[porshah]

I am thinking about getting rid of my E60 (5 series) in favor of the new F30. I drove the new 5, but it feels a bit big and soft to me. Even the M Sport version. I drove both the 535 and 550. 550 has lots of power, but just doesn't feel as tight and snug as my current 5. Drove the 335 M Sport and fell in love with the ride, and all the new improvements.

Will I regret going to the new 3? Anyone else done it?

Thanks for your input.

[sean10mm]

If you don't need the space I don't see how you'll regret it. It sounds like you want it for the correct reasons (i.e. you actually drove it & like it better than the alternatives.) There's not really much else to it.

[Jamesons Viggen]

It's simple.

Drive the 3, drive the hell out of, drive it with the Sports Suspension(Sport and M-Sport) and play with the driving modes.

Then decide.

If you did and you liked it, you are not giving up much of anything.

[SamS]

Make sure you drive an F30 with M adaptive suspension.

I say go for it. The E60 is not a very good looking car, IMO. And it has not aged very well. Going to the F30 (especially if you get Tech package, Driver's Assistance package, etc) will feel like a leap forward 10 years into the future.

[alex_msu]

I have made that switch and do not regret it. The only thing I do miss is the comfort seats I had on my E60. M-Adaptive suspension is a must, especially on our wonderful roads in NY Metro area.

[snowghost]

My first BMW was an E39 530i. I loved that car, but it went away to the ex and I purchased an E46 325i and later M3.

Never even thought of getting a 5 Series again after that. And the new 3er has pretty good cargo space and is nicely outfitted.

[The X Men]

Like many have already said, the new 3 is the old 5 and the new 5 is the old 7.

[BruceOmega]

I replaced an E60 (2008 535Xi) with an F30 (2013 335i xDrive) and am very satisfied.

I wanted a smaller, more agile car, but without the ride harshness that my former E90 (2006 330Xi) had. And I was very interested in the optional suspensions BMW is now offering in AWD sedans.

There are some things I miss about the E60, such as the higher seating, easier ingress and egress, and more spacious interior, but I was aware of those differences after test driving the F30 and formerly owning an E90, so they were not unexpected.

My F30 is much more fun to drive, and I think it looks better than either the E60 or E90.

Bruce

[roundel335]

I checked the legroom in the F30 versus the F10 5-series, and it's the same. The F10 is wider, but the legroom in front and back seems to be the same. That's why I ordered an F30 instead of an F10 - saved me $10K as well.

[mdsbuc]

My E60 was probably the best car I've ever owned, and that's in 45 years of car ownership. At the time I loved the 5er and couldn't find much to like about the E90 3er. When the F10 was introduced the five series had morphed into a land barge. No test ride in any configuration could satisfy me. Now a few years have ticked by and we have the F30. I love the 3er and still can't stomach the F10. It's not so much that I've changed but that the cars have.

E60>E90
F30>F10


.

[DerekS]

My last 5er was an E39 530i. Since retiring that car some years ago, I have owned several E90s and now F30-335i M Sport. Before ordering my F30, I twice test drove a F10-535i. I found the 5er to be rather limo-like; it felt too large, overly quiet and had numb steering. There was no sense of fun while driving this car.

In comparison, the 335i M Sport really is a fun car to drive ! Every time I get behind the wheel, I look forward to the drive. Plus, it's a great looking car with the M Sport package, especially in lighter colours like Glacier silver !

If you decide to order one, make sure you get the Adaptive M Suspension and the Variable Sport Steering (Dynamic handling pkg. for USA).

[SamS]

Originally Posted by DerekS

Before ordering my F30, I twice test drove a F10-535i. I found the 5er to be rather limo-like; it felt too large, overly quiet and had numb steering. There was no sense of fun while driving this car.

When I decided several months ago to move away from my E92 M3 due to a growing family, I decided on the 535i F10 "on paper". I really like the looks, features, and options available. I had it all spec'd out and was comfortable with the price. I was ready to buy. Then I went to drive it, and my experience was identical to yours. Bah, what a boat. Good for a 65 year old man looking to upgrade from his Buick or Caddy DTS.

Originally Posted by DerekS

If you decide to order one, make sure you get the Adaptive M Suspension and the Variable Sport Steering (Dynamic handling pkg. for USA).

