335i vs 535i, which one would you buy?

Socaln54 · 01-29-2018, 06:55 PM

Background story, I had a 335i pre 03/07 with sport package and navigation, comfort access etc, it was a really fun car to drive, but due to my life back then (2014) I had to sell and move on, now that I'm back at my feet and n54 car's are cheaper I'm looking into getting one

Budget max is 9k

looking for something with sport suspension at least, navigation can be optional but preferred and with lower miles,

My question is, which one do you prefer and why? I have not driven a 535i so not sure how it handles and drives, any individual's with experience on both would be really helpful

jeddo45 · 01-29-2018, 08:51 PM

Depends what 335i you are going for. Sedan, coupe, or convertible? Once you answer that, we could go from there!

Socaln54 · 01-29-2018, 09:19 PM

Sedan

jeddo45 · 01-29-2018, 09:56 PM

So the 535i sits at just over 3600 lbs and the 335i sits just under 3600 lbs. It's going to depend on how you prioritize the following:

Comfort
Handling

Because the weight is so close, you probably won't see a huge difference in handling; giving the 3 series the edge.

If I had to do it all over, I'd pick the 535i because it gives out the same engine power with a more comfortable car.

I'm also a huge fan of how the E60 looks as well. And also typically the 5 series comes with more options than the 3, although I'll admit I'm not too sure about the suspension upgrades just cause I haven't researched.

If it were me, I'd search for a 535i.

Socaln54 · 01-29-2018, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeddo45

So the 535i sits at just over 3600 lbs and the 335i sits just under 3600 lbs. It's going to depend on how you prioritize the following:

Comfort
Handling

Because the weight is so close, you probably won't see a huge difference in handling; giving the 3 series the edge.

If I had to do it all over, I'd pick the 535i because it gives out the same engine power with a more comfortable car.

I'm also a huge fan of how the E60 looks as well. And also typically the 5 series comes with more options than the 3, although I'll admit I'm not too sure about the suspension upgrades just cause I haven't researched.

If it were me, I'd search for a 535i.

exactly, since i had a 335i already, even with good tires the ride was harsh, leaning towards the 535i for comfort and space, I rather have a car that you can't feel the bumps in the road and that is quiet compared to a car that can handle a corner since im not going to drift or do anything crazy with the handling, prefer a fast car that can do a decent quarter mile run rather than a car that can compete on autocross

jeddo45 · 01-29-2018, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Socaln54

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeddo45

So the 535i sits at just over 3600 lbs and the 335i sits just under 3600 lbs. It's going to depend on how you prioritize the following:

Comfort
Handling

Because the weight is so close, you probably won't see a huge difference in handling; giving the 3 series the edge.

If I had to do it all over, I'd pick the 535i because it gives out the same engine power with a more comfortable car.

I'm also a huge fan of how the E60 looks as well. And also typically the 5 series comes with more options than the 3, although I'll admit I'm not too sure about the suspension upgrades just cause I haven't researched.

If it were me, I'd search for a 535i.

exactly, since i had a 335i already, even with good tires the ride was harsh, leaning towards the 535i for comfort and space, I rather have a car that you can't feel the bumps in the road and that is quiet compared to a car that can handle a corner since im not going to drift or do anything crazy with the handling, prefer a fast car that can do a decent quarter mile run rather than a car that can compete on autocross

Agreed. Go for it! Can't go wrong with that choice.

BimmerNugget · 01-29-2018, 11:16 PM

Damn...are you sure you wanna go the 535i route? The E60 body style just looks so ugly. Sorry.

Alloyed · 01-29-2018, 11:41 PM

I know you mentioned the N54 engine in your original post, but I'm going to compare an E90 335i vs a F10 535i since I have experience with an E90 N55. There was a little bit of overlap in model years, and for one year (I think), they used the same N55 engine.

Anyway, to answer your question:

In my younger days? 335i all the way. Why? Smaller footprint, better power to weight ratio, looks sportier (to me), and probably handles a bit better due to the lighter weight.

Now that I'm older? I find myself leaning towards larger "more comfortable" vehicles. I enjoy my 335i a lot and will be keeping it for a while, but sometimes the ride is just a little stiff for me (maybe it's my run flat tires

). Looks and handling are less important to me than they were before. I still want a car that looks good and handles well, but it's not a top priority anymore. Safety and ride quality rank a bit higher now.

Both good models; I don't think you could go wrong with either one. To me, they both strike a happy medium regarding styling, power, handling, etc.

If it's a toss up for you, you might call your insurance company and see which one is cheaper to insure. Hope that helps.

Captain comic · 01-29-2018, 11:45 PM

E60 is IMHO the most beautiful 5 series made ever. E60 M5 has same body. It grows on you and the look is classic! My sister has E60 528i 2008 Alpine White and with proper wheels it looks so good!

E60 suspension is so comfy and yet compliant at the same time. Chassis is truly a gem! It has some body roll (the only bad thing), but with some springs it can be IMHO probably one of the best balanced suspensions and chassis out there. More space in cabin and trunk, more comfortable for highway cruising

My vote is 535i

jeddo45 · 01-30-2018, 12:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BimmerNugget

Damn...are you sure you wanna go the 535i route? The E60 body style just looks so ugly. Sorry.

