2010 2011 BMW 5 Series Forum F10
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
 

2010 2011 BMW 5 Series Forum F10 BMW 5-Series (F10) Forums General 5-Series Sedan and Wagon (F10 / F11) Forum 2011 5 series in the LA Times (not good news)
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      01-29-2010, 08:07 PM   #1
Digital.James
Colonel
Digital.James's Avatar
119
Rep
2,703
Posts

Drives: GT4, Raptor.2, Tuono 1100F
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: NC

iTrader: (7)

2011 5 series in the LA Times (not good news)

"the 5-series you get everything you want -- except fun"

but wow, the 5 series represents 50% of the company's total profit???

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-f...3053544.column
Appreciate 0
      01-29-2010, 10:08 PM   #2
EJ_92606
Ultimate Driving Machine
United_States
16
Rep
381
Posts

Drives: '13 F10 550i; '11 R1200GS
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: So. Cal

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for posting. His views reflect my concerns too. Boring body style and numb and overboosted driving dynamics...bummer.
Appreciate 0
      01-30-2010, 02:39 AM   #3
carl_d
General
carl_d's Avatar
United Kingdom
38
Rep
683
Posts

Drives: E90 335i M-Sport N55 6SP Nov10
Join Date: May 2005
Location: UK

iTrader: (0)

We need a test of a car without all the options, just basic lowerd sport suspension and big wheels.

All the tests so far have included the rear-steer and active suspension.

I'm hoping the basic car will be great? I'm waiting for a test/drive of an M-Sport model without the susobsion gadgets ... its a long wait to Autum/Fall.
__________________
2010 E90 335i M-Sport, 2005 E90 325i M-Sport, 2003 E60 520i, 2002 E46 330i Sport II, 2000 E46 325i Sport I, 1999 E46 318i, 1998 E46 323i SE, 1996 E36 323i SE, 1996 E34 518i, 1995 E36 320iA, 1994 E36 316i
Appreciate 0
      01-30-2010, 06:32 AM   #4
pharding
Major
307
Rep
1,128
Posts

Drives: 23 Audi Q4 e-tron + 14 X3 28i
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Chicago

iTrader: (0)

No big deal. That is the first negative review that I have read of the car. Writers that have driven the car in Spain have been ecstatic except for him. The fact he refers to the engine as the "motor" speaks volumes about the writer's auto knowledge. If one doesn't like the electronic stuff, just order one without it.
__________________
23 Audi Q4 e-tron; 23 i4 M50 on order
14 X3
Retired: 20 Tesla Model 3 LR AWD; 17 540i x; 14 550i Euro Del; 11 550i Euro Del; 08 550i Euro Del; 06 330i Euro Del; 04 545i Euro Del; 01 530i Euro Del
Appreciate 0
      01-30-2010, 02:25 PM   #5
HaloEye
Private First Class
HaloEye's Avatar
16
Rep
159
Posts

Drives: Honda Accord
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Massachusetts, USA

iTrader: (0)

+1. first bad review, not everyone is going to like the F10... hell when i first say it (in pictures and vids) i hated it, but now i love it and cant wait to see one with sports package. maybe the reviewer likes the ctsv "motor" more lol
Appreciate 0
      01-30-2010, 05:17 PM   #6
Rudegar
Private
5
Rep
57
Posts

Drives: 2004 E500W
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Bay Area

iTrader: (0)

LA Times no "fun"

Well I'M going to find it fun! It's almost like a big newspaper reporter has to say something critical to establish his cred. Reading his review, most of what I care about was reviewed very positively. Anyway I did not find it discouraging in the least
Appreciate 0
      01-30-2010, 08:12 PM   #7
Alchem
Lieutenant
43
Rep
420
Posts

Drives: 335xi
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Chicago

iTrader: (0)

Look 99.9% of buyers will never track a 5er. This is a mid size luxury car. If you want a fun sedan get a E90 M3. I don't think a 5er is meant to be a sports car unless u spring for the M5. I for one like the new 5er especially the interior. The way I see it, its a mini 7er.
Appreciate 0
      02-01-2010, 05:41 PM   #8
bavarian19
General
bavarian19's Avatar
United_States
516
Rep
18,858
Posts

Drives: Car
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: VA

iTrader: (23)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Alchem View Post
Look 99.9% of buyers will never track a 5er. This is a mid size luxury car. If you want a fun sedan get a E90 M3. I don't think a 5er is meant to be a sports car unless u spring for the M5. I for one like the new 5er especially the interior. The way I see it, its a mini 7er.
Appreciate 0
      02-01-2010, 06:56 PM   #9
MikeTerp
Second Lieutenant
United_States
29
Rep
285
Posts

