New to Us '15 35d Hope it's as Good as the E70 (Build/Maint. Log)
 

Wife and I finalized purchase of an F15 35d the other day and are looking forward to the upgrade in generational improvement in both tech and refinement. We hadn't intended on buying anything yet but hadn't seen another optioned this way in the year+ I'd been looking at them. From what we've read the F15 chassis is a little less engaging than the E70, but much more capable and refined. It will be our primary family vehicle and trip car so that suits us just fine. :thumbup: We had it PPI'd so fingers crossed it'll serve us well. All I have are dealer pics currently.

The dealer experience btw I have been less than pleased with. They have embodied every used car stereotype that exists. I don't think they are used to dealing with someone who already has financing or cash and doesn't need their "assistance" with trying to finagle a loan to a sub 600 credit score. They have made what should be a very smooth process a little irritating (I've never had to get a purchase agreement/order notarized before) and I've bought vehicles out of state easier.

12/29/2020

- Purchased the wife's "new" X5 to replace her 2010 X35d which has 166,000 miles on it.

Attachment 79435

Attachment 79436

Attachment 79437

2015 xDrive35d built 8/4/14 (original sticker ~ $82500)

A90 Dark Grey Metallic (sophistograu metallic)
NAMY Mocca Nappa leather package w/ black leather dash and contrast stitching
ZXD X-line

212 National Brake System Equipment Ausstattung Bremsanlage Laender
245 Steering Column Adjustment Elec Lenksaeulenverstellung Elektrisch
255 Sports Leather Steering Wheel Sport-lederlenkrad
258 Runflat Tyres Bereifung Mit Notlaufeigenschaften
2D4 19"la Wheels Star Spoke 449 19"lm Raeder Sternspeiche 449
2VB Tyre Pressure Indicator Reifendruckanzeige
2VM Adaptive Suspension Package Comfort Adaptives Fahrwerkspaket Comfort
2VP Adaptive Suspension Package Dynamic Adaptives Fahrwerkspaket Dynamic
300 Emergency Wheel Notrad
302 Alarm System Alarmanlage
319 Integrated Universal Remote Control Integrierte Universal-fernbedienung
322 Comfort Access System Komfortzugang
323 Soft Close Automatic System For Doors Soft-close-automatik Fuer Tueren
328 Aluminium Running Board Sill Aluminium-trittbrett
3AG Backup Camera Rueckfahrkamera
3AT Roof Rails Aluminium Satinated Dachreling Aluminium Satiniert
3E2 Exterieurdesign Pure Experience Exterieurdesign Pure Experience
3MB Individual Ext.line Alu. Satinated Individual Ext Line Alu Satiniert
402 Panorama Glass Roof Panorama Glasdach
420 Sun Protection Glazing Sonnenschutzverglasung
423 Floor Mats, Velour Fussmatten In Velours
430 Interior And Exterior Mirror Packa Innen- Und Aussenspiegelpaket
441 Smokers Package Raucherpaket
453 Active Seat Ventilation, Front Aktive Sitzbelueftung Vorn
456 Comfort Seats, Electric. Adjustable Komfortsitze Elektrisch Verstellbar
488 Lumbar Support Driver/front Passenger Lordosenstuetze Fahrer/beifahrer
493 Storage Compartment Package Ablagenpaket
494 Seat Heating F Driver/front Passenger Sitzheizung Fuer Fahrer/beifahrer
4B9 Int.trim Finishers Alum.high Finish Int.leiste Aluminium Feinschliff
4FF Comfort Seats In Rear Komfortsitze Im Fond
4NB Aut.air Conditioning 4-zone Control Klimaautomatik Mit 4-zonenregelung
4U1 Ceramic Embellisher For Controls Keramikapplikation F.bedienelemente
508 Park Distance Control (pdc) Park Distance Control (pdc)
552 Adaptive Led Headlight Adaptiver Led-scheinwerfer
563 Lights Package Lichtpaket
575 Additional 12v Power Socket Zusaetzliche 12-v-steckdose
5A1 Led-fog Lights Led-nebelscheinwerfer
5AC Autom. High-beam Headlights Control Fernlichtassistent
5AG Lane Change Warning Spurwechselwarnung
5AP Decoding For No-dazzle High-beam As Dekodierung Blendfreier Fernlichtas
5AT Driving Assistant Plus Driving Assistant Plus
5DL Surround View Surround View
5DP Park Assistant Parkassistent
609 Navigation System Professional Navigationssystem Professional
610 Head Up Display Head-up Display
645 Radio Control Us Radio-steuerung Us
655 Satellite Radio Satellitentuner
697 Area-code 1 Area-code 1
6AC Intelligent Emergency Call Intelligenter Notruf
6AE Teleservices Teleservices
6AK Connecteddrive Services Connecteddrive Services
6AM Real Time Traffic Information Real Time Traffic Information
6AP Remote Services Remote Services
6F2 Bang&olufsen High End Surround Soun Bang&olufsen High End Surround Soun
7S6 Interieurdesign Pure Experience Interieurdesign Pure Experience
823 Hot Climate Version Heissland-ausfuehrung
845 Acoustic Belt Warning Akustische Gurtwarnung
853 Language Version English Sprachversion Englisch
8KL Oelserviceint. 15.000km/12months Oelwartungsint. 15.000km/12monate
8S4 Decoding Variable Light Distributio Decodierung Variable Lichtverteilun
Generated on bimmer.work : VIN Decoder for BMW
X5 xDrive35d
5UXKS4C55F0J97577
8SL Preparation For Trailer Tow Hitch Vorbereitung Fuer Anhaengerkupplung
8SM Vin, Visible From Outside Fahrgestellnummer,v.aussen Sichtbar
8TH Speed Limit Info Speed Limit Info
8TN Daytime Driving Lights Selectable B Tagfahrlicht Ueber Lichtmenue Einst
992 Number Plate Attachement Management Steuerung Kennzeichenbefestigung
9AA External Skin Protection Aussenhautschutz

