[3PedalMINI]

so i am really good with cars. i can even tell you what the model and most of the time the year by just looking at the tail lights/headlights even at night. One of those useless "talents"

But from a relatively short distance I absolutely cannot tell the difference from the 3 to the 5 series. the only thing that gives away the three series is when the more cut sleeker headlights headlights that die into the grill come into view.

Now up close from the front its distinguishable but from the rear, man if there wasn't a badge that said 3 or 5 series I would seriously have a hard time picking out the two and getting it right. I drove by the BMW dealership today and they had all the rears facing the road and I simply could not tell.

Also, now that the f30's are hitting the road, MAN do pictures not do the f30 series justice. What an incredible looking car

was just curious if anyone else has a hard time picking out the two from a distance. The same goes for the 7 series, saw that today and i had a hard time thinking it wasnt a 5

[Ahmadhosmanbmw335i]

Saw a 7 series today, thought it was a 5 series.

[malter2.0]

I have the same problem and Im excellent with recognizing cars.

BMW does not have a single naturally aspirated engine anymore. It's pathetic.

Last proper M5 was E39.
Last proper M3 was E46.
Last proper 3 series was E30.

Now it is all one giant homogenization of all series. Cars are so complex now that you will need to depend on the dealer for everything (old news, but worth noting again).

I think this is one of those automotive eras where it is time to load up on few last good models, just like late 60s early 70s mopars are now.

E46 M3
E39 M5
E92 M5
E28 M5
E36 M3
E30 M3

[Ryan9095]

I would have to agree. Every time I'm driving and I *think* I see a glimpse of a new F30 in the distance it ends up being a 5-series when I get closer. I still haven't seen any F30's on the road... However, at the dealership, they look stunning and certainly more sleek/sporty! Mine just arrived today can't wait to pick it up on Sat

[ric124]

yeh you are right very hard from rear.

You have to look for no LED, two L shape lines vs 3 L shape lines in the lights. little black or chrome strip on the lower bumper. its hard to tell it first glance tho.

I have seen a few on the road but I live on the beach so I see everything.

Yeh we need to find a camera that can capture this car correctly

[jtuds]

I still think the 5 looks beefier and chunkier from all angles. Especially the hood, which is noticeable thicker than the 3.

[Ryan9095]

Originally Posted by jtuds

I still think the 5 looks beefier and chunkier from all angles. Especially the hood, which is noticeable thicker than the 3.

Once you are close its obvious but from a distance the 3 and 5 look extremely similar.

[rfx45]

[dmontic71]

I have had both the 3 and the 5, and I like driving the 3 much better.

[Carnook]

The 3 is like the 5 with a twist of lime. Just that little bit of extra spice in a bit smaller package. I think thats a great thing.

[Carnook]

Originally Posted by malter2.0

BMW does not have a single naturally aspirated engine anymore. It's pathetic.

Yeah I really hate how my new F30 is faster, more powerful and more fuel efficient than my e46. Its disgusting.

[mfear]

Yepppppppppp

[Alpine F31]

When I get my F31 wagon, no one will mistake it for a 5 series since BMW doesn't sell the 5 Touring here.

[DrivenByE30]

That's right !

I have the same super powers as you, and sometimes from the back, i still have difficulties making the difference.

[jgrasty]

Originally Posted by Carnook

Yeah I really hate how my new F30 is faster, more powerful and more fuel efficient than my e46. Its disgusting.

+1

[TEAShea]

pretty much. My neighbor has a five and thought my car was a five also.

[KneeDragr]

From my perspective, the rear end of the 5 seems to be smaller in comparison to the rest of the car compared to the 3. Thats how I can tell them apart on the road. Its like, the 5 looks wider, and the rear end looks like it narrows off more. Where as the 3, it looks narrower, and the rear end looks more appropriately sized.

[bananachipz]

Originally Posted by Carnook

Yeah I really hate how my new F30 is faster, more powerful and more fuel efficient than my e46. Its disgusting.

this.

[malter2.0]

Originally Posted by Carnook

Yeah I really hate how my new F30 is faster, more powerful and more fuel efficient than my e46. Its disgusting.

Poor sarcasm. If power and fuel efficiency are reasons why you buy BMW, you might as well get a corvette. Way more power and fuel efficiency.

There are some of us that still enjoy the traditional, reliable inline 6 that revs freely and has less moving parts for reliability. See how long E90 and F30 hold up past 150k.

[KneeDragr]

Originally Posted by malter2.0

Poor sarcasm. If power and fuel efficiency are reasons why you buy BMW, you might as well get a corvette. Way more power and fuel efficiency.

There are some of us that still enjoy the traditional, reliable inline 6 that revs freely and has less moving parts for reliability. See how long E90 and F30 hold up past 150k.

Im sorry but that is a bad comparison. I own a Corvette GS as a weekend and track toy, and it would make a very poor every day driver in my area. There are many many things a 3 series will do better and more comfortably than a Corvette.

As far as economy goes I get about 15mpg driving it rather hard, but if you baby it you are lucky to get low to mid 20s. People on here are getting low to mid 30s with their 328i driving in eco mode.

Bottom line, do NOT get a Corvette if power AND economy are priorities, and certainly dont get one to drive every day if you live in a large metropolitan area.

[Elk]

Originally Posted by KneeDragr

There are many many things a 3 series will do better and more comfortably than a Corvette.

Indeed. Mid-size luxury car v. performance.

As far as economy goes I get about 15mpg driving it rather hard, but if you baby it you are lucky to get low to mid 20s.

Odd.

I get 6-7 MPG at the track (Corvette Z06), but regularly see 36+ highway cruising and 25+ mixed driving, such as commuting.

certainly dont get one to drive every day if you live in a large metropolitan area.

I have use the Z06 as a daily driver, rain or shine, work metro but live rural.

The Z06 is not a difficult car to live with. I acknowledge, however, that I have no objection to a manual in stop and go driving, which many despise (I defeated the 1-4 lockout).

Overall, I see about the same MPG with the 335 and Z06 for city and mixed driving.

The 335 is now my multi-passenger vehicle and winter beater, both duties it will fulfill with aplomb.

[Needsdecaf]

Originally Posted by malter2.0

I have the same problem and Im excellent with recognizing cars.

BMW does not have a single naturally aspirated engine anymore. It's pathetic.

Last proper M5 was E39.
Last proper M3 was E46.
Last proper 3 series was E30.

Now it is all one giant homogenization of all series. Cars are so complex now that you will need to depend on the dealer for everything (old news, but worth noting again).

I think this is one of those automotive eras where it is time to load up on few last good models, just like late 60s early 70s mopars are now.

E46 M3
E39 M5
E92 M5
E28 M5
E36 M3
E30 M3

Hey, I just found some old Betmax tapes in my basement. Can I borrow your player? I'm sure it's still in good working order!