E60 vs smaller cars
02-28-2006 | 05:47 PM
#1
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From: Malibu, CA
Out of curious I tried a few smaller cars to see how much more nimble they are, and they're from other manufacturers so I can see what I'm potentially missing. Note I'm not going to compare interior quality/feel as this is more about the driving characteristics.
I tried a Lexus IS350 and an Audi A3 3.2DSG last weekend. Both have horribly light steering feel; there's absolutely no grip/resistance. Both are definitely quicker in terms of acceleration than my 2006 530i, yet they didn't feel substantially faster (on the other hand my friend's S4 definitely felt FAST, which I imagine is what a 550 would feel like). Grip-wise they're both not bad, but I have to say the E60 feels much more balanced, and the body roll is minimal. The DSG is an amazing transmission though ... one flick of the paddle and the RPM needle responds instanteously.
I also had a 2006 325i as a loaner car for a day and I can feel its smaller size somewhat, there's definitely a crispness in the way it maneuvers, but on the other hand it felt more edgy (the tail end seemed more willing to give) whereas the E60 is very composed. The E90 did not have the sports package which I suspect contribute to much of these characteristics, still, it makes me appreciate the engineering of the E60. I also found that I'm very much adapted to AS and going back to normal steering felt weird.
My stating-the-obvious conclusion: Test-driving other cars, especially ones in lower price brackets, tend to make you feel better about your E60.
Anyone else feel the same way?
I tried a Lexus IS350 and an Audi A3 3.2DSG last weekend. Both have horribly light steering feel; there's absolutely no grip/resistance. Both are definitely quicker in terms of acceleration than my 2006 530i, yet they didn't feel substantially faster (on the other hand my friend's S4 definitely felt FAST, which I imagine is what a 550 would feel like). Grip-wise they're both not bad, but I have to say the E60 feels much more balanced, and the body roll is minimal. The DSG is an amazing transmission though ... one flick of the paddle and the RPM needle responds instanteously.
I also had a 2006 325i as a loaner car for a day and I can feel its smaller size somewhat, there's definitely a crispness in the way it maneuvers, but on the other hand it felt more edgy (the tail end seemed more willing to give) whereas the E60 is very composed. The E90 did not have the sports package which I suspect contribute to much of these characteristics, still, it makes me appreciate the engineering of the E60. I also found that I'm very much adapted to AS and going back to normal steering felt weird.
My stating-the-obvious conclusion: Test-driving other cars, especially ones in lower price brackets, tend to make you feel better about your E60.
Anyone else feel the same way?
03-01-2006 | 12:41 AM
#3
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My Ride: 530 2006
msport package, steptronic, pdc, mystik blue, grey dakota leather, sunroof, Bi-Xenon, heated rear seats, Hi-FI system, velour carpets
Yeah I feel exactly the same. I test drove my friends 997 carrera convertible and yes it has got 325 hp but when the car goes around 230 km/h my 530 feels a lot more stable. The carrera feels very light. I really love my car 
03-01-2006 | 01:14 AM
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From: MIAMI B*CH
My Ride: MY RIDE is DA real .-) HAMANN 5 aka BLACK MAMBA born on 16/06/2005/delivered on 05/08/2005 as following:
530dA (steptronic), Black II (JET), leather Dakota auburn black, mapple trim, head-up display, dynamic drive, active steering, adaptive xenon headlights (auto levelling) with headlight washers, alarm, comfort seats with massage function, advanced A/C, big compartment armrest, aux-in, MP3, Logic 7, Radio PRO, CD in-dash+cd changer, power rear sunshades, rear airbags, park distance control, auto dimming folding mirrors, smoking package, shiny shadow line (individual), fold down rear seats, ski bag, sport suspension, run flats on �116-style� rims (Good Year NCT5+), cup holders, debadged, fire extinguishers, additional permanent power outlet, BMW coat hanger, trunk release button (installed by Hobi), GPS tracking device and a big thx 2 Iceman.