The only things we wish it also had (really) are.

417 Rear manual side window shades
ZCW Cold Weather Package
248 Heated steering wheel
496 Heated rear seat
502 Retractable headlight washers

Unicorn car would have had the above and the Msport package. But we were finding that the Msports weren't optioned very heavily by their buyers. I guess because that was a fairly expensive option line. Oh well, we aren't in the tax bracket required to order a new one with everything we want so we had to take what we could get. At any rate, we're excited to have a new addition to the fleet.

Congrats again my man! I hope that vehicle serves you well! [emoji106]

Appreciate that Happy. So do we. *fingers crossed* So far we're averaging 27+ MPG combined. That's about 5MPG higher than the E70. Happy with that, though that will go down with the 20's going on soon.

01/07/2020

- Had the truck over to the detailer

Here are some pics now that it has been paint corrected and ceramic coated with Cquartz. Detailer also used Cquartz leather interior coating... didn't know that was a thing. But the wife was pleased and she is a connoisseur of interior detailing.

Paint swirling condition before.

Attachment 79505

Attachment 79506

Hood before:

Attachment 79500

Hood after:

Attachment 79501

Attachment 79502

Attachment 79503

This last one I took with my phone when I picked it up.

Attachment 79504

Wife and I are VERY happy with the results. This looks like a totally different vehicle from what we picked up a week ago. He was able to get most of the damage off this seriously neglected paint. The sap on the hood and the roof were atrocious. If anyone wants a detail in the San Antonio area I highly recommend Ohana Ceramic Coatings. After mine was done my Mom got her QX70 done and my Father got his 535d F10 done. All came out great. Price is very reasonable as well.

The X5 is going back to him at the end of the week for front bumper PPF wrapping. Asked him if it was going to be a problem with the coating being on there already. He said they prep it and then re-coat with ceramic over the PPF is put on. Nice. Also have some fender flares here that I ordered to put on it and then will move the 20's from the E70 over to this one. Should look pretty nice.

:popcorn: Waiting to see the dubz! :popcorn:

Great result! You'll regret not doing PPF on the hood, too. I am still kicking myself for not doing our vehicle (same exact model) at delivery, and doing the PPF 2 yrs after the fact. The chipping occurred more on the metal hood while the underlying plastic in the bumper seemed to cushion small stone impacts, and chip less.

