[chrisny]

Originally Posted by khai Dow

more for fun...

You answered your own question right there. AH3.

[RoundelM3]

I recently had to make this same choice. After sitting in both cars in a showroom, I discovered that the front and rear legroom in the F30 is the same as the F10. The F10 is wider and heavier, but is also $10K more expensive than a comparable F30 (with the N55 engine). As much as I liked the F10, the F30 was the better choice. I drove both the 328 and 335i, and while the 328i was surprisingly quick, the 335i's engine was a lot smoother and sounded better.

[RoundelM3]

Originally Posted by Neph

+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) !!

I'm gonna call bullshit on this one - I'm WAY over 50, and I chose the F30, after owning 3 other 3-series. Don't judge based on age - I will be driving a performance-oriented car until the State won't give me a license any more.

[EDF30]

The main reason to get a 5 over a 3 would be the nicer interior and the ability to order the luxury seating package and nappa leather.

The main reason to get the 3 over the 5 would be better power to weight ratio, sportier feel and handling, plus less cost of course.

[SamS]

If you drive both the 3er and 5er, your preference should be pretty apparent after about 5 minutes.

[bavarianride]

I picked F30 over F10 mainly for the driving dynamics, but I do agree F10 has nicer interior than F30.

[sean10mm]

Do you want a bigger car? 5er obviously.
Are luxury & gadgets more important that other factors? 5er, again, pretty obvious.
Straight line speed? Depends on the engine, 550i is on par with a 335i in 0-60, 535i similar to 328i, etc.
Handling? 3er
Fuel economy? 3er
Price? 3er

Not counting the M5 or M3 since those are in a whole other class.

[F30AM]

Big vs Small - 5 Series a car for bigger backsides.
More tech vs Less tech - 5 Series needs all the tech for a worthwhile drive. Great car then.

Drive them back to back ensuring they have all the toys.
Get the one that's better value for money but also gets your juices flowing.

There, you've got the answer.

[arnsbrae]

Originally Posted by roundel335

I recently had to make this same choice. After sitting in both cars in a showroom, I discovered that the front and rear legroom in the F30 is the same as the F10. The F10 is wider and heavier, but is also $10K more expensive than a comparable F30 (with the N55 engine). As much as I liked the F10, the F30 was the better choice. I drove both the 328 and 335i, and while the 328i was surprisingly quick, the 335i's engine was a lot smoother and sounded better.

For many people, the F30 is clearly a strong alternative to an F10. It is quicker (model for model) and goes round corners better, even though it doesn't feel quite as special inside (although I think the F30 looks much better on the outside).

However, the legroom in my F10 is definitely superior to the F30. I don't know how anyone coud reach a different conclusion!

[RoundelM3]

Originally Posted by arnsbrae

For many people, the F30 is clearly a strong alternative to an F10. It is quicker (model for model) and goes round corners better, even though it doesn't feel quite as special inside (although I think the F30 looks much better on the outside).

However, the legroom in my F10 is definitely superior to the F30. I don't know how anyone coud reach a different conclusion!

What can I say, other than what we observed? My wife and I got into the F10, checked front and rear legroom with the front seats adjusted for my comfort, then did the same for the F30. We did not find any significant difference in legroom - at least, not $10,000 worth.

[everettpa1]

A choice between a 535 and 335 is simple. 335. The same engine has to push 600-700 more lbs around in the 5er. That's a deal breaker right there.

The real tough choice is a 550 versus a 335. I know the price gap is larger but now you are doing more of an apples to apples comparison.

I drove both back to back and picked the 335. Its not an easy choice. Leg room is nearly the same but lateral leg room is wider in the 5er. That is what I noticed. Rear leg room seems identical. Seats and dash are nicer.

Do you want a quiet cabin with very little driver involvement, get the 5er.

If you want to hear the exhaust, feel the shifting, make fairly aggressive turns, feel more connected to the road, then its the 3er.

It's really that simple. Both are great choices depending on what you want.

