Interesting test drives (F10 M5 and 330d MSport)
Discussion
I currently have an E61 M5 Touring, which I've had for coming up to 3 years - almost a record for me - but have recently developed an itch for a change, so have been talking to my local dealer about a potential swap for a new factory order F10 M5. I took one out for a test drive on Saturday, but to benchmark it against the current state of the art of "normal cars", also took out a 330d, completely dolled up with MSport trimmings (I'd asked for a 335d xDrive, but this was the nearest they could arrange).
Very much against my expectations, and probably heresy on this forum, but the F10 M5 was somewhat disappointing, whilst the 330d vastly exceeded expectations.
It's hard to put my finger on why the F10 disappointed. By every objective measure it was leagues ahead of my, now, ancient E61. No need to lift off on a gear change to ensure a smooth upshift, a wall of torque at your disposal in any gear, no need to drop down 3 cogs to keep that E350cdi honest, miles better interior etc. But somehow, driving it just didn't *feel special* like I hoped and expected it would.
The 330d I drove with much lower expectations. Maybe that was the key. After reading all of the superlatives about the F10 I expected to be blown away and wasn't. The 330d I expected to be competent, but I was amazed by how much the game has moved on since the E91 I owned 7 or so years ago.
So the test drives certainly didn't conclude the way I thought. I was pretty much ready to sign up for the F10, but the purchase plans have now been torn up, and I'm currently negotiating with my dealer on an order for a nicely spec'd 335d xDrive touring, and will likely chop my focus ST-260 in for a 981 S boxster for those weekend thrills.
Gary.
Very much against my expectations, and probably heresy on this forum, but the F10 M5 was somewhat disappointing, whilst the 330d vastly exceeded expectations.
It's hard to put my finger on why the F10 disappointed. By every objective measure it was leagues ahead of my, now, ancient E61. No need to lift off on a gear change to ensure a smooth upshift, a wall of torque at your disposal in any gear, no need to drop down 3 cogs to keep that E350cdi honest, miles better interior etc. But somehow, driving it just didn't *feel special* like I hoped and expected it would.
The 330d I drove with much lower expectations. Maybe that was the key. After reading all of the superlatives about the F10 I expected to be blown away and wasn't. The 330d I expected to be competent, but I was amazed by how much the game has moved on since the E91 I owned 7 or so years ago.
So the test drives certainly didn't conclude the way I thought. I was pretty much ready to sign up for the F10, but the purchase plans have now been torn up, and I'm currently negotiating with my dealer on an order for a nicely spec'd 335d xDrive touring, and will likely chop my focus ST-260 in for a 981 S boxster for those weekend thrills.
Gary.
As an owner of a F30 330d M Sport I know what you mean - it raises the bar pretty high.
For me, I was getting out of a 997.2 and if I'm honest was prepared for a dose of reality but I've no complaints about the 330d. It does 95% of everything a car could ever do. Fast, frugal and (whisper it), fun.
I would imagine that the M5 would be a nicer place to sit, and quicker but you would really need to make use of the performance to be going much faster than the 330d.
For me, I was getting out of a 997.2 and if I'm honest was prepared for a dose of reality but I've no complaints about the 330d. It does 95% of everything a car could ever do. Fast, frugal and (whisper it), fun.
I would imagine that the M5 would be a nicer place to sit, and quicker but you would really need to make use of the performance to be going much faster than the 330d.
It's not an unusual feeling as most cars nowadays offer up that same (it's good but not epic feeling).
Last time i was blown away was my R35 GT-R as assuming you can ignore the odd rattle & not so fabulous interior it was jaw droppingly quick & handled like an F1 car. The car was far from perfect but what it did well it did exceptionally well.
The F10 M5 & it's peers are compromise cars as although quick, well built, fairly economical & luxurious, they're never going to frighten a GT-R (using that example as are similar money) & will never get drooled over like say a 991S, but the M5 has the boot, interior space, practicality & q car appeal that other similar priced/performing cars don't.
I had a brand new M50D from BMW UK for 5 weeks whilst my replacement M5 was being built & tbh i expected it to be utter s
te but was pleasantly surprised. Had i known about that car before ordering my M5 i would certainly have considered it & given my expectations were low it over delivered.
Last time i was blown away was my R35 GT-R as assuming you can ignore the odd rattle & not so fabulous interior it was jaw droppingly quick & handled like an F1 car. The car was far from perfect but what it did well it did exceptionally well.
The F10 M5 & it's peers are compromise cars as although quick, well built, fairly economical & luxurious, they're never going to frighten a GT-R (using that example as are similar money) & will never get drooled over like say a 991S, but the M5 has the boot, interior space, practicality & q car appeal that other similar priced/performing cars don't.
I had a brand new M50D from BMW UK for 5 weeks whilst my replacement M5 was being built & tbh i expected it to be utter s
te but was pleasantly surprised. Had i known about that car before ordering my M5 i would certainly have considered it & given my expectations were low it over delivered.I had the F30 330 D M Sport , sold it for the LCI M5, yes the M5 needs time to learn just how to drive it IMO.
If economy was an issue then 330D all the way but not in your case.
I would have tried the M6 GC CP before pulling the trigger on the D.
I have one on Order now, it's better all round IMO than the M5.
If economy was an issue then 330D all the way but not in your case.
I would have tried the M6 GC CP before pulling the trigger on the D.
I have one on Order now, it's better all round IMO than the M5.
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