(Another) E71 to F16 question

[preppyr6]

Before the flames, I have been searching for days on end to the point of maybe losing my job for missing meetings bc stuck on this forum reading through years worth of threads.

Ive had an E71 for the last few years. I love it. Its the 35i, standard suspension. I replaced all shocks maybe 15k miles ago. Feels like its on rails. Power is fine...keeps me out of trouble.

Im toying the with idea of "upgrading" to an F16, but I'm on a budget if I do. I personally like the heavy steering of the E-series and the great feedback. But Im high mileage and have to decide whether to keep this thing forever, throwing $ into maintenance and quality of life mods (e.g., brakes, carplay, etc.) or jump ship now to the next gen.

I found an X6 in my budget, and it has most of the options I would want (lacks HUD fml), and it could be a great base platform for me to wrench on (seeming thats all I ever do). BUT it has the BASE suspension. Ive test driven both F15 and F16 with base suspension and disliked the featherlight steering and the waffling/body roll. My E71 has 20's and these had 19's. Im aware some of issue was wheel/tire size, but still felt like driving a boat.


So my question for anyone who's willing to answer is: assuming adaptive suspension and DHP is not currently on the table, how do the KW3 or other coilovers for the F15/16 change the ride for those of us who prefer firmer, grippier setups for DDs? Im less concerned about drop and more concerned about firming up the ride.

I see several threads about maintaining the existing comfort of stock suspension and reducing body roll while adding a drop but does anyone have any experience looking for a sportier, stiffer set up?

Also strange that I dont see that many posts on the F16 compared to F15. E series felt like there was a more active SAV community.

TIA

[jiggz]

Wasting away a work day while cruising the forums.... sounds familiar

I moved from an E70 to an F15 in 2019 and same as you, the 2 biggest gripes were the lack of steering feel & the floaty ride. However, after those 2 shortcomings the F15/F16 is a much better overall vehicle in every way possible, IMO. To the point I no longer think about steering or suspension.

With that said I did opt for the Eibach pro-kit springs which helped reduce the bouncy/floaty standard suspension. The reduced ride height (1 inch in front, .6 in rear) looks way better too as the wheel gap on the F15/F16 is unnecessarily large. The Eibach's won't degrade ride quality & in most cases many say it's improves it. You can definitely go with KW coilovers as well, they're very popular here, though that's a significant price difference over springs. And you mentioned you didn't care about going low, and that's generally the reason for KW's is to get lower than springs will get you (and maintain ride quality while going low).

Regarding wheels, there's lots of OEM 20 & 21" wheels for sale on this forum if you want to upgrade - which I'd recommend as the 19's look tiny on this platform. So there's options out there to firm up the ride and make it sportier, but not so much on the steering.

I'd personally consider it if it's in your budget. The E70/E71 is a 2007 design, it's 2 generations old and it looks and feels really old compared to the F15/F16. I've driven the new G05 and I'd say the technology and modernization jump from the E to F is much bigger than F to G.

Just my .02.

[preppyr6]

Originally Posted by jiggz

Wasting away a work day while cruising the forums.... sounds familiar

I moved from an E70 to an F15 in 2019 and same as you, the 2 biggest gripes were the lack of steering feel & the floaty ride. However, after those 2 shortcomings the F15/F16 is a much better overall vehicle in every way possible, IMO. To the point I no longer think about steering or suspension.

With that said I did opt for the Eibach pro-kit springs which helped reduce the bouncy/floaty standard suspension. The reduced ride height (1 inch in front, .6 in rear) looks way better too as the wheel gap on the F15/F16 is unnecessarily large. The Eibach's won't degrade ride quality & in most cases many say it's improves it. You can definitely go with KW coilovers as well, they're very popular here, though that's a significant price difference over springs. And you mentioned you didn't care about going low, and that's generally the reason for KW's is to get lower than springs will get you (and maintain ride quality while going low).

Regarding wheels, there's lots of OEM 20 & 21" wheels for sale on this forum if you want to upgrade - which I'd recommend as the 19's look tiny on this platform. So there's options out there to firm up the ride and make it sportier, but not so much on the steering.

I'd personally consider it if it's in your budget. The E70/E71 is a 2007 design, it's 2 generations old and it looks and feels really old compared to the F15/F16. I've driven the new G05 and I'd say the technology and modernization jump from the E to F is much bigger than F to G.

Just my .02.

Thank you! Exactly the personal experience I was hoping to hear. It's hard to let go of such a great driving experience in the E, but Im also envious of the improvements in the F. I wish they had found a way to keep the pure hydraulic steering. I know electric is an on-paper improvement, but so was getting rid of the dipstick Everything else could be fixed aftermarket.

[Vivek.]

Originally Posted by jiggz

I'd personally consider it if it's in your budget. The E70/E71 is a 2007 design, it's 2 generations old and it looks and feels really old compared to the F15/F16. I've driven the new G05 and I'd say the technology and modernization jump from the E to F is much bigger than F to G.

Just my .02.

I agree with this 100%. When I drove the G05 it felt like a really mild upgrade from the F15 and in some areas I felt the materials quality was worse.

OP add sway bars, it makes a huge difference in the bodyroll. This is the correct way to get rid of it and I finally did it on my X5 and it is a night and day difference. Give this thread a read through: Body roll

[preppyr6]

Originally Posted by Vivek.

I agree with this 100%. When I drove the G05 it felt like a really mild upgrade from the F15 and in some areas I felt the materials quality was worse.

OP add sway bars, it makes a huge difference in the bodyroll. This is the correct way to get rid of it and I finally did it on my X5 and it is a night and day difference. Give this thread a read through: Body roll

Oh wow, this may be exactly what I needed for reassurance. Now if only theres an entrepreneurial wunderkind on the forum that can figure out how to recode the electric steering feedback.

[tlow98]

I’m with you on the ride. I replaced the shocks on my base suspension but sport package f15 with bilstein B4 units.

Results were just Ok. More responsive, but sacrificed some smoothness for lack of a better term. I continue to have meh impressions of Bilsteins.

I also added the rear subframe bushing inserts. These I’d highly recommend. Gets rid of the sway and saggy but feeling. I couldn’t tell any additional NVH, and I’m the more sensitive side. I think these are popular on the e70, too? They made a huge improvement on my old e91, as well. Made it feel normal for lack of a better term. No more undamped swaying.

I really wish Koni made a ‘yellow’ shock for these cars. They’re my go to for BMWs over the last couple decades. I’d buy it in a heartbeat… if they’d just make it.