Drives: 2016 F30/340
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Maryland

iTrader: (0)

Well, the LAT author seems to be an ahole masquerading as overly "cool" or something. However, most long-time bimmerphiles would agree that the new 5er is TOO BIG and TOO HEAVY. We also have the new F30 coming in another year which by all reports will also be bigger and heavier. Hey BMW, not everyone wants to downsize to a 1er just to maintain relative size, and what are you doing re upcoming MPG requirements? Overall, I like the new look of the F10, but not its size and weight. We seem to add another 2-3" every model change and another couple of hundred pounds - which we don't need.
Appreciate 0
      02-02-2010, 04:27 AM   #10
gIzzE
Major General
gIzzE's Avatar
362
Rep
5,984
Posts

Drives: F11 + 911 C4
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Norfolk, UK.

iTrader: (2)

I've not read the review but the other two reviews I have read in magasines have said the same. BMW have seemed to answer the critics on the agressive styling of the E60 and made the car more comfy at the expense of driving dynamics.
All very nice but now more like an Audi or a Merc and that is not why you buy a BMW.

I think BMW need to be careful, the more sporty nature of their cars is what makes them different to the other marques, it is not the people that moan about BMWs being too firm etc. that actually buy them, and trying to capture that market will put off your current customers and will the people you are trying to attract actually buy even if you do pander to them?? I doubt it.

I am hoping that the initial reviews are due to all the crap on the demo cars, rear steer, active suspension and the horrid steering that lightens up as you go slower.
A proper BMW with all that gubbins will hopefully still feel like a BMW.
Appreciate 0
      02-02-2010, 04:57 AM   #11
rori zahr
AristoCat
rori zahr's Avatar
Lebanon
40
Rep
676
Posts

Drives: M2
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Beirut

iTrader: (0)

not too bad after all. ok he may sound like willing to show the car as dull but at the same time he's admitting in an indirect way that the car has many positive things too.
if his aim is to discourage potential 5 series buyers, well, I think he'll fail. his article still makes the car so appealing
__________________
AristoCat
Appreciate 0
      02-07-2010, 03:48 PM   #12
NewM3driver
Colonel
1108
Rep
2,008
Posts

Drives: 2017 M3 ZCP
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: CT

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by FastMoneyPlaya View Post
The LA Times hit the nail on the head. I've been driving my '98 540 6-speed for 10yrs and have been anxiously awaiting the F10. The current 5 series design turns me off, which is why I've racked up 120K on my current model. But having watched the video and read the reviews from Portugal, I'm beginning to wonder if the new F10 is a little soft.

For one thing, I've never owned an automatic. My 6-speed is such a joy to drive - there's so much control. And I nearly vomitted when I saw the Autospy video which showed a push button electronic control to close the trunk - that is total crap. I'd prefer less weight and less money than puting an unnecessary option like push button trunk closer in the car. Four wheel steering is another useless overpriced option. All this techno crap they are piling into this car is ruining what a 5 series was originally meant to be - the ultimate driving machine. The adaptive ride is another total waste of money - something I would probably never use. And the radar controlled cruise control is another usuless gadget - I've never used the cruise control in the 10yrs I've owned my 540.

So I'm not quite sure what I'm going to do. My plans are to visit the NY Auto show in April to check out the vehicle in person. Eventually, I will test drive one and see if I can tollerate driving an automatic. Overall, I think the interior is close to perfect, but I think the exterior is a little less sporty than I'd like - I prefer nicer rims and an M style front bumper. Hopefully an M sport package will come soon.

Give me a mean looking sedan that handles like a sports car with some nice rims and X-drive and I'm a buyer!
No need to wait. Go buy the current M3.
Appreciate 0
      02-07-2010, 03:50 PM   #13
NewM3driver
Colonel
1108
Rep
2,008
Posts

Drives: 2017 M3 ZCP
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: CT

iTrader: (0)

Autocar gave the nod to the Merc E350 too. Not good.
Appreciate 0
      02-07-2010, 03:53 PM   #14
bobbyd1961
Banned
43
Rep
2,406
Posts

Drives: 2009 M3 sedan LeMans Blue
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: new jersey

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Digital.James View Post
"the 5-series you get everything you want -- except fun"

but wow, the 5 series represents 50% of the company's total profit???

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-f...3053544.column
the current engine is not a single turbo. its a twin turbo. inaccurate information therefore the guy doesnt know what hes talking about when he gets an easy fact wrong
Appreciate 0
      02-07-2010, 04:09 PM   #15
gIzzE
Major General
gIzzE's Avatar
362
Rep
5,984
Posts

Drives: F11 + 911 C4
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Norfolk, UK.

iTrader: (2)

You sure it is a twin turbo??

