the 5 series will be more comfortable ride and more space thats just me! but as far as maintenance u will probably spend about the same, unless your doing some mods.. but since she will be driving it, the 5 series will be more professional looking thanks! good luck!

 

Go with the 5 since happy clients = more clients = more money = adding a sports car for weekend driving.:drive:

 

Other than the HPFP issue, my 2008 535 xi has been pretty bullet proof. I think the 535s come standard with an oil cooler but I might be mistaken.

 

We bought 5 instead of 3 because the two are comparable in performance but Not Comparable in comfort.

 

Totally agree...if you ever want to have people ride comfortably in the back get the 5. The ride of the 5 series is nice and refined. As an added bonus, no run flats (at least if you only had the stock 17 inchers). Oh and there is that novel invention of a spare.

In all honesty, the 535 xi just eats up the miles. It is a great highway cruiser and has plenty of pep.

 

5's are just better. I'm driving an '06 330i right now. Great car, but has never measured up to it's predecessor, my beloved 2002 530i. I'm about to pull the trigger on a 535xi and will not consider 3-series again. Cheers!

 

We are not particularly large but the 3 is too small for me. It is VERY cramped.

My wife noticed that one of the 3's that she sat in was roomier. Seems the sport option uses a smaller steering wheel giving a slight relief.

I think the additional size and better design, especially in the interior makes the funfer the way to go!!

 

I would choose a E92 335. It's much more fun to drive and good looking!

 

Thanks for all the input everyone. We took a 2008 535xi for a test drive the other day and I have to say it had a lot more cushioned ride than my 2006 330xi. Does anyone know if this is a quality of the non-RFT tires, the 5-series ride characteristics, or a combination of the two? Driving over road imperfections was not the spine jarring ride I've come to expect out of my 330xi.

The GF was quite pleased with the way the car drove. Accelleration similar to that of a 335xi, very supple ride, and more interior room. The vehicle we drove was well equipped with PP, SP, CW, navigation...it was very nicely equipped. I'll be going to test drive two other 535xi's this morning (comparably equipped).

 

I think the 3 series has a firmer suspension. Did the 5 series have run flats? Mine rides very nice on its regular tires. The suspension is great when on the highway.

 

I had a 2011 335 for a loaner when my 535 is in for service.. It was really noisy with road noise, wind noise and I don't know why the 335 steering is so stiff.

 

i agree 100% the steering was stiff and its just not of a smooth ride as the 535.. :thumbup:

 

535xi

You really cannot go wrong either way and tastes are very much about your personal preferances. That having been said, I went with 535i (2010). I found the 528i to be underpowered.

The options make all the difference so play close attention. Try and get the sport suspension and run flat tires. If you can get the 20-way seats and navigation, those are a real plus.

Several posters noted the 535xi is larger. It is a true 4 passenger car versus the 3 Series which is definitely a 2-seater.

Good luck and enjoy!

 

The options make all the difference so play close attention.

Amen to that! BMW have more possible configurations close at hand than their competition, and sifting through the one you want is worth the trouble. If you call that 'trouble'.

 

Its really silly to stuff a client in the backseat of a 3. You won't regret spending the extra money on the 5, and they rock when you push the go pedal.:thumbup:

 

I own a 535 but have driven the 335 extensively. The 3 is a bit more fun to drive. The 3 series is for driver only, not passengers, except in a pinch. The 3 rides a bit rougher and is noisier. You can't get the same options in a 3 as a 5. The 3 doesn't even come with a spare tire.

Sounds like I'm bagging on the 3. I'm not. I love the 3. The 5 is a better overall vehicle in many respects, quieter, more options available, more comfort for passengers, better seats (this is a big one!)

The turbo series of either the 3 or 5 has loads of power to motivate either vehicle. Plenty of giddyup.

 

buy a porche instead.

 

Just so I can extract full value from your fine and considered post: What exactly is a "porche"?

 

3 or 5

Why are you guys even talking about bimmers with "x"'s in their names? Real men only drive the i or m series. Sorry ladies.

 

Why are you guys even talking about bimmers with "x"'s in their names? Real men only drive the i or m series. Sorry ladies.

You forgot to add six speed manual there :rofl:. Personally I love my xi and if that makes me metrosexual so be it

 

Agree with all the posters regarding the 5; the only way you can justify a 3 is if you are in the habit of driving around with clients equipped with detachable knees.

 

When you push the 5, it is surprisingly sporty, and seems to get smaller. The suspension is much more supple, and that seems to some as meaning it is less "sporty", but it really is actually more composed over most surfaces that you will drive on. True, the 3 on new, smooth, blacktop will do better, but, if the road surface is less than perfect, you will normally do better in the 5.

 

did you buy the car yet? which one did you go with?