bha7176

My 550i is at the dealer for some routine work and they gave me an F10 as a loaner again. This time is different though, they gave me a fully loaded, sport and dynamic drive (or whatever that option that gives you the sport button is called) with paddle shifters, side and rear camera's, etc 535i.

I really like it! It still feels big as hell, and obviously doesn't have the power and pull of my 550i, but I have to say, I'm converted and am now an F10 tolerator.

The other F10's I've driven have been non-sport and I haven't liked them at all.

I won't be getting one for a long time, if ever - I'll hold onto my absolutely beautiful and powerful 550i for a awhile and then maybe go for an M3 - but I wouldn't hesitate to get an F10 550i sport if it had the right options.

Just thought I'd share.

Still have it if anyone wants anything checked out.

Ricracing

You'll get there.

pukka

How does the steering and handling feel compared to your E60, particularly when you push it?

SFBimmer

+1

bha7176

So how does it feel compared to my E60 550i M-sport? First I have to say that the F10 535i did not have active steering, my 550i does. I prefer the 535i feel in this regard ? just feels more connected to the road as far as steering wheel feel ? the active steering looses something here.
But that?s where the F10?s advantage ends in terms of handling in my opinion. My 550i feels much more sure footed and solid, and a little more nimble or light on its feet. Handling goes to the E60 550i. (note that these are both sport models ? the F10 with the dynamic and sport packages, the E60 with the M-sport package and active suspension) . It?s not a blowout win, but I think the E60 edges on top.
Where the F10 absolutely wins is in the interior if you?re looking for luxury. The huge idrive screen, the cup holders, the refinement of the interior is stunning really, and made my E60 look a bit dated when I got back into it last night. The first thing that grabbed my attention was how small my idrive screen is, and how recessed it is in the dash (and I have the Pro Nav in my car). The F10 screen is huge and right out in the open ? very nice improvement.
Oddly the sports seats in my E60 felt better than the F10?s ? odd because I would have expected the F10 to be better. My wife pointed this out, I probably wouldn?t have noticed so much until she DID point this out (both 20 way adjustable sport versions).

Overall, IMHO, the F10 is an outstanding vehicle. It feels bigger and a little heavier than the E60 because it is, but it still kicks ass and handles very well. It excels on the interior and luxury department over the E60 by leaps and bounds. And honestly, the difference in handling and feel is so close that if I were to trade in my E60 for an equivalent F10, I wouldn?t notice the differences in a day or two, and might not even notice them at all if I never went back and drove my E60 again.

Oh, BTW, my 550i would blow the doors off that 535i no problem. the difference in power is just undeniable.

v_therussian

Well, you said it - E60 does win out in outright handling, but the F10 is just a next level. I saw an m-sport alpine white F10 550iX the other day and it was gorgeous (not sure it was $75k-gorgeous though). But I don't know if I'd actually get it over its competitors - the handling edge I so much love to reach in my E60 is just not there apparently. And the skidpad numbers show it best. Maybe the LCI will blow away the E60 finally and completely - till then, a significant part of me is staying with the E60

bha7176

For those that own an F10 already, how much maintenance have you done so far? I popped the hood on the loaner to peek around and noticed that shit looked like a pain in the ass to get to. for instance the air filter appeared to need to be unscrewed to get to, couldn't even find the cabin filter, everything looked very tightly packed in there. Insights?