Thanks. I asked the detailer about the hood. He said they could do it, but said it probably wasn't necessary. The front end on X5's is large and takes the brunt of the damage in his experience. That matches our results as well through 4 X5's so we elected to save some money and spend that on a new windshield. Hopefully we don't regret that. :D The front bumper kit ordered does include the front hood protection, but I can not stand the exposed transition between film and no film on the hood to say nothing of what it does to making the paint age at different rates. So we skipped that too.

01/16/2021

- Fender flares installed in prep for the 20" wheels.

First mod is complete. Got the flared fender arches installed. These are aftermarket and fit 95%. Cost was about $220 after tax and using Ebay bucks that I had stored.

Attachment 79575

Attachment 79576

The flares definitely look better, but now the 19's look totally out of place so am going to look for a place to swap over the TPMS sensors from our E70's 20" wheels over to the F15. Need to do this ASAP now. :dunno:

Also while I was under and around the vehicle I took stock of the condition of the vehicle. Here are some things I noticed.

1. Front brake pads are almost new while the rears are at around 15%. Service menu confirms and has ~3000 miles left until service due. I'll do all 4 corners in a couple thousand miles.

2. The body shop who repaired the accident damage was sub-par, which does not surprise me in the slightest. I replaced all kinds of 8mm fasteners, 10mm plastic nuts, and rivets. Also found some overspray inside the front fender vents as well as one side that was not reinstalled correctly. At least they did a good job on the paint I guess.

3. Mechanically the X5 seems to be in good condition. Everything is dry and tidy in the engine bay. I dropped the front splash shield (16 8mm screws!) and had a good poke around. Suspension is tight all the way around with no signs of immediate attention being necessary. So was happy about this. :thumbup:

4. This thing is COMPLEX. Between the dynamic handling package, adaptive suspension, and active steering... this could get expensive. Hopefully used parts drop in price before any of these systems need work. The sway bars have motors on them, the steering rack has a motor, the front struts are adaptive, the rear suspension has air springs, and the rear differential is completely different than any I'm familiar on previous BMW's. Scary stuff. :wow:

That's it for now. Will update when we get the 20's swapped over.

Nice! Great find.
 

Hi CW,

Nice vehicle. Looking forward to seeing the mods.

I drove a ton of X5s similar to this one when we wanted a replacement for the E70. (I drove one '15 with a gas engine and it was nowhere near the diesel in torque.) We went down a different path in the end but I will be keen to see how the F15 diesel holds up over time.

And hopefully the F15 board will liven up a bit more :-).

Great looking vehicle. Yep the complexity is certainly up a notch or two, especially with those packages.

This is based on personal preference, but IND sells from amber reflector deletes. I bought a pair and the paint match was perfect. I prefer the cleaner look while some prefer the contrast that the ambers offer.

https://ind-distribution.com/product...-reflector-set

I'll keep those in mind. Personally I've always been preferential to clear reflectors than painted, but I don't think anyone makes those for the F15. Too bad.

01/25/2021

- Got the TPMS sensors swapped from the E70 wheels to the F15 and vice versa so installed the shoes on their new respective wearers. $160

Attachment 79669

Attachment 79670

02/03/2021

- Installed some roof rails I found on Ebay. $205.68

Attachment 79671

I think we've taken enough of the femininity out of it visually now. Only thing I am considering is painting the calipers (burnt copper like all our other cars) and painting the front grille surrounds black. Going to leave the silver finish on the slats but the surrounding chrome doesn't match anything else. We'll see.

Next weekend the E70 comes in for its new transmission so the F15 will be out of the garage for the next 2 weeks at least I'd guess.

New to Us '15 35d Hope it's as Good as the E70 (Build/Maint. Log)
 

You are wasting no time CW. Love what you did here. Your OCD is undefeated. I too wanted 417 roller sunblind. Will be posting images of our 2018 F15 soon.

Lookin Good! [emoji41]

Looks way better with 20s. Hate to say it, but there is activity over here https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/fo...play.php?f=507

Thanks, I have it bookmarked. Will have to check it out more in depth blue dragon.

02/28/2021

- Installed and registered a new battery due to electrical issues and bus communication errors. Original was dated week 39 of 2015. 105ah AGM H9 from O'Reillys $219.48

Attachment 79793

- Took the opportunity to vacuum out a fair amount of sand and clean the battery compartment and side areas.

