[MarkG_M5Comp]

So the car is run in at 1600 miles and I thought I would provide an update for anyone interested - I'll include the good, the bad and the ugly - in reverse order...

The ugly:

Just over one week in some cnut decided to open their door onto my shiny new driver's door, planting a nasty ding. Not impressed. i will have to get it fixed as it drives me crazy, I have smart insurance but will also track down the owner since he was still parked next to me when I returned.





On the way home (from Manchester), still reeling over my dented door, a bloody great bolder hit the windscreen leaving a fist sized bullseye.



I also seem to have a tiny rash on the NSR wheel - almost not noticeable and I'm not 100% but think I may have skimmed a curb leaving the Manchester NCP in a very p!ssed off mood.

The bad:

Nothing bad as such but areas for improvement...

Run flat tyres, what a surprise. Absolutely fine around town but at high speeds all I can say is it can get a little 'choppy'. It's the classic hard sidewall stuff and really work considering non-run flats when they wear out.

Secondly, I really wish I could have got comfortable with the comfort access. it just makes me too nervous on the UK's number one stolen car, to have this feature. Stop I know and it would really be better to have it, especially with the M Performance key holder.

The electric tailgate; I've never liked them and having one permanently has not endeared them to me. Can't put my finger on why, it just irritates me.

Adaptive LEDs; they are fantastic... but... when filling a car and you get the 'black box', the light steers around the car in front on main beam only it would seem. Sounds OK but with the LEDs this means the light is essentially shining in the trees - absolutely useless. I may try and adjust the height as I did with my F30 to see if this improves things.

The good:

Everything else. Really, it is just so quiet and refined, a real gem. Specifics though...

Comfort seats - unbelievably supportive and adjustable, very very good for long journeys. This past week I've done Hampshire to Southend to Birmingham to Sheffield to Manchester to Birmingham to Hampshire snd it's been like I've just popped to the shops!

Steering wheel paddles - whoohoo, in 'D' using the paddles manually, you can hold the right paddle to go back to auto - about time!

Auto wipers - when activated, they stay on when you stop for a short period (motorways services etc.) so that when you come out they are still set. Excellent.

Heat up time - the gauge is at normal operating temperature within 2-3 miles tops, makes a difference with the heating. Why can this not be done with other models?!

iDrive 5 - talks about fast! Everything works so well, especially the online entertainment and diction, nether of which I had previously. I haven't bothered to activate Car Play as it's just not needed. The new USB socket in the dash, in addition to the armrest is a winner - very convenient. The HK also sounds leagues ahead what I have in the F30, not sure it's actually higher output or just the acoustics suit better.

Surround view and all the camera gadgets - glad I added these, been very useful surprisingly.

Adaptive LEDs - anyone in doubt or questioning, don't. Just get them. So much better than my wife's non-adaptive version on the 135i.

Engine - OK so it's very very tight at the moment, I can really feel that. Even so, the speed is phenomenal. It a massive car and goes every bit as quick as the 335. At legal motorway speeds is hardly even started up, it takes off like a rocked at any speed. Looking forward to a try out on a track; I would really like to try a rolling start drag too.

Handling - I'm going to be bold here. I actually believe it handles better than my 335. Most likely it's just a better 'package' and it feels overall better whereas the F30 felt like it should corner flat and didn't (pre ACS). In sport+ it also corners so flat it's remarkable. 2.2 tonnes or whatever it is yet it's just so very nimble.

So, I may regret the 15,000 p/a limit since I will definitely drive this car more. Oh hang on, maybe not, BMWFS just upped my annual mileage to 25,000 as a 'concession'. Happy days.

Final note: I put the dash cams in today. What I noticed, despite zero DAB issues, was that every since panel has sound proofing and/or deadening on it. Every piece of plastic from the rear tailgate upper trim to the under dash plastic fusebox cover has a deadening 'pouch' on it. They are like little white pillows - this is obviously how the quite interior is achieved. Well done BMW.

Full detail and ceramic coating next weekend - bring it on.

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Excellent great write up

That looks more like someone is taking pot shots at you

[NorthEastX5]

Interesting what you say about the HK setup as I feel same way. The HK in our F36 is great but in the F15 sounds a couple of notches better at any volume.

I've always assumed the speakers etc must be similar spec and quality? Never checked to see how many more are in the F15 vs F36 but like you say I just figured the acoustics of the large cabin in the F15 must be more conducive to the HK setup.

[Tengocity]

Sounds like a really great motor

Though, at the cost and position they are in the range you'd have to say that you'd bloody hope so!

[JustChris]

Great stuff Mark. Never knew you were Manchester way, work in Manchester myself but outskirts near the Trafford Centre. Keep an eye out for CP10SAJ cutting you up/letting you out

Tough first couple of weeks on the dings etc, hopefully all sorted soon

Happy driving.

