5 Series (G30) [Official] BMW 5-Series (G30)

[Monster]

This will be my spec for the 540i

 

[DBOC205]

Very nice - you're going to love it. Those wheels are going to set it apart for sure.
Any extras you're opting into the deal?

 

[Centurion]

Integral Active Steering (IAS) is an odd one to judge. I ticked the feature thinking it would offer me some better maneuverability around town but now realise that's not so much the case. The rear wheel steering isn't active when standing still or rolling at low speed, so I'm not sure when it kicks in.

Let us know if your opinion on it changes over the coming weeks and months.

This will be my spec for the 540i

I wasn't aware you are getting one. Congrats. Have you specced one yet?

 

[JLBM]

Integral Active Steering (IAS) is an odd one to judge. I ticked the feature thinking it would offer me some better maneuverability around town but now realise that's not so much the case. The rear wheel steering isn't activ...

Integral Active Steering works in town and at low parking speeds too, this info ex BMW:

"With the Integral Active Steering from BMW, the rear wheels help to steer and provide more driving stability, safety and comfort.

Different driving situations call for different steering responses. A smaller turning circle with fewer movements and more precise movements is helpful when parking or negotiating hairpin bends.

The optional Integral Active Steering adapts to each driving situation. An electric motor in the steering column changes the driver’s steering movements dynamically – the amount of effort needed to turn the front wheels is automatically increased at low speeds and reduced at high speeds.

The rear wheels help to turn up to a maximum of three degrees – a small movement with a large effect. The precise angle of lock is determined by a control device after measuring factors like wheel speed, speed, steering wheel angle, etc. Under 60 km/h, the front and rear wheels steer in opposing directions to reduce the turning circle and ensure every bend is taken with precision. Above 60 km/h the front and rear wheels turn in the same direction to ensure more stability at higher speeds. When changing lanes, the vehicle practically ‘glides’ in an even sideways motion, which extremely comfortable for all the vehicle’s occupants and especially so for those in the rear.

From a physical point of view, the Integral Active Steering lets the forces from rotational movement (rate of yaw) and lateral acceleration – forces which normally work together – work systematically and, above all, independently of each other. Thus, stability remains constant even in sporty driving situations. The extra safety is noticeable when braking on different surfaces, where the vehicle may tend to swerve, as the usual counter steering measures are not applicable here. Integral Active Steering takes on this function and helps the driver stabilise his vehicle."

 

[DBOC205]

Yes, have come across this info before as well. I've also watched the videos of the system in action. Three degrees of motion can be difficult to pick up visually but I'm still convinced that you need to be at a certain speed before the system swings the rear wheels. I had the car in drive, reversing very slowly (approx. 3-5 km/h), driver door open and my eyes directly on the rear wheels - I couldn't spot any turn.

I've got a sharp right turn to make out of my driveway and when I compare the G30 to the F10, both turning circles seem extremely close because I brush the opposite gutter on the way out in either car. I haven't found anything spec wise to mention a tighter turning radius with IAS either. Low speed turning agility seems extremely good however (e.g. driving around a regular car park at ~10+km/h), so I think the system is definitely working at those speeds.

I've since found out that enabling "snow-chain mode" disables the IAS. When I get some time and curiosity gets the better of me I'll have to take the car to an empty lot and do some testing at different speeds and to see if the radius difference is noticeable with the IAS on and off.

 

[Centurion]

Yes, have come across this info before as well. I've also watched the videos of the system in action. Three degrees of motion can be difficult to pick up visually but I'm still convinced that you need to be at a certain speed before the system swings the rear wheels. I had the car in drive, reversing very slowly (approx. 3-5 km/h), driver door open and my eyes directly on the rear wheels - I couldn't spot any turn.

I've got a sharp right turn to make out of my driveway and when I compare the G30 to the F10, both turning circles seem extremely close because I brush the opposite gutter on the way out in either car. I haven't found anything spec wise to mention a tighter turning radius with IAS either. Low speed turning agility seems extremely good however (e.g. driving around a regular car park at ~10+km/h), so I think the system is definitely working at those speeds.

I've since found out that enabling "snow-chain mode" disables the IAS. When I get some time and curiosity gets the better of me I'll have to take the car to an empty lot and do some testing at different speeds and to see if the radius difference is noticeable with the IAS on and off.

