[Damage Inc]

I'm looking at 16 535i M Sports loaded up, 30k miles low 30k's. Then I'm seeing 17 530i lower end cars in the mid to low 30k's.

Certainly caught my attention to get the newer model. Even if its only the 4 cyl and not as many options.

So, did any of you go to a 17 530i from an F10 535 or 550i M Sport?

I guess I can always buy the 16 535i now then "upgrade" in a couple years.

TIA

[magbarn]

You can’t find a 540i for just a few thousand more? I just bought a 2017 CPO 540i and the price difference from other similarly optioned 530i was just a few thousand dollars. The B58 is a beast of an engine.

I do drive a 30 mile commute with a 2000 foot elevation change so the extra power is very noticeable. The 540i also has more power available off the line in street traffic.

It’ll cost you more to buy the 530i now and just trade it in a year or so later for a higher model.

I considered the 530i but changed my mind after a test drive. All my previous Bimmers have been i6’s...

If your budget will only allow the g30 530i over a F10 535i, I’d probably get the 530i, the F10 is seriously outclassed by the G30 in every way.

[wknddrivr]

I had an E90 328 which I absolutely loved and was totaled. The accident caused some back problems for me and as good as the 3 series sport seats are, I needed better seats and started looking at the 5 with multi contour.

Generally I prefer to buy used and keep cars long term, so I looked at the F10. The quality and style of the interior and the driving experience was so inferior to the G30 that I ended up getting a new 2017 530i because I disliked the F10 so much. Keep in mind, the f10 weighs more than the G30 and has worse aerodynamics so the G30 530 0-60 time is 6 seconds and the 535 is about 5.6 so they aren’t too far apart in that regard.

As the poster above mentioned, the G30 is a much better driving car than the F10. It weighs less and has a better suspension so the handling is sharper and it has more steering feel (although it still has nowhere near the steering feel of my E90 or my e36 m3). It’s much more quiet than the f10. I actually prefer the exterior styling of the F10 over the G30, but the interior of the G30 is miles ahead.

As far as the 4 vs 6 cylinder, the 530i is incredibly refined and if you didn’t know it was a 4 cylinder you’d think it’s a v6. But there’s no mistaking it for a BMW in-line 6. If you drive a lot on interstates, the 530i is great, very smooth, refined, quiet and has enough power. Where it falls short for me is in stop and go driving. It’s slightly rough when your getting started from a complete stop and gives away that it’s not a silky BMW i-6. Its pretty damn good but it still bothers me a little and makes me wish I had gone with the 540i since most of my driving is stop and go. Whenever I take long road trips, the 530i is great though. Easily get 35-36MPG driving around 80mph without trying.

You can’t go wrong with either car, but the G30 is so far ahead of the F10 that I’d take the 530i over the 535.

[ztx84]

I'd agree with the others here... The G30 is far better than the F10, although the F10 is still a very very good car (I owned one for 3 years before my G30). I wouldn't worry about the power of the 530i, its still has a good amount of go, and the cabin is very refined so in normal driving you won't hear it. Obviously if your budget can stretch a little more the 540i is stronger, the B58 engine is great, but a 530i is no slouch, and by no means a poor relation either. If it was my decision I'd go for the G30 over the F10.

[530iDriver]

Been very happy with my '17 530i and haven't regretted at all going with the B48 2 liter turbo engine. This car moves! Is smooth, quiet, has more than enough power for daily driving and out in the open road, the engine has an excellent power band that allows for quick and effortless passing.

Fuel economy is excellent and the car is lighter up front. The B58 adds weight to the front end.

The 540i with the B58 will be more expensive but faster as it should be given its added premium. Do you really need 335HP in this car? Not really but it is up to you. It all
Depends on your wants and your type of driving.

For the type of driving I do, the B58 in the 540i would be sorely wasted. For city traffic gridlock and short distances, the B48 2 liter is hard to beat with its smooth power delivery and good fuel mileage.

The G30 is such an improvement over the F10 is not even funny. The F10 was a good but fairly dated car. Technology, safety, drive experience, quality are all several notches above the F10.

Have fun deciding. Drive all back to back and don't let strangers on a forum sway your decision one way or the other. Only you can make an educated decision. Is your hard earned cash after all.

[ArchJR]

G30 all the way. I had an F10 528i and now a G30 540i. The added power is great, but all of the other ride, handling, technology, and design improvements make for a better driving experience regardless of engine choice.

[Damage Inc]

Thanks all for the info. Well, I did end up with a 16 535i M Sport.

Main reason was budget... my top end budget was $30k for a DD. And I've always liked the F10 M sport. I did briefly check out a low model 530 but it was $8k over my budget plus the base wasnt too exciting. I'd be mid $50k for a sport pack I liked.

I'll def jump into a G30 in a few years. Looks to be a great platform.