i or 530i. Can anyone who has driven the 528i/530i with the sport package comment on the what the editor of Execllence wrote. I have a blast driving my M5. I can't imagine having more fun in the 528i/530i. Thanks.

KirklandM5

In the twisties....They're probably right...Most of my track junkie friends who drive E30 or E36 M3s...would say the same thing.

The 525/530 don't have staggered wheels/tires, they are ligheter and they have a rack and pinion steering...

Since I changed to the 275s in the front of my car, the steering and balance feels ALOT better.

JL

KirklandM5

Oh yeah, if you really want something "MORE" Satisfying...you should get something lighter like a Porsche, 3 Series, M3, S2000, etc....

blue max

ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha

that was a joke right

... i don't think so

kgk

I don't have my M5 yet, but this is what I am afraid of (poor handling, and fat [at 4025#])... I do like acceleration, but I love carving up twisty roads the most, hands down!

So my guess is that Dinan stage 3 might be needed. I'm sure that the M5 will *not* behave as well as my current M3 on the twisties, but it should be good enough, I suspect.

Then again, perhaps I'll just have to give up on twisty roads and spank rice boys in a line? (Nah, too many tickets, I'll bet....)

DrJimM5

The M5 is in it's element either cruising, gentle twisties or some heavy-footed straightline runs. It certainly isn't made for constant switchbacks that a Porsche or M3 would handle much better. I really couldn't see any point about the lesser 5-series other than the better feel of rack and pinion.

Pop Dog

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

RGCohen

I just traded up from a 1998 528i with sport package and 5 speed manual to a 2001 M5. The handling on the M5 is better, without question. On high speed sweeping turns the M5 is absoloutely solid, while the 528 was less so.

I am no expert, but the suspension on the 528 is not as firm as on the M5. There is more leaning and the compliance of the wheels to the road when going over a bump while cornering is not as good on the 528.

As for satisfaction in driving, while I loved the 528, it was just not powerful enough to run with the big dogs. Bottom line, it is more satisfying to drive the M5 while staying under 5,500rpm (I'm still in break-in) than it was to go all-out with the 528.

-Richard

PhilMW

As I drove a '99 528i w/ Sport Package last night...I must say that it does not compare to the M5. It seems like much more of a tourer than a beast. It seems to be geared much higher than the M5, I was able to be in almost any gear, while driving through the city, and have it be comfortable. And when I mashed the throttle in 3rd and 4th the reaction was less than stellar. Don't get me wrong, it was a sweet car, but it just has a whole different nature about it.

Phil

brettcoon

Keep in mind that the current M3 isn't a whole lot lighter, especially if you add a passenger or two.

The M5 feels like a much lighter and smaller car when you drive it. The suspension is solid, which makes a big difference. I have driven mine on a few twisties, and while it's not like driving a go-kart, I think it handles well enough to be a lot of fun.

-Brett


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Brett Coon - brett@transmeta.com - www.cheesepipe.com
2001 M5 - Royal Red w/ black sport interior

RKS

While I understand the concept that it may be more fun to drive a slow car fast than to drive a fast car slowly, the notion of the 528 and 530 being "more satisfying" than the M5 is ludicrous. Ditto the 540, either 6 speed or automatic. They are all great cars, but none of them can match the M5 in any way, unless better fuel economy in the "lesser" 5 Series floats your boat. I've driven them all, and there's no comparison. What can be "more satisfying" than driving the best sports sedan in the world? Driving an underpowered, relatively softly sprung 525-528-530 instead? I don't think so.

Richard
'00 M5 (31K miles of smiles)
'88 M3

MAH

Why is it that I continue to read that the M5 is beating the new M3 on the track?! Perhaps more torque and equal balance with more weight still means a better car .

BTW, I am to getting 24MPG on the highway in 6th at a constant 80MPH. This is almost ecomomy territory. Of course, the problem is that the car seems to jump right up