Mods done:
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� Authentic HAMANN SPORT REAR MUFFLER 4 TAILPIPES Sport rear muffler with four round stainless-steel tailpipes ( � 76mm ) Item-No.: 50 060 111
� Authentic HAMANN new add-on for M pack rear with diffusor for quad pipes -AVAILABLE NOW (http://forums.e60.net/index.php?act=ST&f=22&t=30630&st=0#entry332409)
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Ultra-light forged 3-pieced light-alloy wheel, Cross-spoke-design,Spider in black, titanium, screwing,polished flange
DIMENSIONS : 9.0 J x 20 FA Item No.: 91 207 315
10.5 J x 20 only RA Item No.: 91 207 625
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E60.net Clings
Still to do list;-):
� Our Hobi's camera system from : ww.switchchange.com).
� Individual leather interior (auburn+auburn alcantara)... and drive with sheer drivin' pleasure ... until 2009/2010 F10 comes or E60 possibly a 540d V8 diesel early in 2009 badly juiced!
Originally Posted by omi7' post='247572' date='Mar 1 2006, 03:47 AM
Out of curious I tried a few smaller cars to see how much more nimble they are, and they're from other manufacturers so I can see what I'm potentially missing. Note I'm not going to compare interior quality/feel as this is more about the driving characteristics.....
My stating-the-obvious conclusion: Test-driving other cars, especially ones in lower price brackets, tend to make you feel better about your E60. Anyone else feel the same way?
My stating-the-obvious conclusion: Test-driving other cars, especially ones in lower price brackets, tend to make you feel better about your E60.
Anyone else feel the same way? 
BMW E60 is the best of all!!!
03-01-2006 | 03:55 AM
#5
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From: Winter Park, FL
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The new Lexus IS is too small. My parents wanted a small car for their Washington house, because parking in the streets there is difficult with their Lexus LS400. So they looked at the new IS-250
My mom is 5' 1" and she felt like the roof was too low. So she got a BMW 325i instead. Good move, I would say.
My mom is 5' 1" and she felt like the roof was too low. So she got a BMW 325i instead. Good move, I would say.
03-01-2006 | 04:30 AM
#7
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My Ride: 2005 545i Titanium Silver/Black/Poplar: Steptronic, Sport, Cold Weather, Premium Sound, Comfort Seats, Sat Radio, NAV & Shades
Originally Posted by drjochen' post='247716' date='Mar 1 2006, 08:11 AM
Holds even for bigger cars. I drove an M45 yesterday. After all the hype in Car & Driver etc., it was a huge disappointment.
I never drove the M45 but sat in one. Nothing to do with handling but I didn't like that "I drive like" controller up on the dash the way it was. Seemed like an awkward place for that.
03-01-2006 | 06:07 AM
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I didn't/don't need any reasons to feel better about my car. It's perfect. I agree with your assessment of the dynamics - the car feels small, and the body roll is nonexistent with the sport package. Aside from the E60's looks, that's what drew me to the car - I can't stand body roll and brake dive. It drives me nuts.
03-01-2006 | 06:16 AM
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Originally Posted by SolarFactory' post='247723' date='Mar 1 2006, 08:30 AM
I never drove the M45 but sat in one. Nothing to do with handling but I didn't like that "I drive like" controller up on the dash the way it was. Seemed like an awkward place for that.
The damn car reminds me of tupperwear with a bunch of piss poor electronic ergonomics :thumbsdown:
03-01-2006 | 06:39 AM
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From: White Hall, Arkansas
My Ride: Retired 2008 535i Titanium-silver with sport, premium, steptronic, NAV, HUD
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The M45 is one of the ugliest cars on the road, IMHO.
I've been driving alot of different brands lately and nothing comes near the e60.
BTW, one thing that pisses me off is when some people think that an MB is still the best car in the world.
I've been driving alot of different brands lately and nothing comes near the e60.
BTW, one thing that pisses me off is when some people think that an MB is still the best car in the world.