That's very good to know as I've considered getting IAS on my next BMW. Now I might not bother. Trying it out isn't a possibility as hardly any demo cars would be optioned with it.

 

[martinbo]

Of course, an extra 3 degrees more of rear axle steer at parking speeds will have a far less perceptible effect on turning vs 3 degrees less rear axle steer when changing lanes at 120 km/h.

 

[Monster]

Very nice - you're going to love it. Those wheels are going to set it apart for sure.
Any extras you're opting into the deal?

I wasn't aware you are getting one. Congrats. Have you specced one yet?

Oh sorry guys for the confusion, I was meant to say if I was to get a 540i, that will be the color and wheel combination for me. Still on track to pick up the E 400 in 3 weeks time, however the G 30 has really grown on me.

 

[Centurion]

Oh sorry guys for the confusion, I was meant to say if I was to get a 540i, that will be the color and wheel combination for me. Still on track to pick up the E 400 in 3 weeks time, however the G 30 has really grown on me.

E400? Sweet. Have you driven both?

 

[Monster]

E400? Sweet. Have you driven both?

Yes I have, twice in the E400 and once in the 540i, with AMG pack and M sports pack respectively. I was planning to write a proper review earlier but never got around to it. Before I go on, I drove them in the same manner as how I drive on a daily bases, in both comfort and sports mode. I didn't get to push the cars to the limit.

I actually felt that the 540i is the softer car for daily driving. The steering is not as sharp as the E class and it requires a little more lock to go around the tighter turns. The ride is very compliant in most situations and the body roll is well contained, but you do feel the size and the weight of the car. It takes that extra half a sec for the suspension to settle down after going over a speed hump. The inline 6 is butter smooth, there is a little bit of lag initially but after that the power delivery is very smooth and liner all the way to over 5000 rpm. I was expecting a bit more kick from the engine and it actually felt a tad slower than the E 400.

I find that the sound insulation is just a little better on the E 400, you can barely hear the engine, or noise from the surrounding traffic. I genuinely think it is more quiet than the Tesla Model S, which I also test drove. The front end of the E class felt more responsive than the 5 series, especially with the quicker steering, which I prefer.

The engine also felt like it has a little more push as well and it is just as smooth as the inline 6 from the BMW. The ride on these air suspension felt a bit odd to me to be honest. It does struggle to absorb the short sharp bumps, besides that it handled everything else with ease, it felt just a little quicker to recover from the bigger bumps than the 5 series.

As for the interior, there is a bigger jump in quality and luxury from the 3 series to the 5 series, than from the C class to the E class. I prefer the design of the E class interior but I feel the 5 series has a slight edge in build and trim quality. Neither is perfect and both interior had some fundamental issues that cannot be fixed by opting for more expensive trim levels.

Both cars are fantastic in its own right and for $150k AUD they dam well should be. I was surprised to say this but the 540i felt more like a traditional luxury car while the E 400 felt the sportier of the two. Btw we had the basic E 200 for a few days and that felt like a soft E class of old.

In the end we decided to keep things simple and just stick with the E class again.

 

[Monster]

Low speed turning agility seems extremely good however (e.g. driving around a regular car park at ~10+km/h), so I think the system is definitely working at those speeds.

The dealer told me cars with IAS also has variable ratio steering as well. How does the low speed turning agility compare to the C class?

 

[Centurion]

Yes I have, twice in the E400 and once in the 540i, with AMG pack and M sports pack respectively. I was planning to write a proper review earlier but never got around to it. Before I go on, I drove them in the same manner as how I drive on a daily bases, in both comfort and sports mode. I didn't get to push the cars to the limit.

I actually felt that the 540i is the softer car for daily driving. The steering is not as sharp as the E class and it requires a little more lock to go around the tighter turns. The ride is very compliant in most situations and the body roll is well contained, but you do feel the size and the weight of the car. It takes that extra half a sec for the suspension to settle down after going over a speed hump. The inline 6 is butter smooth, there is a little bit of lag initially but after that the power delivery is very smooth and liner all the way to over 5000 rpm. I was expecting a bit more kick from the engine and it actually felt a tad slower than the E 400.

