E70 xDrive50i to F15 xDrive50i?

[JoeyBimX5din]

So I have driven two xDrive35i's and I did not like them. They do not corner as flat as my 2011 xDrive50i, and obviously they feel slower. If I did not know how my own truck drove, I would say they do drive very well. I don't think the electric steering is quite as bad as everyone has made it out to be, but I was wondering if the F15 xDrive50i's drive as well as my own or if everything has been sort of numbed down also?

What do you guys think about your F15 trucks, if you have owned in the past an E70, how does it compare?

thanks

[splitsensetam]

Recommend you find one that is equipped with the M adaptive or DHP suspension. Not sure if the one you test drove had it, but its night and day compared to the standard suspension.

I have the 35I with M adaptive (electronic front dampers/Rear Air Suspension) and quite happy with the handling.

[JoeyBimX5din]

Originally Posted by splitsensetam

Recommend you find one that is equipped with the M adaptive or DHP suspension. Not sure if the one you test drove had it, but its night and day compared to the standard suspension.

I have the 35I with M adaptive (electronic front dampers/Rear Air Suspension) and quite happy with the handling.

I wouldn't buy the 35i because I enjoy the power of the 50 to much, even with them breaking more often and using way more fuel.

I have the base suspension on my truck, and it is a big difference. I know that BMW outfits the 50's a lot beefier then the 35i's, plus V8's make me feel warm and fuzzy on the inside.

[Rotzy]

Originally Posted by JoeyBimX5din

I wouldn't buy the 35i because I enjoy the power of the 50 to much, even with them breaking more often and using way more fuel.

I have the base suspension on my truck, and it is a big difference. I know that BMW outfits the 50's a lot beefier then the 35i's, plus V8's make me feel warm and fuzzy on the inside.

A lot changed with BMW suspensions over that time. In general, the base suspension across all trims and engines (except for the X5M) is the same and is much softer than your E70. To get a ride similar (better?) than your E70, you need to follow what splitsensetam posted and look for a vehicle with at least the M Adaptive suspension. The DHP suspension would be even better. They are fairly hard to find, but worth seeking out if you are not happy with the soft, base F15 setup.

[9mmkungfu]

Like the others said, for flatter cornering, you are going to want DHP. I have two X5s and the one with Adaptive M does not corner as flat as the one with DHP.

[jch1511]

Since you have the 50i, you really need to test drive a f15 50i, there is no comparison between 35i and 50i, even the brakes are not the same, very different truck. You can say I am biased, I am on my third X5, and fifth BMW V8.

[JMAN1111]

I have the DHP on my 50i. Definitely recommend it. Most important option in my book.

[Maverik259]

50i with DHP and active steering FTW! Most capable vehicle in my arsenal.

[tkelley86]

I dont have DHP but Eibach springs made cornering soooooo much better, couldn't be happier

[bmwx5er]

I own an E70 50i with Adaptive drive & Active steering. I’ve driven my neighbor’s F15 50i with DHP. I’d say cornering in both is comparable, but the road & steering feel in my E70 is quite superior.

[JoeyBimX5din]

Originally Posted by bmwx5er

I own an E70 50i with Adaptive drive & Active steering. I’ve driven my neighbor’s F15 50i with DHP. I’d say cornering in both is comparable, but the road & steering feel in my E70 is quite superior.

That is what I was looking for, thank you for the response. I didn't know if the upgraded suspensions with the F15 make up the difference or not. I will have to drive some other hot rod SUV's and see how they feel. It is a shame BMW lost that little bit because the 50's really fly under the radar but have a TON of power.

[bmwx5er]

Originally Posted by JoeyBimX5din

That is what I was looking for, thank you for the response. I didn't know if the upgraded suspensions with the F15 make up the difference or not. I will have to drive some other hot rod SUV's and see how they feel. It is a shame BMW lost that little bit because the 50's really fly under the radar but have a TON of power.

You’re welcome! If it helps, the interior tech in the F15 is a lot better. Also the F15 felt a lot lighter at the steering vs the E70 which felt heavy like a tank (not saying one is better than the other, but just an observation; also both F15 & E70 had 20” conti dws06 staggered).

[AZTWW]

Originally Posted by tkelley86

I dont have DHP but Eibach springs made cornering soooooo much better, couldn't be happier

I can second this!

[joyride]

When my 50i e70 began to burn oil, this was my biggest concern with upgrading. The e70 steering just felt right! And each f15 I test drove felt weak and off, no matter the combination of options. 50i with standard, 35i with DHP, nothing was gonna match what I was looking for. In the end, I got a 35i with m/adaptive and DHP. And in sport mode it feels better for sure, not quite as tanky as the e70, but I'm completely happy with the upgrade. You might lose the heavy steering, but you're also gaining so much more you've never had in the e70. So don't discount that.

[kanvas]

I have DHP. If you can, do get it. No regrets guaranteed!

[geedup35]

Originally Posted by JoeyBimX5din

So I have driven two xDrive35i's and I did not like them. They do not corner as flat as my 2011 xDrive50i, and obviously they feel slower. If I did not know how my own truck drove, I would say they do drive very well. I don't think the electric steering is quite as bad as everyone has made it out to be, but I was wondering if the F15 xDrive50i's drive as well as my own or if everything has been sort of numbed down also?

What do you guys think about your F15 trucks, if you have owned in the past an E70, how does it compare?

thanks

I would also definitely recommend driving one with DHP before making a decision.

Although i didn't have an E70, i was comparing a '13 X5M with a the '14 50i. Overall, the technology/polish is what won me over. (not the valve stem seals issue)

I ended up buying one with DHP sight unseen and couldn't be happier. Stays as flat as I need it to when trying to enjoy myself. When the wife and kids are in the car, its in comfort mode (except for on ramps) and no one complains.

[Rox335i]

E series always handled better than F series.