phalen302

Hi,

Just want to share my experience. My brother bought a 2011 BMW 535i couple of days ago and I drove it around for a while and here are some of my thoughts (my opinions; drove e63 and 535i back to back):

In my mind BMW has lost its soul (ultimate driving machine). BMW suspension felt soft (floaty feeling; was in sport mode too) but nibble; felt like I was driving a lexus with improved handling. Steering had almost no feedback. It had a nice peppy engine and I think BMW 5 series would be best with the V8 engine. The transmission shifts were smooth as butter (like lexus). The interior of the car felt much roomier/bigger (maybe its the layout; felt like a mini 7 series).

After driving the BMW for a while I got back into E63; WHOA...car felt like a ultimate driving machine. Suspension felt tight, connected to the road. Was getting feedback from the steering and the car just felt so planted to the road. I was so surprised the E63 felt like it could easily out handle the BMW (damn!). The only draw back I didn't like was; transmission shifts were much harder (could feel them). So now I am wondering, Is MB now the ultimate driving machine?

I will not compare power of E63 to 535i because it not a fair competition.

newlyAMG

the BMWs have gotten bigger in the latest generation, as most cars have, and not suprising that the lowered numbered 5s (528/535) are geared a little more toward comfort rather than stiff handling.

A fair comparison would be an M and an AMG in that case

cij911

Exactly....Go drive a standard E and then hop in your AMG and you will have the same results (duhhhh)....

Had you driven an M5 and the e63, I think you would have had a better comparison....

newlyAMG

yep, coworker who drives a newer E350 drove my '07 e63, swore I needed to take it in because the steering was "too heavy, must be messed up", had to explain the importance of firmer steering @ 150mph, which the car was easily designed to do...

DHH1

At the dealership that work at, we had an 07' M5, I drive an 07' E63. I have done a side by side comparison, and one right after the other. The M5's I drive system is clumsy and confusing, I didn't really like it. The drives were similar but the transmission on the M5 was really hurky jerky (spelling) and wasn't as smooth as the E63. Speed wise I would say comparable but the 6.2 V8 of the E63 almost seemed more powerfull that the 5.0 V10 even though there is only 7 hp difference (507 vs 500). Overall glad I purchased the E63 due to the discount on service that I receive. GO AMG!!!!

DHH1

Oh and not to mention the e63 has about 80lbs more torque

BlueML99

Compare M to AMg or to Audi S or Caddy V or even Chevy SRT8. It's unfair to compare regular models to performance models. How r u fellas liking the E63? I am torn between getting one of those and E55. I like the E55 becaus of the modability (if thats even a work lol) but I rather the E63 because of the newer technology/ less mileage. Recently I have heard a lot on the forum about the issues the E63 has under the hood which kind off leaning me towards the E55.

phalen302

Sorry guys I am NOT comparing the 535i to e63, I just put up what I thought and it is not a fair comparison.

Being said that, its just my experience...BMW e39 drove much better than my 07 e63 (in terms of handling). I THINK now BMW is aiming for little more comfort than handling.

I didn't mean to compare e63 to 535i at all. I was expecting lot more from 535i but I felt little disappointed in overall feel.

My CPO ELW is expiring this september...have already started browsing (thinking about 12 E63, or S7 or M5). I am leaning towards S7 right now but who knows when the time comes. I am really impressed by all I am hearing about S7 (magazines, online etc..)

urbamworm

SRT8 is not a Chevy, that is MOPAR. Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep.

googone20

There's a reason for everything you had described. The M5 had a SMG trans which can be a little tough to get used to, but it is a true manual. The AMG is a automatic, and Mercedes is known for their smooth autos. Power wise, these are 2 very different motors. The Merc has a fatter torque curve, therefor giving it the low end grunt advantage. The gearing of the M5 and the way the motor makes power gives it a advantage at high rpm ranges. I would never describe a Merc as having better driving dynamics than a BMW. I know this is a Merc forum, but that is what BMW does. The Merc will always be a hammer, and the BMW will always be a scalpel. For years Mercs have had better build quality, rock solid and smooth auto transmissions, and big powerful motors. BMW's are more focused on steering feel and handling, and high strung motors that make power near redline. Just my 2 cents.

phalen302

BMW is considered the queen of handling but IMO it is no so the case anymore. I think they are getting soft and mellow. When I drove 535i I felt like driving a Lexus with improved handing. I expected a lot from 535i.

IndiumGreyE63

That's weird. I had an '07 E550 before I purchased my '08 E63. The steering in the 63 is a bit firmer, but I would never categorize it as heavy... Believe me...I'm a picky guy and would notice the difference.

Have you compared your steering to other E63s?

newlyAMG

never have, dont know anyone else personally who has one, and never been overly concerned by it i guess

googone20

I think this is because you were comparing a mid range BMW to a top of the line performance oriented Merc. I am willing to betyour brothers car does not have the sport package either. A M5 would yield different results, and definitely doesn't feel like a Lexus. I actually would say that the F10's feel softer then the E60's, but that's because they are bigger cars and the F10 has electric steering. But the funny thing is the F10 beats the E60 in every performance category.

BBBSS

The *35 cars are meant to be on the sporty side but the 5 series is meant more for luxury then sport. The M5 is the exception obvioisly.

I am very strongly considering swapping my dually pickup truck that I'm daily driving right now for an 09 335i or xi with the sport package. It seems to best mix of luxury, sport, power and looks for sub 30 G's. Havent found anything in the price range that offers more. Also just a tune puts these things in bottom 12's.

phalen302

Sir a decade old e39 or even an e34 can out out handle my big bad Merc

FYI it does have a sports package. And FYI "sport" package is more of cosmetic vs pure performance like Ms.

Like I said before I am aware of this. But usually even the mid range BMW out handles most top of the line cars (BMW signature). F10 535i feels like a lexus to ME with improved handling.

Agree

CharlyE500

Even my old 745Li 04 handle better than my 06 E55 but not by much. But 745Li is a much bigger car. That's why I am thinking the Coil-over conversion by this summer.