Attachment 79794

Nice purchase and very nicely optioned! That color combo with the new 20” wheels is amazing. I have been thinking to paint my calipers as well, anxious to see how that turns out if you go down that path. Personally, I think the chrome grille surrounds pick up that metallic paint and look good with the LED headlight option.

Didn't you have two batteries back there?

No, we only had one. I saw that some F15's came with 2 of them, but ours wasn't one of them.

Interesting, our 35d was towards end of production - MY18 - and had 2

That is interesting. The battery cover would not allow a second battery back there and I did not see any provisions for a second. I guess they moved to that setup later in the run. I wonder what the reasoning was? This 105ah battery later 5 years in the Texas heat which is pretty normal for BMWs. I usually replace them at 4-5 years as that is when I find they start giving the computers problems.

Here's the setup, one large 90Ah and one smaller (couldnt easily read label)

A little more digging revealed the reasoning. It more has to do with the options. We have rear seat heating.
https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...2&postcount=21

Thanks for that. Ours lacks cold weather package, entertainment, or chiller so that makes sense. Wish we had cwp, but at least we only had to buy one battery. Truck has been performing fine despite a cel that comes and goes. Will update on that after I drop it off at the dealer in Friday.

I'd wager it has to do more with having the diesel. My 1981 Bonneville with the 5/7L diesel had two batteries, one feeding the glowplug circuit, the other feeding the starter. The glowplugs could pull 240 amps for 20 seconds on a really cold start, and the starter housing was 50% longer than on the gasoline V8, containing an extra set of field coils. 22.5:1 compression ratios take some ooomph to spin in the cold.

But ours is a diesel and has a single 105ah battery. Normal according to the chart Qsilver provided in that thread. :thumbup:

:thumbup: Got it. Now I'm curious to look under my spare tire well trim to see if I've got two since I've got heated rear seats.

I'll take that wager! :D

Easier than that. Just lift the rear floor. If your battery cover has a storage cubby on the right side, you have a single battery. If not (like the pic from jbfrancis3), you have dual batteries.

Edit: this is how ours looks,

https://3a663eb0fef48c6d2d60-a88f8eb...95923_x800.jpg

Continuing to shake this thing down before we take it on our summer trip this year. Had to cancel last year's for pandemic reasons so we're all itching to get out of dodge. Should put about 4000 miles on the F15 +/-. Last time we did this trip we did it in my E53 4.8is and spent about $1000 on fuel. The F15 is much more frugal so we're looking forward to redirecting that fuel budget to more fun activities. :thumbup:

03/18/2021

- Had the dealer replace injectors in cylinder 1 &2 per their diagnosis. Called BMWNA and filed a NHTSA complaint in hopes MY 2015 gets added to the list of covered vehicles with the extended injector warranty. $886.62

03/21/2021

- Replaced the rear windshield wiper cover that had been missing since purchase. 61627294430 $5.87

I also ordered an OE sun shade for it but it does not fit. Won't go around the mirror housing and also seems too wide and tall? I ordered part number 82112458103 from a dealer on Ebay. But the one I received does not match the shape of the one shown in the link below.

https://www.getbmwparts.com/oem-part...de-82112458103

Anyone use an OE shade on these and have the part number?

Ha Ha! I don't have any batteries. :rofl:

03/27/2021

- Took the F15 on a long cruise through the Texas landscape in Bandera to pick up a set of 19" 6 series wheels I couldn't pass up. 2 are supposedly cracked. But I really like the look and they'll look good on the wagon after a $500 refurb. $600 for a "brand new" set of style 367's is a bargain in my book. 19x8.5 front, 19x9 rear. $100

As a side note, the gent I was buying them from, upon pulling into his ranch, immediately says, "these aren't going to fit in that car." I replied, "I think I can get 'em in there." I didn't even have to scoot the kids seats forward. He was impressed. Especially after telling him we got 30mpg on the way. ;)

Some pics.

Attachment 79913

Attachment 79914

Truck is going to need an undercarriage wash after 15 miles on dirt road.

Attachment 79915

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The haul:

Attachment 79917

Attachment 79918

OH BOY... nice!

