[MarkG_M5Comp]

So despite my debacle at the dealer today, I managed to test a few cars to help drawing up my shortlist:

335d Touring loaner
435i tested
M3 blasted

The result in my head has very much surprised me!!

The M3 was 'fun' and on doubt I would love that car for the sheer driving pleasure it offers 10% of the time. Very well screwed together, firm but not uncomfortable, direct as direct needs to be. Very nice car.

But....

The Touring I had today is life changing. Due purely to the fact I was able to dump an old fridge freezer that's been in the garage for ages and pick up my daughters birthday presents means it's scored massive points on liability.

Then I tried the 435i. First impression - I don't miss my E92 with 2 doors; what a pain the the ar$e. Not going back to that.
Drivability however is exceptional. not as relentless in terms of power as my 335d but a pleasure to dive, smoother (a little) quieter and just a little 'electric'. I would find this car more relaxing day to day, without feeling like I need to push it all the time (as I do with the diesel) yet have enough power when fun is calling.

So, the perfect replacement for me (at the moment)?

(LCI) 335i Touring, Individual Opal Leather.

Shut the door. Honestly.

The only problem is the M5 is off the road. Used car Sales Manager stuffed it into a roundabout. I may of course change my opinion when I try this in a few weeks.

P.S. An afternoon with HUD > not bothered thanks > another surprise.

[....,,,,..,,..]

Nice review..

Yeah for me a big petrol touring is ideal.

A 335i or M3 Touring.

The flexibility and still being good to drive (springs excepted).

I am going Moonstone next time light leather such as opal.

[Tengocity]

I just asked about this on your other post!

No surprise from me, I think a stylish hearse is the ideal all round car.

I do wish I'd gone for the 335i instead

I do prefer xdrive on torquey diesels, but the progressive nature of the power/torque delivery on a petrol makes the classic RWD platform absolutely perfect.

[polished123]

I have driven all 3 and the M5!

In the family we have an F10 M5, F31 335D touring and I can tell you now the M5 will be the best! However I have recently ordered a 328i touring for exactly this reason they are so practical. I would of had a 335i but insurance was an issue at 23! Had plenty of time with an M5 though at the customers launch event in Spain and IMO its another level!

[robbiep]

Another one converted to the dark side .... we will take over the world !!!

[MarkG_M5Comp]

Originally Posted by polished123

I have driven all 3 and the M5!

In the family we have an F10 M5, F31 335D touring and I can tell you now the M5 will be the best! However I have recently ordered a 328i touring for exactly this reason they are so practical. I would of had a 335i but insurance was an issue at 23! Had plenty of time with an M5 though at the customers launch event in Spain and IMO its another level!

No doubt...

M5 would be great and the prices are good. It's just too big in think and a slightly older generation.

I'll still be driving it when it returns from the workshop - just to check

[polished123]

Originally Posted by robbiep

Another one converted to the dark side .... we will take over the world !!!

Agreed I love them, always have! My Dad had a M5 touring among other cars and that was the daddy of all touring's, ever since then I have always wanted one!

[polished123]

Originally Posted by MarkG335

No doubt...

M5 would be great and the prices are good. It's just too big in think and a slightly older generation.

I'll still be driving it when it returns from the workshop - just to check

Yeah have a go see what you think I am very biased

[bwrlane]

Yes, I can't see the downside of a Touring. It looks as good if not better than the saloon in my opinion. Plus, having driven both I'd struggle to tell the difference on the road. And as you say, that added luggage space.

The choice for me was easy given the dog but don't think I've ever thought, I wish I'd got the saloon.

[JD6]

Originally Posted by MarkG335

So, the perfect replacement for me (at the moment)?

(LCI) 335i Touring, Individual Opal Leather.

Shut the door. Honestly.

The only problem is the M5 is off the road. Used car Sales Manager stuffed it into a roundabout. I may of course change my opinion when I try this in a few weeks.

P.S. An afternoon with HUD > not bothered thanks > another surprise.

I think the 340i will be a pretty compelling package and will probably deal with any chance of feeling that you are stepping down in terms of power.

If you drive the M5 though, and the numbers stack up, I confidently predict that you won't be able to resist its charms. It really is a magnificent machine. I have so far managed to resist taking one for a test drive, although I got to play with a couple on the track at a BMW event last year and they certainly set the pulse racing...

[Tengocity]

Originally Posted by bwrlane

Yes, I can't see the downside of a Touring. It looks as good if not better than the saloon in my opinion. Plus, having driven both I'd struggle to tell the difference on the road. And as you say, that added luggage space.

The choice for me was easy given the dog but don't think I've ever thought, I wish I'd got the saloon.

I do like tourers, but if I had access to another car with the practicality then I'd probs prefer a saloon. The downsides of a tourer are:

Heavier
Higher CoG
Less stiff chassis die to lack of rear bulkhead (you can sometimes see rear view mirror vibrating on bad road surfaces)

All those affect the performance and dynamics slightly.

And of course slightly noisier due to open load space.

But they are all fairly marginal and in a daily driver pretty inconsequential relative to the benefits to me.

[pdk42]

I love my F31 (tourer) 335i. First petrol car I've had in a while and it's really nice to be back. 31mpg average over 1st 2800 miles. However, that includes lots of stop/start city driving, so while worse than my recent diesels, at the mileage I'm doing (10-12k/yr), that's acceptable.

[Beancounter_74]

Originally Posted by MarkG335

P.S. An afternoon with HUD > not bothered thanks > another surprise.

Like you I decided I didn't like it. I wrestled a lot with the decision of do I, don't I order it.

I took a car out for an afternoon with it and decided it wasn't for me. I know some people wouldn't be without it, but for me , it just didn't live up to my expectations and I ended up turning it off.

[....,,,,..,,..]

Originally Posted by Tengocity

I do like tourers, but if I had access to another car with the practicality then I'd probs prefer a saloon. The downsides of a tourer are:

Heavier
Higher CoG
Less stiff chassis die to lack of rear bulkhead (you can sometimes see rear view mirror vibrating on bad road surfaces

All those affect the performance and dynamics slightly

And of course slightly noisier due to open load space.

But they are all fairly marginal and in a daily driver pretty inconsequential relative to the benefits to me.

I guess that does highlight how pants some saloon drivers are when they struggle to keep up or can't handle bends as fast etc, must be terrible trying to out perform an estate in their sports car like saloons


Seriously though, the BMW tourer unlike a large number of other estates / tourers is really good. Yes it does not have a cavernous boot, our Mondeo hatchback must have double the space.
However, the tourer just fits the bill perfectly.

[Consett Mag]

Just took mine for a trip down south and back, with wife and teenage son. 300 miles were fine with one coffee stop.
Could have taken 3x the luggage easily.

Had my F31 since November and still feel I got the right car. Only thing I wish I could change would be the seat height - I'm not tall and an inch or two higher would suit. So no real issues.

[JD6]

Originally Posted by Beancounter_74

Like you I decided I didn't like it. I wrestled a lot with the decision of do I, don't I order it.

I took a car out for an afternoon with it and decided it wasn't for me. I know some people wouldn't be without it, but for me , it just didn't live up to my expectations and I ended up turning it off.

This is my first car with HUD and I still wouldn't put it down as one of the deal breakers (Xenons, Pro nav, heated seats, Upgraded sound). For me I do think it is worth its price though. The most useful aspect is while using navigation, and it allows me to keep the sound off but still have the info presented in a timely manner, with pics of the junctions. I also appreciate the ability to flick through soundtracks and phone contacts on it.

[magic77]

Good choice kind a makes me think should have gone estate instead of saloon

[NISFAN]

Originally Posted by Brigand

I guess that does highlight how pants some saloon drivers are when they struggle to keep up or can't handle bends as fast etc, must be terrible trying to out perform an estate in their sports car like saloons


Seriously though, the BMW tourer unlike a large number of other estates / tourers is really good. Yes it does not have a cavernous boot, our Mondeo hatchback must have double the space.
However, the tourer just fits the bill perfectly.

Aren't you forgetting you have xDrive? The sDrive sports saloons obviously don't have magnetic wheels.