Hello I am a new (used) 2005 530i owner. I have had a few BMWs including my 2001 X5. The X5 handles better, has a better ride and quicker throttle response then the 5. Is it me? Am I expecting too much. I should mention the X5 is a sport. Will that make all the difference? Another thing I don't understand is how the X5 feels so much quicker. I am a little disapointed with the 530. Do you guys think there could be something wrong or is that just the way it is. Any thoughts or opinions appreciated. I'll post some PICs if I could figure it out. Thanks

 

you say its a non-sport and thats the reason it feels the way it does. i had a non-sport 04' 530i for a couple weeks before getting my 05' sport 530i and theres a huge difference in handling. the suspension is much tighter and theres less body roll on the turns

i do agree the throttle responce is slow but its because you have to drive it with a heavy foot. once you do that the car will drive well.

you can always get a SprintBooster which is a gizmo that attaches to the throttle pedal and increases the responce of the pedal. its makes it VERY sensitive and nice and quick

welcome to the forums!

orlee

 

Thanks for the advice. I have read about the sprint booster, sounds like a good option. any advice on upgrading the suspension? what works best? I have a limited budget.

 

Sport will make a huge difference in handling and ride feel. What was the engine size in the x5? If it's a 3.0, I would be surprised if it is really quicker. I'm sorry you seem so disappointed with the new (to you!) 530. How much time did you spend test driving the car, I would think your perceptions would have swayed you away from buying the 530.

 

The 2005 530 will certainly feel a little underpowered, but even without ARS the car should still handle reasonably well. Is your issue with handling to do with grip? Non sport E60s tend to come with relatively narrow all season tires and you'll give up a lot of grip as a consequence. Better rubber may make a difference.

 

unfortunately upgrading the suspension on these cars is very expensive.. as in not worth it (unless u got money to burn)

 

The X5 is a 3.0. I know it is probably not faster just feels that way because of the throttle response I guess. I only drove the car a short distance, but had driven other 530's quite a bit. I guess I just didn't notice till I owned it. Thanks

 

...I drove my brother's ..X5 3.0..for about a month. thorttle response..of the 530 is a lot quicker than..X5..
Try use D/S mode..

 

+1. i have a non-sport and have gone through twisties with the standard suspension but wider wheels at a meet. handled well but still felt a little sloppy, and led me to getting eibach springs. handling improved greatly just with springs. other members can share their experiences as well, from springs to spring-shock combos to coilovers.

and welcome and enjoy the forums.

 

you have a few options:
1, install aftermarket springs, either HR sport or Eiback pro-kit, lots of people have done it, ~$400-450 for parts and labor.
2. install coilovers which will be quite a bit more
3. HR sway bars, it really helped on mine, $500 ($400 parts and $100 labor)
4 wider wheels and tires to provide more grip, now that has a huge range in price.

I personally got a shock and spring upgrade (lower ~1.2"), also sway bars and 19" wheels. The difference is dramatic. Each component helps out significantly, I think the spring and larger wheels are the most popular, but sway also stiffen up the chassis and does improve on fast cornering too

I have an X5 3.0 too,non-sport though. Throttle response I think is indeed better on X5 but definitely couldn't outrun my 525i. x5 sport i believe has 255 wide tires, non sport 530i is only 225.