[steve090619]

It does this so door gets a better seal. there is no way of opening door without the window dropping 1/8 inch or so. It is a horrible design for people who live in cold weather climates and if he is cross shopping a possible 4 to a 5, If I lived in a cold climate, 5 series wins just on this issue. If you code it to have window stay up, you would not be able to open and close the door.

[ZigmundUK]

Originally Posted by steve090619

It does this so door gets a better seal. there is no way of opening door without the window dropping 1/8 inch or so. It is a horrible design for people who live in cold weather climates and if he is cross shopping a possible 4 to a 5, If I lived in a cold climate, 5 series wins just on this issue. If you code it to have window stay up, you would not be able to open and close the door.

This sort of design is for top-down cars right? So the door frame doesn't go over the top of the window etc and I guess their logic is why would anyone have a top-down car used in the snow?

[steve090619]

Originally Posted by ZigmundUK

This sort of design is for top-down cars right? So the door frame doesn't go over the top of the window etc and I guess their logic is why would anyone have a top-down car used in the snow?

except the 4 series sedan and couple have this feature. Poor engineering with feature.

[Anxious]

I've graduated from a 2006 E90 325i to a 2017 530i and am enjoying the experience.

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by steve090619

except the 4 series sedan and coupe have this feature. Poor engineering with feature.

If we have frameless windows, we have to secure the glass some way.

IMO, it really is an elegant design to 'lock in' the glass. Could be viewed as a poor engineering solution, but what is the alternative? You either have to have a lip of some sort, (moveable to open the door) or add pressure to the glass, to hold a tight seal.

When we move away from the more practical framed windows, we are into compromises.

[BiGFather]

Originally Posted by HighlandPete

If we have frameless windows, we have to secure the glass some way.

IMO, it really is an elegant design to 'lock in' the glass. Could be viewed as a poor engineering solution, but what is the alternative? You either have to have a lip of some sort, (moveable to open the door) or add pressure to the glass, to hold a tight seal.

When we move away from the more practical framed windows, we are into compromises.

I must agree. The no frame windows on 4 are absolutely awesome, it´s really really nice when you open the door.
Somebody said there is slightly bit higher wind noise but during test drive I didnt notice (cuz I have been enjoying 440i sound hehe).

[Shaw]

Originally Posted by G30

I was in the same situation, don't need a bigger car or car to have one, I test drove the 3 and the 5 back to back and the 5 just blew me away. Inside outside everything was just better to me.

You're comparing apples to oranges...
The 3 is soon to be re-designed and the 5 is a new Gen. not to mention that 5 is a higher class than 3 to begin with. The features and gadgets are just out of this world compared to the 3-er. So for sure the 5 would blow anyone away compared to the F-30.
I had a 2013 3 series...my issue with 3 was it was too low (when sitting in the seat), the legs aren't comfortable in a long-haul commute...and I'm only 5' 10".
I switched into a 2016 X1...and so far it is much more comfortable than the 3 sedan.
Not sure if the same low seating issue applies to 5 series. I hope not, as I'm seriously considering it (unless the new 8 series comes out soon...lol)