[MNC8395]

I have an E90 SE (just a 318) and a G30 520d SE

The 318 is tighter and more pointy. But it is not even close to the 520d in terms of refinement.

For a big car the 520d does well but it cannot hide it's bulk in the corners.

[CryptoManiac]

I have driven a 3 series 318D for about 1.5 years, before switching jobs and getting a Mercedes C 220D as an intermediate car (model of 2014). Ordered a 5 series Touring 520D last month, to be delivered by end of June...

The Mercedes has a more comfortable ride (3 series without adaptive dampers, run flat tires). That is the only thing I prefer about the Merc - besides the fact it has a bigger engine - but that is not the fault of the 3 series. I liked the 3 series a lot more; but one hour drive with the G30 clearly shows the difference between the 3 and the 5 series.

If my budget was more tight, I would almost certainly have order the new Audi A4 or A5 (although in the end I have not driven either of them - just went for the new 5 series).

You could test the brand new BMW 4 series Grand Coupé?

Good luck with your choice!

[pemz]

I went from F30 to G30 just the other day. I've had the car now for three days and oh boy what a big difference it is, in all aspects. I'm enjoying that luxury feeling at the moment a lot. Always loved the 3 series and driven them. This is my first 5er.

There is still a lot of discussion concerning the drive and VDC. My G30 is with standard M sport springs without VDC. A lot of people say that M sports is too hard and it doesn't drive that well on bumpy roads. I do not share this opinion. I've had a chance to testdrive a M sports with VDC and it was great, but to say standard M sports springs are bad and that you really have to order it with VDC, is total bogus. It goes smoothly over the speed bumps and it gives just right amount of information to the stearing wheel. It is very comfortable, even with 19" wheels, and at the same time it allows you do take the corners fast.

Just make sure to take good options when buying the new BMW, but this goes for all the brands. G30 won't be a disappointment for sure!

[steve090619]

I started with 325 sedan, moved up to 3 coupe than x3 and then to 535. I now drive the 540xi, the 5 series is no comparison to a 3 (excluding the M line, that is completely different car altogether). I would never go back to a 3. 5 is bigger, handles great, people can fit in back seat comfortable, much bigger trunk, even with spare tire option. The 5 series is the perfect size car. Keep in mind, I am 43 years old with a family now, when I was in my 20's and didn't care about those things, I had the coupe.

[ZigmundUK]

Originally Posted by pemz

I went from F30 to G30 just the other day. I've had the car now for three days and oh boy what a big difference it is, in all aspects. I'm enjoying that luxury feeling at the moment a lot. Always loved the 3 series and driven them. This is my first 5er.

There is still a lot of discussion concerning the drive and VDC. My G30 is with standard M sport springs without VDC. A lot of people say that M sports is too hard and it doesn't drive that well on bumpy roads. I do not share this opinion. I've had a chance to testdrive a M sports with VDC and it was great, but to say standard M sports springs are bad and that you really have to order it with VDC, is total bogus. It goes smoothly over the speed bumps and it gives just right amount of information to the stearing wheel. It is very comfortable, even with 19" wheels, and at the same time it allows you do take the corners fast.

Just make sure to take good options when buying the new BMW, but this goes for all the brands. G30 won't be a disappointment for sure!

Thanks - great insight.

[Acturater]

Originally Posted by hawaiiM2

I went with the 530i for my wife. I added the JB+ so puts me near 300hp. I ended up ordering a 550i to replace my M2.

Do you see yourself missing the agility of the M2 or M3? The handling characteristics must be completely different, addl power notwithstanding.

[BMWSKI]

My previous car was a 335dX saloon (2013/14) and I'm moving to a 540iX next month. I will gladly share my thoughts if that's helpful to anyone.
Admittedly I've been in an E63 for the past 2 years so it's not a straight swap but I did love my 3 series.
Can't wait

[steve090619]

Originally Posted by screamace

The first model I looked at when looking for 335ix replacement was 4GC. It's indeed special and rare, however I can't justify spending $6000 more on essentially the same car.

If you live in a cold climate with ice or snow, do not get the 4 series. The side windows are independent of the frame. When you open your door, they lower 1/8 of an inch so you can open your door. If your car is iced from bad weather, window can not go down and you can't open the door. I will never buy a car with that feature again, hence I will never even consider a 4 series because of this issue.

