[john_rubino]

Hello. i am currently looking to get my first bmw at the end of april. i was looking into the 335xi or the 535xi. im town between the two. love them both just cant make the decision. any advice from anyone here would be great. any information such as maitnence, repairs, mods available. i know theres a lot for the 335 but cant seem to find many for the 535. please help with my decision.
thanks in advance

p.s i used the search and havnt found much.

[Kloogy]

I have had both. I am biased towards the E60. Better overall space and it's classier IMHO. Drive them both. That will help you decide.

[DPritchett]

If you're looking at a new car, the E60 has been discontinued. The new 2011 5'er is the F10 and there should be a new 3 series coming as a 2012 model sometime

But, since I think age is a matter of the mind more than the calendar ... the 5 is a larger car and more expensive car. I believe there are more mod options for the E90 just because there are a larger # of them on the road, and thus a larger potential market. And while a 550xi will leave my poor 325xi in the dust, I would say that the 3 is generally more sporty and the 5 more luxury.

[Raine]

The E60 is a great car.

[MisterSkiMask]

I had and e90, and have an e60. The e60 has more space, and the interior materials seem to be of better quality.

The additional shoulder room in the e60 is the most noticeable difference. The additional width greatly improves comfort for me on long drives because the trans tunnel does not force your legs/the pedal box to be offset.

[3002 tii]

I got an E60 as a loaner for a week and I really liked it but it's definitely a totally different feel.

Me personally, the 535i felt great, super comfortable ride with enough pep to not make it feel so bogged down. But it definitely lacked the sporty characteristics of the e90. If you want something spacious, comfortable, and not looking to mod... go with the e60. But know the e60 is not just a longer/bigger e90, it drives totally different so if you're looking for something sporty, stick with the e90.

[john_rubino]

thanks for the advice guys. i think the way i am going to go is with the e90. i found a few for sale in my price range that look flawless. another question though, how is the rwd in the winter? i live in toronto, Canada and we get some good snow falls. i am not an idiot and am very careful when i drive. in 7 years i am yet to get stuck in snow both with a RWD and FWD car. i found a few 335i with everything i want but the 335xi i see either have wrong leather or no nav so im wondering if its worth loosing the XI to get exactly what i want otherwise.

[Chowster]

I had a E60 535i for 3 years, and now have an E90 M3. If it weren't for the amazing V8 in the M3, I would still be driving a 5 series, probably an F10 550. The E60 has way more room, and a much more usable trunk. I find the E90 a tad small.

Age is NO issue. Family size definitely is. Small kids are ok in a E90. Teens and adults will be cramped. Leg and knee room is definitely limited in the back.

Regardless of which car, RWD is no problems as long as you have a dedicated set of winter wheels/tires. Don't rely on AS tires - they're mediocre all year round. In TO, you'll want winters, and that way you can really enjoy yourself in the summer months as well.

Most people feel pretty strongly about getting xi or not. Personal choice. I wouldn't get xi if I lived in Toronto, unless i lived in a very hilly neighbourhood, but that's just me. I have E60 snows for sale, but they would have to be shipped from Vancouver.

Good luck.
W.

[Kayani_1]

I currently own both E60 545i and a E92 335i. Both cars are really good and class leaders in my opinion. They serve different purposes. The 5er is more luxury, roomy, and has greater features. The 3er is more sporty, better fuel economy and costs less.

If you are comparing sedans E90 335 vs E60 535. I think I would have to lean more towards the E60 535i. To me any time you are looking at sedans you also care more for practicality, features, and greater room. The 535 will have more room and overall more refined feel. On the other hand if greater room, features and refinement are not a priority. Then why even consider a sedan.

Then go for E92 coupe which is better looking then the sedan. That way you can get a sporty, fast, and fun good looking car. That gives slightly better gas mileage then the 5er.

So if sedan then 535. If coupe then 335i.