I have a 2007 530xi which was the last year for Pre-LCI E60's. Over the last year as I have brought my car in for service I have usually received a 2008 E60 loaner car and today a 2009 E60 loaner to drive while mine was serviced. While most people will agree there are lots of many small and some large feature improvements in the newer LCI E60 models over the pre-LCI model years (2004 to 2007 Model years), one thing I have observed is the "build" quality or solidness on the new 2008 & 2009 LCI models is DEFINITELY different and not the same than the pre- LCI models. Let me explain.

When I open and close the doors on pre-LCI models the doors have a solid "thunk" sound like a vault door closing. On the newer LCI models the sound of the doors opening and closing sound more like a dull "thud" suggesting less mass, or less weight, or thinner steel, or less sound proofing or thinner interior door panels, different glass (or maybe a combination). Something like some Japanese or Korean imports sound like when opening or closing doors (except Toyota/Lexus which does an outstanding job at sound proofing on most of their cars). Did BMW subtlely change the build quality on the newer LCI E60's because of cost containment, for green energy reasons (less weight and thus less fuel usage), for more efficient manufacturing processes? I can't place my finger on it but there definitely is a difference.

Now here is the $64K question. Because of this perceived difference do you feel the sound level inside, whether stopped at a light or at highway speed is noisier on the newer LCI E60 models? Every time I drive a newer 2008 or 2009 LCI E60 I walk away distracted and displeased how much noisier the interior is than my pre-LCI 2007 model (or any other pre-LCI models I have driven). DId BMW change the window glass (cheaper thinner or less laminate in the glass than before? A different or cheaper supplier?) I mean there are ordinary GM and Ford cars that ride much quieter in my opinion than the newer LCI E60's. I can't believe a car that costs so much is this noisy. I would love to compare sound measurements in the pre and LCI E60 versions to prove my point but unfortunately I don't have sound level measuring equipment like the magazines use for their reviews. (I bet if I compare sound measurements in car magazine articles and road tests published of newer E60's compared to older articles published when the E60 was first introduced the measurements are not the same).

To me the noise level is so much greater and unbecoming for a luxury sedan like the E60 that I would probably not consider replacing my pre-LCI E60 with a newer 2008 or 2009 LCI E60 model if I can't have the solitude and quiet ride like I have now. To me quiet road comfort is just as important in a fine automobile like BMW as performance.

I know many members on this forum have owned BOTH pre-LCI and LCI E60 models. What do you think about this subject and what are your first hand observations?

 

Could it be that the old cars have more wear and tear... the seals are wearing out so less vault door closing sound. etc etc...

 

You have it reversed. I am saying the older cars are more solid with what appears to be a pronounced and quieter build and structure... The newer cars feel and sound cheaper, lighter, noisier.

 

could the road noise be coz of the run flat tires? just a thought.

 

I have taken that into consideration and the newer LCI cars I have driven and are comparing to my pre-LCI E60 all did NOT have run flats. (I bought my car specifically because it did not have run flats)

I have only driven the newer E92 3 series with run flats and I definitely do not like the ride or noise from them although they could save you the cost of a new rim from (no) flat tire damage.

 

I disagree.
I can't compare my '08 550i to a pre LCI e60 except for test drives years ago. I can compare it to several other new cars including a recent Dodge Charger loaner. The 550i is absolutely more quiet, solid, and better built than the Dodge Charger was.
I can also compare the '08 550i to an '06 650i. The '08 was noticably smoother and more quiet. A marked difference when I traded.

FYI, I absolutely feel and hear a solid quality thunk when closing the doors on the 550i.

Are you sure about the lack of runflats on the loaners? I had thought the 550i sport package was the only LCI model without run-flats. I STRONGLY feel runflats add a lot of road noise and harshness to the ride.

 

Oh really? I guess I read your thread backwards...

 

Having both a 2005 545i and now a 2008 LCI 550i, my experience is the opposite.

the'08 is quieter, feels more solid (door thunk included), drives better (no runflats), and has superior build quality all around.

Lots of little , incremental improvements make this car a more enjoyable experience. Don't get me wrong, I loved my '05, this is just a better built car.

 

I can't remember -- does the Premium Package offer any additional sound deadening, etc.? Maybe there extra noise is due to the loaner cars not including carpeted mats or something? (My dealer's loaners use the rubber winter mats year 'round.)

I can't say I've noticed what you've noticed between my pre-LCI car and my LCI car...

 

My '08 535i has a VERY solid feel when the doors are closed. I can't compare to a pre-LCI though. I will say that this '08 535i has more rattles (from area around A/C knobs) and creaks (around windsheild when temperature <45deg F) than my '95 525i...a LOT more. This fact has been a huge disapointment for me...I love the car otherwise, but I simply can't stand the rattles/creaks.