[JK479]

Anyone on the fence like me?

Will I miss the 300 weight advantage of the 335i? I've driven the 535i sport 6 speed and its really a beautifully balanced car and the engine was so silky smooth. I really liked the feel of the transmission and overall driveability of the car.

But I can't ignore the 335i's price, and overall I have always wanted this version of the 3 series. But i am not going to pretend it doesn't bother me the next 335i is coming out next year and I would probably want to upgrade to that car. Just how the new 5 is lightyears ahead of the e60...

Anyone in this particular situation and grab the 335i for the love of the game? or never would consider the 5 series. Anyone ever do a two year lease. IS it worth it?

PS... long live the heated steering wheel.

[Saintor]

The E90 is a funnier package but the F10 is a fresher and feels more luxurious and like a 50K$+ car should.

[JK479]

Originally Posted by Saintor

The E90 is a funnier package but the F10 is a fresher and feels more luxurious and like a 50K$+ car should.

I'll agree the 335i will handle better on the curves than the 535i could based on size and wheel base.

And I agree with you too that the new f10 interior is a big step up from the e90 on materals and fit and finish. And how the dash again angles to the driver unlike the e60 and e90.

I used to own a 2006 530i. It was a nice car. Quick but not super fast. I feel like the 335i is a sports car while the 535i is a sports luxry car. Both have amazign amenties.

And the lease deal on both are close. its all about the love of the drive and the love of owning the car the next three years. I just see myself wishing the new 3 was out now. But the old three is still really a champion in my book.

F10 is new way of thinking, and i dig the design. e90 LCI is updated and beautiful. but its the old design. And about to be reinterpreted.

[John 070]

Might wait to see what the next 3 is like. The 5 hasn't received rave reviews, and the one thing that BMW absolutely seemed to have done right all these years (properly weighted steering), is lacking on the new 5. What a shame if you ask me. But I'm sure they're in denial in Munich.

[JK479]

Originally Posted by John 070

Might wait to see what the next 3 is like. The 5 hasn't received rave reviews, and the one thing that BMW absolutely seemed to have done right all these years (properly weighted steering), is lacking on the new 5. What a shame if you ask me. But I'm sure they're in denial in Munich.

actually really loved the handling feel of the 535i with adaptive ride and the sports pack. And i had e60 previously.

[AlexH]

It depends on how young/old you feel. I had an E350 for 1 yr. It makes me feel like an old man. I think the 5-series is more sporty than the E class but it's marketed to the same age bracket- people in their 40s. The 3-series is for the younger crowd.

[firenza]

Definitely go for 535i. More comfort and much better interior design and material used. Of-course, if money isn't the issue.

[jopa489]

If buying today, I'd be tempted to look at a 535 6MT. It's a bigger car, but still quite balanced and light on its feet for the size. Go drive them both, and see how you like it.

[BenTrovato]

They are totally different vehicles... I think if you're deciding between the 3 and the 5 you should take a look at other cars in the class once if you've decided if you want to be in sport sedan or luxury sedan.

[DenverJayhawk]

Yes, 3 may be a little more sporty, but 5 is a true Luxury Vehicle combined with nearly the same moves as the 3.

Personally, I'd take a 5er over a 3 any day.

[JK479]

Originally Posted by AlexH

It depends on how young/old you feel. I had an E350 for 1 yr. It makes me feel like an old man. I think the 5-series is more sporty than the E class but it's marketed to the same age bracket- people in their 40s. The 3-series is for the younger crowd.

I hear you. But... I owned a e60 at a young age and loved that car experience.

I've driven the 535i stick and 335i stick. And everyone is right. I have to give up one thing like better speed and cornering for little less of each if I go 535i. And not even interested anymore in the 550i since its a V8 and I am craving that i6 experience all over again.

it will be tough, but i will decide soon...

[JK479]

Originally Posted by jopa489

If buying today, I'd be tempted to look at a 535 6MT. It's a bigger car, but still quite balanced and light on its feet for the size. Go drive them both, and see how you like it.

I also live in New England. And you probably agree, with our roads, the 5 is an easier all around driver. I do not run xdrive, i am a true RWD guy.

The stick 535i felt balanced, quiet and confident. And dropping to a 335i, less money and I get my BMW fix.

Sure glad I opted not to think about a 550i. but it opened a can of worms with the 335i. Both are beautiful cars. Wish i could have both.

[JK479]

Originally Posted by DenverJayhawk

Yes, 3 may be a little more sporty, but 5 is a true Luxury Vehicle combined with nearly the same moves as the 3.

