Got rid of the 2012 528i for 2013 535i M-Sport: Pics & Review
04-05-13, 04:33 PM
#1
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
Got rid of the 2012 528i for 2013 535i M-Sport: Pics & Review
Update to this thread: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...wd-base-3.html
Posted this in BMW forum also, but wanted to share with CL as well.
I really loved the Looks (inside/out), Luxury features of my 5er but I HATED the steering and handling, esp coming from an E92. Most important - the car was not fun at all to drive aggressively. I was going nuts!!!
I custom ordered a 535i RWD M-Sport in November and picked it up in late December. So I have had the car now about 4 months.
One of the reasons I stuck with the 5 series is because of the passive MSport suspension being FINALLY offered in the US.
Anyone wanting a true feeling BMW needs to get this suspension.
My 2012 528i Msport was RWD and had the Adaptive Suspension - I drove it in SPORT and SPORT+ modes 100% of the time, but the steering feel sucked and it didnt give me confidence in high speed turns, lane changes, etc.
My most repeated phrase during driving it " I can't believe this is a BMW." thumbdn:
Moving on to the 2013 535i:
1) There are no Modes for the suspension. It rides stiffer than the 528i did in SPORT mode for sure, but much better than my E92. Its also lower!
2) The steering feel is 10000x better - it feels much more natural in either low or high speed driving. Its not as tight or precise as the E92 though, but for a luxury sport sedan its PERFECT.
3) Engine - N55 is great, sounds so nice when you step on the gas. The 528i's engine noise is horrible.
3) My most repeated phrase now "I can't believe this and the 528i are the same car." The handling, steering feel and Fun to Drive factor is that huge of a difference between the 2 cars.
Here are the pics:
Dealer Prep
Both Bimmers together.
No more huge wheel gap!!!
Interior
Posted this in BMW forum also, but wanted to share with CL as well.
I really loved the Looks (inside/out), Luxury features of my 5er but I HATED the steering and handling, esp coming from an E92. Most important - the car was not fun at all to drive aggressively. I was going nuts!!!
I custom ordered a 535i RWD M-Sport in November and picked it up in late December. So I have had the car now about 4 months.
One of the reasons I stuck with the 5 series is because of the passive MSport suspension being FINALLY offered in the US.
Anyone wanting a true feeling BMW needs to get this suspension.
My 2012 528i Msport was RWD and had the Adaptive Suspension - I drove it in SPORT and SPORT+ modes 100% of the time, but the steering feel sucked and it didnt give me confidence in high speed turns, lane changes, etc.
My most repeated phrase during driving it " I can't believe this is a BMW." thumbdn:
Moving on to the 2013 535i:
1) There are no Modes for the suspension. It rides stiffer than the 528i did in SPORT mode for sure, but much better than my E92. Its also lower!
2) The steering feel is 10000x better - it feels much more natural in either low or high speed driving. Its not as tight or precise as the E92 though, but for a luxury sport sedan its PERFECT.
3) Engine - N55 is great, sounds so nice when you step on the gas. The 528i's engine noise is horrible.
3) My most repeated phrase now "I can't believe this and the 528i are the same car." The handling, steering feel and Fun to Drive factor is that huge of a difference between the 2 cars.
Here are the pics:
Dealer Prep
Both Bimmers together.
No more huge wheel gap!!!
Interior
Last edited by RNM GS3; 04-05-13 at 04:36 PM.
04-05-13, 05:29 PM
#3
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Congrats! Yup I've seen enough M-Sport F10s on the road now and it's the only way to go with them. So what makes the steering feel so much nicer on the 535? Is is still an electric power steering unit or is it hydraulic? Thought that you could still get the hydraulic steering but only on X-drives? I haven't been keeping up on the Bimmer forums. I personally like and wouldn't mind the N20 and think it's a fine engine, but completely out of place in the 5er. Perfectly good base engine for the 1-3 series including the X's, but the 5 and up definitely need at least a 6-cylinder.
Very nice! Love it in white!
Very nice! Love it in white!
04-05-13, 09:56 PM
#5
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
One thing thats great about BMW is that u can custom order any color combo and any options to your liking. Took exactly 7 weeks to get the car.
04-05-13, 10:05 PM
#6
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
Congrats! Yup I've seen enough M-Sport F10s on the road now and it's the only way to go with them. So what makes the steering feel so much nicer on the 535? Is is still an electric power steering unit or is it hydraulic? Thought that you could still get the hydraulic steering but only on X-drives? I haven't been keeping up on the Bimmer forums. I personally like and wouldn't mind the N20 and think it's a fine engine, but completely out of place in the 5er. Perfectly good base engine for the 1-3 series including the X's, but the 5 and up definitely need at least a 6-cylinder.
Very nice! Love it in white!
Very nice! Love it in white!
The passive MSport suspension was only available in Europe - it comes with lower and stiffer springs, thicker anti-roll bars, and def better steering response. Obviously the ride is not as comfy esp over NYC potholes.
The N20 was great imo. It has great pickup and it never felt under-powered. But there is something special about how a BMW I6 sounds and the extra power doesnt hurt.
04-05-13, 10:10 PM
#7
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
Thanks! I wanted a GS Fsport in RWD but no luck in NY and I cant wait 4 months to order one at MSRP pricing. It will def be on my list after this lease is done or the CTS Vsport. Hopefully the GS will get a new powertrain by then.
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04-05-13, 11:51 PM
#10
I still think the notion of a 4 cylinder BMW is wack. I know they've offered them in the past, but BMW has built its reputation on the inline six, so IMO you buy what the company has been perfecting for ages. The turbo N55 is epic. IMO I think BMW is under-rating it at 300hp. It feels a lot quicker,might be that it makes peak torque of 300ft-lbs at 1200rpm all the way to 5000rpm.
