[ChiNorm]

I am looking to replace my ’13 F10 xdrive with an G30 and I would like to learn about the differences between the two before I go shopping. Questions cover several categories.

1. Seats. I have the multi-adjustable comfort seats and love them. One of the main reasons I bought the car are these seats, which have worked wonders on what once was chronic back pain. Is this still an option on the G30? If not, what are the choices?

2. Suspension. I prefer a firmer suspension. Is the only difference between the M Sport and the regular chassis the staggered tires and the stiffer M Sport sway bars. M Sport cars are rare, so I figure I will simply purchase the M Sport bars separately. Is there anything else I ought to know about?

3. Audio system. I have the H-K, which is pretty good. What are the audio options for the F30? I don’t want anything inferior to my current H-K system. An upgrade would be nice.

4. Spare tire option. How much room does this eat up in the trunk?

5. Rear window shade. I like this and it helps keep a black car from heating up so bad in the summer sun. Is this still an option?

6. Motor. I currently have the B55 and I think it’s great. I’m not interested in the 550, which is more power (and trouble potential) than I need, nor am I interested in the 4 cylinder motor. Any thoughts?

7. Anything else I have overlooked?

Thanks much for your comments and insights.

[tsbrown]

F30 is the 2013-2019 3 series. G30 is the 2017-2023 5 series. Are you asking about the G30 5 series?

[ChiNorm]

Yes, G30 please.

[ezaircon4jc]

I went from (wife's car now) from a 2014 535i to a 2019 540i. Both have the comfort seats (a requirement for me) and M-sport (704) suspension. I had a 2012 535i with the base suspension, which was a bit floaty, but nowhere near Buick floaty. IMHO, the 704 is just right for this platform.

The F10 has HiFi and the G30 HK. The HK is much better, IMHO, than the base HiFi. From my understanding, the HK in the LCI cars is underwhelming as they reduced the power output.

The G30 has more options than the F10, like ACC and lane-keeping assist. I didn't think I cared about the ACC, but in traffic I find it useful.

All the goodies aside, I still enjoy driving the F10; the G30 is just, to me, different.

[tsbrown]

Originally Posted by ChiNorm

I am looking to replace my ’13 F10 xdrive with an G30 and I would like to learn about the differences between the two before I go shopping. Questions cover several categories.

1. Seats. I have the multi-adjustable comfort seats and love them. One of the main reasons I bought the car are these seats, which have worked wonders on what once was chronic back pain. Is this still an option on the G30? If not, what are the choices?

2. Suspension. I prefer a firmer suspension. Is the only difference between the M Sport and the regular chassis the staggered tires and the stiffer M Sport sway bars. M Sport cars are rare, so I figure I will simply purchase the M Sport bars separately. Is there anything else I ought to know about?

3. Audio system. I have the H-K, which is pretty good. What are the audio options for the F30? I don’t want anything inferior to my current H-K system. An upgrade would be nice.

4. Spare tire option. How much room does this eat up in the trunk?

5. Rear window shade. I like this and it helps keep a black car from heating up so bad in the summer sun. Is this still an option?

6. Motor. I currently have the B55 and I think it’s great. I’m not interested in the 550, which is more power (and trouble potential) than I need, nor am I interested in the 4 cylinder motor. Any thoughts?

7. Anything else I have overlooked?

Thanks much for your comments and insights.

ezaircon4jc is spot on with his points. I’ve never had the N55 but the B58 inline 6 in the 540i is generally regarded as one of BMW’s best, has been very reliable, though you will probably hear/read about coolant tank leaks.

I have the factory spare option but have never used it. The insert it sits in, along with jack, wheel chock, etc takes up about 3 inches of trunk height but it’s worth the peace of mind as I’ve been running non run flats for over 4 years. It uses the same trunk floor as cars without the option.

The rear/side sunshades are available for the G30 but I haven’t had them since my E90 M3 that broke. Handy to block the sun but good tint may be better.

[ChiNorm]

Regarding the M-sport (704) suspension, is the only difference the sway bars or are other components different?

[Joe-BMW33]

I had a 2012 F10, which was the N55 535xi. It was an M-Sport.

There are several more differences between the G30 luxury/sport line and M-package cars other than suspension and staggered wheels, but it’s mostly cosmetic, but personally a deal breaker for me to not have it. I’m not sure where you are looking, but m-sport 540’s are far more common than non m-sport. You will get a firmer suspension but it will have adjustable dampers to make comfort mode be comfortable and sport mode firmer. Best of both worlds you won’t get without it.

Audio- your not going to like this but HK sucks in the G30. It was nothing to write home about in the F10 but it was passable. You are going to be underwhelmed. Bowers and Wilkins is the next step up and it nearly impossible to find on a 540 and in fact, it may not even be an option AFAIK.

I have the spare tire option. You lose about 3” of depth. I haven’t run into issues, but I’m pretty much carrying golf clubs as the largest items in my trunk. Two bags fits easily, never tried three, but I bet I could get them in with the drivers removed. All this said, I don’t think you can get a 540 with non runflats which triggers the spare.

The N63 V8 in the M550 is proving to be just as reliable as the B58. I know you don’t think you need the power and frankly you don’t because the B58 is pretty smooth, but you’re not going to get all you want without compromising if you target the 540.

All in all, the F10 was a fantastic car and if you love it, the G30 just continues on driving improvement and technology.

[kosmokratur]

FWIW, I remember B&W as being available on the configurator for a 540, at least in late 2019 when I was considering placing a Euro delivery order for May 2020. Good luck finding one used, though.

[AP]

B&w wasn’t in the U.K. at least initially in 2017.
Dug out a printed brochure (remember those) .

What a difference in how we order cars today, you can pick loads of individual options

[AP]

Correction yes it was found it

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by AP

Correction yes it was found it

I don't think I have ever come across a 540 owner with B&W. Dejavu, I think we had this discussion in another thread, people ordering 540's want to keep it in the $70-$80k range it was targeted for and not bump up against the M550. BMW certainly isn't building them on their own with B&W.

[AP]

Yeh figured. In general I think the bigger the engine , the more likely it is loaded with options. I once saw a 520d for sale that had individual paint.