[stealth.pilot]

I spent some time in the G30 540i and also was able to check out the exterior of the M550 at the Detroit Auto Show.

What I found was the following:

1) Car looks like an updated F10. The side profile is almost identical, the lights look more modern. To me the outside is like LCI-2. So while the car looks great, it is also a bit disappointing because it is so similar to the look of my former Imperial Blue 2012 550i.

2) The interior is a big improvement on the F10. Looks very nice and the sensated dash is an improvement over the plastic one.

3) However interior seems cheap compared with W213 interior on a number of dimensions:
- When you order Nappa leather, the dash still has sensatec with a Dakota texture, and also the center console area which looks like stitched leather also seems to be synthetic leather with a dakota like grain. This mismatch of grains, and cheap plastic finishes is disappointing. With the Mercedes when you order the upgraded Designo leather, you get the dash also in Nappa leather, and also a lot more leather coverage than what you get in the G30
- Some of the buttons and switchgear seems cheap to me. The shifter isn't ceramic even if you order ceramic package. So it seems cheaper than the nice ceramic shifter in the F10.
- Wish they had gone with a 12" nav screen like on the 7 series and on the W213

4) The Bluestone Metallic Paint and Ivory Nappa interior combination on the 540i is stunning. The Glacier Silver is also a stunning finish. Bluestone looks like a more modern and more luminescent Space Gray. Glacier Silver looks like a Mineral White with a hint of chrome. Both fantastic paints. I thought the Carbon Black looked terrible compared with the Azurite Black on the M760 or compared with Imperial Blue.

5) The 20" wheels on the 540i look much better than the 540i wheels on the M550. The M550 wheels look dated and less sporty in comparison.

6) I was quite angry with BMW for keeping the M550 locked so people couldn't sit inside it. The M760 was also locked.

7) The Sonic Blue paint finish on the 650 cabrio was amazing.

[stealth.pilot]

Some pics

[stealth.pilot]

More pics

[jedpause]

Now that I have been looking at the pictures on this whole site, it seems like BMW moved the turning light that was on the sidewings on the F10, to the side mirrors now, correct?

I presume default for ALL G30's ?

Thanks

[remmib]

Originally Posted by jedpause

Now that I have been looking at the pictures on this whole site, it seems like BMW moved the turning light that was on the sidewings on the F10, to the side mirrors now, correct?

I presume default for ALL G30's ?

Thanks

They were on the mirrors on the f10 LCI too.

[DocWeatherington]

Originally Posted by stealth.pilot

I spent some time in the G30 540i and also was able to check out the exterior of the M550 at the Detroit Auto Show.

What I found was the following:

1) Car looks like an updated F10. The side profile is almost identical, the lights look more modern. To me the outside is like LCI-2. So while the car looks great, it is also a bit disappointing because it is so similar to the look of my former Imperial Blue 2012 550i.

2) The interior is a big improvement on the F10. Looks very nice and the sensated dash is an improvement over the plastic one.

3) However interior seems cheap compared with W213 interior on a number of dimensions:
- When you order Nappa leather, the dash still has sensatec with a Dakota texture, and also the center console area which looks like stitched leather also seems to be synthetic leather with a dakota like grain. This mismatch of grains, and cheap plastic finishes is disappointing. With the Mercedes when you order the upgraded Designo leather, you get the dash also in Nappa leather, and also a lot more leather coverage than what you get in the G30
- Some of the buttons and switchgear seems cheap to me. The shifter isn't ceramic even if you order ceramic package. So it seems cheaper than the nice ceramic shifter in the F10.
- Wish they had gone with a 12" nav screen like on the 7 series and on the W213

4) The Bluestone Metallic Paint and Ivory Nappa interior combination on the 540i is stunning. The Glacier Silver is also a stunning finish. Bluestone looks like a more modern and more luminescent Space Gray. Glacier Silver looks like a Mineral White with a hint of chrome. Both fantastic paints. I thought the Carbon Black looked terrible compared with the Azurite Black on the M760 or compared with Imperial Blue.

5) The 20" wheels on the 540i look much better than the 540i wheels on the M550. The M550 wheels look dated and less sporty in comparison.

6) I was quite angry with BMW for keeping the M550 locked so people couldn't sit inside it. The M760 was also locked.

7) The Sonic Blue paint finish on the 650 cabrio was amazing.

I would say on #3 keep in mind these maybe pre production cars and could have a few build quality issues as the production gets off to a start.
Thanks for the review

[E90Fleet]

Originally Posted by jedpause

Now that I have been looking at the pictures on this whole site, it seems like BMW moved the turning light that was on the sidewings on the F10, to the side mirrors now, correct?

I presume default for ALL G30's ?

