[BM dnobagaV]

Do you think that, once you go from a 3 Series to a 5 Series, you can't go back to a 3?

I went from an E46 325i to an E60 528i (both pretty fully optioned), and having test driven E9x and F3x (including M's), I just can't picture myself going back. My 5'er is more luxurious, more comfortable, better built, and more powerful. The increased agility & fun of the 3 Series just can't beat out everything else the 5 offers.

[TodmordenLad]

I've had three 5's, two 3's and now in a 4GC. Cant see myself going back to a 5 - too big, not so pretty and less fun to drive. The 4 series is the perfect compromise

[D22M2]

5er is an old mans car

[Grumpy Old Man]

Originally Posted by D22M2

5er is an old mans car

Easy. This old man drives a 911.

[BMWILUVU]

Originally Posted by D22M2

5er is an old mans car

Older.

[happyjack]

i mean, if we're talking new M5...then maybe?

ive been a long-time 3-series driver since owning my first E30 in 1991. when i was ready for a new daily driver, i really thought hard about going diesel and test drove both the 328d and 535d. i had one of the BMW genius/tech kids from the dealership in the car with me on these drives and he was a real enthusiast for being only 24 years old. had already restored 3 E30s and was tracking an E36. we were geeking out a bit, and he finally said, "dont take this the wrong way...but i realize your an 'older guy' and would normally push you to buy the 5-series, but i really think you should test drive a 2-series."

welp...here i am...a very happy 2-series owner

[Tommysalami]

I had a E46 330ci, followed by a E60 535i, followed by my E92 M3.
The 535 was a super nice car for cruising around and commuting, but wasn't a "fun" car. Coming to the M3 was easy.

[Joebie]

I drove my co-workers brand new $90,000 550i and I think I like my $9000 328i better lol.

The 5 is so boaty. The power was cool but I felt like I was driving a tank.

[DDD31]

Went from an E90 to an E60 to a F30 to a F10 and finally to an F80 and without a doubt the 5er is definitely more luxurious, higher quality, and is a better long distance highway cruiser but is nowhere near as engaging to drive. The 5er is getting so large that it will be tough for me to go back to a 5er in the future.

[Unknown_Car]

I also had three 5 series, and now on my second 335. I want to upgrade to something new but every car is just to big now days. Looks like m2 might be the only choice even tho I don't like 2 door cars.

[The HACK]

Depending on what 5er you get.

We went from an E46 323Ci to an E60 545i. And if you asked me about 4 years into the ownership experience? I’d say yeah. No comparison. Quantum leap in ALL aspect, from size, convenience, performance, practicality, technology perspective. Can’t compare.

What else did the 545i do exceedingly well compared to the E46 323Ci?

Break down. And when it does it’s a $2,000-5,000 bill. 2-3 times a year. So much so I started questioning my sanity of ever buying another BMW. As it turns out, it’s just the 545i. The E92 328i and E90 335D has been relatively trouble free after the 545i.

It does pretty much swore me off of any of the upper trim BMWs and newer BMWs for sure. It’s all the electronics and the fancy new tech that breaks down that cost so much to fix. And it’s stuff that I can’t fix myself. The E46 and E9x I was able to fix 90% of what breaks down overtime. The 545i I was able to fix only about 25% of what breaks during the time of ownership, and even the E9Xes are much harder for me to fix than the E46.

I wouldn’t mind jumping back into say, a 2 series if I want a sporty coupe, or a new 330i for the missus to replace her 335d if she’s tired of the big D. But no way I’d even want to touch a 5, 6, or 7 series. No. Way.

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by BM dnobagaV

I went from an E46 325i to an E60 528i (both pretty fully optioned), and having test driven E9x and F3x (including M's), I just can't picture myself going back. My 5'er is more luxurious, more comfortable, better built, and more powerful.

There are many 3 Series, both past and present, that are "more powerful" than your E60 528i, including the M models you say that you have driven, so that comment seems a bit out of place.

The "better built" claim is also a bit suspect. Generally, build quality is fairly consistent across BMW's manufacturing facilities.

Furthermore, the comparison between an older E46 3 Series to a newer, subsequent generation E60 5 Series isn't apples/apples and would tend to skew results in favor of the 5 Series. A similarly inconsistent comparison of an E39 5 Series to a newer generation E90 3 Series may instead favor the latter, and at any rate could have an impact on the "more luxurious" and "more comfortable" qualities you mention. It's not necessarily the most informed way to compare product lines.

It would probably serve you well to go drive comparable models of today's contemporary G20 and G30 products. Certainly we can expect the more expensive 5 Series would have the advantage in premium appointments and comfort, while the lighter 3 Series would have the advantage in driving dynamics. But at least then you'll have up-to-date and consistent impressions on which to form your opinion.

[DanG]

I have driven a 5 series but could never own one. I have switched from a 3 series to a 2 series. I like small nimble cars. Both the 5 series and the newer 3 series are way to big in my opinion.

