Is everyone happy with the ride quality (especially at speed) they're getting from their E60's compared to previous BMW's with similar tyre sizes? I think BMW have gone for handling over comfort - can you tell the difference between your cars ?

In the testdrives I have had I noticed that the car is very stable. The longer wheelbase than I had with my 330 is definately noticable. I find the car less sporty as my 3 series but the ride is much more comfortable (I drove a 5 series with SP and 18 inch wheels).

In corners the car is very stable also at higher speeds. Overall for me the car feels great and is very relaxing to drive.

DrT, I would grade the ride of the 545 SP superior to that of the 540 SP, comparing the 18" to the 17" wheels, respectively. At speed, both were good, but the 545 is better, IMO. Much quieter, too. No appreciable wind noise if I keep the sunroof closed. Handling is also better. The only thing that I miss is the "road carving" feel of the 540. However, the active steering more than makes up for that.

The ride quality of the E60 is really really superior to any other BMW. period!

I used to drive a 330Cic before this one and I can tell from experience that the road handling is far superior by going through certain corners where with my 330Cic I would think, I better won't do that again, whereas with the E60 I hardly feel that I took that very same corner. Just incredible!

Also when going over speed bumps you do not have to slow down at all, I already took some at 80km/h (50m/h) without the car coming close to the ground, again, just incredible.

My car is running on 17" run flats, no dynamic drive, regular suspension and active steering. I wouldn't ever ever trade it back in for my previous one.

If you are wondering why this car handles so well, it's partially because of the bigger wheel base (as someone already said) but the biggest part comes from the engine compartment/chassis from the beginning of the car up to the front windshield which is entirely made out of aluminum resulting in a 50/50 weight distribution. This 50/50 weight distribution is really rare for a sedan and it is mostly responsible for the incredible handling characteristics of this car.

i too came from the e46 platform, the handling and ride of my e60 is out of this world, however being the bad boy at times, the car is too solid and quiet.
i actually like more 'loosing it'/fishtail and the noiser feel of the e46, but i wouldn't go back either. the push and cornering makes it all back.

I think that my 530d is a little bit sensible to the wind.
You know those cross winds that sometimes....drives me crazy.

I have the 122, 17", with the 245/45.
Do the 18"make it feel better?

And there is a tremendous strange wind noise in the front near the rain blades after the 200/220 km/h......

The 730d doesn't moves at all no matter wind or no wind ....
:angry:

I also noticed the car is more susceptible to cross winds than my previous 525 and 325 touring. I think it's because its a light, big car - they've trimmed the weight to about the limit for the length of car, IMO.