5 Series (F10/F11/F07/F18) BMW F10 5er - press drives & reviews

[Bartek S.]

First Drive: 2011 BMW 5 Series

BMW’s New 5 Series Shows Its True Colors
There are few opportunities, if any, to explore a car’s limits on public roads. For this reason, we were given the opportunity to unleash the new 5 series full potential on track. The New Jersey Motorsports Park is a brand new facility that offered up tight, technical corners with a mix of high speed straights. Surrounding secondary roads shaped our perceptions of how the 5 series will drive in daily life.
But before we delve into our on-track experience, let’s take a look at how BMW’s “F10″ 5 series measures up in amenities and content. Mindful of the economic climate and pricing trends across the automotive market, BMW was keen to offer increased value to the 5 series buyer. Those interested in the purchase of a 5 series (we should all have our hands raised by the end of this sentence) will be drawn in by a simultaneous price decrease and content upgrade. To start off, the 2010 5 series will offer larger wheels on the base model, moving from 17″ to 18″ wheels at all corners. Lumbar support and a larger moon roof is standard across all models and navigation is now standard on the larger engined 550i.
bmwblog

 

[bmwblog]

Guys, first, feel free to use our photos, they are too good to not share with everyone.
Second, we will have more photos, videos, of the 5, 335is, z4is, B7, M3 competition, etc...all phenomenal photos.

Also, as an exclusive tip, BMW 535d will be in the US sometimes next year.

 

[Deleted member 25]

 

[Tarek]

^That would be my choice of colors too.

 

[klier]

Also, as an exclusive tip, BMW 535d will be in the US sometimes next year.

540d you mean?

 

[Merc1]

Motor Trend - First Drive: 2011 BMW 550i

More of the Same, Yet Better in Every Way


So there we were at the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance, ogling a new, preproduction metallic black (or really dark charcoal gray) 2011 BMW 550i, and our BMW pal said, "Hey, like to take it for a drive?" Got any more stupid questions? Gimmee that keyfob, Please. Scott Evans already ran down all the tech and spec stuff for you, so we'll focus on the actual piece in hand and the driving experience. The exterior design is ultrafresh and looks like a modern BMW without some of the overdetailing from which many of them have suffered. It's better balanced-looking than the outgoing 5 Series, but would never be mistaken for anything else. Underhood is the new, 400-horse, twin-turbocharged V-8, backed by ZF's new, and super high-tech, eight-speed automatic transmission.

This car isn't quick; it's genuinely fast, and smooth. We criticized this engine in the new 7 Series for a less than even acceleration curve and slightly jerky throttle response, but no such problem here. Perhaps BMW has evened out the engine's power delivery, or maybe the new trans calibrates the problem away. But the biturbo V-8's got power everywhere on the tach and is easy to drive slowly and smoothly and really gets with the program when you've got your toes into it. There's no turbo lag or jerkiness, just smooth power from a relatively low rpm, as there's meaningful boost available at low rpm. This powertrain makes that silky, turbinelike whirr we've come to expect from BMW V-8s, and it doesn't disappoint. While the result is exceptional, one wonders if this much expensive turbocharger hardware is needed or warranted to produce 400 horsepower. There are other V-8s that make as much power without all the technical complexity. Whatever, it sure works. As is typical of today's ZF automatic transmissions, this eight-speeder shifts smoothly without being mushy, and always seem to be in the right gear want a different one, just order up- or downshifts via the steering wheel paddle-shifter, or the throttle.

The interior is a higher-quality cabin than that of the outgoing 5 Series. And in the event you are/were an iDrive hater, you'll get along with this one better than previous-gen systems. Note that wide, high-def screen up high on the IP, easily in the driver's line of sight and very sharp and crisp to read. BMW seats are often on the sporty side of luxurious, and these are great chairs. Firm and supportive, but the bolstering is never intrusive, and the pinholed leather keeps you comfy in any weather. The highly lacquered wood trim looks great while still looking like wood, instead of shiny plastic, a fate that plagues some other luxury marques.

BMW has really nailed the ride/handling balance on this car too. It's quiet inside, but not overly silent (in a bad way). Wind noise is commendably low, and the big run-flat tires don't rumble much (more likely due to the fact that they are new and had few miles on them). Body motions are well controlled, the car never pitching much in corners, with plenty of grip on tap. Steering is more responsive and linear than in the outgoing 5. The ride quality is firm, but never harsh -- can't wait for the next M5 that'll be based on this chassis architecture!

