F11/ G31 differences/ improvements?
F11/ G31 differences/ improvements?
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Discussion

BMW A6

Original Poster:

1,911 posts

94 months

Sunday 3rd May 2020
quotequote all
Had my 2013 F11 520 M Sport for about 5 years now.

Contemplating a change now.

What improvements are there in a G31 versus the F11?

Is refinement better? It's pretty good in the F11.

cseven

324 posts

266 months

Sunday 3rd May 2020
quotequote all
I had a 2015 520d m sport and changed last year to a new 540 m sport (both tourings).

In summary refinement and tech all slightly better however in my case the biggest difference is steering. The G31 feels like a slower rack and turn in isn't as good, imagine this is the 4x4 however. Overall very happy with it, no regrets going back to petrol although I only do 10k a year now.

My dad has the 520d and from memory after driving his the steering was better (I didn't notice the slower rack) however 4x4 in the winter and going up the French alps in winter tyres was brilliant smile

I'm sure someone will be able to tell you re other rwd and diesel/petrol models

In summary not night and day, an incremental improvement in most areas and if you can get a good deal then worth a change.

Ninja59

3,691 posts

142 months

Monday 4th May 2020
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The LCI is coming out so you might find some further changes.

Honestly as said above not bad but not major in my view. The most frustrating thing for me was the rear seats being dropped and the constant warning of it!

rassi

2,517 posts

281 months

Monday 4th May 2020
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Pointless comparison from my side, but I found my F10 M5 to ride significantly worse on 20" non run flat tyres than my G31 with adaptive drive on 20" and RFT, as well as road noise. Tyre sizes very similar. Apart from that, obviously the G31 from a refinement point of view has moved things along, and fit & finish is better (and significantly better than the W213 E class, for example), and especially the technology has moved on (clarity and user interface of the 360 degrees camera, much bigger HUD display). The G31 540i is a revelation, if you decide to make the jump from diesel!

matt21

4,401 posts

234 months

Monday 4th May 2020
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I have recently bought a 2019 520d Touring, and it is fantastic. Right now they represent fantastic VFM, mine was a pre reg with almost £20k off list.

I have driven a number of F10 models and the new one is marginally better in everyway. I can't get over how quiet and refined it is, and the ride quality is impressive. The 5 has always been streets ahead of the 3 in terms of comfort and this does not change.


hilly10

7,540 posts

258 months

Monday 4th May 2020
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I had a F11 2014 2.0 D great car. I traded it for a 2018 G30 2.0 d which I love, it feels quicker, it is 100kg lighter due to all panels being Aluminium and Magnesium. The tec is better, all round I am glad I changed

Maxus

1,250 posts

211 months

Tuesday 5th May 2020
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I've moved from F10s to G30 (all 520d M Sports). I think the F10 is great but found the G30 to be a bit better across all areas (smoother, quieter, softer, faster, more economical, more spacious). The standard tech is a step forwards as well (touchpad idrive, touch screen, full size sat nav, online services, connectivity). Cars built from cNovember 2019 have the next gen tech as well (more info on the screen plus the different dials - love them or hate them).
I'm sure you will find the same going from F11 to G31.

KPB1973

938 posts

129 months

Tuesday 5th May 2020
quotequote all
cseven said:
I had a 2015 520d m sport and changed last year to a new 540 m sport (both tourings).

In summary refinement and tech all slightly better however in my case the biggest difference is steering. The G31 feels like a slower rack and turn in isn't as good, imagine this is the 4x4 however. Overall very happy with it, no regrets going back to petrol although I only do 10k a year now.

My dad has the 520d and from memory after driving his the steering was better (I didn't notice the slower rack) however 4x4 in the winter and going up the French alps in winter tyres was brilliant smile

I'm sure someone will be able to tell you re other rwd and diesel/petrol models

In summary not night and day, an incremental improvement in most areas and if you can get a good deal then worth a change.
Boring question - but what MPG do you get on a run at around the NSL?

cseven

324 posts

266 months

Tuesday 5th May 2020
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I'd have to check however from memory small runs, around town about 25mpg however sitting on the motorway low-mid 30's (my 2.0d was low 40's)

anonymous-user

84 months

Wednesday 6th May 2020
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I had an F10 530d Luxury,, Comfort seat, adaptive r]drive, you name it. When I came to change it after 4 years I tried the G30 and found it strangely sterile. Arguably slightly quieter, more refined maybe but a very odd, disconnected feel to it, for me.

In the end I opted for an XF; not as nice inside, not as well screwed together perhaps but a revelation in how a big car can drive and feel.

Each to their own, you need to drive one.