The new 335i is now a single turbo over here, the 335is is the twin turbo.
Appreciate 0
      02-07-2010, 05:01 PM   #16
bdardashti
Captain
bdardashti's Avatar
Canada
47
Rep
998
Posts

Drives: '12 135i
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Toronto

iTrader: (3)

Quote:
Originally Posted by bobbyd1961 View Post
the current engine is not a single turbo. its a twin turbo. inaccurate information therefore the guy doesnt know what hes talking about when he gets an easy fact wrong
No the 535i (and GT), along with every other 35 car BMW has (not including Z4 and all is models) now have the new single-turbo, twin-scroll turbo with Valvetronic.

The review did not say the car is bad, along with a few other reviews (autocar comes to mind) they said its a FANTASTIC, BRILLIANT car but it's lost part of its "BMWness" (sporty driving dynamics) in the hopes of attracting new clients with its more comfortable ride and new load of tech.
Appreciate 0
      02-07-2010, 09:54 PM   #17
Rudegar
Private
5
Rep
57
Posts

Drives: 2004 E500W
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Bay Area

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by bdardashti View Post
No the 535i (and GT), along with every other 35 car BMW has (not including Z4 and all is models) now have the new single-turbo, twin-scroll turbo with Valvetronic.

The review did not say the car is bad, along with a few other reviews (autocar comes to mind) they said its a FANTASTIC, BRILLIANT car but it's lost part of its "BMWness" (sporty driving dynamics) in the hopes of attracting new clients with its more comfortable ride and new load of tech.
Yes. As to your "hopes of attracting new clients" - AMEN. As you can see from my signature I drive an E500. That was my answer to the E60. Sorry if you liked it, but I did not. So I agree F10 may be a bit softer perhaps, but I'll be back. My line will read 1984 528e, 1997 540i, 2000 540i, 2004 E500, 2011 550i.
Appreciate 0
      02-08-2010, 01:04 AM   #18
bdardashti
Captain
bdardashti's Avatar
Canada
47
Rep
998
Posts

Drives: '12 135i
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Toronto

iTrader: (3)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rudegar View Post
Yes. As to your "hopes of attracting new clients" - AMEN. As you can see from my signature I drive an E500. That was my answer to the E60. Sorry if you liked it, but I did not. So I agree F10 may be a bit softer perhaps, but I'll be back. My line will read 1984 528e, 1997 540i, 2000 540i, 2004 E500, 2011 550i.
I didn't mean the "hope of attracting new clients" as a bad thing about the car. After all, BMW needs to be profitable, and if they think they can lose a few sporty-loving customers and gain a lot new customers by making the car slightly less sporty, then they should and obviously have done that. Let's face it, the enthusiast market is a small share of BMW's sales (my guess).
Appreciate 0
      02-08-2010, 06:18 AM   #19
bobbyd1961
Banned
43
Rep
2,406
Posts

Drives: 2009 M3 sedan LeMans Blue
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: new jersey

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by gIzzE View Post
You sure it is a twin turbo??

The new 335i is now a single turbo over here, the 335is is the twin turbo.
i had a 335 and it was a twin turbo. go to bmwusa.com and you will see its the same engine for the 335 and the 535 TWIN
Appreciate 0
      02-08-2010, 06:50 AM   #20
gIzzE
Major General
gIzzE's Avatar
362
Rep
5,984
Posts

Drives: F11 + 911 C4
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Norfolk, UK.

iTrader: (2)

Soo did I, but over here in Europe the 335i is now a single turbo and the 335is now has the twin turbo, so I would imagine the 535i may also have a single turbo.
Appreciate 0
      02-08-2010, 09:26 AM   #21
bdardashti
Captain
bdardashti's Avatar
Canada
47
Rep
998
Posts

Drives: '12 135i
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Toronto

iTrader: (3)

It changed for 2011. As I said above, except for z4, 7, and all is models, BMW is
now using the single turbo n55 engine. The european site has been updated, the us site not.
Appreciate 0
      02-10-2010, 06:21 AM   #22
Ron Scott
Captain
85
Rep
632
Posts

Drives: 2013 335 M Sport
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Long Island

iTrader: (0)

I always thought BMW was all about the 3-series. But I was intregued with the new 5 (good exterior look to me) and all the great press its been getting, and will test drive one myself when it hits NY.

The LA Times piece is important because it reminds us to place a critical eye on the basics: feel and performance. (I do not like or buy electronic gizmos.) If BMW is morphing this car into a German Lexus they will pull it off smoothly, grow share in the mid-sedan space, and earn my respect from a business perspective. But I will not buy one.
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:12 AM.




5post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST