[chiu7526]

Hi Guys,

I am about to trade-in my 2011 Z4 35is with 20k miles for a 2013 535i with 12k miles this weekend.

I love my Z4 but want something a little bit bigger and found a good deal on this 535i. I am wondering what's the reason you buy 5 serious? Family? Kids? or?

I am 28 single and don't know if 5 serious will be too big for me. Wanna have some advise and opinions before I buy it.

Thanks

[Carrozzeria]

Personally I just love the 5 series in general. I had a e34 that I loved and being 6' 3" and just over 200 pounds the 3 series, though comfortable, were a tad smaller for me than wanted. The 5 series had gadgets, room, luxury, and enough power for me (personally, I know others argue this). I had an S2000 also, so I knew what "too small" meant haha.

Like anything else it comes to if you want the 5 series, there's people who come through here that love the e60 more than the F10 and think the F10 is just liked because it's the newest one. Where as in my eyes, when deciding between e60 for cheaper or F10, I knew in general it was just a car I wanted more.

Post pictures if you do pick it up!

[P1]

How about............ test driving it and seeing for yourself if you find it too big? Not something we can help you with mate.

[Kre62]

Originally Posted by chiu7526

Hi Guys,

I am about to trade-in my 2011 Z4 35is with 20k miles for a 2013 535i with 12k miles this weekend.

I love my Z4 but want something a little bit bigger and found a good deal on this 535i. I am wondering what's the reason you buy 5 serious? Family? Kids? or?

I am 28 single and don't know if 5 serious will be too big for me. Wanna have some advise and opinions before I buy it.

Thanks

Im in the same boat in that I am a bit younger than the usual 5 buyer and single as well, and am looking into buying a 5.

One thing I'll point out is that I don't believe the 2013 M sport had the 704 M Suspension. If you want something that's more sporty, I've read that this suspension is a must. Its on 2014+ 535/550 M Sports only.

Have you looked into EU delivery? Might be able to get a new 2015 for low enough that it makes going used less attractive.

[Carrozzeria]

Originally Posted by P1et

How about............ test driving it and seeing for yourself if you find it too big? Not something we can help you with mate.

Agreed, I will add if you haven't driven one/seen one somewhat up close (like not online) they're big cars! I have a Nissan Titan crew cab and the interior space is bigger but not by much to be honest haha, so make sure it's not too much car for where you work/go a lot.

[chiu7526]

I saw the car yesterday and ganan test drive it this weekend. I drove 2007 528i many times and I do love it but I am wondering what I will lost from the Z4.

The deal I got is $48k for 2013 535i M - 12k miles ...MSRP about $64k

I think is good deal right?

[Scobar]

32 and single, ordered a 550 about a month ago. Had a 328 before that. The 3 was a blast to drive, but the 5 is perfect. Nice amount of room, but still sporty, and damn it looks good too. Fit and finish is miles above the 3. Would have done a 6GC if I had another $30k laying around.

[Carrozzeria]

Originally Posted by chiu7526

I saw the car yesterday and ganan test drive it this weekend. I drove 2007 528i many times and I do love it but I am wondering what I will lost from the Z4.

The deal I got is $48k for 2013 535i M - 12k miles ...MSRP about $64k

I think is good deal right?

Are you in Washington by chance? There's a 2013 535i M with 12k Miles for $48k by me right now is why I ask haha.

The biggest/only thing I miss about my s2000 is that no one can ask for rides or for me to bring something larger than a bag of RedBull to them.

[chiu7526]

wait...a bit confuse.....are you selling it? or you sold it. The one I am getting is DGII. By the way I live in Seattle

[Carrozzeria]

Originally Posted by chiu7526

wait...a bit confuse.....are you selling it? or you sold it. The one I am getting is DGII. By the way I live in Seattle

Neither, I just saw it for sale, I still check for listings incase one pops up I'd rather have hahah. Nice! If it's the one at Barrier, ask for James Chrosniak if you do go for that one and aren't already working with someone!

[SonicEndeavor]

Originally Posted by Kre62

Im in the same boat in that I am a bit younger than the usual 5 buyer and single as well, and am looking into buying a 5.

One thing I'll point out is that I don't believe the 2013 M sport had the 704 M Suspension. If you want something that's more sporty, I've read that this suspension is a must. Its on 2014+ 535/550 M Sports only.

The 2013 535i/550i MSports definitely have the 704 suspension.
That said, be mindful of the hype around that suspension. It's still a fairly soft suspension, just not as soft as the standard suspension.

To the OP: the F10 is a big heavy quiet luxury cruiser that's essentially a smaller version of the 7 series (same platform). It's a beautiful car inside and out and has nice tech features. What it isn't, is sporty. It's fairly capable for a 2 ton car, and the N55 engine in the 535i you're looking at is a sweet power plant, perfectly suitable for non-aggressive driving mixed with some occasional spirited driving. You'll need to drive one to see how it fits your needs.

[Kre62]

Originally Posted by SonicEndeavor

The 2013 535i/550i MSports definitely have the 704 suspension.
That said, be mindful of the hype around that suspension. It's still a fairly soft suspension, just not as soft as the standard suspension.

Really? From threads like these it sounds like the suspension was added in September 2013:

http://f10.5post.com/forums/showthre...ght=704&page=2

Could it be that the 2013s have a different version of this suspension?

[SonicEndeavor]

Originally Posted by Kre62

Really? From threads like these it sounds like the suspension was added in September 2013:

http://f10.5post.com/forums/showthre...ght=704&page=2

Could it be that the 2013s have a different version of this suspension?

No, they temporarily dropped the 704 for the early 2014 model year builds (June/July/August 2013 build dates) then added it back starting with September builds. All 2013 model year MSports except 528i's have the 704.

[chiu7526]

I did a VIN check and it has "M Sports suspension" showing on the list. I am not sure this is the one you guys are talking about. The built date is 20.08.2012 for 2013 Model

[chiu7526]

Here is the equi list

Selection of COP relevant vehicles
Automatic transmission
Steering wheel heater
Tire with run-flat functionality
BMW LA wheel, M Double Spoke 351
Tyre pressure control (TPC)
automatic trunk lid mechanism
Integrated universal remote control
Comfort access
M Sports package
Reversing camera
Floor mats, velours
Interior/outside mirror with auto dip
Interior mirror with automatic-dip
Through-loading system
Lumbar support, driver and passenger
Seat heating driver/passenger
Seat heating, rear
Interior strips, aluminum hexagon
Blow-by heater
Ambient interior lighting
Headlight cleaning system
Park Distance Control (PDC)
Xenon Light
Adaptive Headlights
Supplementary 12V sockets
Navigation system Professional
Head-up display
Expanded BMW Online Information
Satellite tuner
Area-Code 1 for DVD
BMW TeleServices
Control for Teleservices
Music interface for Smartphone
Connection Bluetooth + USB devices incl.
Apps
Traffic Information
Instrument cluster, expanded equipment
Instrument cluster, expanded equipment
M Sports suspension
M leather steering wheel
M Aerodynamics package
High gloss shadow line
Headlining anthracite
High speed synchronisation

Decoding variable light distribution
Telematics access request,country-spec.

Transport protection package
Outer skin protection

[chiu7526]

The suspension on my Z4 35is is pretty hard (M suspension) and I kind like it. I will test drive this weekend to see how I like the 535i M suspension

Originally Posted by SonicEndeavor

The 2013 535i/550i MSports definitely have the 704 suspension.
That said, be mindful of the hype around that suspension. It's still a fairly soft suspension, just not as soft as the standard suspension.

To the OP: the F10 is a big heavy quiet luxury cruiser that's essentially a smaller version of the 7 series (same platform). It's a beautiful car inside and out and has nice tech features. What it isn't, is sporty. It's fairly capable for a 2 ton car, and the N55 engine in the 535i you're looking at is a sweet power plant, perfectly suitable for non-aggressive driving mixed with some occasional spirited driving. You'll need to drive one to see how it fits your needs.

[ezmaass]

The 5 is a big departure from your Z4, but that's not a bad thing if it's what you're looking for in a car. Pretty much - what you see is what you get. It's a larger mid-sized luxury sports sedan. It'll give you some amount of sporty driving (like all BMWs), but its main purpose is for hauling a few adults, some colleagues, or a family in luxury, longer distances, etc.

It's also known as one of the quintessential executive business sedans due to the nice balance of power, convenience, luxury, and size. As a person who drives long distances quite a bit for work, this car is squarely a great fit for me. 3 or 4 hours in the car hauling a colleague to a business meeting? No problem. There's plenty of "personal space", lots of seat comfort, passing power to get around granny in the left lane, low noise levels for taking business calls, great big navigation screen for finding the client's site, tons of integrated communications toys to stay in touch, etc... certainly a very different objective compared to the Z4... with top-down weekend corner-carving in-mind.

So, I think your decision really needs to come down to what you need in a vehicle. If you're looking for the above-mentioned traits, I don't think anything does it better than a 5-series... except maybe a 7 series or S-class, and then you're giving up more sportiness than ever. The 5 is a really nice balance with almost all of the luxury of a 7 and some of the sportiness of the 3 in a single package. I honestly can't think of a luxury sedan I'd rather own in nearly any segment. Find one that's really nicely equipped as the equipment level in nearly any BMW can make or break the experience IMHO.

[chiu7526]

Omg this is awesome advise. You can be a top car sales ...

what I am looking for is something that I can take my parents around comfortably when they visit me. 2,3 times a year and most of time I only take my girlfriend. I love Z4 but I do feel uncomfortable sometimes when driving it specially my gf complain about it. I was thinking about getting 335i or 435i coupe due to the size is perfect for me at this time since I dont have kids now but I like the look of the 535i M sport with some simple mods the car will look even better. And other thing I worry about is 5 serious is big and will be way easier to get car dents and etc...

Does Dark Graphite Metallic II easy to take care? My current Z4 is Black and is pain in the ass to keep it nice and clean

I am still wondering how much should I pay for this car. Non BMW dealer asking $48k and thats the lowest they can do.

2013 535i M Sport - 12k miles
- M Sport PKG
- Cold Weather PKG
- Technology PKG
- Premium PKG
- Head-up display
- Rear-View Camera / Parking Ass
- Comfort Access
- Fold-down rear seat

Originally Posted by ezmaass

The 5 is a big departure from your Z4, but that's not a bad thing if it's what you're looking for in a car. Pretty much - what you see is what you get. It's a larger mid-sized luxury sports sedan. It'll give you some amount of sporty driving (like all BMWs), but its main purpose is for hauling a few adults, some colleagues, or a family in luxury, longer distances, etc.

It's also known as one of the quintessential executive business sedans due to the nice balance of power, convenience, luxury, and size. As a person who drives long distances quite a bit for work, this car is squarely a great fit for me. 3 or 4 hours in the car hauling a colleague to a business meeting? No problem. There's plenty of "personal space", lots of seat comfort, passing power to get around granny in the left lane, low noise levels for taking business calls, great big navigation screen for finding the client's site, tons of integrated communications toys to stay in touch, etc... certainly a very different objective compared to the Z4... with top-down weekend corner-carving in-mind.

So, I think your decision really needs to come down to what you need in a vehicle. If you're looking for the above-mentioned traits, I don't think anything does it better than a 5-series... except maybe a 7 series or S-class, and then you're giving up more sportiness than ever. The 5 is a really nice balance with almost all of the luxury of a 7 and some of the sportiness of the 3 in a single package. I honestly can't think of a luxury sedan I'd rather own in nearly any segment. Find one that's really nicely equipped as the equipment level in nearly any BMW can make or break the experience IMHO.

[chiu7526]

By the way one more question. Does 5 serious has VIN stickers under each door? Thanks

[SonicEndeavor]

Originally Posted by chiu7526

The suspension on my Z4 35is is pretty hard (M suspension) and I kind like it. I will test drive this weekend to see how I like the 535i M suspension

If you really like the car, you can always swap out the suspension for a firmer ride, but a set of coilovers and new sway bars will set you back 3 grand or more.
Another option is the Audi A6 which handles considerably better than the 5 series.

The Dark Graphite won't be as bad as black, but it's still a dark color from a maintenance standpoint. Beautiful color though.
As far as price, KBB shows a range of 46-50k for that car and options you spec'd, so 48k is a decent but not great price.

[RobbyMack]

If your budget is such that the 6 cylinder f10 is the way to go the. I'd also look at the Lexus GS and Audi A6 as mentioned above. Frankly the Audi and Lexus drive better, have better fit and finish, but they happen to be a good bit uglier IMHO. Personally I couldn't drive either for that reason alone. Comes down to what you want. Really you can't make a bad decision.

[Kre62]

Originally Posted by RobbyMack

If your budget is such that the 6 cylinder f10 is the way to go the. I'd also look at the Lexus GS and Audi A6 as mentioned above. Frankly the Audi and Lexus drive better, have better fit and finish, but they happen to be a good bit uglier IMHO. Personally I couldn't drive either for that reason alone. Comes down to what you want. Really you can't make a bad decision.

Sounds like the LCI M sport version fixes many of the old issues and is now drives much better. Here's an example http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=776395

That's why I'd encourage the op to go at least 2014.