[rightaway]

I feel the 3 series is to small for my needs. I have two car seats in the back and there is not a lot of room. I have been researching and the 5 series is only a few inches bigger. I'm looking for a sporty car, rwd, and manual transmission. that is why I went with the 3 series. I love it but its to small. I guess I'll be looking at a 2005-2009 5 series. any engines to stay away from? I see they had a v-8 option or the nice twin turbo engine. anything else I should know. right now I have 2009 328i 6mt.

[N54Twin]

Originally Posted by rightaway

I feel the 3 series is to small for my needs. I have two car seats in the back and there is not a lot of room. I have been researching and the 5 series is only a few inches bigger. I'm looking for a sporty car, rwd, and manual transmission. that is why I went with the 3 series. I love it but its to small. I guess I'll be looking at a 2005-2009 5 series. any engines to stay away from? I see they had a v-8 option or the nice twin turbo engine. anything else I should know. right now I have 2009 328i 6mt.

I have a 07 328i.... A few month ago went and bought a 08 535xi and i love the N54 engine car runs smooth no problems for now.... Still have my 328i is too small like you say im 6'1 but i still love it

[BoBoB]

Ironic: I went from a 5 Series with two car seats to a 335 convertible because the kids now fit in the rear seats without car seats and get a kick waving to everyone when the top's down!

[jt335i]

My folks bought new a 2006 530i and a 2007 530i. Both cars have a solid smooth ride as compared to my 335i which is a little more sportier. Love the ride of my 335, but I also enjoy driving both cars whenever I go to visit them. I've gone on long distance trips in their 5s and they feel like they're gliding on air.

[floydarogers]

The F30 3-series is as big as the older E34 and E39 5-series, although the trunk is a bit smaller. It's noticeably bigger inside than the E90 3-series.

The current F10 5-series is way bigger; pre-lci 535i did have a manual tranny option, but it's gone in the 2015 LCI. There are 95 MT F10s on cars.com for 2011-2014, which should give you some options.

You could look at the 3-series GT, which has a longer wheelbase and much more space (but no MT.)

[John 070]

I know 2 people who regretted it. One was a M5. The thing is do you want to drive, or do you need space? With a family, sometimes keeping a 3 is not an option. But the E9x is one of the best handling cars all things considered.

[Agentphish]

My dad had an 06 530 and really disliked it about 1/2 way through his lease. Never has considered a 5 series again. Has had 2 Z4 cars now which he loves, but will probably end up with a 2 or probably a 3 series next even though I told him he'll hate the F30 like I do. hahaha.

I never personally liked the look of those mid-late 2000s 5's anyhow. They've got a big ugly ass IMO.

That being said, good luck finding what fits you and your family the best.

[rightaway]

for the people that have been rode in a late 2000's 5 series, does it feel bigger? right now in the 3 series, my front seats are touching the car seats in the back. I have to pull my front seats forward just to get the car seats in and out.

[Ramsey]

Originally Posted by rightaway

for the people that have been rode in a late 2000's 5 series, does it feel bigger? right now in the 3 series, my front seats are touching the car seats in the back. I have to pull my front seats forward just to get the car seats in and out.

I used to drive a 2005 545i, (check out my garage for pics). Surely more room all around and a more comfortable ride.

I still love my 335 and it perfectly fits my needs, but if you are a bigger guy and need more space for family, consider a 2009/2010 550 with an M sport package. Great cars, you just need to put up with gas for the eight cylinders.

[rightaway]

how was your 545? I was looking at one with 80k on her and the internet says they are bad motors and leak lots of oil? did it feel faster than a 335 or about the same?

I think the 550 is out of my price range

[atinybug]

I've heard awful things about the coolant transfer pipe in the N62 V8 engines that came in the mid 2000s 5 series. I'm not sure how common of a problem it is, but I've heard that if it goes wrong, the repair can easily go past $7000.

[BoBoB]

[QUOTE=rightaway;16165540]how was your 545? I was looking at one with 80k on her and the internet says they are bad motors and leak lots of oil? did it feel faster than a 335 or about the same?

I had a 545 with a stick, before the 335. The 5 was quick, but in a smoother, less head-jerking manner. It felt more grounded at speed than the 3 and generally the motor was fine...it was my starter that I replaced 3 times and I finally turned it in as a lemon. But I liked the size as I could fit two child seats and grandma in the back. Tight, but sat 3 in the rear. I drove it hard on many canyon drives and car meets...I was impressed, especially on mountainous roads with hairpin turns at full speed.

[rightaway]

how many miles were on it when you replaced the three starters?

[Karbon]

I actually went from an e39 5 Series to an e90 3 series.

The cars are both almost exactly the same size... but the more recent models, especially the F10, are much bigger.

I liked the relaxing ride of the 5 series, but the 3 is much more sporty and fun.

[Raptor04]

Originally Posted by Karbon

I actually went from an e39 5 Series to an e90 3 series.

The cars are both almost exactly the same size... but the more recent models, especially the F10, are much bigger.

I liked the relaxing ride of the 5 series, but the 3 is much more sporty and fun.

I agree. Went from m3 to 5 to x5 and back to 335. I like the smaller sporty size of the 3.

[rightaway]

I'm looking to a bigger the what I have. I love everything about bmw except for the size. I was looking at a early 2000's 7 series but my manual trans. my price range is 10-15k for a car. I know that really limits me on my choices

[SMadd]

I drove an older M5 that I replace with an X5 in 2007. The X5 is great for space but I missed the THRILL of driving. So I quickly gave the X5 to the wife and picked up an 08 e92 335i for myself.
We have been happily married ever since. :-)

[rightaway]

I was looking at the m5 but they are to high mileage and not sure about the reliability. that's why I was looking at a 530,535 or 545. but the internet does not say kind words about them

[3s4u2]

Get an 08 550i or newer and yes the M5 you must be able to afford for a daily driver.