[meldoyfreak]

Hi everyone

I’ve had my 730Ld F02 (2011) for the last 5 years and have thoroughly enjoyed the soft air suspension ride on it. I’m only 38 years old but I drive like a retired Sunday driver! LOL Always just taking it easy on the roads. Have very rarely ever used the sport button in the car, I just leave it in Comfort mode.

So I fancy an upgrade as have now clocked 123k miles on it and feel its time to sell it on to someone else.

I was naturally looking for another used 730Ld in the G12 model and its been hard to find one with the exact spec that I’m after. Then I came across a 530d G30 by chance, absolutely fully loaded with the functions I would like in a 7 series.

But I’m a bit concerned about the difference in comfort? Is this going to end up being a failure? Before my F02 I did have an E60 530d, which I thought was great. When I had upgraded to the F02 I initially found it too big and slow, but I guess I’ve now come to love it...

The other enticing thing about getting the G30 as opposed to G11/G12 is that the BMW extended warranty on it in the UK (once AUC warranty runs out) is a lot cheaper, which is ideally the route I want to take. On the G11/12 its around the £200-£250 per month mark, which is just damn straight prohibitive. On the G30 its around £80/month, regardless of how specced the car is... BMW are notorious for pricing according to the series and not the actual spec...

I haven’t had a chance to test drive the G11/12 nor the G30...

Any advice would be very welcome...

[AP]

The only way you will know is to try it.

The ride could vary based on what sospension it has (se , Malory or CDC), size of wheels and whether run flat tyres or not.

[meldoyfreak]

The G30 is listed with M Sport Suspension and 20 inch rims, most likely run flats. My current M Sport 730Ld has 20 inch rims but I changed to non-run flats.

Also, the G30 doesn’t have adaptive drive or Variable Damper Control

[SteveinArizona]

I know this is a BMW forum, and I drive one myself, but if you like to cruise comfortably and slowly as per your OP, are you sure that a BMW is the best replacement car for you?

What strikes me is that a Lexus might be a better choice for you or a Genesis with its adaptive suspension. Until you get to the7 series, BMWs tend to prioritize performance over comfort.

[AP]

I have vdc with 20 inch wheels and run flats.
In comfort mode I would describe it as ok but certainly not like riding on a carpet of air. You are aware of road imperfections but they are not uncomfortable other than pot holes. The sports setting can be a bit jarring at times

As I say best to try yourself and see if it sits or not

[jaylazy2020]

Originally Posted by meldoyfreak

The G30 is listed with M Sport Suspension and 20 inch rims, most likely run flats. My current M Sport 730Ld has 20 inch rims but I changed to non-run flats.

Also, the G30 doesn't have adaptive drive or Variable Damper Control

I've had a 2017 G30 530d for a year and half and I have to say it's the most complete car I've ever owned.

Mapped to 329bhp and 545lb ft so all the performance I need, does 1000km a tank.

Superb spacious family car yet chassis is well balanced

I changed the 19 rft for 20 inch rft and the ride got pretty harsh but not unbearable.

But thankfully last two months on non rft PS4S and it's like a different car. Ride quality is so much better.

I'm tempted to get a 2017 730d next but the G30 probably is the sweet spot

[G30NI]

The G30 ride is pretty good, I went from a F10 SE with VDC on 18 inch non run flats to the G30 M sport without VDC and 20 inch run flats and I’d say the ride was only a tiny bit worse, having changed to PS4S non RTF I’d say the ride is now as good as the F10, and that’s without VDC and on 20 inch rims

[PaLaKaT]

I have a 2019 740I xDrive and a 2021 M550, My M550 is loaded with options, significantly more than my 7 series.
Even though M550 is softer than M5 (thats the reason why i went with M550 over M5) it is no where close to 7 Series. I feel that if you want More Spacious and Softer ride, 7 Series is the way to go. Don't get me wrong 5 series is soft too in the comfort mode, but i find the 7 is just another level.

[Qsilver7]

There’s no getting around a simple dynamic...which is the longer wheel base. The 7 series's longer wheelbase will make it the winner in regards to smoothness every time. And BMW also puts more sound insulation in the 7 series...so the 7 will always be smoother and quieter than the 5 series.

In regards to the longer wheelbase...think of a small/short dingy or boat versus a longer vessel like a yacht on choppy waters...the longer vessel will handle the undulating waters differently than the shorter vessel. The 7 series’s longer wheel base does the same thing over road imperfections and expansion cracks. Even if the 5 series has an upgraded suspension over the 7 series...the dynamics of a longer wheelbase will distribute road imperfections differently than a shorter wheelbase...and again, the 7 series will also have more sound deadening than the 5 series.

[Rookie123]

Hei, we have had five 7 series BMW-s in the family from 2003 till 2021 and currently have the 2018 750li xdrive.

I have driven with them quite a lot and in my opnion they are clearly above the 5 series in terms of comfort.

Currently I have a 2017 540i xdrive and when I compare this car to the 750li xdrive then the 7 series has a more refined, softer ride and it it also noticeably quieter. I chose a 5 because i like a more sporty feel and ride, but if you are after comfort then take the g11/g12 - it is a very good and comfortable car and you will not get the same level on comfort in the 5 series.

[meldoyfreak]

Thank you all for the replies. I actually decided to purchase that 530d without a test drive (I know, crazy!) It was just too enticing with the high spec, lower price (compared to 7) and fantastic fuel economy (around 700+ miles out of a tank on long journerys). But if i’m being honest with you all, the sporty ride and suspension is killing me!! LOL coming from a long wheelbase F02, I’m finding it very hard to accept...

[meldoyfreak]

Originally Posted by jaylazy2020

I've had a 2017 G30 530d for a year and half and I have to say it's the most complete car I've ever owned.

Mapped to 329bhp and 545lb ft so all the performance I need, does 1000km a tank.

Superb spacious family car yet chassis is well balanced

I changed the 19 rft for 20 inch rft and the ride got pretty harsh but not unbearable.

But thankfully last two months on non rft PS4S and it's like a different car. Ride quality is so much better.

I'm tempted to get a 2017 730d next but the G30 probably is the sweet spot

I’ve had this g30 for around 6 weeks now and as my body is slowly forgetting the sensation of the 730Ld, I’m beginning to really enjoy the G30, steering is phenomenal and I can just throw the car into every corner on a country lane, the car is slowly taking away my ‘old age pensioner’ driving style and bringing out the animal in me lol

However, coming from a 7 with 20 inch non-run flats, the 20 inch run flats on this g30 are giving my heart palpitations, so I’ve now ordered 4 x Michelin Pilot Sport 4S non-run flat after reading the replies here and all over the net. So this is hopefully going to make a remarkable difference?

Got one question, they are officially not available in ‘BMW OE’, it was the Pilot Super Sports that are BMW OE. I therefore chose the ‘Mercedes OE’ when selecting them on the web order. This is fine right? I still have time to cancel the order…

Thanks

[LuvMyE92]

Originally Posted by meldoyfreak

I’ve had this g30 for around 6 weeks now and as my body is slowly forgetting the sensation of the 730Ld, I’m beginning to really enjoy the G30, steering is phenomenal and I can just throw the car into every corner on a country lane, the car is slowly taking away my ‘old age pensioner’ driving style and bringing out the animal in me lol

However, coming from a 7 with 20 inch non-run flats, the 20 inch run flats on this g30 are giving my heart palpitations, so I’ve now ordered 4 x Michelin Pilot Sport 4S non-run flat after reading the replies here and all over the net. So this is hopefully going to make a remarkable difference?

Got one question, they are officially not available in ‘BMW OE’, it was the Pilot Super Sports that are BMW OE. I therefore chose the ‘Mercedes OE’ when selecting them on the web order. This is fine right? I still have time to cancel the order…

Thanks

I went from an F01 non-air ride to a base G30 540i and actually found the ride to be somewhat better in the 540i. A smidgen more firm, but much more controlled.

The biggest improvement I think you can make is to cancel that tire order, and instead buy some 18" wheels and some nice soft all season tires.

I am assuming that you are speaking of the summer performance Pilot 4S, not the all season 4. The Michelin 4S are the absolutely best performance tires you can get these days for our cars, but they have a very stiff sidewall, and you will not enjoy them if you are looking for comfort.

[jaylazy2020]

Originally Posted by meldoyfreak

I’ve had this g30 for around 6 weeks now and as my body is slowly forgetting the sensation of the 730Ld, I’m beginning to really enjoy the G30, steering is phenomenal and I can just throw the car into every corner on a country lane, the car is slowly taking away my ‘old age pensioner’ driving style and bringing out the animal in me lol

However, coming from a 7 with 20 inch non-run flats, the 20 inch run flats on this g30 are giving my heart palpitations, so I’ve now ordered 4 x Michelin Pilot Sport 4S non-run flat after reading the replies here and all over the net. So this is hopefully going to make a remarkable difference?