[ZigmundUK]

Originally Posted by steve090619

If you live in a cold climate with ice or snow, do not get the 4 series. The side windows are independent of the frame. When you open your door, they lower 1/8 of an inch so you can open your door. If your car is iced from bad weather, window can not go down and you can't open the door. I will never buy a car with that feature again, hence I will never even consider a 4 series because of this issue.

That's just bonkers!

[cb_g30]

I am currently driving '14 328i Sport and will take delivery of '17 530i M-sport very soon. I decided to drive another BMW, because it just can't compete how it drives. I thought about MB E300 or Audi A6 2.0T. E300 is way too soft and steering is way too light. A6's interior is too boring and needs a major redesign ASAP. I wanted a bigger car since the 3 series is a bit small for me. The 5 series is perfect size all around. I ordered another BMW, because the fleet manager knew me for 3 years+ so he let me custom order at no extra cost. This post may not be helpful for your question, but this is my opinion.

[steve090619]

Originally Posted by ZigmundUK

That's just bonkers!

Check it our, it is a real pain in the neck. you can't leave your car without a can of icemelt, and how good is that for your paint. If you live in an area with no snow, then it is not an issue.

[Almaretto]

Originally Posted by steve090619

If you live in a cold climate with ice or snow, do not get the 4 series. The side windows are independent of the frame. When you open your door, they lower 1/8 of an inch so you can open your door. If your car is iced from bad weather, window can not go down and you can't open the door. I will never buy a car with that feature again, hence I will never even consider a 4 series because of this issue.

The frameless 6-series windows do the same. It can also cause issues with window tint, during curation period.

[Nivarox]

Originally Posted by steve090619

If you live in a cold climate with ice or snow, do not get the 4 series. The side windows are independent of the frame. When you open your door, they lower 1/8 of an inch so you can open your door. If your car is iced from bad weather, window can not go down and you can't open the door. I will never buy a car with that feature again, hence I will never even consider a 4 series because of this issue.

Excuse me for my interference as I have not had 3 Series as the title of this thread suggested however last part of your message made me get into this thread to extrapolate on the cars with that feature you mentioned .
My car also lowers the windows when you open the door so does a Mercedes-Benz S Coupe .I think that's a feature associated with coupe or sport cars .I have no idea why that's all about at all .
However, may be coding could get this sorted out

[Almaretto]

Originally Posted by Nivarox

My car also lowers the windows when you open the door so does a Mercedes-Benz S Coupe .I think that's a feature associated with coupe or sport cars .I have no idea why that's all about at all .
However, may be coding could get this sorted out

Coding can definitely change the behavior.

[pemz]

Here is mine btw. Happy times! :-))

[Roger_M]

Wow - that looks awesome!

Congrats Pemz!!!

Let us know how it drives....

[ajfoggy]

Originally Posted by Almaretto

Coding can definitely change the behavior.

Yeah but if the windows don't drop then you'll just break the window when you try and open the door

[Almaretto]

Originally Posted by ajfoggy

Yeah but if the windows don't drop then you'll just break the window when you try and open the door

I have never broken window glass on any vehicle.

[ajfoggy]

Originally Posted by Almaretto

I have never broken window glass on any vehicle.

I'm not saying you have. I'm saying if you code the windows not to drop on coupe then you'll break the glass when you open the doors.

Or is that not what you meant about coding them?

[TimeFor]

I went the other way. I had an E46 3 series and went to F10. Nice upgrade. Then went from F10 to a F33 4 series. Just awful. I have an I01 i3 REx right now for commuting but I'll probably buy a G30 530e when pricing is reasonable and use it as a fun car.

[Almaretto]

Originally Posted by ajfoggy

I'm not saying you have. I'm saying if you code the windows not to drop on coupe then you'll break the glass when you open the doors.

Or is that not what you meant about coding them?

It is my understanding that it lowers to avoid catching on weather stripping but not necessarily a hard, physical barrier that should cause breaking.

It gets rather chilly in the motherland. I bet the Germans accounted for this with motorized windows.

[ZigmundUK]

Originally Posted by Almaretto

It is my understanding that it lowers to avoid catching on weather stripping but not necessarily a hard, physical barrier that should cause breaking.

It gets rather chilly in the motherland. I bet the Germans accounted for this with motorized windows.

It must get enveloped by something in the door-closed position so would need to lower to open the doors.