Thanks

EU laws

As remmib said, already done earlier

[E90Fleet]

Originally Posted by stealth.pilot

4) The Bluestone Metallic Paint and Ivory Nappa interior combination on the 540i is stunning. The Glacier Silver is also a stunning finish. Bluestone looks like a more modern and more luminescent Space Gray. Glacier Silver looks like a Mineral White with a hint of chrome. Both fantastic paints. I thought the Carbon Black looked terrible compared with the Azurite Black on the M760 or compared with Imperial Blue.
.

Remember the bright lights at a show play tricks on your eyes a bit.

The Glacier silver is the same one thats been available on all BMW models for quite some time.
Its far from Mineral White. Its silver with the slightest hint of light blue.

Azurite vs Carbon Black. Well one is an Individual color for a reason.

[remmib]

3) I think the designo interior in the Mercedes should be compared to the individual interior in the BMW.
And the navi screen is not 12" in the 7 series, but same size as in the g30, 10.25".

[jedpause]

Originally Posted by remmib

They were on the mirrors on the f10 LCI too.

OK thanks, I have pre-LCI, and never really noticed it on the LCI ones.. seems more visible now I guess being on the mirror.

But those halogen bulbs in the standard front LEDs (on G30) are so mickey mouse, looks like a Toyota Prius indicator light

[Playdrum]

Thanks for the review! I guess this is one you have to get in and see for yourself. I'm in a 2013 F10 m-sport now and I'm looking forward to replacing it with the G30 in a mth or so. Real reviews from enthusiast are always a good sources of info in the absence of being able to form your own opinion. all I can say is keep them coming.

[BimmerGuyFL78]

Seems like the USA 530i and 540i do not get the touch sensitive A/C controls like in the 7-series. Looks like the only to get that would be to have 4-zone climate control, and that option isn't even offered for the USA.

That sucks.

[Art__Vandelay]

Originally Posted by stealth.pilot

3) However interior seems cheap compared with W213 interior on a number of dimensions:
- When you order Nappa leather, the dash still has sensatec with a Dakota texture, and also the center console area which looks like stitched leather also seems to be synthetic leather with a dakota like grain. This mismatch of grains, and cheap plastic finishes is disappointing. With the Mercedes when you order the upgraded Designo leather, you get the dash also in Nappa leather, and also a lot more leather coverage than what you get in the G30

I agree, they should offer Nappa leather dash as an option. I mean even the 3 series have this option (I have it on my M3 and love it). But I guess it will be available at some time in the future. But okay, let's say the sensatec is at least better than cheap plastic.

[stealth.pilot]

Originally Posted by Croatian test driver

I agree, they should offer Nappa leather dash as an option. I mean even the 3 series have this option (I have it on my M3 and love it). But I guess it will be available at some time in the future. But okay, let's say the sensatec is at least better than cheap plastic.

Agree. Although I do think they should have done deviated stitching on the sensatec. Mercedes has that even on the C300.

[Germanauto]

I was also bummed that the buttons inside weren't finished in metal like they are in the E-class and even C-class. Hopefully they make that change with the LCI.

I think/hope that leather dash and doors will be an option with Individual Package. Nappa is just an upgraded leather but still not full on Individual.

[PawnStar]

So properly equipped 540xi will run about 75k. That's a nice chunk of change and at that price point it better be impressive and have quality materials inside and out. No cheap plasticky interior bits wil do.

[stealth.pilot]

Originally Posted by Germanauto

I was also bummed that the buttons inside weren't finished in metal like they are in the E-class and even C-class. Hopefully they make that change with the LCI.

I think/hope that leather dash and doors will be an option with Individual Package. Nappa is just an upgraded leather but still not full on Individual.

Is there any evidence they will have Individual at launch?

[Germanauto]

Originally Posted by stealth.pilot

Is there any evidence they will have Individual at launch?

I haven't heard anything, but it'll come eventually. If I remember correctly, the F10 was available w/ a leather dash when Individual finally rolled around. I suspect it will be offered sooner in the G30 than it was in the F10.

[darrko]

My dealer has confirmed that Individual paint options will be available from July build onward, which sucks as I was hoping to select it for the March build. Perhaps the same is true for interior options as well?

[jedpause]

Originally Posted by darrko

My dealer has confirmed that Individual paint options will be available from July build onward, which sucks as I was hoping to select it for the March build. Perhaps the same is true for interior options as well?

Hmm, for M Sport and SE Trim? The M Sport has so few choices at present... so too late, I had to order already

[darrko]

I am going with the Luxury Line and plan to switch with M Sports bumpers after for exactly this reason: M Sport trim has too limited options.

[remmib]

Originally Posted by darrko

I am going with the Luxury Line and plan to switch with M Sports bumpers after for exactly this reason: M Sport trim has too limited options.

What colour are you going with since you need to go with luxury line to get it. If you look at the German catalog on bmw.de, you can see the individual colour that will be available from the summer.