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      05-28-2018, 02:56 PM   #1
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Confessions Of a Serial 5 Series Addict...

I took a break. I took off 2 years of 5 series ownership to try an X4 (very short lived) and an X5 (16 months over 2 winters).

I took the break because I was kind of bored of the same old thing, and because I found that I liked my 2013 F10 more on my 18' winters than on my 20" summers. Despite what I thought then and continue to think were strikingly good looks, that '13 just had too harsh and noisy a drive.

Last fall I pre-ordered a used 2018 540i. I knew of a 6 month special lease that was starting in October and ending in April, 2018. I had an idea what mileage it would have, and the price was pre-fixed. In my favor was the ability to drive my X5 through another winter and walk away if I chose not to take it when it was brought in at the end of the deal.

By the middle of December I knew it would be mine and I would once again have a 5. My wife, who has always patiently supported my BMW addiction for 25 years absolutely hated the X5. In simple terms, it made her sick. The trucky sideways rocking completely turned her off to the point where she never wanted to take my car when we would go out. She actually said "get another 540!"

So I have had it now for 3 weeks, and I have to say that I am completely and totally surprised by the differences between the G30 and the F10. Forget the incredible new techno options (which blow me away by the way!)... the car once again drives like a dream. It is by far quieter, smoother and more refined than I could possibly have expected. It is quicker, to the point where I don't automatically hit the sport button and pop the shifter left anymore when I want to jackrabbit form a stoplight. And, when I do hit the sport button, the car gives up nothing in comfort or noise anymore.

And, despite its size, it simply doesn't feel so big anymore. It reminds me of my '03 540i, my most favorite of them all.

I see some people finding minor fault with this and that, and I suppose I might find a few if I was driving her daily on long commutes. I just simply wanted to point out that I really feel like BMW has figured out finally how to make this size work.

This is my 12th 5. I started with a '92 535, and I have even owned a 550 GT in the mix between all those V8's and straight sixes.

I am so happy to be back.
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      05-28-2018, 03:07 PM   #2
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Great story and welcome!
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      05-28-2018, 03:15 PM   #3
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Originally Posted by 530iDriver View Post
Great story and welcome... But you didn't tell us which G30 you got...
Sorry... 540i, x-drive. Dark Graphite on Black. 20" wheels.
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      05-29-2018, 12:26 PM   #4
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I'm only on #4 I took a break myself and drove a couple of 4's and a 6. I really liked them all but somehow feel "at home" in the 5.
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      05-29-2018, 02:54 PM   #5
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Originally Posted by Krash7172 View Post
I'm only on #4 I took a break myself and drove a couple of 4's and a 6. I really liked them all but somehow feel "at home" in the 5.
I've been through a 1 a 3T a 5T and now a 5 saloon. I have to say the 5 saloon has been the most satisfying and the step up from the e61 to this g30 has been immense. I love the size of a 3 series as a daily driver or even a 1 for a runabout but the lack of refinement and higher end tech probably means I'll never end up further down the numbers.

We've pitched in for an X5 now so hopefully running two similar sized cars as an SUV and saloon will balance the practicality with the driving hit of the 530d xdrive.
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      05-29-2018, 03:32 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bobmos View Post
I took a break. I took off 2 years of 5 series ownership to try an X4 (very short lived) and an X5 (16 months over 2 winters).

I took the break because I was kind of bored of the same old thing, and because I found that I liked my 2013 F10 more on my 18' winters than on my 20" summers. Despite what I thought then and continue to think were strikingly good looks, that '13 just had too harsh and noisy a drive.

Last fall I pre-ordered a used 2018 540i. I knew of a 6 month special lease that was starting in October and ending in April, 2018. I had an idea what mileage it would have, and the price was pre-fixed. In my favor was the ability to drive my X5 through another winter and walk away if I chose not to take it when it was brought in at the end of the deal.

By the middle of December I knew it would be mine and I would once again have a 5. My wife, who has always patiently supported my BMW addiction for 25 years absolutely hated the X5. In simple terms, it made her sick. The trucky sideways rocking completely turned her off to the point where she never wanted to take my car when we would go out. She actually said "get another 540!"

So I have had it now for 3 weeks, and I have to say that I am completely and totally surprised by the differences between the G30 and the F10. Forget the incredible new techno options (which blow me away by the way!)... the car once again drives like a dream. It is by far quieter, smoother and more refined than I could possibly have expected. It is quicker, to the point where I don't automatically hit the sport button and pop the shifter left anymore when I want to jackrabbit form a stoplight. And, when I do hit the sport button, the car gives up nothing in comfort or noise anymore.

