[floper11]

I'm currently deciding between a 540i and 340i for a comfortable, but still somewhat sporty daily. I just want a winding road to be a bit more fun than my current car, a 2017 Lexus GS350, not even the F-sport package so literally any BMW would be a better experience, but just wondering how the 540i feels since that's what I'm leaning towards.

Maybe these aren't the best for that, but all the M-sport package and 550 models are 3-4+ owner cars and I'm not gonna bother buying those, even with a warranty.

Now about that 5 series, my issues are the RWD, lack of the M-sport package, and how good the HK system is. I've never had a BMW with an M-sport package but I have to ask how much I'm missing out on, since I don't really need a sports car, just something fun to whip around a corner in, and I'm not sure if the RWD is a great option in Maryland with our (usually mild, but still snowy) winters.

An important thing for the me is the sound system, both have the HK sound system but I imagine the 5 has a better one, now I'm not sure if any of you folks have experience with this, but I hope the 5s HK system sounds better than the base sound system I have in my GS? THe sound system is fine, just not great.

Reliability isn't much of a concern since I'll be putting a warranty on either one, and I chose the models with the highly praised B58 engine and ZF8 transmission.

Onto maintenance, is the standard recommended service intervals online enough, or should I do things like oil changes in more frequent intervals? I ideally want to keep this until the warranty runs out, but I obviously want to avoid issues the best I can, and maintain it very well just incase I want to own it outisde of coverage.

Lastly, how do the service records look on the 5? I want to know what ya'll think of the service record, it apparently was a loaner and if I'm reading it right, had 2 other owners?
https://www.carmax.com/car/26096105#sign=1


These are the two I was looking at, probably doing the 5 but I still want to test drive the 3 of course.

https://www.carmax.com/car/26808405

https://www.carmax.com/car/26096105#sign=1

[BlkGS]

The 5 is a nice car, the 3 is cheap inside. Easy choice.

[MJBO]

G30 540i every time. Just a better, more luxurious car in all the ways that matter.

[pbonsalb]

I agree the 540 is much more car. If you are young and want sporty over space and comfort, buy the 340. I have had several 3 series and several 5 series, and as I age, the 5 series is the better fit for me.