[dman918]

Originally Posted by Potty_Pants

+1

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

ppp

Size is NOT important. Comfort is. So with that, how do the two compare?

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Originally Posted by dman918

Size is NOT important. Comfort is. So with that, how do the two compare?

Actually size does matter. The 3 has a 110.6 wheelbase & the 5 has 116.9. A longer wheelbase gives a better ride with less pitching.

[Tarty Fruit]

E60 FTW. E60 (not 535 but same bodystyle) was my first car and I love and miss that car to death .

[dman918]

Originally Posted by BEAR-AvHistory

Actually size does matter. The 3 has a 110.6 wheelbase & the 5 has 116.9. A longer wheelbase gives a better ride with less pitching.

Great point! What I mean to say is that the interior room does not play as much of a factor for me. I am tall (6'1") but found the 328xi I had to be adequate in space.

[N8N]

I think that this is likely one of those things that can only be answered by test driving a few examples of each. I prefer the 3er because I like small cars; I used to have a E28 535i and while I loved the car I felt extravagant driving it. But if you like and actually will use the extra room, the 5er might be a better car for you. I don't know that you can really "lose" with either choice!

[Potty_Pants]

Originally Posted by dman918

Size is NOT important. Comfort is. So with that, how do the two compare?

5 series hands down.

if the extra size doesnt bother you then its a win win.

ppp

[dman918]

I do plan on retesting out a 335 since it's been about a year and a half since I last drove one. Hopefully the dealership has one of each so I can compare. I just know that I was really impressed with the 535's comfort, and don't recall feeling the same when I got into the 335. I do recall loving the pull of the stock 335 and feel I would be very happy with a tuned one. If the 535 was similar, I'd definitely be a happy guy.

[trk06]

get the 5

[Meeni]

Originally Posted by dman918

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

The old e60 5 is a butter face. It's gonna continue to depreciate quicker than average. Especially since the new 5, that will also depreciate, will canibalize the higher end of the used market. You will be able to have the pretty F10 for just a bit more than the ugly e60, so the e60 price will be under even higher pressure. So in short it is a good value if you keep it forever, it may still be a good value in absolute terms, but resale is going to be on the low ball side.

[allen_993]

I have a '08 535i, the wife has a '10 528i, and son has a '09 328i...and I drive them all pretty regularly. IMO...the 5 series ride is WAY better than the 3 series...also the 5 interior is quite a bit larger than the 3...the 5 trunk is WAY bigger than the 3. The 3 is more nimble than the 5...but more "jittery" as well. I suggest the 5.

[dman918]

Well, I went and drove both. Both are very nice, but I honestly think I was going in the wrong direction. You'll laugh, but now I am looking at the 335, preferably in stick. Just so sporty while having that luxury feel. Now I have to see if RWD is actually drivable in the winter with winter tires. (not going to start another debate there - I searched). Will probably go xdrive to play it safe.

Thank you all for your input!

[geko29]

Originally Posted by dman918

09 550i isn't AWD so it won't work in the winter.

Wussy boy! RWD + Snow tires >>>>>> AWD + All Seasons. This is my 16th consecutive Chicago winter with a RWD car (13th with a RWD 3-series), and the first one with snow tires (on account of having 400lbft of torque at the wheels for the first time).

Get the 550i.