And, despite its size, it simply doesn't feel so big anymore. It reminds me of my '03 540i, my most favorite of them all.

I see some people finding minor fault with this and that, and I suppose I might find a few if I was driving her daily on long commutes. I just simply wanted to point out that I really feel like BMW has figured out finally how to make this size work.

This is my 12th 5. I started with a '92 535, and I have even owned a 550 GT in the mix between all those V8's and straight sixes.

I am so happy to be back.
Same feeling here. I've had many 5-series and before my G30 540i I had an F15 BMW X5. So happy to be back into a sedan.

I've had an E34, E39, E60, F10, and now my G30.

It's the first 5-series I've driven since the E39 that reminds me of what a BMW 5-Series should have continued after the E39. The ride and handling balance is refined, exquisite, and so delicious for a daily driver that does both very well.

Steering actually does have steering feel enough to know what's happening and I'm 100% happy with this car.

With the G30 BMW is back as the gold standard in its class. And yes, I like it a lot more than I did my E39.
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      05-30-2018, 02:56 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Alpine535Msport View Post
Same feeling here. I've had many 5-series and before my G30 540i I had an F15 BMW X5. So happy to be back into a sedan.

I've had an E34, E39, E60, F10, and now my G30.

It's the first 5-series I've driven since the E39 that reminds me of what a BMW 5-Series should have continued after the E39. The ride and handling balance is refined, exquisite, and so delicious for a daily driver that does both very well. Steering actually does have steering y feel enough to know what's happening and I'm 100% happy with this car.

With the G30 BMW is back as the gold standard in its class. And yes, I like it a lot more than I did my E39.

Jumping into a 530e myself, and while it’s not as sporty as my current car or your 540, it feels a lot “smaller” n easier to chuck even in the slower heavier 530e version vs a f10 which felt more boat like and also the 4 series I’ve driven for a while is a surprisingly large coupe in both seats, doors n foot gate so the 5 actually feels more comfy that way too.. plus can’t beat the shoulder width and this coming from a pretty short guy. Just less chlostraphobic vs the 3/4 and certainly the 2. I know they can be fun but the comfort n relaxation is not there at all. Also they made huge leaps with that interior lighting n tech layout,it’s damn beautiful.
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      05-30-2018, 05:14 AM   #8
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I'm a 5 series fan now, on my third.E39 530i msport, skipped E60 and then a F10 530d msport and now a G30 540ix msport.
Agree the G30 feels like a worthy E39 successor.

Had the E39 for 10 years and was very pleased with it, I can easily see me keeping the G30 for a similar amount of time as again very pleased.

The obvious rivals , E class, Audi A6 just don't do anything for me. I like the way BMW do things on the most part.
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      05-30-2018, 07:51 AM   #9
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My first BMW was a new 1987 528e. Manual in Delphin Grey over a dark burgundy leather. The problem soon after was reading about the 1988 M5. Fast forward a couple of years and I was driving a lightly used 1988 M5 (one of less that 2k in US).

The 528e was my first intro to BMW and fell in love - the M5 was my first M car and fell in lust. That continues today following several more M cars.
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      05-30-2018, 09:17 AM   #10
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Congrats and Welcome Back!!!
Can't blame your wife on the X5. It is very floaty stock since the previous E70/E71 owners complained so much about stiff or harsh ride, and also because of the RFT.
I had my F15 X5 for 3 years and loved it after all the mods and tweaks. So are my customers.

Now, with this G30, my 4th 5 series (E60, 2x F10), I can feel the car much lighter.
After the mods I have done, it even felt much lighter with all the HP gain added.

Have fun with your G30, it is a great choice.
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      05-31-2018, 03:28 PM   #11
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I'm on my 5th 5er. E39 540, E39 M5, E60 550i, F10 M5, and now G30 M550i.
The M550i is close to the driving experience of the F10 M5 but with added tech and refinement.
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      06-06-2018, 02:38 PM   #12
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I am very happy with my 540i. I think it might be my favorite car among the ones I've owned.
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      06-07-2018, 05:40 AM   #13
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I am very happy with my 540i. I think it might be my favorite car among the ones I've owned.
Anyone know the part number for these wheels?
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      06-07-2018, 06:01 AM   #14
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My second BMW and first 5-Series. Glad to have waited for the G30.
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      07-21-2018, 03:19 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bobmos View Post
I took a break. I took off 2 years of 5 series ownership to try an X4 (very short lived) and an X5 (16 months over 2 winters).

