Thinking of E90 to F10

daMau · 12-15-2013, 07:23 PM

Currently have an E90 335i, and prior to that an E82 135i. Have recently been tossing around moving into something with AWD (live in MN), and something a little more versatile and comfortable. Love the performance of the 335i, but will probably get a dedicated sports car in a few years, so I don't think my next DD needs to be as performance oriented.

Got my wife a loaded 2014 X3 28i, and it's a great machine, which gave me the itch for something newer. Have tossed around anything from another X3, to an Evoque, but noticed CPO F10 prices are very reasonable.

Anyone else move from an E90 to an F10? What were your thoughts? Would I be happy with the N20 x28i, or should I say screw it and go all the way for the N63 x50i?

Bmoney2K4 · 12-15-2013, 08:36 PM

I used to have an e 92 335i. While the ride was harsh, I loved its performance. I switched to an F 10 535i without the sports package and get no wow factor from it. Perhaps if I had gotten one with the sports package, it would have made me less upset.

The X Men · 12-16-2013, 08:28 AM

My wife use to have a 2011 328xi and I have 2012 535xi now. Two totally different car as far as design intentions. The 328 drove like a go cart, handles like it is on rails. Everytime we hit a bump, my bones would hurt

The 535i is more Lexus like, very comfortable on rough road, very quiet on the highway and handles all right considering its weight and soft suspension. I test drove all 3 engine of the F10, the N63 was a blast to drove but I gone thru a whole tank of gas in less than one week, about 200 miles. The N20 was a bit under powered and too much lag from a stop, the mileage was only 1-2 MPG better than the N55. In the end, the 535i was the best compromise.

newtoav · 12-16-2013, 09:16 AM

I went from an E90 330i sports to an LCI F10 535i (via a small detour over an e70 35d). The E90 was my dream car - handling, poise, everything - except space. The 535 is more spacious and more luxurious, but it doesn't have the sports car feel. I knew this going in, and like you, my plan is to get a dedicated sports car. The 35i was a compromise - although the performance on the 4-cyl is actually great, I find the engine sound and vibrations totally out of character for the car. On the other end, I was seriously tempted by the 550i with sports suspension, but it's also not a sports car. Hence, my choice, which I am very happy with, to go with a comfortable - but fast and well-handling 535i (with DHP, btw), and put the difference to the 550i in the sports car savings account.

Bottom line: If you keep your expectations in check and know what you are getting the car for, the 5ers are all great. But they aren't go-kart like 3ers.

Russkey · 12-16-2013, 09:42 AM

200 miles?

I hardly get less than 300 and I'm driving like I stole it most of the time...

Russkey · 12-16-2013, 09:51 AM

The only thing you'll miss if you go with 550 is going to be the handling! However, with the right sport package and lowered springs it handles well!

XDEEDUBBX · 12-16-2013, 10:27 AM

i came from JB4 E90 to my current 535i sports. I miss the power everytime I drive it but in return I get better gas mileage and a more luxurious car.

remmib · 12-17-2013, 01:08 PM

I did go from a 320d to a 520d f10, and it's a great upgrade, especially since I now have idrive and automatic in the f10.

HighConcept · 12-17-2013, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XDEEDUBBX

i came from JB4 E90 to my current 535i sports. I miss the power everytime I drive it but in return I get better gas mileage and a more luxurious car.

Always some sort of sacrifice.

Keyser Soze · 12-17-2013, 04:01 PM

I'm doing the exact opposite - but I'm someone who went right from a well flogged E46 330 to brand new F10 535, so it makes sense for me to go backwards for a while and catch up.

Just be comfortable with the size of the F10 and it's a slam dunk. What I have found interesting is how similar the E90 is to the F10 in terms of small things like interior door handles/trim/layout/window buttons and even the headlights a bit and how different F10 is from F30.

Now if only there was a new car in between 182 and 193 inches and not over 3700 lbs, dammit, because that's what I really want.

ezmaass · 12-27-2013, 01:23 PM

daMau, I just did what you're contemplating - traded the E90 335i for an F10 550i xDrive. After driving the 335i for over 6 years, the go-fast sensation is a must for me. I test drove the 535i and 535i xDrive and have to say it just didn't do it. The 335i just moved when you pressed the pedal, and with lots of extra weight to haul, the 535i is just a moderately quick mid-sized car with the same engine.

I knew the handling wouldn't be the same considering the car is much bigger, but the 550's V8, along with the xDrive, propels the car quicker to 60 than the 335i... so straight line performance didn't disappoint me. As far as agility goes, I opted for the M Sport package along with the Dynamic Handling Package. From tossing the car a bit in a test drive, I was relatively pleased with what it would do - it's not a 3-series and won't feel like one, but I was actually a bit surprised that it handled as well as it did. I think the DHP's anti-roll also helps keep the car relatively flat in the corners.

