[Spy Car]

First there is no way I'm letting go of my MCS. But my brother (in part inspired by my love of the MINI) has been looking to replace his aging Nissan Maxima and has been thinking about buying a two year old or so 5 series BMW.

He asked me to test drive the car and give him some feedback. So I went to the local dealer and test drove a 525 and a 530, both new and both with 5 speed manual transmissions--hard to find in Los Angeles, believe it or not--and both equiped with the sport and premium packages.

I was prepared to be a little humbled, after all we are talking about "the ultimate driving machine". Instead I was really surprised. The 525 felt very underpowered and the 530 while better did not deliver the power I expected. The 5 speed manual was very disapointing, with very long throws, and was not what I would expect from a "performance" car (the six speed in the MINI is far superior). The steering felt loose (what wouldn't after driving a MINI?) but it did handle turns fairly well (but again not comperable to the MINI).

All in all I kept comparing the car to the MINI and finding the BMW coming up short. Well at least in terms of driving performance. Obviously the BMW has advantages when it comes to size, passenger hauling and interior luxury. The wife keeps reminding me that it isn't really fair to compare the BMW to the MINI, but I do need to point out the BMW 530 is $18,000 more that my very well equiped MINI.

Its true I have not yet driven a 540 (or M5) which has a V8 rather than a 6, and a 6 speed manual transmission. I must drive one of these just to hopefully redeem my faith in BMW. The only problem is a well equiped new 540 can push $60k and burns gas like crazy.

As a side note, the BMW salesman who took me out begged me to make him out for a spin in the MCS and I happily obliged. He was literally stunned. He told me "I just didn't understand what you were talking about before, but now I totally get it". He then muttered something about how if he gave his wife his Mercedes, he could "make the sacrifice" of driving the smaller cheaper car. I may have sold a BMW salesman on a MINI

Anyway, I didn't need a disappointment with the BMW to make me love my MINI any more (not possible anyway).

Just wondered if anybody had any feed back? Am I being unfair to the BMW? Is it impossible to shop for a car after driving an S and expect to be happy for under $75k? Any 5 series and MCS owners out there who want to tell me I'm all wet? I'd love to hear what you think.

[R1]

When my MINI went in to the dealers one time, they lent me a 3 series BMW 328. I must admit it was a comfortable car but I found the whole driving experience underwhelming. I was really glad to give it back and drive my Cooper!

I suppose the 3 Series was designed for a different purpose than the MINI. Next time I think I'll try for an M3!! That should be better!!

[KlausR]

Pretty much of a cherry vs. apple comparison, uh?

From every source to be known about executive sedans the 5-series is much on the sporty side. A Merc E-class or a Jag S-type doesn´t feel as taut and precise as the Bimmer. But I have to admit that my test drive with a 528i automatic wasn´t very convincing, too, even in comparison with my much slower 316i compact. The 5-series suspension and steering setup is much about the best compromise of control and ride comfort. It has a highly sophisticated all-aluminum layout with wishbones and control arms moving in very complex geometry. But it doesn´t intend to be a sports car or a hot hatch. The main task was to manage high cruising speeds with relaxed superiority. The fact that everything is heavier and not meant for aggressive instant response influences the way the parts are tuned. A 3-series is much more on the crispy side already.

Probably we aren´t made for cars like that, I think if I had to manage a 400 mile journey in a Merc with automatic gearbox I would very soon make a crash after falling asleep.

Klaus

[Spy Car]

Quote:

Originally posted by KlausR
Pretty much of a cherry vs. apple comparison, uh?

True, but I'm supprised just HOW TRUE.

[cordial]

I have driven a 2002 530iA Touring with the M suspension option and it is AWESOME. Handles incredibly well and is great fun to drive in steptronic mode. It feels faster than my MCS, and it has an obscene exhaust pipe the diameter of a gutter downpipe!

[uae mini]

Quote:

Originally posted by KlausR
Pretty much of a cherry vs. apple comparison, uh?

From every source to be known about executive sedans the 5-series is much on the sporty side. A Merc E-class or a Jag S-type doesn´t feel as taut and precise as the Bimmer. But I have to admit that my test drive with a 528i automatic wasn´t very convincing, too, even in comparison with my much slower 316i compact. The 5-series suspension and steering setup is much about the best compromise of control and ride comfort. It has a highly sophisticated all-aluminum layout with wishbones and control arms moving in very complex geometry. But it doesn´t intend to be a sports car or a hot hatch. The main task was to manage high cruising speeds with relaxed superiority. The fact that everything is heavier and not meant for aggressive instant response influences the way the parts are tuned. A 3-series is much more on the crispy side already.

Probably we aren´t made for cars like that, I think if I had to manage a 400 mile journey in a Merc with automatic gearbox I would very soon make a crash after falling asleep.

Klaus

very true Klaus..
u really nothing to do in an automatic, it kills u slowly and effortlessly
i don't to scare u kids but this subject is for adults only
what a nightmare, i'll never get an automatic(don't know if i can sleep tonight after saying this name)
NEVER!

[Keevan]

as mentioned above the 5 series is a family sedan with an itch more sprtivity than the counterparts of other manufacturers.

if you want a road-sportscar, then please take the M5... it beats the living hell out of the MCS, but any 5 series below the 540 with a sportier suspension is no match for an MCS.

maybe you should consider selling your MCS to your brother and get a new one for you ..