[MarkG_M5Comp]

Originally Posted by JustChris

Great stuff Mark. Never knew you were Manchester way, work in Manchester myself but outskirts near the Trafford Centre. Keep an eye out for CP10SAJ cutting you up/letting you out

Tough first couple of weeks on the dings etc, hopefully all sorted soon

Happy driving.

I'll give you a shout when I'm next in the neighbourhood....

I have an office in Bolton, working currently with Central Manchester, South Manchester and Mid Cheshire NHS so lots going on up there!

[Watsey]

Nice write-up Mark. Hope you get the damage fixed soon and have a clear run after that.

[mikeoz]

Bloody unlucky mate.

[dopper99]

Originally Posted by MarkG_M50d

Handling - I'm going to be bold here. I actually believe it handles better than my 335. Most likely it's just a better 'package' and it feels overall better whereas the F30 felt like it should corner flat and didn't (pre ACS). In sport+ it also corners so flat it's remarkable. 2.2 tonnes or whatever it is yet it's just so very nimble.

Interesting you say that as I had been running around in a new 530d for the last 9 weeks while waiting for a diff replacement for the M3 (now fixed).

I actually thought the 530d handled flatter than my old 335d. Quite amazing considering it weighs more than the 335d. No doubt better dampers and better weight distribution to improve the balance all help. The 530d had standard M Sport suspension and not adaptive. A perfect balance of ride and handling IMO on that car, it was brilliant.

[TouringPleb]

I feel your pain with the ding and the windscreen.

Years ago I got a new Ibiza (1.9tdi 130 FR model Ibiza fans) and on the 4 th day I had it driving into work a lorry drops a load of bricks in front of me, which hit the road, broke up and then pepper my brand new car with brick debris. Needed a new windscreen and the bonnet replacing and both wings had to be resprayed. How to lose that new car feeling straight away.

[MarkG_M5Comp]

I did lose that feeling for around 20 minutes. Then I stepped back in the car and moved it all over again.

Yesterday I allowed (like I had a choice) my 15 year old daughter to eat her lunch in it

I've changed.

[gtsussex]

Originally Posted by MarkG_M50d

I did lose that feeling for around 20 minutes. Then I stepped back in the car and moved it all over again.

Yesterday I allowed (like I had a choice) my 15 year old daughter to eat her lunch in it

I've changed.

Food banned from the M3

Sorry to hear about the ding and windscreen me old chum. Doesn't matter that it can be sorted - still really annoying.

Glad you're liking the new motor.

[MarkG_M5Comp]

A couple of my favourite post detail pics... what a colour!

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It's looks superb

How's the engine now that you have some miles on it?

[JD6]

Under the headlight washer, I see you have gone for BMW's Individual Orange Peel finish

[MarkG_M5Comp]

Originally Posted by JD6

Under the headlight washer, I see you have gone for BMW's Individual Orange Peel finish

I've gone for that finish all over the car - ridiculous isn't it!

[MarkG_M5Comp]

Originally Posted by Brigand

It's looks superb

How's the engine now that you have some miles on it?

I'm loving it - still more miles needed to loosen up the engine though (2,300 so far!).

I would describe it as a super tanker - massive amount of power yet you can't always tell. Off the line it's on a par with the 335 but doesn't feel quick.

From 'fast' speeds it just pulls and pulls like nothing else and simply never runs out of puff, phenomenal.

[MashinBenzin]

Looks incredible, is that carbon black? I've given mine it's first clean this weekend and I love how it looks as the light plays across it.

[JustChris]

Originally Posted by MarkG_M50d

I'm loving it - still more miles needed to loosen up the engine though (2,300 so far!).

I would describe it as a super tanker - massive amount of power yet you can't always tell. Off the line it's on a par with the 335 but doesn't feel quick.

From 'fast' speeds it just pulls and pulls like nothing else and simply never runs out of puff, phenomenal.

It's has an amazing shove about 100mph with WOT, it's brutal and lovely!

Very similar mileage myself now 2500 and it's settling in nicely. Only cleaned it once so far though

I would concur on the ride comparison bs an out of the box 335d. The M50D has a very small amount of roll before stabilising and feeling like it really 1) won't roll any further at all 2) just has masses of grip that inspires confidence.

I loved the 335d but the standard suspension had me concerned and easing off at times, especially in Comfort, as I couldnt consistently feel the point at which it wouldn't roll any further. It's is a shame BMW insist on the SE suspension, I personally wouldn't get it again or would ACS on delivery. Makes it most un BMW like.

[Tengocity]

Carbon black is a beautiful colour!

[Beancounter_74]

Car looks stunning , love the CB colour, had in on my 5 series, there's almost nothing as good when it's clean

Liking that you've de-badged the back too , the M50d looks a bit cluttered with all it's badging - well done Sir!

Nice little update, may replace my Merc GL at some point in the future with a 50d, so interested to hear your ongoing thoughts

[philiper1]

looks great, especially after debadging it