Impressions of my new 4-cyl turbo 528i Touring M-Sport
12-23-2011, 11:43 PM
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Hi,
I live in Tokyo, Japan and have been driving a 2006 6-cyl 530i (E61) for the past 4 years (bought it second hand). I have been quite satisfied with that car and was also pleased that it had a good trade-in value equivalent to $30000 despite of its age. Car prices are higher in Japan and the base price for a 528i Touring with M-Sport package is $96000, similar to the original price of the 530i, so the trade-in value after 6 years was still 1/3 of "new" value.
I just (Dec 2011) took delivery of my new 4-cyl 528i Touring M-Sport (F11) with additional extras like sunroof, optional interior wood trim, and 19-inch wheels worth an extra $12000. Both previous and new cars are carbon black metallic. For the untrained eye, many will never realise that I switched cars (which is actually one of my intentions).
Getting to drive the 4-cyl turbo car, I quickly dialled the suspension to SPORT PLUS since an earlier experience in an F10 535i running COMFORT and SPORT (but never SPORT PLUS) gave me a somewhat negative impression (a bit instability of suspension and vague steering response, although the engine was GREAT). In most ways I preferred the handling and steering response of my old E61 530i over the F10 535i that I test-drove (this was not an M-sport car).
Driving the new F11 528i Touring M-Sport (in SPORT PLUS) immediately convinced me they the suspension feels very stable and firm, while the (electric) steering does feel a bit more vague and lightweight as compared to my earlier E61. The 4-cyl turbo engine feels quick and agile with more torque and grunt from start, while I miss the 6-cyl "music". The next thing I had to get used to was the idling-stop function with the engine turning itself off at every red light, while coming to life again when lifting my foot from the brake pedal.
After driving the car for a day, I got used to the steering feel as well. My conclusion is that it is different without being outright bad. It is still possible I would have preferred the old hydraulic steering, while the advantages (in improved consumption and efficiency) of the new electrically activated steering probably outweighs its disadvantages.
Regarding engine power, I have already ordered the Kelleners Sport add-on tuning ECU that drastically increases torque and power (close to 300 hp), while I intend to use this power reserve sparingly and conservatively (especially until the car is "broken in"). I like that the Kelleners Sport ECU is easily pluggable and unpluggable like a "stealth device" which will be there only when I need it, and removed when nobody needs to know.
I also tried my new car in the ECO MODE which re-dials gear shift. throttle response, air conditioning etc to achieve the most economical consumption possible. Even though this makes the car outright dull, I can easily see situations where this mode will work well and make worthwhile savings. Whenever you simply need to move ahead in a relaxed manner when you are not in a hurry, the mode works well enough.
Honestly, with my own personality with a hang for quick and sporty response and a very firm suspension, I do not expect to use the ECO MODE too often, but I clearly respect what it attempts to do, so I may eventually end up using it on more occasions than I would have imagined.
After a couple of days with this new 4-cyl turbo 528i, I have basically found myself at ease with this car and I enjoy the way it drives. I have committed to drive it for the next 5 years, and I believe that this is a car that will make me happy every time I enter the cockpit.
I live in Tokyo, Japan and have been driving a 2006 6-cyl 530i (E61) for the past 4 years (bought it second hand). I have been quite satisfied with that car and was also pleased that it had a good trade-in value equivalent to $30000 despite of its age. Car prices are higher in Japan and the base price for a 528i Touring with M-Sport package is $96000, similar to the original price of the 530i, so the trade-in value after 6 years was still 1/3 of "new" value.
I just (Dec 2011) took delivery of my new 4-cyl 528i Touring M-Sport (F11) with additional extras like sunroof, optional interior wood trim, and 19-inch wheels worth an extra $12000. Both previous and new cars are carbon black metallic. For the untrained eye, many will never realise that I switched cars (which is actually one of my intentions).
Getting to drive the 4-cyl turbo car, I quickly dialled the suspension to SPORT PLUS since an earlier experience in an F10 535i running COMFORT and SPORT (but never SPORT PLUS) gave me a somewhat negative impression (a bit instability of suspension and vague steering response, although the engine was GREAT). In most ways I preferred the handling and steering response of my old E61 530i over the F10 535i that I test-drove (this was not an M-sport car).
Driving the new F11 528i Touring M-Sport (in SPORT PLUS) immediately convinced me they the suspension feels very stable and firm, while the (electric) steering does feel a bit more vague and lightweight as compared to my earlier E61. The 4-cyl turbo engine feels quick and agile with more torque and grunt from start, while I miss the 6-cyl "music". The next thing I had to get used to was the idling-stop function with the engine turning itself off at every red light, while coming to life again when lifting my foot from the brake pedal.
After driving the car for a day, I got used to the steering feel as well. My conclusion is that it is different without being outright bad. It is still possible I would have preferred the old hydraulic steering, while the advantages (in improved consumption and efficiency) of the new electrically activated steering probably outweighs its disadvantages.
Regarding engine power, I have already ordered the Kelleners Sport add-on tuning ECU that drastically increases torque and power (close to 300 hp), while I intend to use this power reserve sparingly and conservatively (especially until the car is "broken in"). I like that the Kelleners Sport ECU is easily pluggable and unpluggable like a "stealth device" which will be there only when I need it, and removed when nobody needs to know.
I also tried my new car in the ECO MODE which re-dials gear shift. throttle response, air conditioning etc to achieve the most economical consumption possible. Even though this makes the car outright dull, I can easily see situations where this mode will work well and make worthwhile savings. Whenever you simply need to move ahead in a relaxed manner when you are not in a hurry, the mode works well enough.
Honestly, with my own personality with a hang for quick and sporty response and a very firm suspension, I do not expect to use the ECO MODE too often, but I clearly respect what it attempts to do, so I may eventually end up using it on more occasions than I would have imagined.
After a couple of days with this new 4-cyl turbo 528i, I have basically found myself at ease with this car and I enjoy the way it drives. I have committed to drive it for the next 5 years, and I believe that this is a car that will make me happy every time I enter the cockpit.
12-24-2011, 02:01 AM
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My Ride: 2004 E61 530D - Dynamic Drive - Active Front Steering Sport Seats - Voice Control - Head Up Display - Nav Pro - Bluetooth - Panoramic roof - Front/rear heated seats
Great review,
Shame that the hydraulic steering isn't available as an option...
They've put it in the M5 after all.
Shame that the hydraulic steering isn't available as an option...
They've put it in the M5 after all.
to the forum - great review!
12-27-2011, 06:35 AM
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My Ride: 2010 535i M Sport 6MT
Model Year: 2010
Enjoyed the review. I have my eye on the 4-cyl turbo engine. I intend to drive the manual transmission M-Sport version of F10 and F30 to see which I like better. My current E60 has Active Steering, so I think electric steering will not be a major concern for me.
12-27-2011, 10:38 PM
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My Ride: 2004 E61 530D - Dynamic Drive - Active Front Steering Sport Seats - Voice Control - Head Up Display - Nav Pro - Bluetooth - Panoramic roof - Front/rear heated seats
AFS in the F10 might be the best way to go for you too then though it's a bit more extensive than in the E60...
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