The rest is all good: nicely weighted, responsive controls and driver inputs. Plenty of performance in every parameter. If you and three friends have a long way to go and a short time to get there, and want to do so in comfort and style, you won't go wrong here. Don't need 400 horses or want to spend quite as much? The new, single-turbo inline-six 535i should still more than get the job done.

2011 BMW 550i First Drive - Motor Trend


Really can't wait to see it in person, looks really good here.


M

 

[K-A]

Looking beautiful. And that interior looks gorgeous in those colors. Every time I see the F10's interior pics, it reminds me of how it looks a true full Class above the W212, especially seemingly in the materials aspect. Can't wait to check one out.

 

[Mr Robert]

Now that the F10 has begun to show its face on the streets, in somewhat great numbers, I must say that it really does a very good job at standing out without shouting.

 

[Human]

Black is the F10's color and the V8 TT the hart that stunning sedan deserves, interior quality/materials is magnificent!

BMW AG did myself as an enthusiast and themselves proud! (pity then that the X1 has such a cheap looking and feeling interior...considering it carries the same prestigious and famous emblem as the F10)

 

[Betty Swollocks]

Why only the right-hand angel eyes illuminated?

 

[Sayyaaf]

Winking at you Betty

 

[SKY]

540d you mean?

I guess the US market will get the 535d instead of the 540d.

 

[alexanderl]

540d you mean?

Don't think they are going to name it 540d. 535d was recently introduced to F07. And also don't forget about the different US specs on diesel engines (urea injection etc.).

 

[bmer]

Why only the right-hand angel eyes illuminated?

I believe it has something to do with the LED technology. If you look at the other pictures from that same album you can notice that it changes between the right and the left side, so we can most likely rule out any defect. I remember seeing the same effect in pictures of some Mercedes models where the turning signal on the side mirrors (using LEDs) don't show at the same time with the blinkers on the main headlight units. Also, the LED rear lights on the Veyron sometime seem to blink in videos. So perhaps the LEDs are pulsating on a frequency that is invisible for the human eye but can be noticed in pictures or/and videos.

 

[Beemer B773ER]

I believe it has something to do with the LED technology. ..... So perhaps the LEDs are pulsating on a frequency that is invisible for the human eye but can be noticed in pictures or/and videos.

Now you're one clever beaver bmer! Excellent hypothesis.

 

[Sayyaaf]

I believe it has something to do with the LED technology. If you look at the other pictures from that same album you can notice that it changes between the right and the left side, so we can most likely rule out any defect. I remember seeing the same effect in pictures of some Mercedes models where the turning signal on the side mirrors (using LEDs) don't show at the same time with the blinkers on the main headlight units. Also, the LED rear lights on the Veyron sometime seem to blink in videos. So perhaps the LEDs are pulsating on a frequency that is invisible for the human eye but can be noticed in pictures or/and videos.

MBs/BMWs/Porsche all does it, when turn right or left LEDs of the same direction lights brighter or switch on during daylight.

 

[bmer]

MBs/BMWs/Porsche all does it, when turn right or left LEDs of the same direction lights brighter or switch on during daylight.

Yes, but in both of these pictures the car isn't turning (at least as far as I can tell) and still on the second picture the LED coronas on the left headlight look like they aren't switched on:

And here the car is clearly turning but you can still see all four angel eyes:

 

[Zafiro]

Jeremy Clarkson recommend 535i to everyone

"So, if you have the wherewithal, I suggest you buy a 5-series. It’s the absolute best of absolutely everything we know."

Full story: Jeremy Clarkson BMW 535i SE review | Driving - Times Online

 

[Betty Swollocks]

"So, if you have the wherewithal, I suggest you buy a 5-series. It’s the absolute best of absolutely everything we know."

Full story: Jeremy Clarkson BMW 535i SE review | Driving - Times Online

Really? I assume then that all the people who criticised Clarkson for "hating BMW" will ignore his views in this instance?

 

[PanterroR]

^I, personally, don't give a shit about a single letter he says, i'm gonna buy it next year (if X6 M doesn't cross my way - oh wait - it's a crappy SAV that cannot go off-road )... Watch me!