Sorry but the E60 was a beautiful platform. The tear drop taillights with the passive aggressive front was just flat out beautiful.

Adieu · 01-30-2018, 12:49 AM

Maybe an older 7 series?

Thorin · 01-30-2018, 02:15 AM

535xi Wagon.

ChuckThomas · 01-30-2018, 02:36 AM

on the terms of a 9k budget, personally, the e60 is quite hideous when compared to e90. I'd even go with the e65 before I went e60

ChuckThomas · 01-30-2018, 02:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeddo45

Sorry but the E60 was a hideous platform. The tear drop taillights with the passive aggressive front was just flat out hideous.

Fixed

Socket · 01-30-2018, 08:45 AM

ditch both and go with this

Delta0311 · 01-30-2018, 08:56 AM

LCI E90 all the way.. The E60 looks like it hangs out under the bridge with the local trolls.

norsairius · 01-30-2018, 09:28 AM

If we were looking at the F10 535, then I think this decision would be tougher (at least for me) given how my car preferences have changed in recent years.

However, in this case and considering your budget, I'd easily take an E90 335 over an E60 535. As others have mentioned though, it depends a lot on where you want to be on the comfort/performance spectrum. The 3-series is more performance-oriented and the 5-series is more comfort-oriented. If we were to judge on looks alone, E90 is easily the better-looking car if you ask me.

Note: My experiences are based on that fact that I have an E90 335 and have test driven the F10 535 a couple times. I admittedly have not driven an E60.

95 adjutant · 01-30-2018, 10:56 AM

This is what drives me crazy about this site. In a good way. Half the people love the 535 and half the people hate the 535 there is no middle ground. But I suppose cars are supposed to evoke some sort of emotion. That’s why we go with what we go with

I just got a 335 but there was a 535 available that I probably should have gone with based on interior styling but it was three grand more

srmast1 · 01-30-2018, 01:42 PM

Don't go E60. It's such an old platform and while it was a handsome car, it looks VERY dated by today's standards. The exception to this is the 2010 e60 M5, it's agressive styling and v10 engine make it quite unique. Consider the F10 5 series. It's such a nice looking car.

bimmer97 · 01-30-2018, 05:26 PM

I have a 335i and have driven a 535i before.

Main difference is that the 335i is smaller, therefore, provides a sportier driver. The 535i is definitely larger and you feel it. It's still a 535i and will have great pick up and a BMW drive.

You can't go wrong. One has more space but less sportier drive. The other one has less space with a more sportier drive.

01-29-2018, 06:55 PM	#1
Socaln54 Private First Class 27 Rep 125 Posts Drives: 535i Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: CA iTrader: (0)	335i vs 535i, which one would you buy? Background story, I had a 335i pre 03/07 with sport package and navigation, comfort access etc, it was a really fun car to drive, but due to my life back then (2014) I had to sell and move on, now that I'm back at my feet and n54 car's are cheaper I'm looking into getting one Budget max is 9k looking for something with sport suspension at least, navigation can be optional but preferred and with lower miles, My question is, which one do you prefer and why? I have not driven a 535i so not sure how it handles and drives, any individual's with experience on both would be really helpful
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01-29-2018, 08:51 PM	#2
jeddo45 Apprentice 373 Rep 801 Posts Drives: 2007 BMW 335i Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: LBC iTrader: (0)	Depends what 335i you are going for. Sedan, coupe, or convertible? Once you answer that, we could go from there!
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01-29-2018, 09:19 PM	#3
Socaln54 Private First Class 27 Rep 125 Posts Drives: 535i Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: CA iTrader: (0)	Sedan
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01-29-2018, 09:56 PM	#4
jeddo45 Apprentice 373 Rep 801 Posts Drives: 2007 BMW 335i Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: LBC iTrader: (0)	So the 535i sits at just over 3600 lbs and the 335i sits just under 3600 lbs. It's going to depend on how you prioritize the following: Comfort Handling Because the weight is so close, you probably won't see a huge difference in handling; giving the 3 series the edge. If I had to do it all over, I'd pick the 535i because it gives out the same engine power with a more comfortable car. I'm also a huge fan of how the E60 looks as well. And also typically the 5 series comes with more options than the 3, although I'll admit I'm not too sure about the suspension upgrades just cause I haven't researched. If it were me, I'd search for a 535i.
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01-29-2018, 11:16 PM	#7
BimmerNugget Crazy Frog 543 Rep 1,211 Posts Drives: L.L.Bean Bootmobile Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: 560 State Street iTrader: (0)	Damn...are you sure you wanna go the 535i route? The E60 body style just looks so ugly. Sorry. __________________ www.youtube.com/watch?v=k85mRPqvMbE
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01-29-2018, 11:41 PM	#8
Alloyed Enlisted Member 15 Rep 30 Posts Drives: E90 N55 Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	I know you mentioned the N54 engine in your original post, but I'm going to compare an E90 335i vs a F10 535i since I have experience with an E90 N55. There was a little bit of overlap in model years, and for one year (I think), they used the same N55 engine. Anyway, to answer your question: In my younger days? 335i all the way. Why? Smaller footprint, better power to weight ratio, looks sportier (to me), and probably handles a bit better due to the lighter weight. Now that I'm older? I find myself leaning towards larger "more comfortable" vehicles. I enjoy my 335i a lot and will be keeping it for a while, but sometimes the ride is just a little stiff for me (maybe it's my run flat tires ). Looks and handling are less important to me than they were before. I still want a car that looks good and handles well, but it's not a top priority anymore. Safety and ride quality rank a bit higher now. Both good models; I don't think you could go wrong with either one. To me, they both strike a happy medium regarding styling, power, handling, etc. If it's a toss up for you, you might call your insurance company and see which one is cheaper to insure. Hope that helps.
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01-29-2018, 11:45 PM	#9
Captain comic First Lieutenant 157 Rep 380 Posts Drives: 2008 328xi Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: here iTrader: (0)	E60 is IMHO the most beautiful 5 series made ever. E60 M5 has same body. It grows on you and the look is classic! My sister has E60 528i 2008 Alpine White and with proper wheels it looks so good! E60 suspension is so comfy and yet compliant at the same time. Chassis is truly a gem! It has some body roll (the only bad thing), but with some springs it can be IMHO probably one of the best balanced suspensions and chassis out there. More space in cabin and trunk, more comfortable for highway cruising My vote is 535i
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01-30-2018, 12:49 AM	#11
Adieu First Lieutenant 73 Rep 349 Posts Drives: 335d Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: socal iTrader: (0)	Maybe an older 7 series?
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01-30-2018, 02:15 AM	#12
Thorin Second Lieutenant 118 Rep 272 Posts Drives: e91 6MT ZSP Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: NorCal iTrader: (0)	535xi Wagon.
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01-30-2018, 02:36 AM	#13
ChuckThomas Dealer Speed 64 Rep 140 Posts Drives: 07 328 E90 Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: North Carolina iTrader: (0)	on the terms of a 9k budget, personally, the e60 is quite hideous when compared to e90. I'd even go with the e65 before I went e60 __________________ CT
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01-30-2018, 08:45 AM	#15
Socket Lieutenant General 4542 Rep 11,903 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Australia iTrader: (4) Garage List 2008 BMW E92 [0.00]	ditch both and go with this Attached Images
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01-30-2018, 08:56 AM	#16
Delta0311 Banned 7478 Rep 10,120 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 335xi E92 2016 228xi Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: NJ iTrader: (1)	LCI E90 all the way.. The E60 looks like it hangs out under the bridge with the local trolls.
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01-30-2018, 09:28 AM	#17
norsairius Foodie and Gearhead 101 Rep 733 Posts Drives: 2011 335i xDrive Sedan Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: MN iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW 335i xDriv ... [9.50]	If we were looking at the F10 535, then I think this decision would be tougher (at least for me) given how my car preferences have changed in recent years. However, in this case and considering your budget, I'd easily take an E90 335 over an E60 535. As others have mentioned though, it depends a lot on where you want to be on the comfort/performance spectrum. The 3-series is more performance-oriented and the 5-series is more comfort-oriented. If we were to judge on looks alone, E90 is easily the better-looking car if you ask me. Note: My experiences are based on that fact that I have an E90 335 and have test driven the F10 535 a couple times. I admittedly have not driven an E60. __________________ 2011 335i xDrive Sedan, Deep Sea Blue w/Oyster Interior
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01-30-2018, 10:56 AM	#18
95 adjutant Private First Class 55 Rep 107 Posts Drives: E90 335i-Sport Suspension Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: The Woodlands-TX iTrader: (0)	This is what drives me crazy about this site. In a good way. Half the people love the 535 and half the people hate the 535 there is no middle ground. But I suppose cars are supposed to evoke some sort of emotion. That’s why we go with what we go with I just got a 335 but there was a 535 available that I probably should have gone with based on interior styling but it was three grand more
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01-30-2018, 01:42 PM	#19
srmast1 Captain 293 Rep 644 Posts Drives: 2018 6mt AW m2 Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: fresno, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 Audi A4 [0.00] 2019 Acura MDX SH-AWD [0.00] 2011 e90 M3 [0.00]	Don't go E60. It's such an old platform and while it was a handsome car, it looks VERY dated by today's standards. The exception to this is the 2010 e60 M5, it's agressive styling and v10 engine make it quite unique. Consider the F10 5 series. It's such a nice looking car. Last edited by srmast1; 01-30-2018 at 01:57 PM..
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01-30-2018, 05:26 PM	#20
bimmer97 New Member 3 Rep 7 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 335i E90 Xdrive Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (0)	Depends I have a 335i and have driven a 535i before. Main difference is that the 335i is smaller, therefore, provides a sportier driver. The 535i is definitely larger and you feel it. It's still a 535i and will have great pick up and a BMW drive. You can't go wrong. One has more space but less sportier drive. The other one has less space with a more sportier drive.
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