Do other BMWs' handle like the E60
04-21-2009, 11:36 AM
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My Ride: 05' 545i Sport Sapphire Black
My 545i Sport is my first BMW ever. I didn't know it would handle the way it does. Do all BMW turn like their on rails? Is it only sport models? What about the 3 series?
04-21-2009, 11:45 AM
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My Ride: 2006 550i - Metallic Mystic Blue, Sport Package, STEPTRONIC Auto Transmission, Leather Interior, Power Front Seats w/Lumbar Support, Xeonon Head Lights (Angel Eyes), Park Distance Control (PDC), 6-CD Changer, Adaptive Head Light, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, Professional Radio, Premium Sound Package 13-Speakers Logic 7, Weather Band Radio, Voice Control (for Bluetooth Telephone Operatoin), 18" Run Flats, Rain-Sensing Wipers, Front/Rear Heated Seats, Flat Tire Monitor (FTM), Moonroof, Fold Down Rear Seats, Hardwired Valentine One
I've driven several 325/328i's as loaners.... Personally, I really don't like the 3er because I think that I'm just too spoiled with always having a 5er (540/6 and 550).... and couldn't wait to turn it back to get mine.
04-21-2009, 11:50 AM
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My Ride: 2007 530i. Purchased 6/28/07. Titanium Silver Metallic, Black Dakota Leather, Dark Poplar Trim, Steptronic, Premium Package, Cold Weather Package, Bluetooth, Adaptive Control Xenons. 10/30/07 Added OEM 124s with 245/40/18 & 275/35/18 Michelin Pilot Sport A/S tires. Installed red Cal Covers� from BavAuto. 11/21/07 Added OEM all-weather floor mats (for winter, carpet in summer) and coat rack. 6/26/08 installed M5-style rear spoiler. 6/30/08 put on red reflectors. 8/22/08 Euro turn signal stickers applied. 3/20/09 Installed Shadowline Trim. 3/27/09 Added Matte Black Kidney Grilles from Trinity. 4/03/09 Installed Bimmian Shadow Matte Black 530i Badges. 4/04/09 Installed LED license plate lights from Trinity. 5/01/09 Installed Brabus Interior LED Kit and White Angel Eyes. 5/02/09 Put in Brabus 6K Fogs. 5/14/09 Removed charcoal filter. 5/15/09 Installed light smoke LED side marker lamps from Trinity. 5/21/09 Sprint Booster. 6/12/09 Painted exhaust tips flat black. 6/13/09 Pulled red Cal Covers and painted calipers low gloss black. 6/27/09 RPI Ram Air Scoop from Trinity. 8/15/09 Installed Brabus's silver invisibulbs front and rear. 9/24/09 Installed R-Dash license plate LEDs from Brabaus (John).
I had an e46 coupe, and it was one of the best handling cars I've driven (for a daily driver, of course). Very nimble and sure-footed.
04-21-2009, 11:51 AM
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I got a new 328i as a dealer loaner recently. It's obviously not as quick as the 550i, but it was a sweet handler. It had a nimbleness to it that my E60 doesn't. It was closer to a driving feel like my 993. I wouldn't trade, though.
04-21-2009, 01:41 PM
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My Ride: 2004 530i
premium package/active steering/auto sunshade/tiag/black dakota leather/logic 7
35% tint all around
19' DPE GT7
I loved the way my 325xi handled even before I lowered it, although now I think I'm spoiled by the e60 with active steering and springs and shocks.
04-21-2009, 01:53 PM
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My Ride: Late 2005 M5 in Silverstone Metallic II with Full Black Leather Interior. SMG, LOGIC7, Heated Front Seats, Rear Electric Sun Blind, Comms Package, Professional Nav, TV Function, Extended Voice Control, Adaptive Headlights
I had an E46 Sport Saloon before my M5, and that car was brilliant handling. Not qutie a match for the M5, but a 5 Series Sport, yes!! BMW Sport's in general are brilliant handling cars no matter which series it is. To be fair, i drove my mates X5 4.6is earlier today, and that was bloody impressive too!!
04-21-2009, 01:57 PM
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My Ride: E60 530d M-Sport
IMHO definately not, my E46 was much more zippy around the bends, I have driven both cars on the track to the limit, both have their virtues, the 3 being more playfull on the limit the 5 being more grown up and more solid feeling, the extra 250kg in my car helps with the solidity tho im sure.
I would liken the E46/E90 to being a twenty something hooligan when the mood takes it, the E60 a thirty something family man which can still play when the mood suits him.
My E34 525i Sport on the other hand is just a total hooligan and wants to hang out the tail at every chance possible, in fact its virtually impossible to keep the thing straight coming off bends or roundabouts in the wet, the LSD is pure heaven
, like Kiwi says, you need to respect the 34's at speed if you dont know what your doing 
I would liken the E46/E90 to being a twenty something hooligan when the mood takes it, the E60 a thirty something family man which can still play when the mood suits him.
My E34 525i Sport on the other hand is just a total hooligan and wants to hang out the tail at every chance possible, in fact its virtually impossible to keep the thing straight coming off bends or roundabouts in the wet, the LSD is pure heaven
, like Kiwi says, you need to respect the 34's at speed if you dont know what your doing
04-21-2009, 02:02 PM
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Hi All
I had a E34 M5 which was brilliant, safe and stable in all conditions (especially really bad weather) - however had no safety net - really scary if you pushed it at higher speeds....
Then a E36 328 coupe which was adsolutely excellent - perhaps the ultimate driving machine - you'd need a new 911 or something to reasonably get away on a twisty road (and that point it would be downright dangerous). Never felt safe though especially after looking at crash info on it...not flash.
So my 545 E60 feels to me just like the E34 M5 (shows just how cool it must have been in 1989 when it came out!) with the safety of the driving aids, that said I can't live without active steering - I am a huge fan.
My 5c
Cheers
stu
I had a E34 M5 which was brilliant, safe and stable in all conditions (especially really bad weather) - however had no safety net - really scary if you pushed it at higher speeds....
Then a E36 328 coupe which was adsolutely excellent - perhaps the ultimate driving machine - you'd need a new 911 or something to reasonably get away on a twisty road (and that point it would be downright dangerous). Never felt safe though especially after looking at crash info on it...not flash.
So my 545 E60 feels to me just like the E34 M5 (shows just how cool it must have been in 1989 when it came out!) with the safety of the driving aids, that said I can't live without active steering - I am a huge fan.
My 5c
Cheers
stu
04-21-2009, 02:18 PM
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My Ride: 2004 530i
premium package/active steering/auto sunshade/tiag/black dakota leather/logic 7
35% tint all around
19' DPE GT7
Originally Posted by kiwistu' post='854428' date='Apr 21 2009, 04:02 PM
that said I can't live without active steering - I am a huge fan.
My 5c
Cheers
stu
My 5c
Cheers
stu
04-21-2009, 03:05 PM
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My Ride: 2008 535i 6MT
All BMW's essentially handle the same. The main differences are the driving position, curb weight, wheelbase, and ride height. IMHO, the 5 series long wheelbase is it's greatest attribute.