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BMW 5-Series (G30) Forum 2017+ BMW 5 Series (G30) General Discussions F30 to 540 owners

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      12-01-2021, 12:54 PM   #1
Derekrpd
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F30 to 540 owners

How many people here have moved up to a 5 Series from a 3 Series? Thinking about making the jump from my 335xi. I love the car but could use just a little more room and space. Thinking about a 2019 540xi. I assume the 540 rides a little smoother but probably not quite as nimble. Other than an M-Sport package is there any other options to make sure I get…or avoid? Thanks!
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      12-01-2021, 01:22 PM   #2
SteveinArizona
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I made the change from a 330e to a 530e. My suggestions would be nappa leather (IMHO Dakota/Vernasca are crap and you are better off with sensatec if you don't upgrade to nappa), HUD and ACC.

I drove an M340i at the BMW Autocross event and it was a hoot. I am sure the 540 will be as well.
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      12-01-2021, 05:16 PM   #3
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Agreed once you have HUD, nappa leather, ACC and parking packages it would be hard to get a car without that moving forward.
I would also check off the sport brakes as they are an add on as well.
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      12-01-2021, 06:04 PM   #4
akuwes710
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Nappa leather comes with the comfort seat, which i think is cherry on top for a sport saloon. HUD is nice but i'm still ok without it. Parking assistant is very useful for a bigger car.
I feel like the 3 asks to be abused right and left, while my 5 is more somber and composed.
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      12-01-2021, 06:18 PM   #5
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I went from a 2012 328i to a nicely equipped 2017 540i and its been very comfortable and smooth. I would highly recommend the nappa leather, heads up display, and the m-sport package as it upgrades the suspension and appearance quite a bit! I miss how the handling of the 328i was as the turbo 4 was lighter and felt like a go-kart compare to a luxury highway cruiser. The 540i is much bigger but I got used to it quickly with the surrounding cameras.
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      12-01-2021, 08:34 PM   #6
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I went for a E92 335i coupe to the G30 540i earlier this year. I literally did it cause 1. needed more space for the kids and 2. loved the look of the G30 and the B58 motor!

I kept the e92 for about 2-3 weeks after and couldn't get back used to driving the e92.

Loving my 540!
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      12-02-2021, 04:56 AM   #7
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I went from an E36 to a G30, so there was a lot of new bells and whistles that I was not used to or even aware of.

First, the handling was crap. I test drove a regular 540 and it felt like driving a boat. I'm used to throwing cars around in the canyons so this is something that I'm still getting used to. I ended up with the M Sport kit and the handling was night and day different. The car still feels heavy going around the corners, but the increased HP makes up for it.

If you can get the top of the line model, get it! I know you probably don't care about some of the tech, but now that I've gotten used to it, its really nice. There are some things like ambient lights or gesture control that are not really needed, but it doesn't hurt to have them.

Get the softest seats you can get. I'm assuming you were like me and wanted to get into a 5 because you needed something bigger and more luxurious. The softer seats will be appreciated on long drives.

I got into the 5 because like @I3lazen I needed room for the kids, I didn't want to get into another SUV or a minivan, and I love the B58! Oh and if you can get the M Sport brakes, get them!

The 5 is bigger than the 3, but it's much more refined and feels like a missle on the Freeway.
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      12-02-2021, 10:41 AM   #8
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I upgraded from a 328 to an M550. To be brutally honest, my only regret is not simply going for a 5er (f10) the first time around. There is literally nothing the 3 did better other than getting marginally better fuel economy.

Find one well equipped and you’ll be very happy. Like others have said, take advantage of the features only available on the 5- especially the seats. I would also treat the assist packages as must haves.
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      12-02-2021, 10:58 AM   #9
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My wife has had 3 series cars for the last 12 or so years. First a 2008 335xi, then a 2014 328xi. She loves her cunet 328 and doesn't want a new one. The 335xi was very quick and fun to drive but both 3's were confining for me. They were both 4 door cars so doors are shorter than the comparable coupe's would have been. I also don't find the 3's seats to be very comfortable for me; hard to get an adjustment that feels right. For myself, I have owned two Five series cars since 2010, a 2010 535xi (E60) and a 2019 540xi. Both had/have M Sport packages and 456 Multi-Contour seats. Both have been very comfortable for me and both handle quite well and have plenty of power. I would strongly recommend the M Sport packages and the Multi-Contour seats. You won't regret having either. --Bob
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      12-03-2021, 07:04 AM   #10
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I went from 2018 340i Touring (F31) to 2022 540i Touring (G31) this year. We needed more space for family, and something more comfortable.

The 340i is more immediate, lively, louder exhaust (stock), more fun but much less comfortable. The ride on the 19" runflats is quite harsh even on stock suspension.

My 540i came with non-runflat Pirelli P Zeros, I've opted for comfort seats and dynamic dampers - it's like floating on a cloud, super comfortable. Engine noise is less pronounced, quieter exhaust. It's more of a "grown up" car if you like. I'm still in the break-in period, so I haven't driven the car hard yet, but it's no slouch. It's roomier inside since it's much longer (some 35cm IIRC).

Edit: changed magnetic suspension to DDC .

Last edited by pepitko; 12-03-2021 at 03:17 PM..
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      12-03-2021, 10:10 AM   #11
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Huh? What is a magnetic suspension? Did you perhaps order an MSport with the dynamic handling package?
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      12-03-2021, 03:16 PM   #12
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Sorry, it’s the 223 dynamic damper control.
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      12-06-2021, 09:58 AM   #13
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I'm moving from a mid-size SUV to the mid size sedan. Honestly only used the full cargo capacity a few times over the 16 years I've owned it. And my wife has a full size SUV, so cargo space is not an issue when we need it.
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