my family currently has a 2005 E60 530i sport with 14,500 miles. I recently traded in my 2005 330i with 19,000 miles for a 2002 E39 530i with 43,000 miles. I must say after driving all day comparing both 530i's that the E39 530i rides much better then the E60 530i. The E39 absorbs bumps and irregularities in a more compliant and supple way. while as the E60 seems to ride with a quick, nervous and twichy feeling that is un BMW like. sure the E39 is a none sport model with none runflats on 16 x 7 rims with 225/55/16 all season tires while our E60 is a Sport model running on runflat tires with 18 x 8 with 245/40/18 summer performance tires but i didn't think it would make that much of a difference considering that both cars are one Generation apart. Would love feed back from Owners that went from a E39 model to a E60 model.

 

I think the tires and suspension have alot to do with it. I went from a sport E39 540i/6 to a sport E60 530i. I found the E60 ride to be much higher and it felt a little softer over the big bumps but smaller cracks (bridge gaps) do feel more harsh. However the E60 corners much better than the E39. I plan on swaping out the RFT's for standard tires and see how much better it drives.

 

I'm afraid it *is* the runflats that give the nervous and twitchy feeling! Change to 'normal' tyres and the ride returns and the wheels feel much more planted...

 

How many miles do the run flats usually last? What is a good normal tyre to purchase and how much would it cost? This is for an E60 530i.

 

Wouldn't know as I ditched them!!!

Serioulsy though, you will get around 18k miles on the rears and 30k miles on the fronts if you drive it properly.

I have the Pirelli P Zero Rossos and love them, work really well on the 5 series. Change them now otherwise we will only see posts in a year saying 'just got rid of my run flats and wished I had done it straight away'.

I nearly got rid of my car a couple of months ago because of the ride, now it is too soft if anything.

 

E60 w/Sport suspension vs. E39 w/non-Sport suspension = Apples vs. Oranges

If you want a fair comparison, try driving an E60 without sport suspension.

 

Completely disagree, the E60 sport with non runflats is just as smooth a ride as an E39 SE.

It is all about riding in a car with tyres that are rock solid, nothing to do with the suspension.

 

The E39 is more comfortable than the E60 thats a fact. But inherent to this is that the E60 is the much better drive looking at stability and "direct driving", more feeling in the car than the E39.

But another thing: U said u traded in your 2005 330i (E90?) for a 2002 530i with more than double mileage???? Are u outof your mind or what?

 

Sorry I really disagree there.

Are you using non run flats?

 

I m not but my father does. And i am comparing his old E39 528 with his new E60 530 and i must tell u that the E39 is the more comfortable ride. Both cars with 16 inch rims non runflats.