5284Life

other than the engine choices and the amount of doors, is the 6 series really different ride-wise and interior-wise? what's the difference? how far away is a 528i from a 650i (both non-sport, and disregarding the V8).

craigm1841

i cant say for sure because i havent been in one, but I did sit in an audi A5 when i was car shopping. the interior reminded me of the 6 series.. there was a lot to the dash, very large and i felt like i was at the controls of a space shuttle. i noticed when i was picking up my 535 while looking at a 6 series at the dealer, the interior was similar in style. i think the interior is more driver focused where the E60s are driver and passenger oriented.

tbal

Dont the 6's have different gear ratios as well? Dont know what options 528 has, but in general e60 and e63s are pretty much the same thing in certain model designations. (eg. 545/645 and 550/650).

ObD

Interior materials are the same. Controls are basically the same though maybe placed differently. The shape of components are slightly different. The view and how you sit is different. The 5 series has more room period. In the 6er, it's more of a cocoon and the hood is longer. They all drive the same except for the engine.

tbal

The rear seats in the 6 are absolutly useless, unless the rear occupants dont have legs.

wacopolumbo

STL530i

That made me laugh out loud for real!!! I needed that one!!

Richard in NC

Having traded an '06 650i for an '08 550i, I noticed quite a few differences.
Discounting the improvements of the '08 models (5 & 6) over previous years, there still are a lot of differences.

First, the 650i is a coupe. Besides the obvious puny rear seat, lower front seats and longer doors give it a sports car feel sitting in it and getting in and out. You also feel a bit lower to the ground when driving. Plus the center stack is canted more to the driver in the 6.

Two, the seats are more deeply bolstered (thigh support and side wings) and they don't have the adjustable sides like the E60 comfort seats. Its not for overweight persons. I'm not fat, yet I couldn't wear a wallet in my pants pocket without it digging into me. The side bolsters also add to difficulties getting in and out in tight spaces.

Three, the 650i exhaust is deeper and a bit louder, a big differrence from earlier 550i's but not as much so from '08+ 550i's. My 650i also had an odd growl from the motor itself.

Four, the 650i has a tighter more nailed down feel when driving. The 550i feels actually floaty after a 650i test drive (but isn't really). Combined with the Bridgestone RFTs, I thought its ride was too harsh for a daily driver in my area. I could watch the passenger headrest jiggle and vibrate while going down the average road. Yes I checked the tire balance, etc.

Five, the 650i is extremely neutral handling. The back end can kick out MUCH more easily on the 6. Conversely with the 550i, you need to back off a bit at corner entry and use a bit of gas at apex and corner exit to balance it. Plus the 6 feels like the cornering G forces go straight sideways but down slightly on the 5.

Six, IMHO there is far more value in the 550i. A bigger car with more goodies for $10k less. The 650i lacked the 20 way seats, sliding sunroof, etc. Plus it has even less interior storage, no rear seat amenities, and only 1 cup holder, unless you opened a rear console compartment and had the passenger reach way back to use it....

As much as I wanted to like the 650i, I am far more happy with the 550i.

Richard in NC

True. I think. But I switched from a 650i 6 speed to a 550i sport auto so I don't know for sure.

slickE60

Hey, that's cruel. Laughing at legless folks, that is.