I ultimately went with the AH3 M-sport, with the Dynamic Handling Package. I think it's the perfect combo of comfort as well as sportiness.

[vern]

Originally Posted by porshah

I am thinking about getting rid of my E60 (5 series) in favor of the new F30. I drove the new 5, but it feels a bit big and soft to me. Even the M Sport version. I drove both the 535 and 550. 550 has lots of power, but just doesn't feel as tight and snug as my current 5. Drove the 335 M Sport and fell in love with the ride, and all the new improvements.

Will I regret going to the new 3? Anyone else done it?

Thanks for your input.

I done it. Had a MY 2005-530i and MY 2010- 535i and before that a few 3 series. The F30 335i Sport is a great car in every aspect IMO. The only thing I miss is the comfort seats, not that there is anything wrong with the sport seats in the F30 and the adjustable steering wheel. Although the F30 steering wheel IMO is much better that past 3 ers it still can't compare to the MY 2010 5 er.
cheers
vern.

[shivaswrath]

Originally Posted by alex_msu

I have made that switch and do not regret it. The only thing I do miss is the comfort seats I had on my E60. M-Adaptive suspension is a must, especially on our wonderful roads in NY Metro area.

Seats will be the only thing you'll miss...something I only realized after getting a 535i loaner car. Can't compare the two from that perspective.

[shivaswrath]

Originally Posted by roundel335

I checked the legroom in the F30 versus the F10 5-series, and it's the same. The F10 is wider, but the legroom in front and back seems to be the same. That's why I ordered an F30 instead of an F10 - saved me $10K as well.

No kidding...I guess that's why I didn't notice a difference when driving back to back, outside of the extra shoulder room. Good info.

[B-1 Pilot]

My 335 has adjustable side bolsters... cant even get those in a M5!

In all seriousness, I had planned on getting a F10 550 this past year, but after multiple test drives, it just didn't feel as fast or connected as my wife's 2009 E90 335ix (no frills version). At the end of the year, I opted to get a new F30 335 sport, which is great to drive, and has many of the appointments previously only seen in the 5 series on up....

but I will also be ordering an M5 this summer. There are quite few reasons for this, but my main reason I want more luxury(******* and performance.

If you are serious about either car, tell your CA your exact dilemma. He should let you take either home for an hour or two. Drive them and see which fits best!

[The X Men]

Originally Posted by DerekS

I twice test drove a F10-535i. I found the 5er to be rather limo-like; it felt too large, overly quiet and had numb steering. There was no sense of fun while driving this car.

Thats funny, that is what the 1 series owners say about the F30 I guess its all relative.

[mdsbuc]

Originally Posted by The X Men

Thats funny, that is what the 1 series owners say about the F30 I guess its all relative.

That the F30 could be compared to the old 5er I can understand, but to call it a limo is a bit of a s-t-r-e-t-c-h........


.

[The X Men]

The F10 5 series is about the same size as the A6, E350 and the GS350, its about the right size compare to the competitors. On the other hand, the F30 is bigger than its competitors, A4, C300 and IS250. So I guess if one compare apples to apples, the F30 is the one that is over sized.

[Dabaitu]

Originally Posted by porshah

I am thinking about getting rid of my E60 (5 series) in favor of the new F30. I drove the new 5, but it feels a bit big and soft to me. Even the M Sport version. I drove both the 535 and 550. 550 has lots of power, but just doesn't feel as tight and snug as my current 5. Drove the 335 M Sport and fell in love with the ride, and all the new improvements.

Will I regret going to the new 3? Anyone else done it?

Thanks for your input.

Why bother if you're happy with what you've got?

[porshah]

Thanks for the input everyone.

[azzurro]

Originally Posted by roundel335

I checked the legroom in the F30 versus the F10 5-series, and it's the same. The F10 is wider, but the legroom in front and back seems to be the same. That's why I ordered an F30 instead of an F10 - saved me $10K as well.

I agree with you 1000% on the legroom between the two. Originally I wanted an M sport F10 but after driving it and the F30 it was clear how much more fun to drive the F30 was. Plus, then I saw it in EB2 and that's all she wrote.

If you drive the Audi S4 & S5 and then drive the A6 it the same thing there. The smaller cars drive and handle completely different than their bigger brothers.

Just drive both cars for a period of time and it will become very clear which you want to drive. I see why somebody would like to drive the F10 but for me....no.