[mdsbuc]

Originally Posted by roundel335

I'm gonna call bullshit on this one - I'm WAY over 50, and I chose the F30, after owning 3 other 3-series. Don't judge based on age - I will be driving a performance-oriented car until the State won't give me a license any more.

Amen brother. (Age 60)

[RoundelM3]

Originally Posted by mdsbuc

Amen brother. (Age 60)

Absolutely! By the way, other than color, your car appears to be very similarly equipped as the one I'm waiting on. How do you like it so far?

[shivaswrath]

Seats on the F10 are cushier... For the fatter older butts that sit in them.

I'm getting a 5-series in 15 years for sure.

[mdsbuc]

Originally Posted by roundel335

Absolutely! By the way, other than color, your car appears to be very similarly equipped as the one I'm waiting on. How do you like it so far?

I'm waiting as well. ED is on 4/23......

[justinnum1]

i just picked up an F10, awesome car but man it's a fucking boat. Which is fine, thats one of the reasons we got it, but if you enjoy an inkling of sporty driving, stay away.

[Frzdrdhppy]

Originally Posted by roundel335

I'm gonna call bullshit on this one - I'm WAY over 50, and I chose the F30, after owning 3 other 3-series. Don't judge based on age - I will be driving a performance-oriented car until the State won't give me a license any more.

+1

[RN_2021]

I currently own a F30 335i Msport and was starting to question my buy. Drove an F10 550i Msport yesterday at carmax and it made me love my F30. The F10 is definitely more comfortable to sit in and has a lot more tech features, but the F30 just drove better. So, if you want a better drive, I say go for the F30.

[rjc32000]

F30 is a sports sedan with some luxury; F10 is a luxury sedan with some sportiness.

If you are looking for objective advice between the two, you might look someplace other than the forum dedicated to the 3 series--we obviously have already made the choice as to which is the better car for us!

[RoundelM3]

Originally Posted by mdsbuc

I'm waiting as well. ED is on 4/23......

Well then, maybe we can turn the tables...according to my CA, it's supposed to arrive this coming Saturday. I'll let you know my impressions, as I will have a 2-hour drive home after taking delivery.

[n55x3]

I recently went through a similar experience. 550i vs 335i. I put money down on the 550i (somewhat blindly as I had never found a RWD 550i in my area so I 'bought' it from a dealer about 5 hours away) and when I went to pick it up the test drive just didn't do it for me. Ended up walking away from the deal. Kinda felt bad for the sales guy.

Here is what pulled me towards the 335i:

The 550i driving experience was very isolating. It is deceptively fast but you don't feel it at all. No noise, no thrill, no nothing. The 550i felt huge too. Handling was decent, I was about to buy one with the active roll bars, adjustable suspension and all the other goodies. With the killer multi-contour seats in the F10 there was almost NO leg room in the back row when I had the seat positioned to where I was comfortable. I literally could not sit in the back seat in the F10. I think the multi-contour seat backs are super thick while the F30 sport seats are about half the thickness. An F10 with base seats is a different story and did offer much better rear leg room but the 550i had to come with the multi-contour seats and I really wasn't interested in compromising for a set of regular seats in an F10.

Why I choose an F30 335i:

It is so much more exciting and engaging to drive. Very light feeling when driven back to back with the 550i. Great MPG is just an added bonus. And the big surprise? The F30 with sport seats had more legroom than the F10 w/ the multi-contour seats. This is a fact in our situation. I am 6'6" and I don't have to put the F30 seats all the way back to get comfy. I was able to sit behind myself with ease. Also, a baby seat fit in the back of an F30 so much easier.

End of the day, I'm glad I went with the 335i. It should finish production tomorrow then hopefully it sets sail shortly there after.

[mdsbuc]

Originally Posted by roundel335

Well then, maybe we can turn the tables...according to my CA, it's supposed to arrive this coming Saturday. I'll let you know my impressions, as I will have a 2-hour drive home after taking delivery.

Best wishes on your delivery of the new bimmer. I'm looking forward to your impressions and to a boatload of photos!