[The0pportunist]

I went from E36 to E46 to E90 to F13

Im now seriously considering a F80 3 series again, since the mrs has started talking about baby clothes for our unconcieved child.

[PKR]

Of the dozen or so BMWs I’ve had there have been both 3-ers and 5-ers. If I don’t have to have the extra page space a 5-er provides I’ll pick a 3 any time. More nimble, less weight, more fun.

[jmg]

Originally Posted by BM dnobagaV

Do you think that, once you go from a 3 Series to a 5 Series, you can't go back to a 3?

I went from an E46 325i to an E60 528i (both pretty fully optioned), and having test driven E9x and F3x (including M's), I just can't picture myself going back. My 5'er is more luxurious, more comfortable, better built, and more powerful. The increased agility & fun of the 3 Series just can't beat out everything else the 5 offers.

Your old 528i is not better built and more powerful than an F30 and F80, that's a fantasy. I've had 5 series loaner cars, a 530 and a 530e and I've driven the new M5. I test drove the F10 550i before I got my 340i.

There is no way I would move to a 5 series unless it was an M5 and even then it's not the right tool for the job I want the car to do. Everyone has different boxes to check and the 5 series is great for certain wants and needs, just not mine at this time. However, I do enjoy the comfort and upscale interior in the new 5 series and it was a pleasure to sit in for my commute.

BTW, in what universe does a 227 hp, 199 ft-lb 528i have more power than an F30 330i, 340i, or M3/4? My F80 has 453hp and 443ft-lb torque. How does your 528i have more power?

I'm going to have to call BS in your claim that you drove a M3/4 and came to this conclusion. You must have had it in efficient mode and didn't bother going past 20% throttle. This is undoubtedly confirmation bias on your behalf.

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by jmg

Everyone has different boxes to check and the 5 series is great for certain wants and needs, just not mine at this time. However, I do enjoy the comfort and upscale interior in the new 5 series and it was a pleasure to sit in for my commute.

Sums it up well, we all have our individual check list.

I had an E39 5-series, moved to an E91 3-series and now back in an F11 5-series. The 3-series, although the right size of vehicle, didn't fill my requirements/check list the same as a 5-series does. If only I could 'shrink' my Five by about 20%, it would be even better.

Hoping for good things from the new G20/21. Could be back in a 3-series, if it ticks all the right boxes. Just need to up the package and 'feel good' factor, to get me biting again.

[SteveinArizona]

I am old and prefer a smaller, more maneuverable car. But I also like my interior luxury. I would opt for a M340i over a 5 series IF I could get it with Merino individual leather. I had a 3 series before my 5 and I really dislike the Dakota leather. And every time I get in the car, I am sitting on the leather. IMHO there is no comparison between the Dakota I used to have and the Nappa I have now.

BMW claims that the 3 series is its bread and butter. Then it needs to treat it as something other than a big engine in a relatively cheap box.

[jmg]

Originally Posted by SteveinArizona

I am old and prefer a smaller, more maneuverable car. But I also like my interior luxury. I would opt for a M340i over a 5 series IF I could get it with Merino individual leather. I had a 3 series before my 5 and I really dislike the Dakota leather. And every time I get in the car, I am sitting on the leather. IMHO there is no comparison between the Dakota I used to have and the Nappa I have now.

BMW claims that the 3 series is its bread and butter. Then it needs to treat it as something other than a big engine in a relatively cheap box.

The M3/4 has Merino leather. I prefer Carbonstructure however.

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by SteveinArizona

BMW claims that the 3 series is its bread and butter. Then it needs to treat it as something other than a big engine in a relatively cheap box.

A slightly different, but related thought. From my understanding of car manufacture, it costs almost as much to make a smaller car as it does a larger version. Would customers buy the same fit & finish, appointments, technology, etc., for virtually the same price point? Simply select the body size that tick the boxes?

Otherwise I see the smaller model ranges (with a lot of identical components), have to cut corners somewhere, to keep the differences in price point.

[SteveinArizona]

Originally Posted by HighlandPete

A slightly different, but related thought. From my understanding of car manufacture, it costs almost as much to make a smaller car as it does a larger version. Would customers buy the same fit & finish, appointments, technology, etc., for virtually the same price point? Simply select the body size that tick the boxes?

Otherwise I see the smaller model ranges (with a lot of identical components), have to cut corners somewhere, to keep the differences in price point.

You are correct. In many instances, it costs more to build a small car. But I, for one, was, am and will be willing to pay the extra costs.

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by SteveinArizona

You are correct. In many instances, it costs more to build a small car. But I, for one, was, am and will be willing to pay the extra costs.

I'm also with you on this, but I'm not sure the larger market see it that way. For many folks smaller has to be cheaper...

Interesting bit of marketing in the UK, when BMW were promoting the E60 520d for company car users. We had a period when the pricing of 320d and 520d SE models, with a like for like specification, the 520d was the better deal, and for a much better finished car.

Helped tempt even more into a 5-series. All about perceived value for money. I do wonder how buyers would really receive a same priced smaller car, even of the same fit and finish, etc., as the larger models.