I took the break because I was kind of bored of the same old thing, and because I found that I liked my 2013 F10 more on my 18' winters than on my 20" summers. Despite what I thought then and continue to think were strikingly good looks, that '13 just had too harsh and noisy a drive.

Last fall I pre-ordered a used 2018 540i. I knew of a 6 month special lease that was starting in October and ending in April, 2018. I had an idea what mileage it would have, and the price was pre-fixed. In my favor was the ability to drive my X5 through another winter and walk away if I chose not to take it when it was brought in at the end of the deal.

By the middle of December I knew it would be mine and I would once again have a 5. My wife, who has always patiently supported my BMW addiction for 25 years absolutely hated the X5. In simple terms, it made her sick. The trucky sideways rocking completely turned her off to the point where she never wanted to take my car when we would go out. She actually said "get another 540!"

So I have had it now for 3 weeks, and I have to say that I am completely and totally surprised by the differences between the G30 and the F10. Forget the incredible new techno options (which blow me away by the way!)... the car once again drives like a dream. It is by far quieter, smoother and more refined than I could possibly have expected. It is quicker, to the point where I don't automatically hit the sport button and pop the shifter left anymore when I want to jackrabbit form a stoplight. And, when I do hit the sport button, the car gives up nothing in comfort or noise anymore.

And, despite its size, it simply doesn't feel so big anymore. It reminds me of my '03 540i, my most favorite of them all.

I see some people finding minor fault with this and that, and I suppose I might find a few if I was driving her daily on long commutes. I just simply wanted to point out that I really feel like BMW has figured out finally how to make this size work.

This is my 12th 5. I started with a '92 535, and I have even owned a 550 GT in the mix between all those V8's and straight sixes.

I am so happy to be back.
Great read man. Welcome back
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      07-21-2018, 03:45 PM   #16
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I've had 5 5ers, 2 E39s, an E61, and 2 F10s. Now in a G12 (too long a story) but may return to 5 when the lease is up next year. I've also had several E class MBs (I could not stand the Bangle butt) and an Audi A6. BMW has to me the best balance of comfort and performance. BTW, never complain about iDrive until you have tried something else.
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      07-22-2018, 10:24 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 530iDriver View Post
My second BMW and first 5-Series. Glad to have waited for the G30.
Same here, had a E90 335i previously.

Honestly, the 540i I drove impressed me no end, much more so than the 335i I had. Compared to the E class I test drove, the G30 was just better in every regard. There is literally nothing I found wrong with the car when I drove it.
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      07-22-2018, 12:08 PM   #18
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Originally Posted by JK479 View Post
Anyone know the part number for these wheels?
BMW Style 636.
I have them and they look great.
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      07-22-2018, 03:02 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 530iDriver View Post
My second BMW and first 5-Series. Glad to have waited for the G30.
Same here, had a E90 335i previously.

Honestly, the 540i I drove impressed me no end, much more so than the 335i I had. Compared to the E class I test drove, the G30 was just better in every regard. There is literally nothing I found wrong with the car when I drove it.
I have yet to test drive a new E class. Mercedes as a whole does nothing for me.

Most reviews agree: The G30 5-Series is the better car. And the 2 liter 4cyl turbo in the 530i is a far superior mill than the four banger found in the E300.
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      07-24-2018, 08:29 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 530iDriver View Post
I have yet to test drive a new E class. Mercedes as a whole does nothing for me.

Most reviews agree: The G30 5-Series is the better car. And the 2 liter 4cyl turbo in the 530i is a far superior mill than the four banger found in the E300.
I test drove an E300 about two months ago. I was thoroughly unimpressed. The handling is ok, but just ok. Acceleration is adequate, but not better. Interior finish ok. Electronics way worse than BMW. My wife, who is a current MB driver, agreed. It is total meh.
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      10-13-2019, 11:01 AM   #21
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Reviving this thread with an update...

My '18 540 is going back to the dealer next week. Picking up a '19 M550!

They gave me one as a courtesy car a few weeks back and I was smitten.

Has the 4 wheel steering and NO RUN FLATS!!!

The addiction continues....

Cheers.
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      10-13-2019, 02:37 PM   #22
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Love my M550. Hope you will, too. Best car I have owned, and so much better than the M4 I traded on it. Wonderful combination of performance and luxury. Good luck with yours.
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