F31 or G31?

[stevemcs]

Given the choice, would you go for a 330/335d or would you settle for the smaller engined 520d

[d_a_n1979]

Do you need the size/capabilities of the G31?

If not I'd personally go for an F31 330D or 335D if the spec's are good etc

Having test driven a G31 520D and 530D; I'd want the 530D at a minimum personally; it's a big car/a lot of weight

[Stillstand]

Really depends what you value in the car - space or power.

I had an F31 330d for 4 years and did 70k in it. It was great in many ways and I didn't have any issues with it. I went to a G31 530d in summer 2023 and there is quite a big difference between the two - you notice the increased weight quite a lot, it's not the sort of car you can chuck around like an F31. But it is more capacious and a considerable step up in quality and refinement terms which makes long distance travel much more pleasant.

Largest differences in my experience would be;
- size (G31 is a big car and a little more difficult in urban areas, parking, tight spots etc)
- weight (5's are quite a bit heavier, at least in 30d form)

+ ride quality & comfort (much nicer and more refined in the 5 - passive to passive)
+ refinement (quieter in the 5, less wind & road noise)
+ quality (5 is a step up and a generation ahead in G)
+ tech (if you get one with ID7)
+ space

For my needs, a G31 was a no brainer vs an F31 with engine equivalence - fuel consumption slightly worse in the G31, but not much

I've not driven a 520d, so can't compare performance but i'd imagine if you are coming from a 30, it would feel pretty uneventful, especially with the weight.

Edited by Stillstand on Saturday 6th January 18:46

[rassi]

Difficult to help, without knowing your priorities.

And comparing a 330d/335d with a 520d is really not comparable.

I had an F31 335d and then a G31 540i - the G31 is much more refined, and a big step up in interior quality.

For the diesels, remember that the 530/540d were the B57 which is a big step up from the N57 generation.

I would go G31, and find the extra money for a 6 cylinder one (540i or 530/540d)

[stevemcs]

The comments pretty much sun up my thinking.

Size wise, I’m ok with it, it’s similar to the mk4 Mondeo that we currently have. I would prefer the power and slightly more nimbleness of the F31 but the space and refinement of the G31 appeals, we also tow so again the space and additional weight will come in handy.

I don’t want to spend much more than 16k so that rules outa 530d

[d_a_n1979]

stevemcs said:

The comments pretty much sun up my thinking.

Size wise, I’m ok with it, it’s similar to the mk4 Mondeo that we currently have. I would prefer the power and slightly more nimbleness of the F31 but the space and refinement of the G31 appeals, we also tow so again the space and additional weight will come in handy.

I don’t want to spend much more than 16k so that rules outa 530d

Not interested in a decent spec'd F11 530D? They'd be well within budget

Exactly the car I was looking into back this time last year until we settled on our F31

[Fox-]

There is no situation where I would take that 3 Series over the 5 Series. The 5 Series is a considerably better car in every way.

If you want a better engine, then look at the previous 5 Series instead, which is also a much better car than the equivalent 3 Series in my view.

[Fox-]

Stillstand said:

+ tech (if you get one with ID7)

You'll need a car produced after late 2019 for this which at this budget is not going to be a possibility.

[Stillstand]

Fox- said:

Stillstand said:

+ tech (if you get one with ID7)

You'll need a car produced after late 2019 for this which at this budget is not going to be a possibility.

Yeah correct, I went from a MY14 F31 to a very late MY19 G31, so the jump was quite considerable (ID7 + live cockpit).

[Geffg]

I’d defo go for the 5 series over the 3. I’ve had a few 5’s and looked to go to a 3 but on trying one I ended up back in a 5. A lot more of a car than the 3.
I’ve got a G30 520d and have had the older 530d and 525d etc, and yeah not quite as much ooomph as those but general day to day it’s more than capable. Quicker than I expected it to be when I was initially looking and due to the extra cost and rarity of the 530d I got this. One thing I do miss a lot is the sound. The 6 cylinder ones sound so much better than the 4’s obviously.
Saying that, if I had the choice between both and both had same spec I’d have the 530d but I’d probably go spec over the other.

Edited by Geffg on Monday 25th December 09:38

[numtumfutunch]

Have also had both

F31 335d was astonishing from the lights but just a bit boring otherwise, small inside and a bit cheap

G31 530d is plenty quick enough, big enough for 4 adults and luggage for hours on end and much, much nicer and premium feeling

TBH I cant see me driving anything else for years to come, its lovely

[alpinab3]

Sounds like you need a G21. It's a big step up in interior quality and feels more like a 5 series without being huge like the G31.

[Zedboy]

alpinab3 said:

Sounds like you need a G21. It's a big step up in interior quality and feels more like a 5 series without being huge like the G31.

Completely agree .. I’ve literally just gone from a high quality, nippy, but huge and wallowy ‘19’ 520d into a new G21 M340. Quality comparable aside little things like door closing and the key, but so much more fun.

[stevemcs]

alpinab3 said:

Sounds like you need a G21. It's a big step up in interior quality and feels more like a 5 series without being huge like the G31.

Not with a 16k budget though. But yes I agree it would be prefect

[Percy.]

I looked at G31 520d but chose an F11 530d instead. Can't comment on comparison because I didn't even test a G31 before buying this.



Previously had F31 320d so can't comment on the power levels of 335d but the F11 is a definite step up in terms of quality and comfort versus F31. I bought the F11 after having an S4 Avant so the 530d feels very heavy compared.

I do alot of long distance work mileage so the F11 is better suited, but I would choose an F31 over G31 if I wasn't doing alot of miles.

[Luca Brasi]

Replaced my F31 320d with a G31 520d last year, it’s massively superior in just about every way. Astonishingly frugal for such a big car too.

[G-wiz]

Not driven a 3 series, but I can't imagine it to be as luxurious or as refined as the 5 series.

But a 3 series plug-in hybrid driving in electric mode? That must be more refined than an ICE 5 series?

[Yomamaisasnowblower]

Sorry to jump the thread but I've recently had my head turned by the G31 in 6cyl guise. Had a chance to use a 4 series gc for a week and whilst it was good, it just felt and looked cheap inside. The 5 is on another level really.

However, there is also the X3 40i/30/40d. Does anyone have any experience of comparing this to the 5 Series?

[eddy77]

We looked at the X3, Merc GLC before buying a……2021 5 series last year.

The 5 is in a totally different league of refinement and I don’t regret the decision at all. Also the small issue of handling. The X3 is great for an SUV but it doesn’t deliver the same road manners as a 5 series.

It’s apples and oranges really. Very different cars. The latest 5 series is a mini 7 series and so so so good. The X3 is a jacked up 3 series. That’s not a bad thing as the car is about as good as you can get for a medium sized SUV. But it’s not really comparable to a 5 in terms of ride, comfort, interior quality or handling.

[stevemcs]

At the moment I’m closer to a 520d than a 330d