Tried the 2018 530D today, pretty average
Discussion
I do a lot a miles and currently using a 2014 428i convertible. Been look to upgrade my Mileage Mule so tried the new 5 series and 640D GranCoupe.
Both were a letdown over the 428i. I handed the keys back and said the 4 series seems to be the current high water mark, dealer responded as much saying "yes, I know what you mean..."
5 series felt very remote, not sharp at all and cumbersome to drive. One good thing was outstanding economy and a big info screen. M-Sport wheels look awful too. That's about it.
6 series was even worse, I was expecting good things because I had a 535D (F10) as service loan car and that was really good dynamically. But the 6 had bad visibility, really poor secondary ride (like the tyres were filled with concrete) and felt sluggish. Looked great from rear three quarters though.
Anyhow, such a shame as I like the brand but it seems they're sacrificing their 'ultimate driving machine' tag to something more akin to 'kinda okay driving machine'.
Perhaps my expectations are too high or the market now just wants 'land yachts'.
I'm off to try the Alfa Giulia Veloce on the weekend, I read this is pretty good.
Both were a letdown over the 428i. I handed the keys back and said the 4 series seems to be the current high water mark, dealer responded as much saying "yes, I know what you mean..."
5 series felt very remote, not sharp at all and cumbersome to drive. One good thing was outstanding economy and a big info screen. M-Sport wheels look awful too. That's about it.
6 series was even worse, I was expecting good things because I had a 535D (F10) as service loan car and that was really good dynamically. But the 6 had bad visibility, really poor secondary ride (like the tyres were filled with concrete) and felt sluggish. Looked great from rear three quarters though.
Anyhow, such a shame as I like the brand but it seems they're sacrificing their 'ultimate driving machine' tag to something more akin to 'kinda okay driving machine'.
Perhaps my expectations are too high or the market now just wants 'land yachts'.
I'm off to try the Alfa Giulia Veloce on the weekend, I read this is pretty good.
I would have thought the new 530d would have knocked the socks off your 428i rag top in every area. Powerful, torquey diesel, sumptuous cabin, smooth refined ride and generally effortless motoring. No? I don't understand what you were expecting of it for it to be so disappointing compared to your current car.
robm3 said:
5 series felt very remote, not sharp at all and cumbersome to drive.
The 5 and 6 Series are setup to be comfortable cruising cars - not point and squirt B road machines. For sure, the RWD setup assists in improving driving dynamics but they are big cars [5 meters long/2 meters wide] so will feel that way.In terms weight - your 428i Convertible is heavier than a G30 530d so it's just the size and car setup which makes it feel 'cumbersome'.
robm3 said:
But the 6 had bad visibility,
It's all subjective of course .... but show me a coupe with good visibility 
Edited by SDK on Friday 23 February 12:14
As said above these are all barges, whatever you say there is only so much that can be done with size and weight. The 6 is nearly half a metre longer than your 4 series.
Interesting you say the 6 was sluggish? keeping it in comfort or eco and normal gearbox will make it feel sluggish it is much better in sport mode. But even so 0-60 it is 1 second behind in a 428.
Ride wise on 20's that is something everyone complains about. Smaller wheels do help, also if the tyre pressures are even remotely off it will feel awful. The 20's are something you really cannot leave for long between pressure checks.
It really depends what you want from a car ultimately, I enjoy taking my 6 down some twisting A roads even if dynamically it is about the last thing it should be doing, it is not always about making swift progress as it just makes you giggle. A good alignment setup though does help.
Interesting you say the 6 was sluggish? keeping it in comfort or eco and normal gearbox will make it feel sluggish it is much better in sport mode. But even so 0-60 it is 1 second behind in a 428.
Ride wise on 20's that is something everyone complains about. Smaller wheels do help, also if the tyre pressures are even remotely off it will feel awful. The 20's are something you really cannot leave for long between pressure checks.
It really depends what you want from a car ultimately, I enjoy taking my 6 down some twisting A roads even if dynamically it is about the last thing it should be doing, it is not always about making swift progress as it just makes you giggle. A good alignment setup though does help.
The 5 Series I guess is now as big or bigger than 7 Series of generations back so it won't really drive like a sports saloon - its just too big for throwing around on a typical narrow British B road - but on the Autobahn I don't doubt its in its element.
I had considered a 530e to replace my 4 Series - but decided although the interior ambiance is much nicer, it wasn't a nicer car to live with day to day mostly as its just too big!.
So I opted for a 330e M Sport Shadow edition which arrived this week and I have to say I'm quite impressed - compared to the pre LCI versions there have been some worthwhile improvements
I had considered a 530e to replace my 4 Series - but decided although the interior ambiance is much nicer, it wasn't a nicer car to live with day to day mostly as its just too big!.
So I opted for a 330e M Sport Shadow edition which arrived this week and I have to say I'm quite impressed - compared to the pre LCI versions there have been some worthwhile improvements
Edited by GTEYE on Friday 23 February 14:24
Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff