[ArchJR]

I resolved to order an LCI 328i to replace my '13 328i. I spent months obsessing over the LCI updates, reading every post here, and finally checked out the '16 models when they landed at my dealer this week. The interior improvements are not enough. I drove a couple of 5-series and even took one home overnight, and just fell in love with that car's interior quality. When I got back into my 328i, the dash squeaks, hard plastics, loud tires, and hard leather suddenly felt unacceptable for the price.

So, at 35 years old, I decided on an old man's car and leased a 528i. (The 535i was the same price, maybe giving up the MSport package, but I prefer the N20 fuel economy and 528i does not feel slow.) I generally prefer smaller cars, but the only small car available now with a truly premium interior is the C-class, and that car is just ugly. I fully expect to return to the 3-series next time, when there is a new model with an improved interior. The bonus is that a $62k 528i was cheaper to lease than a $52k LCI 328i, at about the same overall cost as my previous 328i.

[DDD31]

I too am seriously looking at moving up to a 5 series after my lease is up on my current F30. The 5er is definitely a step up in quality and luxury compared to the 3er. I just wish the 5er's driving dynamics were closer to the 3er's.

I'm 45 and am starting to appreciate having a more luxurious car with all the creature comforts. The next thing you know i'll be yelling at kids to get off my lawn.

[ArchJR]

Originally Posted by DDD31

I too am seriously looking at moving up to a 5 series after my lease is up on my current F30. The 5er is definitely a step up in quality and luxury compared to the 3er. I just wish the 5er's driving dynamics were closer to the 3er's.

I'm 45 and am starting to appreciate having a more luxurious car with all the creature comforts. The next thing you know i'll be yelling at kids to get off my lawn.

The funny thing about driving dynamics is that the 528i feels flatter through turns than my 328i, which leaned too much even with the M Sport suspension. In case you are considering it . . . I did a 6 month lease pull ahead, which I at first thought was financial stupidity until I worked out a deal. There are some serious incentives on '15 5-series.

[DDD31]

I'd love to get into a new lease now but unfortunately I still have just under a year left on my current lease.

I'm going to be doing the Drive for Team USA event in late August where they're supposed to have a 5 series available to drive. I've driven a few 5 series and they definitely feel like a more substantial car than the F30. Of course thats no surprise considering how the 5er is much bigger and heavier. I just wish the 5er drove like the more agile 3er.

[the_phew]

The 3/4 series aren't luxury cars; and BMW doesn't market them as such. It's amazing that so many 3-series buyers seemingly prioritize luxury; they should be buying a $35k Hyundai/Kia with ventilated seats/diamond-stitched Nappa leather/etc.

Then again, this is the nation where most people commute alone to work in an fullsize pickup that has never towed/hauled anything bigger than an LCD TV, so it's pretty clear we don't shop for vehicles that actually align with our needs.

[DDD31]

I am fully aware that the 3/4 series is not truly a luxury car and is not marketed as such. I love my F30 and the way it drives and how BMW (especially in the 2/3/4 series) has a more driver oriented minimalist cabin than a lot of its competitors. However after seeing the new Mercedes C-class and the upcoming Audi A4 interiors, I feel that BMW definitely needs to step up their game on the interior of the 3/4 series. Yes I know I can get an nicer interior in a Hyundai/Kia at a much lower price point but those type of cars don't have anywhere near the driving dynamics or overall excellent package that BMW provides. I'm somewhat encouraged with the increase in interior quality exhibited on the upcoming 7 series and hopefully some of that will trickle down into their lower models.

[ArchJR]

Originally Posted by the_phew

The 3/4 series aren't luxury cars; and BMW doesn't market them as such. It's amazing that so many 3-series buyers seemingly prioritize luxury; they should be buying a $35k Hyundai/Kia with ventilated seats/diamond-stitched Nappa leather/etc.

You are easily amazed.

[tturedraider]

Originally Posted by JesseSRQ

I resolved to order an LCI 328i to replace my '13 328i. I spent months obsessing over the LCI updates, reading every post here, and finally checked out the '16 models when they landed at my dealer this week. The interior improvements are not enough. I drove a couple of 5-series and even took one home overnight, and just fell in love with that car's interior quality. ....

What you are really saying is that you wish the 3er is something that it is not, never has been, and never will be. The 3er is not a 5er, it never has been, and it never will be.

Looking back over the history of the 3er and what it always has been I find it somewhat baffling when newcomers to the car want it to be something it never has been and cannot accept the car for what it has always been designed to be.

I have to say it's akin to comparing a 5er to a 7er and saying, "this 5er just isn't at the same level as a 7er. I want it to be the same. I can't believe I'm going to have to buy a 7er to get a car that's at the 7er level."

[Ryan335]

Originally Posted by JesseSRQ

The funny thing about driving dynamics is that the 528i feels flatter through turns than my 328i, which leaned too much even with the M Sport suspension. In case you are considering it . . . I did a 6 month lease pull ahead, which I at first thought was financial stupidity until I worked out a deal. There are some serious incentives on '15 5-series.

OP, do you mind sharing your lease deal? I am thinking about going the same route as you shortly.

[the_phew]

Originally Posted by JesseSRQ

You are easily amazed.

If someone said to you "I really wanted the most luxurious car I could afford, so I bought a 3-series", you wouldn't stand there in slack-jawed amazement at their ignorance?

I can name dozens of cars that are far cheaper than the 3-series and markedly more "luxurious"; ventilated seats, premium leathers, pillowy ride, etc.

I agree with you, the F3x interior is near the bottom of the class in luxury. But at least it's functional and ergonomically perfect, which is more than can be said of most of its competitors. At least you recognized your own priorities and bought the proper car for your needs; lots of people are driving around in a base 328i with only Premium and Nav thinking they bought the most luxurious car on the road.

[DDD31]

Originally Posted by the_phew

I agree with you, the F3x interior is near the bottom of the class in luxury. But at least it's functional and ergonomically perfect, which is more than can be said of most of its competitors. At least you recognized your own priorities and bought the proper car for your needs; lots of people are driving around in a base 328i with only Premium and Nav thinking they bought the most luxurious car on the road.

Now if BMW would only put the cruise control back on a stalk and the window switches back on the center console.

[bimmercar]

if the 3 series was more fun and sporty, we would have a 3addicts sub-forum...

[CalCarNut]

Someone please define 'Luxury Car' for me.

Can't be price..because 3/4 series can be optioned up higher than a 5 and almost to a 7...(with the M3/4 above that). I can buy an SUV for well into the 50K range easily. Is that 'luxury'. It's a friggin truck. I think Luxury cars used to be easily spotted...they were the ones 10-15K above the 'normal' cars..and exotics were well beyond that. It's not the case anymore..so...anyone...feel free to define this for me.......

[CalCarNut]

Originally Posted by the_phew

The 3/4 series aren't luxury cars; and BMW doesn't market them as such. It's amazing that so many 3-series buyers seemingly prioritize luxury; they should be buying a $35k Hyundai/Kia with ventilated seats/diamond-stitched Nappa leather/etc.

Then again, this is the nation where most people commute alone to work in an fullsize pickup that has never towed/hauled anything bigger than an LCD TV, so it's pretty clear we don't shop for vehicles that actually align with our needs.

Pretty sure BMW used the LCI 3 in its recent marketing campaign parked in front of a pretty nice home in an upscale looking area,etc. They certainly aren't marketing it as an entry level car in that add.....unless they had the maid (in uniform) getting out of it......

[HFW003]

I have done exactly the same thing.

My 528 is due in about a month and I can't wait to get into it.

[spuntyb]

Originally Posted by JesseSRQ

I resolved to order an LCI 328i to replace my '13 328i. I spent months obsessing over the LCI updates, reading every post here, and finally checked out the '16 models when they landed at my dealer this week. The interior improvements are not enough. I drove a couple of 5-series and even took one home overnight, and just fell in love with that car's interior quality. When I got back into my 328i, the dash squeaks, hard plastics, loud tires, and hard leather suddenly felt unacceptable for the price.

So, at 35 years old, I decided on an old man's car and leased a 528i. (The 535i was the same price, maybe giving up the MSport package, but I prefer the N20 fuel economy and 528i does not feel slow.) I generally prefer smaller cars, but the only small car available now with a truly premium interior is the C-class, and that car is just ugly. I fully expect to return to the 3-series next time, when there is a new model with an improved interior. The bonus is that a $62k 528i was cheaper to lease than a $52k LCI 328i, at about the same overall cost as my previous 328i.

Right there with you. Thinking of moving up too. Sadly, I may look elsewhere since there's no 5 wagon, but I was a believer after just one day of driving an F10:

F10 rental for a day http://f10.5post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1123333

[shadowyman]

I very recently owned 528i and I'm now getting myself fully loaded F36. With price about 70k, I could as well afford 535i. However when I sat down in F36, I couldn't see anything discernible. Both leathers are dakota. 528i had multi-contour seats and that's the only thing I can see missing. However you need to understand you're also stepping into less sporty car, no matter what. It's nose heavy and actually this is how I crashed my car. It dived into the corner but couldn't recover. My biggest complaint during owning it was the heaviness of the car. I honestly don't see F36 as an entry level car. Maybe base F30. I won't regret my decision moving away from F10. Maybe G30. F10 was built like a tank though. It saved my life from a fatal crash. I only hope F36 is built the same way.

[Vegetable]

Originally Posted by SoCalDave

They certainly aren't marketing it as an entry level car in that add.....unless they had the maid (in uniform) getting out of it......

ha.. that would be a brilliant ad for Hyundai to use for one of their German rip off designed cars.

[Daas]

I am sorry, but some of you guys with the F30 need to drive a 4 series. It is not any better interior quality wise than a 3, but the ride is very much BMW (minus the steering feel, which I have gotten over). I have driven a 535 and the 5 doesn't feel like a "luxury" car. It was heavy, comfy and fast in a straight line. That is just my opinion, but I am happy for you.

[Labeef]

The dash and interior materials/fastners on the f30 and f10 are pretty similar. Besides being able to upgrade to more premium leather on the f10, there is no difference. They will squeak and at the same rate if driven on the same road.

Where the difference is in the chassis tuning. Softer suspension, more sound absorption etc.

[ArchJR]

Originally Posted by shadowyman

I very recently owned 528i and I'm now getting myself fully loaded F36. With price about 70k, I could as well afford 535i. However when I sat down in F36, I couldn't see anything discernible. Both leathers are dakota. 528i had multi-contour seats and that's the only thing I can see missing. However you need to understand you're also stepping into less sporty car, no matter what. It's nose heavy and actually this is how I crashed my car. It dived into the corner but couldn't recover. My biggest complaint during owning it was the heaviness of the car. I honestly don't see F36 as an entry level car. Maybe base F30. I won't regret my decision moving away from F10. Maybe G30. F10 was built like a tank though. It saved my life from a fatal crash. I only hope F36 is built the same way.

"Entry level" is just some judgmental phrase people use to feel better or try to make others feel worse. Drive what you want. Congrats on the F36!

[jd_perspective]

weird. i really didn't see much difference in driving the 4 vs. a 5. the interior quality seemed pretty much the same. I did "feel" like a 3 was a bit cheaper interior compared to the 4 though, so maybe that's my threshold - beyond that must not give me much aesthetic or feel.

best of luck old man!