2011 BMW 550i Test Drive dissapoints. What's happening to BMW engineering?

I was really looking forward to driving the brand new 400 horsepower 550i, but walked away disappointed.
There are two problems with the 2011 550i. The suspension shows some serious high-speed flaws that are uncharacteristic of BMWs. And although the V8 turbo engine is powerful it does not quite fit to a luxury car.
Let me explain.

The biggest flaw of the new 5 series: An incoherent suspension
BMW usually stands for sporty and fun handling. But five minutes into my test drive I was disappointed -  actually I was pissed (maybe I’m taking this thing too seriously? )
I expect excellent high-speed stability form a German sports sedan. But, quick lane changes on the freeway produced a slow reacting and unsettled rear end.  It tends to swing side to side and reduces driver confidence to about zero. It felt like a stabilizer bar was missing or the electronics can’t respond fast enough. Maybe it’s the rear active steering I have to get used to, but the suspension set up is not at all buttoned down.

Even in the sportiest setting (Sport or Sport +) it was a bit scary in quick lane change maneuvers.
Once the car does settle down it pulls very nicely through fastest corners (as one would expect from a BMW). But the initial looseness takes all fun out of driving fast. What a disappointment. I expect much better form BMW.


Here is the second issues with the 550i: The turbo lag

The engine is great, until you drive it really fast or really slow
The Twin Turbo V8 is a model of smoothness and power. It’s deceptively fast and you find yourself doing triple digits in no time. It’s worthy of an expensive luxury car.  Until you drive it very slow or very fast, at which point it all falls apart. Blame the turbos and the delayed power delivery.
Yes, there is noticeable turbo lag, not matter what other auto journalists say.

Case in point 1: Launching the car from standstill.
With 400 hp and 450 pound feet of torque you think that it would helplessly spin the rear tires, but not so. Floor the gas and it accelerates drama free. Traction control steps in at an unusually high 5,000 rpm when the turbos are on full blast. The car is fast, it just doesn’t launch as hard as you think. Power comes on like a tsunami: Slow but relentless. Full torque at 1,750 rpm like the BMW brochure says? Doesn’t feel like it – not at all.

Case in point 2: While on the freeway put the auto in manual and stomp on the gas.
At 2,000 rpm in 8th gear the engine needs 3 to 4 seconds (and eternity if you want to pass or make a quick merge) until full power comes on. Even at 5,000 rpm the engine takes a second to spool up. That is turbo lag at its finest.
Why would I keep the engine at 2,000 rpm and then floor the gas? First, I like to drive in manual mode and second, a powerful luxury car should have enough grunt at low engine speeds. Dropping a few gears and flogging the engine is the hallmark of lesser cars and at over $80,000 as tested price I expect power whenever I need it.

You can’t drive it smoothly
If I haven’t picked enough on the turbos here is another thing to consider. Taking off smoothly is almost impossible. Let’s say you are taking your hot date out for dinner. As you ease into the gas the car takes off, and then bam the turbos hand out an extra jolt. Right after that the auto shifts into second gear and your slender date’s head moves again, this time forward. You will look like a guy with money but no driving skills. Bad. A luxury car supposed to make you look good.
For a comparison purposes BMW had a Mercedes E350 on hand and it took off smoothly every time, like a luxury car should. (The Mercedes does not have a turbo engine.)
BTW, the 535i also has a turbo and it is also jerky off the line, a bit less than the 550i though.

The V8 Turbo is not yet ready for luxury cars
I’m sorry to beat up turbo engines here, but the lack of instant power and the non-linearity just does not fit to a luxury car. Put the same engine in a sports car and all that might be forgiven. I guess some more engineering time is needed to iron out the power delivery issues.


Here are the good points:

Excellent Automatic
The new 8 speed automatic has quick smooth shifts, in maual or automatic mode. This is the way to go as far as automatics is concerned. Expect this unit to show up in all future BMW’s.  Nice job.
It’s Comfortable
Aside from the harsh riding run-flat tires (all BMW come with it) the car is comfortable, quite, and luxurious. It offers slightly more room than the previous 5 series and has enough space front and back for a 6.2 foot guy. If only my knees wouldn’t rest against harsh edges on either side it would be close to perfect.
The Interior is well done
No complaints about the interior. It’s luxurious, classy and rich. It leaves the E class Mercedes in the dust and it even makes the usually stylish Audi look less appealing.
Except for the cup holders. They are hidden under a large high-gloss cover that creates annoying reflections anytime the sun shines in. And closing the cover sounds like taping on cheap plastic found in economy cars.

The Exterior is not going to win design awards
The 5er shows classic BMW style albeit interpreted in a very conservative manner. It’s a shape that is non-offensive and probably appeals to those who still fondly remember the 5 series from 1995. This should have been the design language of the last generation 5 series. For a 2011 it looks a bit uninspired.
A few details do not work on the car. The nose seems to be grafted on by an after-market body shop and the back crease tapers too much inward. I guess both are either concessions to pedestrian safety and aerodynamics.

Conclusion
Instead of creating a larger and well-balanced 3 series, BMW made a smaller 7 series with handling flaws. BMW can make great sports sedans, however the new 5 series seems unfinished.
Asides from the suspension issues  the rest of the car is executed well. Comfortable, luxurious, powerful.  But having a BMW that isn’t fun to dive fast is just wrong.
Many (slower) drivers might never realize the high speed handling weakness, but it makes me wonder what happened to BMW engineering prowess. And who did the final sign off on the suspension setup? If I would be a BMW executive jobs would be re-assigned and heads would roll. I know that BMW can do much better.

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How can every car insurance company claim they have the lowest rates?

Anyone else getting annoyed by that Progressive woman touting big savings?

You saw the commercials from Geico (15 minutes could save you 15% or more). And that overly cheery Progressive woman who annoys the hell out of me. Now State Farm claims to save you $489 over Geico and Progressive. How can every one claim to be cheapest? Who is lying here?

Here is the real deal.  They are all correct and yes, you can save big by getting a quote. Not because Progressive, Geico, or State Farm are so awesome, but because you are cheaper to insure than you think.

Here is why. And how to save.


Rates should go down over time. Why are you still paying the same?
Let’s say you bought a new car for 40K three years ago. Your insurance quote was (partially) based on replacing this car. Three years later you car is worth 20K but you are still paying the same. Why?

Your driving record gets better over time
You also accumulated more driving experience over the last three years, so you are less risky to insure (if you had no serious tickets like a DUI). This is especially true for younger drivers. Why are you are still paying the same?

You see, both factors should reduce you insurance premium over time. But most continue to pay the same (or even accept increases year after year). It’s a great way to make money for the insurance companies. And the basis of their large savings claims once you do get a new quote.

How to Save Money
If you haven’t shopped for car insurance in a while pick up the phone. Most people wait until they get a new car. That is too late. Stop paying your outdated premiums and get a quote every year or two.

I recommend sticking to insurance companies that have a good track record of service and paying claims. Being financially stable is also important. Check out Consumer Reports for Ratings to avoid the dogs.

BTW, you don’t have to switch from your current insurance. Just let them know you are shopping for a new quote. They might just lower yours on the spot.

You can read more about money saving tips and cars on CraigSelection.com