Fact is, more is probably in your head than in reality when it comes to this stuff. Am I ever going to push the car so that it's skid-pad numbers are going to play into a real life scenario? I hope not. The driving sensation is different - bigger, more luxurious. I'll miss the "small" feel of the 335i in some cases, I'm sure... but I can say it was also starting to feel a bit too cramped. If you have a family, or if you're in a line of business (as I am) where you may take clients or colleagues in the car with you, it's also a bit impractical with the 3-series... not the right "business" car for sure.

My solution is also similar to yours - get a sports car. The DD needs to function as a DD for me - meaning it needs power and performance, but it also needs utility, space, comfort for a long trip, etc. When I really want to toss around a small car, that's what the dedicated sports car will be for. I've wanted an R8 or Ferrari 355 (mid-late 90's if you recall them) for some time now... so that's what I'll be eyeing to fill that void.

All in all, I think the progression from 3 - 5 is a pretty natural one. I always knew the day would come after 13 years of driving 3 series. It's a personal thing whether it makes sense for you or not.

12-15-2013, 07:23 PM	#1
daMau Second Lieutenant 44 Rep 238 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Minneapolis, MN iTrader: (0)	Thinking of E90 to F10 - any others? Currently have an E90 335i, and prior to that an E82 135i. Have recently been tossing around moving into something with AWD (live in MN), and something a little more versatile and comfortable. Love the performance of the 335i, but will probably get a dedicated sports car in a few years, so I don't think my next DD needs to be as performance oriented. Got my wife a loaded 2014 X3 28i, and it's a great machine, which gave me the itch for something newer. Have tossed around anything from another X3, to an Evoque, but noticed CPO F10 prices are very reasonable. Anyone else move from an E90 to an F10? What were your thoughts? Would I be happy with the N20 x28i, or should I say screw it and go all the way for the N63 x50i?
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12-15-2013, 08:36 PM	#2
Bmoney2K4 Captain 185 Rep 885 Posts Drives: 2016 535i Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Los Angeles, California iTrader: (0)	I used to have an e 92 335i. While the ride was harsh, I loved its performance. I switched to an F 10 535i without the sports package and get no wow factor from it. Perhaps if I had gotten one with the sports package, it would have made me less upset.
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12-16-2013, 08:28 AM	#3
The X Men Colonel 99 Rep 2,323 Posts Drives: 2013 X3 35i Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: MA iTrader: (0)	My wife use to have a 2011 328xi and I have 2012 535xi now. Two totally different car as far as design intentions. The 328 drove like a go cart, handles like it is on rails. Everytime we hit a bump, my bones would hurt The 535i is more Lexus like, very comfortable on rough road, very quiet on the highway and handles all right considering its weight and soft suspension. I test drove all 3 engine of the F10, the N63 was a blast to drove but I gone thru a whole tank of gas in less than one week, about 200 miles. The N20 was a bit under powered and too much lag from a stop, the mileage was only 1-2 MPG better than the N55. In the end, the 535i was the best compromise.
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12-16-2013, 09:16 AM	#4
newtoav New Member 0 Rep 17 Posts Drives: 2014 535i \| 2013 X3 2.8 \| Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Bay Area, California iTrader: (0)	I went from an E90 330i sports to an LCI F10 535i (via a small detour over an e70 35d). The E90 was my dream car - handling, poise, everything - except space. The 535 is more spacious and more luxurious, but it doesn't have the sports car feel. I knew this going in, and like you, my plan is to get a dedicated sports car. The 35i was a compromise - although the performance on the 4-cyl is actually great, I find the engine sound and vibrations totally out of character for the car. On the other end, I was seriously tempted by the 550i with sports suspension, but it's also not a sports car. Hence, my choice, which I am very happy with, to go with a comfortable - but fast and well-handling 535i (with DHP, btw), and put the difference to the 550i in the sports car savings account. Bottom line: If you keep your expectations in check and know what you are getting the car for, the 5ers are all great. But they aren't go-kart like 3ers. __________________ 1997 328is (retired) 2006 330i (retired) 2011 X5 35d (retired) 2013 X3 28 2014 535i
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12-16-2013, 09:42 AM	#5
Russkey Captain 155 Rep 751 Posts Drives: '12 BMW AW 550xi Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Miami, FL iTrader: (0) Garage List 2012 550xi [10.00]	200 miles? I hardly get less than 300 and I'm driving like I stole it most of the time... __________________ '15 Porsche Macan S / Black & Garnet Red / 20" RS Spyder Wheels / CF trim / Red Calipers / Black Rear Badge. '12 AW 550xi / Dinan S2 / Arkym CF Spoiler / 3D Design Style Splitter / Eisenmann Race Exhaust / 20' HRE FF01 / ACS Springs / CF Grill / CF 3D Design Diffuser / Blue Calipers...
