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      04-19-2012, 10:01 AM   #1
Hautemama
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Help! F30 or F10?

Hello!! I need help in making a decision regarding my vehicle. I'm thinking about purchasing a brand new 2012 3 series or the brand new 5 series. I know the obvious difference are that the 5 is bigger and has a different feel. I want to know your opinions in regards to both vehicles, and how you feel about these cars? I know the 3 series is completely different than its previous model so it's new and exciting, and nice to drive. But the 5 series is also nice and bigger as well, and with the new engine also saves on gas!! Please help!!
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      04-19-2012, 10:07 AM   #2
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Well, you will technically save on gas for both the 3 series and the 5 series.

They are 2 totally different cars though.

3 series - sporty, fun, smaller, and a few less options to add to the car

5 series - more executive, more cabin space, and a lotta tech

Plus, we are talking about a substantial difference in price...

Are we talking fully loaded 3 series vs base 5 series? I would select the 3 series all day in that case.
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      04-19-2012, 10:17 AM   #3
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It would be the same gas mileage for both? Since the engine is the same?? Yes fully loaded 3, and for 5 it would have premium package with nav. I wouldn't mind paying more if it's worth it. Also what would be the better value in the lOng run? I plan to keep the car, but if I did change my mind to sell at a later time?
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      04-19-2012, 10:52 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hautemama View Post
It would be the same gas mileage for both? Since the engine is the same?? Yes fully loaded 3, and for 5 it would have premium package with nav. I wouldn't mind paying more if it's worth it. Also what would be the better value in the lOng run? I plan to keep the car, but if I did change my mind to sell at a later time?
I think you need to determine what is important to you first. You are asking all the wrong questions.

what do you want from the car?
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      04-19-2012, 10:56 AM   #5
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The F10/F11 is a gigantic car, from a driver's view. It is long and it is wide. Feels like driving a much larger car than the previous version, E60/E61. You get used to it, that's for sure, but if you don't need all that space I would definately go for the F30 (or F31 in my case).
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      04-19-2012, 11:12 AM   #6
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If your a soccer mom->F10

If your an under 40 male->F30
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      04-19-2012, 11:17 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by justinnum1 View Post
If your a soccer mom->F10

If your an under 40 male->F30
+1


have not driven either f10 or f30, but from what I hear f10 is fine if you don't care for steering feedback... (or if you're over 50) !!
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      04-19-2012, 12:05 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by justinnum1 View Post
If your a soccer mom->F10

If your an under 40 male->F30
LOL I got my F10 535i a week after my 40th birthday (May 2010).
BEAUTIFUL CAR with a fantastic interior .

Almost two months ago I got my F30 335i and said goodbye to the Goliath and welcomed the smaller David.

Cheers
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      04-19-2012, 12:10 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by justinnum1 View Post
If your a soccer mom->F10

If your an under 40 male->F30
Bullshit! I see many people around here in their 60s driving M cars
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      04-19-2012, 12:14 PM   #10
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Both are sweet, have you test driven them yet?
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      04-19-2012, 12:55 PM   #11
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You should get what you like.

Go test drive them both and see which you prefer.

Personally I think the 3 is more fun and more my style but I prefer performance over luxury.
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      04-19-2012, 12:59 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BigKutta View Post
Bullshit! I see many people around here in their 60s driving M cars
An M is a lot different than a 528 or even 535. I drove a 535 and its fast but its stil a 4000lb car. If you enjoy driving dynamics, i would recommend the smaller 3er.
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      04-19-2012, 01:35 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by huskercubfan View Post
Are we talking fully loaded 3 series vs base 5 series? I would select the 3 series all day in that case.
+1,000,000

I definitely agree with this statement. Also, I wanted to clarify with the OP when he is stating it is a base 5 series, which I would assume is the 528i? Is this the correct assumption? If that is so, we need to take note (if driving dynamics is important to the OP), that the 528i has the N20 engine (just as the 3 series). The N20's power in an F30 stays true to Bimmer's "Ultimate Driving Experience" dynamics much more than the 4-banger in the 528i. But I want to note that if it's the 535i, then the engine in the 535i is more suitable to the 5 series.

Now when thread members mention size in the 5 vs the 3, I came to the realization that the size of the new F30 is close to the size of the previous generation 5 series (E60), and I don't really see any issues that were brought up with it's size back then. Now if your looking for a smaller 7, then the new 5 series (535i and 550i) is the perfect choice, because I believe you are not missing out on the driving dynamics with the appropriate engine in those models.

But in all honesty, having a fully loaded F30 (either 328i or 335i) is more attractive offer than a base F10, specifically the 528i. And I have read in other threads on different forums that the F30 will have less depreciation in the long run than the F10. Not so sure if this is a valid assumption, but also something to take note of. But it all comes down to what you absolutely need in your Bimmer.

To the OP: Keep us updated on what you choose.
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      04-19-2012, 01:43 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Robin_NL View Post
LOL I got my F10 535i a week after my 40th birthday (May 2010).
BEAUTIFUL CAR with a fantastic interior .

Almost two months ago I got my F30 335i and said goodbye to the Goliath and welcomed the smaller David.

Cheers
Robin(turning 42 next month)
Thanks for sharing this. I had read that some F10 owners had now decided to get the F30. I'll be honest, if I had the 535i, then I don't know if I would have gotten the F30. I feel that the 535i has the appropriate engine to keep true to the Bimmer driving dynamics. But when we are talking about the 528i with the N20, I just don't think it has the power to really give you the same dynamic performance. But we can all agree that the F10 is a stunning car with a luxurious interior!