Personally, I'd take a 5er over a 3 any day.

I AGREE! I have a buddy who really thinks the 5 is much more of a cruiser than the 3. It's so far from the truth.

535i is about 80 percent 3 series and 20 percent 7 series. truely unique that a midesize luxury sedan can be had with a manual transmission. v8 or I6. Thats what gets me excited. its rare! and its worth it! either one. so hard to decide!

[hubble bubble]

Originally Posted by AlexH

It depends on how young/old you feel. I had an E350 for 1 yr. It makes me feel like an old man. I think the 5-series is more sporty than the E class but it's marketed to the same age bracket- people in their 40s. The 3-series is for the younger crowd.

Well duh, most MBs are driven by old people. I saw on a review of the new c--class that the average c class buyer is in thier early 50s while the average 3 series buyer is in thier late 30s. 15 year difference.

5er looks like a great car, drives great too. It is a true luxury car, abeit one that drives great. The 3 series, especially a tuned 335i or 335is, is really a 4 door sports car.

I could easily see a 5er as my next car, especially if I can get a 530d with xDrive by then. But I'll be closing on 45 years old too. (I'm already 41)

[Oulixes]

The 535i and the 335i are both nice cars but are not in the same class.

[jopa489]

Originally Posted by jk3355

I also live in New England. And you probably agree, with our roads, the 5 is an easier all around driver. I do not run xdrive, i am a true RWD guy.

The stick 535i felt balanced, quiet and confident. And dropping to a 335i, less money and I get my BMW fix.

Sure glad I opted not to think about a 550i. but it opened a can of worms with the 335i. Both are beautiful cars. Wish i could have both.

Yeah, I'm with you. I'd prefer RWD, and my next BMW probably won't be an xDrive, since I have 2 other vehicles that I can drive in the winter. Tough choice indeed.

[bavarianboar]

5er all the way if you want to haul around family and go for long trips with them.

Else do a 2-year lease on the 335i and save the rest of the money. Decide in 2012 which one you want. The all new (upcoming) F30 or the (possible) Mid Cycle Refresh F10.

And if money is not an issue. 5er all the way. I'd say : TEST DRIVE back to back!

Great thread!

[I335]

If I could afford a new 5 that's what I'd be driving - 550i m-sport manual tranny fully loaded...

[alexckma]

+1, definitely the 5 series looks nice

[Fraggy]

Originally Posted by DenverJayhawk

Yes, 3 may be a little more sporty, but 5 is a true Luxury Vehicle combined with nearly the same moves as the 3.

Personally, I'd take a 5er over a 3 any day.

Id have to agree. Ive not driven one yet, but visually its stunning and with sport pack I cant see it driving crappy either. And hell, if the suspension is really that bad, Im sure C/O will be out soon if not already to remedy that situation.

[TheRox]

HOnestly, the 535 is sadly the best car in its medium-luxury class.

Sad because its not that great a car. It has an annoying turbocharged engine like the 335i...which, with a manual, does have lag and is not a pure driving experience -- the engine lacks responsiveness of a naturally aspirated one...which is annoying for a manual driver.

The interior, though I feel better than Eclass and Lexus GS, is still dreary and same old BMW, no great shakes.

It looks...blah, safe design...personally the last 5 series LCI had character, this does not. There is nothing special about the 535 when I drove it, no sense of occasion. Plus the steering felt numb, of course dyanmically the car is very sound, but very insulated. It does handle well...but in an insulated manner.


Overall...


Get a Porsche Panamera! V-6, much much better car. If you must get something in this segment, I've tried the other cars except for VW's A6...and the 535 is the best. Much better than E-class, which just looks pricey.

BMW does the 1 series and 3 series well. (Even the 335 has a laggy, impure engine if you have a manual, if auto, then turbo is great!).

[TheRox]

Originally Posted by hubble bubble

Well duh, most MBs are driven by old people. I saw on a review of the new c--class that the average c class buyer is in thier early 50s while the average 3 series buyer is in thier late 30s. 15 year difference.

5er looks like a great car, drives great too. It is a true luxury car, abeit one that drives great. The 3 series, especially a tuned 335i or 335is, is really a 4 door sports car.

I could easily see a 5er as my next car, especially if I can get a 530d with xDrive by then. But I'll be closing on 45 years old too. (I'm already 41)

Ive noticed that a good chunk of 3 series these days (at least in Toronto and Ottawa) are driven by people in their mid to late 20's...and early 30's -- more often than not, women. Ditto C class in Toronto.