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F10 feels like driving a boat

12K views 45 replies 29 participants last post by  M5 Authority 
#1 ·
I hate to criticize but I felt I had to leave my impressions of the new design as everyone is so excited about the new M5 that will be released soon. I am having some work done on the beast at the dealer and they gave me a 2011 535i as a loaner. First impressions looking at the car was that it is a huge vehicle and rather conservative looking. I've had the car for 2 days now and have been absolutely unimpressed by the driving experience. The car seems really large with too much space between the front driver and passenger seats, rather Cadillac like. The intimacy of the e39 is nowhere to be found. The suspension is too soft and wallows all over the road, as it reminds me of the old Lincoln Town Cars from the 80s and 90s. I used to love renting those babies on business trips, the smoothest drive ever. It's a bit annoying also with an ever changing gear shifting transmission. Even the and brake is an electronic button. I am barely 6 ft and 180 pounds, but while driving I felt like a 300 pound slob trying to stop myself from falling asleep a meal of steak and mashed potatoes. Sure...the F10 M5 will have a totally different suspension but I just can't imagine have a vehicle of that size with more than 550 or so horses spiriting along the byways the way the e39 M5 does. The vehicle feels as though it weighs 10 tons. Even my wife commented that she would be glad when I got my own car out of the shop. I don't understand the direction of BMW but I guess you can't argue with sales figures since they are up quite a bit. I think quite simply the e39 was an anomaly that can't be repeated or replaced. And those that take care of the ones they have will be able to take solace in the unique and unbeatable qualities of the e39. Hopefully my first test drive of the F10 M5 will change my mind.
Cheers.
 
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Discussion starter · #6 ·
I test drove the 535i the other day.
At first, my impressions were the same - big, chunky, and slow. It also has 8 gears which I thought was a bit ridiculous.
However, I began enjoying the ride from a different perspective after driving around for a little.
Basically never had to touch the shifter once it was put in gear, which now requires less effort than ever.
It has this new function with the brakes where you press a button and it electronically sets the brakes on for you. You can keep your foot off the brake pedal while you wait for the green light.
The iDrive is very nice and the buttons are perfectly placed.
It has definitely become more of a luxury car. I could see many people enjoying this newer side of BMW.

Personally, I don't agree with the direction BMW is going, but they probably have to keep up with the market.
I'm sure the M5 is still a blast to drive. However, I feel that the F10 is too big to be a manual car.
Yes, I agree, too big to be a manual. If it were a second car... maybe, but a daily driver, no way. Years ago I drove the e39 528i and that had the nice balance between luxury and sport. Not as good as the 540 of course but nice all the same. These vehicles are made for a different generation. The seat...make that the couch is just so damn wide. And to be able to see the front hood so high while driving is just a stark difference from the e39 where the front hood just disappears when looking out the front window.
Again...sales figures tell BMW they are on the right track but for me individually, Mercedes Benz would be the car for me if a large luxo vehicle was my flavor but presently it is not. I'll hold onto my e39 M5 but I am done with BMW. I wish them the best but they have moved in a direction that does not suit me.
Cheers,
JP
 
Discussion starter · #17 ·
The eating binge is over

I say eating binge because the car makes me feel like I weigh 300 pounds. Got the beast back with a new rear suspension. Life is good again. It's amazing getting into the beast after driving the F10. For the first 5 or so minutes the beast felt like a little go cart. Really weird. The beast is just so nimble and quick with a suspension that seems to be energized as I jaunt around corners and stab in and out of traffic....couldn't help myself since the cars been stuck at the dealer for 3 days. I had a ball driving home today. The beast is simply "the bomb!"
 
Discussion starter · #25 ·
I basically feel this way going into an E36 M3 after driving an E39 M5. Sometimes the M5 feels a little bloated itself. It's a matter of perception and what you are comparing to.
Yeah..it is a matter of perception. I have not had the pleasure of driving the M3 but do look forward to driving the new V8 M3. If I decided to go with an new car, the M3 may just be the ticket, especially since it may come with 4 doors to keep the wife and the 2 year old comfy.
 
Discussion starter · #40 ·
Thath's the million dollar question. If I new it for fact I'd be alot more excited. They made the X6M handle well (declared better handling than CTS-V and PORSCHE PANAMERA TURBO!). I don't have a deposit down on one and won't until I drive it first hand.
See link for article: 2011 BMW X6 M vs 2011 Cadillac CTS-V vs 2011 Porsche Panamera Turbo - Comparison - Motor Trend
Interesting article. There may be some room for a large fast vehicle. I'll definitely have to test drive the F10 when it comes out and see if it can change my mind. The Panamera is an amazing vehicle but just ugly as hell. I was shocked when looking at it in person. Very tacky looking but one test drive and "who give a **** what it looks like, this thing is fast!!!"
 
Discussion starter · #45 ·
I was wrong!!!!

Hi folks. I started this thread after my frustration and serious dissapointment with a loaner f10 535. Yesterday in Federal Hill, Baltimore I saw a new Blue 550i and was blown away. It looked "way better" as it seemed lower with fatter tires. I was standing outside Cross Street Tabacco enjoying an Alec Bradley when everyone just stopped in mid-puff, wondering what is that coming down the street. We all seemed to exhale in unison as it passed and we could see the 550i moniker on the back. One could only imagine what an M5 would look like...Stunning! So...i'd like to give my early apologies as the new M5 may be the best one yet...rendering the e39 as no longer the best M5 ever. The videos of the spinning wheels and launch control....leads me to believe that a knockout blow is on the way for the likes of the CTS-V, Jag XVwhatever, Hemiwhoever, etc etc. And if I could end this post on a musical note, it would be with the classic from the late Grover Washington Jr....The best is yet to come.
Cheers
 
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