Discussion
apologies to those who are bored by my ongoing ramblings but....
I'd kind of made my mind up on a 335i Touring but, when I stumbled into my local dealer, I had a good look around a 530i M Sport and it got me thinking about what I actually need in my next car and whether the 5 might be better
the 335 appeals to the piston head in me but the reality is that 80% of my miles are on the motorway and a further 10% are done with my 2 young kids (plus associated tackle) on board...basically hooning around at nine tenths isn't an everyday occurence for me anymore
so, the extra space, motorway poise and, frankly, exclusivity of the 5 is starting to appeal - I'm seeing 3's everywhere and although 5's are common as well, the new shape 5 M Sport Tourer on the the new 19" wheels looks much more special to me
coming from a 2.0 VAG Diesel, I'm sure that 530 won't be too slow but the heart keeps nagging that the 335 will be utterly awesome to run but the 530 will just be good
on my company scheme a 335i M Sport Tourer is pretty much the same as a 530i M Sport Tourer so the financial comparisons (cost, fuel, service) are irrelevant to me
I'd really welcome any informed views and/or opinions...
I'd kind of made my mind up on a 335i Touring but, when I stumbled into my local dealer, I had a good look around a 530i M Sport and it got me thinking about what I actually need in my next car and whether the 5 might be better
the 335 appeals to the piston head in me but the reality is that 80% of my miles are on the motorway and a further 10% are done with my 2 young kids (plus associated tackle) on board...basically hooning around at nine tenths isn't an everyday occurence for me anymore
so, the extra space, motorway poise and, frankly, exclusivity of the 5 is starting to appeal - I'm seeing 3's everywhere and although 5's are common as well, the new shape 5 M Sport Tourer on the the new 19" wheels looks much more special to me
coming from a 2.0 VAG Diesel, I'm sure that 530 won't be too slow but the heart keeps nagging that the 335 will be utterly awesome to run but the 530 will just be good
on my company scheme a 335i M Sport Tourer is pretty much the same as a 530i M Sport Tourer so the financial comparisons (cost, fuel, service) are irrelevant to me
I'd really welcome any informed views and/or opinions...
Hello mate,
I can only go on my most recent comparable experience. I've gone from an E90 330d M Sport to an E60 535d Sport. The 330d was manual and clearly the 535d is auto. Leaving the gearbox out of the equation, here are my observations.
The 330d has Bridgestone runflats and the 535d has Goodyears. The Goodyears appear to be less susceptible to overbanding and adverse cambers on the road. They are certainly quieter. As a result the 5 is a nicer place to be on almost any journey. I'd still rather have "normal" tyres on either car, but the set up on the 5 allows it to handle neatly for a relatively large car. It's certainly doesn't give anything away to the 3 in the twisties.
The 3 is becoming a common site, but these are usually 320d's or smaller engined versions and not the large engined sports models. The 5 series is also fairly common. I guess it's that odd thing that when you own a car you tend to see more of them than you did previously. My 5 is black with black which is not only very boring but also seems to be the most common colour scheme for a 5 series sport! LOL
I don't know how tall you are but I'm 6ft 3 and I find that the 5 is certainly more spacious. It also has the added advantage of being able to take 4 or 5 people in comfort. Something the 3 cannot do. Essentially the 3 and the 5 are very similar inside the cabin.
Do bear in mind that the 5 series has just undergone an "LCI", which stands for lifecycle something or other. Essentially there is a slight facelift and the rear lights are LED now. There are also some subtle interior changes. All for the better from what I can see.
Servicing costs will probably not bother you if it's a company car and I'm sure that the tax banding on the 5 may be the same as the 3, so there's little in it.
Just drive a 5 and a 3 back to back if you can and make up your own mind. Having lived with both, I'd recommend the 5 over the 3.
Cheers
Matt
I can only go on my most recent comparable experience. I've gone from an E90 330d M Sport to an E60 535d Sport. The 330d was manual and clearly the 535d is auto. Leaving the gearbox out of the equation, here are my observations.
The 330d has Bridgestone runflats and the 535d has Goodyears. The Goodyears appear to be less susceptible to overbanding and adverse cambers on the road. They are certainly quieter. As a result the 5 is a nicer place to be on almost any journey. I'd still rather have "normal" tyres on either car, but the set up on the 5 allows it to handle neatly for a relatively large car. It's certainly doesn't give anything away to the 3 in the twisties.
The 3 is becoming a common site, but these are usually 320d's or smaller engined versions and not the large engined sports models. The 5 series is also fairly common. I guess it's that odd thing that when you own a car you tend to see more of them than you did previously. My 5 is black with black which is not only very boring but also seems to be the most common colour scheme for a 5 series sport! LOL
I don't know how tall you are but I'm 6ft 3 and I find that the 5 is certainly more spacious. It also has the added advantage of being able to take 4 or 5 people in comfort. Something the 3 cannot do. Essentially the 3 and the 5 are very similar inside the cabin.
Do bear in mind that the 5 series has just undergone an "LCI", which stands for lifecycle something or other. Essentially there is a slight facelift and the rear lights are LED now. There are also some subtle interior changes. All for the better from what I can see.
Servicing costs will probably not bother you if it's a company car and I'm sure that the tax banding on the 5 may be the same as the 3, so there's little in it.
Just drive a 5 and a 3 back to back if you can and make up your own mind. Having lived with both, I'd recommend the 5 over the 3.
Cheers
Matt
No, not driven a 335i yet and no imminent prospect. To be honest, that's not really concerning me as I know it'll be fantastic from a performance perspective. I'm more concerned with whether I actually need that much performance and whether the more subtle charms of a 530 might be a better fit to my needs (i.e motorway manners and space for 90% of my usage)
The facelifted 5 does look good. The new colour - light metallic grey, and the new 19" wheels which aren't available on the 3 make the car look much fresher IMO.
The 325 I drove had RFT and 18" wheels and I found the ride more than acceptable.
Currently, harranging the dealer to get a 530i Sport to drive...
The facelifted 5 does look good. The new colour - light metallic grey, and the new 19" wheels which aren't available on the 3 make the car look much fresher IMO.
The 325 I drove had RFT and 18" wheels and I found the ride more than acceptable.
Currently, harranging the dealer to get a 530i Sport to drive...
I have owned a current shape 5 tourer and now drive a 335i (and funnily enough have just been out in a mates 530i m sport.)
Without doubt the 335i is sharper handling and much quicker whilst the 5 series is softer riding and larger. If this is a company car then residuals etc dont feature.
Guess you need to specify your priorities and choose accordingly.
If you want even softer and larger again then a A6 avant is potentially a good option, whilst to go much sharper and faster than a m sport 335i would require a porsche, bmw m, Audi S or probably RS or a amg mercedes.
Bennno
Without doubt the 335i is sharper handling and much quicker whilst the 5 series is softer riding and larger. If this is a company car then residuals etc dont feature.
Guess you need to specify your priorities and choose accordingly.
If you want even softer and larger again then a A6 avant is potentially a good option, whilst to go much sharper and faster than a m sport 335i would require a porsche, bmw m, Audi S or probably RS or a amg mercedes.
Bennno
Edited by bennno on Tuesday 10th April 15:41
alfaspiderman2 said:
thanks, that's useful
no way do I want to go softer than a 5 Series...and no way am I having another Audi this side of an RS4
theoretically, it's easy as you say, prioritise my needs and chose on that basis...the only problem being that needs change depending on the mood.....
no way do I want to go softer than a 5 Series...and no way am I having another Audi this side of an RS4
theoretically, it's easy as you say, prioritise my needs and chose on that basis...the only problem being that needs change depending on the mood.....
Alfa,
Stop listening to the sensible head! It'll do you no good...
just a idea but have you thought of splitting the money...?
get 2 cars, one to please the heart and one to please the head... I very nearly did this before I drove the 335
Don't often post down these parts as I'm normally only a passenger in these cars, rather than the driver.
The 5 seems to have far better build quality with no squeaks or rattles which is far more which can be said for the last E90 Tourer I had the misfortune to be in. The 5 is also far more comfortable inside, while the 3 series cockpit seems too narrow. Personallly I hate the new gearleaver on the auto 5 series, but the 335i has a stunning engine. Given the choice, I'd go for the 5, but its a close call.
Matt actually seems to have beaten me to it, and far more eloquantly.
The 5 seems to have far better build quality with no squeaks or rattles which is far more which can be said for the last E90 Tourer I had the misfortune to be in. The 5 is also far more comfortable inside, while the 3 series cockpit seems too narrow. Personallly I hate the new gearleaver on the auto 5 series, but the 335i has a stunning engine. Given the choice, I'd go for the 5, but its a close call.
Matt actually seems to have beaten me to it, and far more eloquantly.
I think about splitting the money all the time - a 159 2.4 JTD Sportwagon + a £10k Elise would cost me about the same as a 335i Tourer......however, the reality is the Elise would get used for about an hour a month and I'd regret it for the 25k miles a year I'd being doing in the diesel estate...
I also think about selling our 6 yr old Freelander, replacing with an old E Class Estate for the family and getting a Z4 Coupe or S2000 for my everyday vehicle....however, the Land Rover is a great dog-mobile and I really need a motorway cruiser as well as a B Road blaster
that's why I'm trying to get the compromise between fast/fun and space/comfort absolutely spot on....this is going to be my only car and must pander to all my conflicting needs....(a bit like being married)
I also think about selling our 6 yr old Freelander, replacing with an old E Class Estate for the family and getting a Z4 Coupe or S2000 for my everyday vehicle....however, the Land Rover is a great dog-mobile and I really need a motorway cruiser as well as a B Road blaster
that's why I'm trying to get the compromise between fast/fun and space/comfort absolutely spot on....this is going to be my only car and must pander to all my conflicting needs....(a bit like being married)
There is little difference between the build quality of an E90 and a 5 Series. If anything the panel gaps, dash and door finishes etc are best on the new 3 series as its a newer design.
Our purchase logic is that we are a family of 4 and fit comfortably in the 3, most of the time however its just me so the 335i performance is stunning. Only on a very rare occassion would I need to seat 5 and they will fit at a push.
I wouldnt personally trade the driving fun and performance of the 335i to enable the transport of a fifth non family passenger in more comfort.
The 335i m sport for me is like a more practical, half price, 911. Its not quite as fast, its not quite as glam etc but its almost as much fun and seats 4 in comfort.
Bennno
bennno said:
Our purchase logic is that we are a family of 4 and fit comfortably in the 3, most of the time however its just me so the 335i performance is stunning. Only on a very rare occassion would I need to seat 5 and they will fit at a push.
I wouldnt personally trade the driving fun and performance of the 335i to enable the transport of a fifth non family passenger in more comfort.
The 335i m sport for me is like a more practical, half price, 911. Its not quite as fast, its not quite as glam etc but its almost as much fun and seats 4 in comfort.
Bennno
the most pertinent response so far - my scenario is very similar to yours and Rochester and yourself (and the BMW salesman who said the same) are (re)convincing me that a 335i Touring is the way to go.....
I previously had an E46 320d Touring and swapped one year ago to a 525d E61 (Touring version of E60) the main reason being space. We took our two boys down to Austria in Feb and I would have struggled to get everything into the 3 Series - though we do tend to expand to fill the space.... The additional legroom in the 5 is significant too. Though our youngest is only 2 years old this means he doesn't spend the whole journey kicking the back of the seat 
The 5 is a great motorway cruiser and the handling is a pleasant suprise for the size of car. Looks wise, I think the 5 Touring is one of the best out there...
All IMHO of course.
The 5 is a great motorway cruiser and the handling is a pleasant suprise for the size of car. Looks wise, I think the 5 Touring is one of the best out there...
All IMHO of course.
alfaspiderman2 said:
bennno said:
Our purchase logic is that we are a family of 4 and fit comfortably in the 3, most of the time however its just me so the 335i performance is stunning. Only on a very rare occassion would I need to seat 5 and they will fit at a push.
I wouldnt personally trade the driving fun and performance of the 335i to enable the transport of a fifth non family passenger in more comfort.
The 335i m sport for me is like a more practical, half price, 911. Its not quite as fast, its not quite as glam etc but its almost as much fun and seats 4 in comfort.
Bennno
the most pertinent response so far - my scenario is very similar to yours and Rochester and yourself (and the BMW salesman who said the same) are (re)convincing me that a 335i Touring is the way to go.....
Just to add though, my two are out of pushchairs so I decided I didnt need a tourer this time round (b een driving estate cars for 6 years) so bought the better looking saloon.
Even if that means we need to get the hotel to wash some clothes half way through our holiday this year I shall just look at it as funded out of the £1000 saving......
Bennno
to be honest, I prefer the look of the Touring which is fortunate because mine are only 2 1/2 and 6 months old...pushchairs for a while yet then
whilst the boot isn't any bigger on the Touring, my reckoning is that I can always load it up to the roof lining on those 2 week family holidays.....and it won't look as silly with a roof box if all else fails
my main issue re the 3 vs 5 from a space perspective is in the cabin and, although the 3 is sufficient, the width of the 5 makes it a more comfortable place to be IMO
whilst the boot isn't any bigger on the Touring, my reckoning is that I can always load it up to the roof lining on those 2 week family holidays.....and it won't look as silly with a roof box if all else fails
my main issue re the 3 vs 5 from a space perspective is in the cabin and, although the 3 is sufficient, the width of the 5 makes it a more comfortable place to be IMO
alfaspiderman2 said:
bennno said:
Our purchase logic is that we are a family of 4 and fit comfortably in the 3, most of the time however its just me so the 335i performance is stunning. Only on a very rare occassion would I need to seat 5 and they will fit at a push.
I wouldnt personally trade the driving fun and performance of the 335i to enable the transport of a fifth non family passenger in more comfort.
The 335i m sport for me is like a more practical, half price, 911. Its not quite as fast, its not quite as glam etc but its almost as much fun and seats 4 in comfort.
Bennno
the most pertinent response so far - my scenario is very similar to yours and Rochester and yourself (and the BMW salesman who said the same) are (re)convincing me that a 335i Touring is the way to go.....
Thats exactly how I feel about my car... Like you I need a car that does everything... I was going to buy an RS4 before I found out we were 'expecting' so I had to curb my spending to the 335i.
Its a fantastic car... 70% of the time its only me in the car, 25% of the time its me and my wife and 5% of the time theres someone sitting in the back...
The boot is a good size, more than enough for lugging baby stuff around I think (hope).
Comfort and ride etc... I drove a 525 m sport a few years ago and it was really nice, I think the 5 is more comfortable but I personally I dont like big cars, and the 3 is about as big as i'd like....
either way, both the 3 and the 5 are very good cars that will suit your needs, like you say, both have pro's and con's...
If I had a 2 yr old and a 6 month old.... and it was to be the only family car we had... Id proberly go for the 5 series for the added space, but it would have to be a fast one...
I know... M5 Touring!
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