[AidenL]

I think the 5 series is always going top feel like a barge compared to a MCS - the 3 series is smaller, sportier in general, it might be a slightly fairer comparison, but again, the cars are catering to two different functions altogether, IMO.....

[Shamster]

as a previous owner of a 530 sport (I had steptronic not manual) I would say that it is too different to compare.

The 530's handling and chassis were superb and I really enjoyed driving it. The car was very solidly built and for day to day performance was just right considering that not all driving was 'spirited'.

I know the M5 is a completely different kettle of fish but my 530 provided a very comfortable environment whether for a single driver or with 3 extra passengers. There was plenty of power from the 231 bhp engine. My only gripe would be the steering wheel which was a bit too chunky.

[EBMCS03]

Hehe I know what u mean... the 530 just doesnt cut it... when i drove it i was a tad dissipointed too but the 540 and above thats where the cheeze is. M5... theres no other car out there in comparison for that type of package... Tell your brother to get a M5! Hehehhe before its too late.

[Spy Car]

Well my brother just called and he took out a 540 and said he really liked it. Could get interesting.

[eltel]

A little bit off-topic but ...

A few week's ago we went with some German friends to the Zoo for a Jazz recital. They brought along some other friends including a likable chap named Milan from Croatia (who spoke German, but not English). We had a great evening, struggling with communication and tapping our feet to the cool music on a hot night.

Anyhow, when we were leaving, this Croatian guy saw me in my MINI and indicated that he wanted to hop in. My German friend said that Milan has a $300,000 Merc back in Germany, and that he is a real petrol head, but in the upper class range. So this guy hops in my car and takes off around the car park. Minutes later he returned and jumps out of the car grinning from ear to ear, nodding his head and speaking wonderful things in German.

My German friend said that Milan has driven them in Germany and thinks they're absolutely fabulous and was considering buying one along with his massive Merc.

He was stoked that they were on sale here and couldn't break himself away from the car. My wife and I decided that we'd better go before this guy carjacked us.

Nice to know that people who drive top marques still regard the MINI very very highly.

Regards, ElTel

[EBMCS03]

Quote:

Originally posted by eltel
Milan has a $300,000 Merc back in Germany,

A $300,000 Merc?? which one is that? the SLR?

[eltel]

Quote:

Originally posted by UCSDxB0i
A $300,000 Merc?? which one is that? the SLR?

Gee I don't know. Bu that's in Australian Dollars. Hope that helps.

[EBMCS03]

$177,960.03 USD hummm might be a SL now if its the SL55!! then

[lotatoys]

I have to say there is no true comparison between the 5 series and a Mini.
I owned a '97 540i (with the dreaded automatic) and it handled better than I thought it should. With ASC and all the electronic aids left on, you could brake hard into a corner and pretty much stay on the pedal all the way through. It left so many other "sportier" cars behind, namely Mustangs, tuned Hondas and such.
My MCS is superior in cornering but obviously slower than the 540. Two different beasts that I would love to have in the same garage. Okay, make that an M5 instead.

[chiph]

A friend let me drive his new 530 with the sport package and 5-speed manual recently.

It's a beautiful car - fit & finish is top-notch. The interior just beats the MINIs in all areas (yeah, well you're paying enough for the car, so it ought to). It would be fun in the foothills, on fast sweeping curves, and you could cruise the interstate in comfort. The 3.0l engine has so much more torque than my MCS that my speed was deceptive (got to 70mph must faster than I thought).

On the downside:
1) Didn't like the clutch - it felt "two stage", and the change between stages didn't correspond to the engagement point. The MINIs clutch is much more direct.
2) The suspension was "floaty" in comparison to the MCS. Again, great for interstates, but not really suitable for the really twisty roads.

Chip H.

[Mark FM]

I have owned 4 different 5 series BMW's including a 2002 M-5 which I currently own. There is no better sedan in the world than a 5 series BMW, especially with a manual transmission. Having said that, my MCS is way more fun for driving in town. I do not consider the MINI as a great freeway or road car like the BMW is, but the 5 series stays in the garage when I want to blast around town! The handling and point and shoot nature of the MCS is hard to beat. The 5 series is a much more refined, quite car and although great in many areas, still weighs 4000+ pounds and you feel it in the corners.

The combination of the M-5 and the MCS is truly the best of both worlds!

[KlausR]

Hehe, I would prefer the M3 over a M5, but I also had a very impressive ride with that special M5. It´s the "Ringtaxi", a service by the Nurburgring and BMW M to introduce you to the art of racing over the Nurburgring Nordschleife. We were driven by twice 24-hour-race-winner Sabine Schmitz. Ever had all four tires screaming in a 140-mph-section? Big deal, believe me.

Klaus

[friedduck]

My brother went for a ride in an SL55 (I think that's the one--about US$125k) and was blown away, and he's not one to enthuse unecessarily. He blathered for a full five minutes.

Back to the Bimmers, though, definitely have your brother check out the 3-series. M3 would be my choice if he's even contemplating spending on a 540.

You're not alone, though. My drive of a 328 convertible was underwhelming. Conversely, I test-drove a 5-series wagon and loved it. But then there were four of us in the car, and it was pretty sedate. Great brakes, too.

Jeff