Those look great, hope you can get them patched up

What a combo. No one can deny that is great looking car. Strong and not overstyled. Wheel design is organic enough to be interesting but not WTF. We are now in WTF phase of BMW life.

Thank you. For much of the lineup I agree, BMW has gone in a poor direction aesthetically. The G05 X5, X3, and X7 seem immune to their styling issues though. Actually, I think BMW is designing for their SUVs first now and then dragging the aesthetic through the lineup as their crossover vehicles are the lion's share of their market. Unfortunately it means the rest of the lineup looks terrible. The poor 4 series is so ugly up front, I wouldn't touch it with someone else's p*nis.

Thanks blue dragon, if they can't all be salvaged, it's only a $100 investment. I think the wheel repair place will be able to handle it though. Thanks for the tip on the other forum as well, definitely more lively over there. :thumbup:

I agree. The wheels that came with the "Luxury Line" option on mine just seem to have too many spokes. But the CEO isn't approving any change yet :dunno:

Sorry to say, I agree with your opinion on the style of the lux package wheel. Hadn't seen those on our F15 search though, so can't be that common.

04/06/2021

- Nothing big to report. Repaired the driver's side floor mat that had lost the loop portion of the hook and loop system to hold it in place. It was sliding under the gas pedal if not careful and was a real hazard if you weren't careful. I glued some black speaker box carpet to the bottom (almost looks factory) and installed the "grabbers" that were missing. Had those on hand from previous OE carpet purchases. $0

Attachment 79981

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This is all personal preference but I think you're lucky to have the luxury line. The contrasting polished trim looks great against the imperial blue.

If you put style 451 wheels on, that will gave a more stately look. Despite the somewhat compromised ride (over rougher road), the styling is helped tremendously by the larger diameter wheels.

I've been watching carefully and have yet to see another F15 with these wheels since buying mine. Perhaps there is a certain rarity to consider. I have been surprised at how clean they stay, and with the CEO enjoying time in the driver's seat more and more ("Honey, why don't you take the 4 to work so I can use your X5" :bump:), and liking all those spokes, I'm just going to let it roll for a while.

03/15/2021

- Installed new rear wiper arm cover (missing from purchase) 61627294430 $5.87

06/07/2021

- Replaced engine air filter

Attachment 80336

- Replaced cabin air filters (3 of them)

06/08/2021

- Replaced torn door rubbers. 51767318509 & 51767318510 $41.18

https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/at...6&d=1623341677

https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/at...7&d=1623341677

06/09/2021

- Transmission pan and fluid service completed. FCP Euro kit comes with Liqui Moly Top Tec KIT-24118612901KT1 $186.05

Attachment 80337

Attachment 80338

Fluid looked pretty good. No metal shavings present like in the E70's transmission that failed. So that's good. I am a bit worried about how much fluid it took in. Only about 4 liters. Mainly worried because I missed the part of the fill procedure for the 8HP involving revving the engine to 2000rpms in park for 30 seconds. I filled it as I would have filled the 6hp in our other Bimmers. I think I am going to lift it again and go through the procedure correctly to see if it takes more fluid. I've seen people not do it and be fine... but I don't get the warm and fuzzies not following ZF's direction. It seems to shift fine, but again, need those warm and fuzzies.

Update:

06/12/2021

- Installed a Thinkware Q800 Pro front and rear dash cam. Details on install can be seen here as I edited up a YouTube video on it. Nothing new, others have done the same, but it's there. Pretty happy with the unit itself. Form factor doesn't block driver or passenger views. Has some things I'd change and the mobile app is a little cludgy, but paired with the rear cam and install harness it was a fair price I think. $321.48

https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/at...1&d=1631643248

- Updated the maps to 2021 as they were original. Bought a lifetime key from Bimmer Nav. Files uploaded no problem using a USB drive I had on hand. $50

https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/at...2&d=1631643248

09/04/2021

- Had a new set of tires installed. The Continentals were getting long in the tooth at 6 years and 7 years old. Had about 45000 miles on them and tread was still okay. But with the Texas summer heat I didn't want to risk an old tire having a separation or other failure as this is the primary family vehicle. Went with a set of Toyo Proxes STIII in factory 20" sizes. Very happy with them so far. Ride smoother and quieter than the Contis surprisingly but I think that's because the old tires were getting hard and dry. OTD at Discount with certs was $1029.99.