I find that the sound insulation is just a little better on the E 400, you can barely hear the engine, or noise from the surrounding traffic. I genuinely think it is more quiet than the Tesla Model S, which I also test drove. The front end of the E class felt more responsive than the 5 series, especially w...

What suspension did the cars have?

 

[DBOC205]

The dealer told me cars with IAS also has variable ratio steering as well. How does the low speed turning agility compare to the C class?

I'd say the 5 has an edge over the C but unless you drove the cars immediately one after the other it's probably difficult to judge. The low speed ratio to me seems to require less turn on the wheel. You can really throw the car around quickly with little effort.

Great cars from both manufacturers - we're getting spoiled really. If looking for a divide between the brands its hard to find one. There's always a few little things you miss from your previous car however. For me, it's a couple of first wold issues / points:
- Interior storage spaces in the MB were better
- No mute button on the steering wheel in BMW
- Limiter doesn't actually limit speed, e.g. when coasting down steep hill (limits throttle up to speed only; whereas the Merc actively braked to keep you at speed)
- Certain HUD items had a better design in the MB. Especially in DTR or LIM mode the arc around the speed clearly showed you where your setting reference was. It also showed you the current street number and name even if you weren't on nav (I really miss that).
- You can't adjust the downward tilt angle on the passenger mirror when in reverse (although you can turn the feature off)

Things I'd miss if I switched back to MB:
- The 7 programmable shortcut keys
- The panoramic surround camera (inc. remote app and 3D view)
- The seats
- The HUD inclusions for selecting radio station / contact etc. (Nav detail is also very good)
- Everything can be enabled/disabled.
- Connected drive, Concierge & smartphone integration
- Driver profiles (linked to keyfob)

 

[Monster]

What suspension did the cars have?

The 540i has adjustable and adaptive damping, while the E 400 has the multi chamber air suspension.

 

[Centurion]

The 540i has adjustable and adaptive damping, while the E 400 has the multi chamber air suspension.

Interesting that you found the Eclass a touch sharper to drive. It's entirely far fetched as BMW abandoned the ultimate driving mantra years ago. The 5 Series focus on achieving a balance without compromising ride quality. For this reason some buyers opt for the Jaguar XF will is a bit sportier but is lacking in other areas.

 

[Monster]

Interesting that you found the Eclass a touch sharper to drive. It's entirely far fetched as BMW abandoned the ultimate driving mantra years ago. The 5 Series focus on achieving a balance without compromising ride quality. For this reason some buyers opt for the Jaguar XF will is a bit sportier but is lacking in other areas.

I think it depends really, the loaner standard E 200 (19 inch wheels with standard steel suspension) we had for a few days felt very soft and comfortable, where else the E 400 with the AMG line felt just as comfortable but the whole car also feels a bit more sporty to drive around the corners, even though the E 400 is about 200kg heavier.

The BMW still handles well and I think it has the right balance for a middle of the range car. It is smooth and the driver is always in control. The steering does feel a little numb and not as precise as I wanted it to from off center.

The one thing the E class has a clear advantage over the 5 series is the sound insulation/noise suppression, and that was the first thing I noticed.

 

[Centurion]

2's

I think it depends really, the loaner standard E 200 (19 inch wheels with standard steel suspension) we had for a few days felt very soft and comfortable, where else the E 400 with the AMG line felt just as comfortable but the whole car also feels a bit more sporty to drive around the corners, even though the E 400 is about 200kg heavier.

The BMW still handles well and I think it has the right balance for a middle of the range car. It is smooth and the driver is always in control. The steering does feel a little numb and not as precise as I wanted it to from off center.

The one thing the E class has a clear advantage over the 5 series is the sound insulation/noise suppression, and that was the first thing I noticed.

Yes alloys size and tyre profile can affect steering.

What was the E more insulated from? Engine note under load or tyre roar and wind noise?

 

[Monster]

What was the E more insulated from? Engine note under load or tyre roar and wind noise?

Engine note under load, noise from traffic and wind noise. It is a very relaxing place to sit in.

 

[Centurion]

Engine note under load, noise from traffic and wind noise. It is a very relaxing place to sit in.

As it's said, a Mercedes lowers your heart rate and prolongs your life.

 

[Monster]

As it's said, a Mercedes lowers your heart rate and prolongs your life.

Not in my C class though, had to be on a constant look out for bumps, and steep entry/exits.