Got one question, they are officially not available in ‘BMW OE’, it was the Pilot Super Sports that are BMW OE. I therefore chose the ‘Mercedes OE’ when selecting them on the web order. This is fine right? I still have time to cancel the order…

Thanks

I've used mine since January and it's perfect.

No issues on even the worst Irish roads.

All the grip in the world to point where I embarrassed an M5 on the brakes!

[The Zimmer]

I have found a fully loaded G12 in San Marino blue for sale if interested let me know it's in the uk

[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by meldoyfreak

Got one question, they are officially not available in ‘BMW OE’, it was the Pilot Super Sports that are BMW OE. I therefore chose the ‘Mercedes OE’ when selecting them on the web order. This is fine right? I still have time to cancel the order…

Thanks

Probably 99.9% of us have no clue what the specs are for a car from a different marque. We need to know the tire's specs...does the "Mercedes OE" have the same xx/xx/xxx tire specs as the BMW OE? If not, then the answer would be no. You need to purchase tires that have the same specs as the original, or the BMW tire size recommendation in the owners manual (and sometimes the driver's door/door jamb).

Your ABS/Traction control system, braking system, and/or all wheel drive systems etc use a specific rolling circumference calculation. This also involves the wheels offset and distance from the suspension parts and the fender.

Again, most of us have no clue what the wheel/tire specs are for a Mercedes...and I'm sure Mercedes even has different specs based on the model platform...and we have NONE of that info...just a vague brand name reference.

Help us help you better...include the tire's specs (tread width/aspect ratio/height...example 245/35/20 or 245/40/19 or 245/45/18).

[meldoyfreak]

The tyre specs are exactly how they should be on the 20 inch rims, 275 30 20 rear and 245 35 20 fronts. Every manufacturer makes the same tyre but can have different ‘approval’ markings on them. It’s got nothing to do with tyre size. MO means it’s approved by Mercedes and the Star means it’s BMW approved. You can have two exact same Michelin tyres but one may have a star, the other may have MO… I had chosen MO as Star is not even available in the PS4S as BMW have not tested it. I have the BMW AUC warranty so hence just a bit concerned

[pickigar]

I would be really interested to hear how you get on, I have the same predicament, having had several 730d’s and now in a g30 530d, with mapper suspension. Has been ok for three years, now it seems like I feel every bump. I think the Michelin pilot super sports come star rated, but as you, would prefer the pilot 4s ...

[Lancelot]

Originally Posted by pickigar

I would be really interested to hear how you get on, I have the same predicament, having had several 730d’s and now in a g30 530d, with mapper suspension. Has been ok for three years, now it seems like I feel every bump. I think the Michelin pilot super sports come star rated, but as you, would prefer the pilot 4s ...

Having had both on my former F30 car, the mp4s are much more forgiving of lower temperatures, the PSS are like a soap bar on rainy/cold conditions (e.g <7-8 celsius), whereas the MP4S were doing perfectly fine.

I didn't even need winter tyres anymore since our climate doesn't go very cold, while i had to have another set of michelin pilot alpin 4 from december to march

[pickigar]

Thanks for that, great knowledge as I was considering pulling the trigger on a set. Want to keep the star rating ideally, but the P4s don’t have it yet in those sizes... guessing BMW haven’t assessed them yet... I’ll give the PSS a miss, pilot sport 3 run flats are apparently better than most too, seem more common on the 840d’s...

[meldoyfreak]

Originally Posted by Lancelot

Having had both on my former F30 car, the mp4s are much more forgiving of lower temperatures, the PSS are like a soap bar on rainy/cold conditions (e.g <7-8 celsius), whereas the MP4S were doing perfectly fine.

I didn't even need winter tyres anymore since our climate doesn't go very cold, while i had to have another set of michelin pilot alpin 4 from december to march

Yes, thanks for that info. So by saying forgiving are you also referring to the comfort of the PS4S being much better than the Super Sports? One of the members above has said the PS4S has a very stiff side wall? It actually made me cancel my order with Kwik Fit, got a full refund.

Non star tyres can’t affect AUC warranty right?

[Lancelot]

Originally Posted by meldoyfreak

Yes, thanks for that info. So by saying forgiving are you also referring to the comfort of the PS4S being much better than the Super Sports? One of the members above has said the PS4S has a very stiff side wall? It actually made me cancel my order with Kwik Fit, got a full refund.

Non star tyres can't affect AUC warranty right?

Sorry i meant forgiving with temperature range. Comfort was good in both, compared to runflats anyway, a bit on the noisy side though.

I believe there are two versions of sidewall, one denoted XL , stiffer with higher load rating and one standard. I used the XL version.