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12-16-2013, 09:51 AM	#6
Russkey Captain 155 Rep 751 Posts Drives: '12 BMW AW 550xi Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Miami, FL iTrader: (0) Garage List 2012 550xi [10.00]	The only thing you'll miss if you go with 550 is going to be the handling! However, with the right sport package and lowered springs it handles well! __________________ '15 Porsche Macan S / Black & Garnet Red / 20" RS Spyder Wheels / CF trim / Red Calipers / Black Rear Badge. '12 AW 550xi / Dinan S2 / Arkym CF Spoiler / 3D Design Style Splitter / Eisenmann Race Exhaust / 20' HRE FF01 / ACS Springs / CF Grill / CF 3D Design Diffuser / Blue Calipers...
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12-16-2013, 10:27 AM	#7
XDEEDUBBX Lieutenant Colonel 64 Rep 1,715 Posts Drives: 535I Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Los Angelz iTrader: (11)	i came from JB4 E90 to my current 535i sports. I miss the power everytime I drive it but in return I get better gas mileage and a more luxurious car. __________________ Click here to join the >>>>https://www.facebook.com/groups/socal535f10crew/
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12-17-2013, 01:08 PM	#8
remmib General 1566 Rep 29,202 Posts Drives: 2013 F10 520d M-Sport Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Norway iTrader: (0)	I did go from a 320d to a 520d f10, and it's a great upgrade, especially since I now have idrive and automatic in the f10. __________________ F10 520d M-Sport Alpine White \| HRE P43SC 20x9+20x11 \| Michelin PSS 255/35+295/30 \| KW V3 Coilover \| M5 Front Sway Bar + M550d Rear Sway Bar \| 3DDesign Front Lip \| BMW M Performance CF Spoiler \| BMW M Performance Diffuser \| BMW M Performance Black Grills \| BMW M Performance Pedals \|
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12-17-2013, 04:01 PM	#10
Keyser Soze Second Lieutenant 36 Rep 200 Posts Drives: 2023 X5 Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Northern California iTrader: (0)	I'm doing the exact opposite - but I'm someone who went right from a well flogged E46 330 to brand new F10 535, so it makes sense for me to go backwards for a while and catch up. Just be comfortable with the size of the F10 and it's a slam dunk. What I have found interesting is how similar the E90 is to the F10 in terms of small things like interior door handles/trim/layout/window buttons and even the headlights a bit and how different F10 is from F30. Now if only there was a new car in between 182 and 193 inches and not over 3700 lbs, dammit, because that's what I really want. __________________ 2023 G05 X5 x40i Phytonic Blue ....many prior BMW's back to a 1966 1600
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12-27-2013, 01:23 PM	#11
ezmaass Lieutenant Colonel 370 Rep 1,698 Posts Drives: '17 650xi GC / '15 Audi R8 V10 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: CT iTrader: (0)	daMau, I just did what you're contemplating - traded the E90 335i for an F10 550i xDrive. After driving the 335i for over 6 years, the go-fast sensation is a must for me. I test drove the 535i and 535i xDrive and have to say it just didn't do it. The 335i just moved when you pressed the pedal, and with lots of extra weight to haul, the 535i is just a moderately quick mid-sized car with the same engine. I knew the handling wouldn't be the same considering the car is much bigger, but the 550's V8, along with the xDrive, propels the car quicker to 60 than the 335i... so straight line performance didn't disappoint me. As far as agility goes, I opted for the M Sport package along with the Dynamic Handling Package. From tossing the car a bit in a test drive, I was relatively pleased with what it would do - it's not a 3-series and won't feel like one, but I was actually a bit surprised that it handled as well as it did. I think the DHP's anti-roll also helps keep the car relatively flat in the corners. Fact is, more is probably in your head than in reality when it comes to this stuff. Am I ever going to push the car so that it's skid-pad numbers are going to play into a real life scenario? I hope not. The driving sensation is different - bigger, more luxurious. I'll miss the "small" feel of the 335i in some cases, I'm sure... but I can say it was also starting to feel a bit too cramped. If you have a family, or if you're in a line of business (as I am) where you may take clients or colleagues in the car with you, it's also a bit impractical with the 3-series... not the right "business" car for sure. My solution is also similar to yours - get a sports car. The DD needs to function as a DD for me - meaning it needs power and performance, but it also needs utility, space, comfort for a long trip, etc. When I really want to toss around a small car, that's what the dedicated sports car will be for. I've wanted an R8 or Ferrari 355 (mid-late 90's if you recall them) for some time now... so that's what I'll be eyeing to fill that void. All in all, I think the progression from 3 - 5 is a pretty natural one. I always knew the day would come after 13 years of driving 3 series. It's a personal thing whether it makes sense for you or not.
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