[dman918]

Hello all,

I used to own a 2007 BMW 328xi and it was a great car. Went to an Infiniti G37x and though it is also a great car, I think I want to go back to BMW. So... I've been mainly looking at either a '09-'10 335i xdrive or a '10 e60 535i xdrive (gotta go xdrive here as it is my daily driver in Chicagoland weather). I know it is the same motor and turbo, and I would plan on modding with at least a JB4/Accessport.

My question is this: what are the major differences between the two? I understand the 3 is a little smaller and has better handling, but the 5 is incredibly comforable. I believe there actually isn't much weight difference so is acceleration somewhat similar? I am not as concerned about twisties as I am sure both will be more than adequate. I really am looking for something with some strong acceleration but also has a high level of luxury.

Please let me know your thoughts on why one vs the other.

Thanks!

Here is an example of the 535i I am looking at: http://www.elitemotorsonline.com/web...linois/1211204

[1NS0MN1A]

get an 09 550i or an 11 535

[dman918]

'11 535 gets out of my price range.
09 550i isn't AWD so it won't work in the winter.

[Marsden]

No need for the V8 personally but I can't stand the front-end styling on the 5 (the lights mainly) until 2011. Otherwise obviously the 5 is more car. Seems you'd be happier with it?

[fravel]

Based on what you're saying, I'd go with the 5.

[dman918]

Thanks for the responses. I guess this brings me back to asking how the two cars really differ.

I do not need the extra space in the 5, but am curious on if it is much more luxurious feeling than the 3. Are there better quality materials inside, more comfortable seats, etc? Is the 335 that much quicker in the straights, especially if both will be chipped?

Thanks again!

[GChase]

The e60 is painfully ugly IMO. The rear end...
If you don't need the extra space then I wouldn't get it.

[Evotivo]

I used to have an 08 535 tuned with jb4. I had to trade it in because it had frame damage and I didnt know. bout it until after about 18 months of ownership. I now drive a 2010 335.

With the tune both cars are about the same as far as pickup goes. The 335 feels faster because its smaller and a little sportier feel. My 5 way way more comfortable. And it was very quiet compared to the 3.

Personally I miss my 5 because of the comfort. Ride quality was better and the extra spaceninside was nice. Although I am happy with the e90 my next car will be a 5 for the comfort.

[kdbryce]

i personally like the 3 series better, but it's up to you

[badassfajita]

Sounds like you want the 5, go for it.

[dman918]

Thank you EvoTivo for your impressions on the two. For the rest, also thank you but my point of the post is to get an idea of what kind of actual differences there are between the two cars in performance and comfort. I am not sold on the 5 by any means. It seems like a great buy at basically the same price as the 3, which is why I am asking.

Thanks!

[KwlAznKid]

been in both, my boss used to have a e60 535i (now a f10 535I) and i used to have a e92 335i, honestly based on what you're saying you should get the 5, i personally like the e60, and it is very comfortable, you get a much more luxurious feel compared to the 3, afterall the 3 is more of a teenage car imo

[08E60535iLCI]

5 series man, I have one an 08 though, and as much as I like the 3 series, the comfort and luxury in the 5er is much better.

Plus modded, the sleek long 5er definitelly turns heads.

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Get the 5 if you are looking for luxury with good performance over pure 0-60

[r3dbimmer89]

Get the E60 5er...you've already had a 3er and a G. Plus the E60s are more comfortable but still one of the best handling cars in its class. Far more sporty than the F10s.

[techwhiz]

If room is important, get the 5.
If sport feel is important, get a 3.

[BMW_Belgier]

The 5 is way to big for my taste... Yes i know that i'm euro and we see things differently...

[dman918]

Here is an additional question: will the 535 with JB4 be significantly quicker than my G37x sedan? Seems like it takes the 535 to be around a low 13 sec car?

[MyF15+F85]

I have driven a few of the cars 3 series and 5 series cars.
So here's my five cents....
I have own 328 2010, I have traded it in for an X5, because of the limitations in space, ( I'm a bit on the taller side )....
I have driven a few 5 series before I got this, and I must say that the space is there ( 545I ) seats are a bit bigger, a bit more room at the back ( for the kids ) there is way more options to choose from ( if you get picky ), safer in case of accident, engine feels smoother ( big body absorbs noise and rattles better ), driving wise, well it is a boat, but it does everything so well....
Final assembly is definitely finer, better materials, quiet, better paint job, penetrating all the little crannies and nooks,
Price difference, yes there is definitely one, and yes 5 series drop value quicker, but.... at the end of it, it is a matter of taste.
At the end of it I still bought a toy which is a 335i 2011, 2 door though, now I have enough room for my legs, none for the kids in the back ( oh well )
3 series cars are the bread and butter for the Bayerishe Motor Werke, and even though they are not what 5 or 7 series are, still they give plenty to enjoy.

Hope I did make some sense with this write up.
Good luck choosing !

[mcpcolas]

did any of u noticed the depreciation? $60470. now $27,000 in just about two years

[dman918]

Originally Posted by mcpcolas

did any of u noticed the deprecion? $60470. now $27,000 in just about two years

Hence why I am so interested in it. seems like a great buy?

[Potty_Pants]

Originally Posted by techwhiz

If room is important, get the 5.
If sport feel is important, get a 3.

+1

personally i preferred my 3 series (size) over my current car (which is similar to 5 series). just too damn big !

ppp