So how has your experience been with your F30 compared to your F10?
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      04-19-2012, 02:51 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by malc410326 View Post
Thanks for sharing this. I had read that some F10 owners had now decided to get the F30. I'll be honest, if I had the 535i, then I don't know if I would have gotten the F30. I feel that the 535i has the appropriate engine to keep true to the Bimmer driving dynamics. But when we are talking about the 528i with the N20, I just don't think it has the power to really give you the same dynamic performance. But we can all agree that the F10 is a stunning car with a luxurious interior!

So how has your experience been with your F30 compared to your F10?
The F30 feels (and IS) agile, a F10 is not. You can throw a F30 335i around a bend , you don't do that with an F10, way too heavy. But the F10 is more comfy, very silent, etc etc. But apart from the N55 it's not as dynamic as you might think. The 335i still is. A day & night difference(and >400? lbs too)

So the F30 feels and is faster in a straight line, the (exhaust) sound is much better. You can toss it around. The brakes are better(not only because it weighs less) . The positition behind the wheel is more active. But I stll love the F10 interior. Superb quality.

TBH I still prefer the F10's in & exterior styling.
But driving the F30 makes me forget that in a heartbeat.
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      04-19-2012, 03:18 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by justinnum1 View Post
If your a soccer mom->F10

If your an under 40 male->F30
If you are a 3 Series fan - male or female - any driving age >F30
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      02-17-2013, 10:48 PM   #17
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Smile AH3 vs AH5

Sorry for hijacking the thread....Similar question to the OP, but different models in question....

I am trying to decide between an AH3 and AH5. The spec is:

Both will have M Sport package
Both will upgrade to 20" wheels

AH3 will have adaptive suspension

AH5 will have better interior options such as rear seat entertainment, HUD, comfort access etc

The AH5 will cost approx 20% more than the AH3 based on the above.

I live in a country where I cannot specify options, I have to take what they have on offer (other than adding M-Sport and M-Performance options). There is no 335i or 535i available so my choices are limited. They also cost at least double what you would pay elsewhere.

This wont be a daily driver, more for fun - but I do have 2 kids that will occasionally be in it - and would like to use it for holidays etc. I am also in the 40+ age group that reading these forums tells me I should be getting a 5 series and also smoking a pipe and wearing slippers.... :-)

I should add that I have driven a Sport line 328i and also a 528i. I liked both - but neither had the engine sound I really crave. Hence - looking at something with a straight 6....

Last edited by khai Dow; 02-17-2013 at 10:57 PM.. Reason: extra detail
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      02-18-2013, 05:30 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Robin_NL View Post
The F30 feels (and IS) agile, a F10 is not. You can throw a F30 335i around a bend , you don't do that with an F10, way too heavy. But the F10 is more comfy, very silent, etc etc. But apart from the N55 it's not as dynamic as you might think. The 335i still is. A day & night difference(and >400? lbs too)

So the F30 feels and is faster in a straight line, the (exhaust) sound is much better. You can toss it around. The brakes are better(not only because it weighs less) . The positition behind the wheel is more active. But I stll love the F10 interior. Superb quality.

TBH I still prefer the F10's in & exterior styling.
But driving the F30 makes me forget that in a heartbeat.
Well said that's what I find too. Being 6' I like the extra space of the 5. It also has less wind noise but the F30 is way more fun
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      02-18-2013, 07:21 AM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by khai Dow
Sorry for hijacking the thread....Similar question to the OP, but different models in question....

I am trying to decide between an AH3 and AH5. The spec is:

Both will have M Sport package
Both will upgrade to 20" wheels

AH3 will have adaptive suspension

AH5 will have better interior options such as rear seat entertainment, HUD, comfort access etc

The AH5 will cost approx 20% more than the AH3 based on the above.

I live in a country where I cannot specify options, I have to take what they have on offer (other than adding M-Sport and M-Performance options). There is no 335i or 535i available so my choices are limited. They also cost at least double what you would pay elsewhere.

This wont be a daily driver, more for fun - but I do have 2 kids that will occasionally be in it - and would like to use it for holidays etc. I am also in the 40+ age group that reading these forums tells me I should be getting a 5 series and also smoking a pipe and wearing slippers.... :-)

I should add that I have driven a Sport line 328i and also a 528i. I liked both - but neither had the engine sound I really crave. Hence - looking at something with a straight 6....
The 5 in white with m performance pkg looks sweet
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      02-18-2013, 08:04 AM   #20
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If you are looking for more space but can deal with the obvious performance loss a 535i will give, the the 5 series is the car for you.

However, if you want better gas mileage and more performance but can deal with less space a 5 offers then the 3 series is the one you should buy. Keep in Mind that the new 3 has more leg room
Then the e90.
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      02-18-2013, 08:32 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hautemama View Post
Hello!! I need help in making a decision regarding my vehicle. I'm thinking about purchasing a brand new 2012 3 series or the brand new 5 series. I know the obvious difference are that the 5 is bigger and has a different feel. I want to know your opinions in regards to both vehicles, and how you feel about these cars? I know the 3 series is completely different than its previous model so it's new and exciting, and nice to drive. But the 5 series is also nice and bigger as well, and with the new engine also saves on gas!! Please help!!
Basically what others had said; and another thing to help you to narrow down your search is your budget. How much is your budget?
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      02-18-2013, 08:36 AM   #22
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Unless you able to shell out significantly more cash for a 540i or M5, every single one of us here (probably) would recommend a F30.

The M5 is iconic and my favorite sedan manufactured today. But, that is a $100k car.
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