10/06/2021

- Oil change time. Went a bit longer than I like to on this change, almost 9,000 miles. Typically like to do 7-7.5k miles but what are you going to do. Used FCP Liqui Moly kit. KIT-11428507683KT3 $69.86

https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/at...0&d=1633620671

https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/at...1&d=1633620671

- Replaced fuel filter with a Hengst from FCP. Note: X5 will stumble for the first few starts and throw a code for low fuel rail pressure. I tried to use the Foxwell NT530 to do the bleed procedure but it froze on me during the process. Scared the hell out of me as the pump just kept running. :bulge: I tried to start the X5 after disconnecting the Foxwell and it wouldn't start. Just cranked. Cycled ignition, and this time it fired right up. Cleared the low rail pressure code and moved on. Mahle is the OES for BMW in case anyone was curious and wants the original filter. 13327811227 $31.79

- Installed 3 new jack pads as 2 were missing and 1 was in poor shape. These are Rein branded from FCP and work fine. Side note, you can also see my metal pucks that I use for putting my BMWs on stands (or jacking from the jack pad). They are metal Potato pucks from Amazon. Used them for years and love them. 51717189259 $26.07

https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/at...4&d=1633620671

https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/at...5&d=1633620671

- Changed the transfer case fluid. I salute those who do this without taking the shields down and dropping the crossmember. My gorilla hands would not fit in there to get the plug back on so down everything came. Used S-Tec (Shell) trans fluid. 83222409710 $42.59

https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/at...2&d=1633620671

https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/at...3&d=1633620671

Notes on dropping the crossmember.

Because I was doing the fuel filter I had to remove the 3 splash pans anyway so dropping the Xmember was not much additional work. I looked at it as a plus anyway as I like to inspect the guibos, u-joints on the front driveshaft, and the trans mount bushing on a "new to me" BMW. These were all in pretty good condition ~92000 miles.

- First remove the 2 splash pans from the left side of the vehicle and the center trans splash pan. Some push pins, 10mm plastic nuts, and a whack ton of 8mm screws.

- Then undo the 1 small torx bolt holding the NOX sensor bracket.

- Next unscrew the NOX sensor from the exhaust on the right hand side of the vehicle with a 14mm open ended wrench. Or better yet, o2 sensor style socket. Undo from the 3 cable clamps and let the sensor hang.

- Now support the transmission with a jack and wide piece of wood, or a trans jack. Lift it slightly to take the load off the transfer case/transmission mount bushing.

- Undo the long bolt that goes through the mount. It's an 18mm bolt and an 18mm nut. You can fit an 18mm open ended wrench in there to hold the nut. The bolt is very long and doesn't need to come all the way out, just enough to clear the rubber bushing/mount.

- Then remove 6 16mm bolts to drop the crossmember from the body. You don't need to get it all the way off. It will be wedged by the exhaust and transfer case but it will swing down plenty enough to give you the access you need for the plug on the Xfer case.

- Use a level on your trans pan (or the piece of wood supporting it like I did) and adjust it until level. Now you can service your transfer case as normal. Easy right. :thumbsup:

Torque specs:

Transfer case fill plug (x1 14mm allen) - 60Nm or ~45ft lbs

Crossmember to body (x6 16mm) - 38Nm or ~28ft lbs

Transfer case mount (x1 18mm bolt + nut) - 68Nm or ~51ft lbs

Cleaning up real nice! :thumbup:

I just picked up a low mile f15 to replace my 237k mile e70.

I have to ask if you have noticed a little more NVH at low revs with the n57, or does mine already need motor mounts at 78k miles?

Funny you mention that. I have also noticed the same on ours. We are right at 100k miles and I was going to add motor mounts to my list of "to dos" along with some other 100k maintenance. The NVH isn't terrible, but it has started to make plastics rattle and make noise under certain conditions.

I still have our E70 which has fresh mounts on it (<1000 miles) so it's a very obvious difference. That thing feels like a tank.

Good to know!

My e70 has adaptive suspension so it feels wayyy more planted overall. But I’m enjoying hypermiling the F15 ����