Thinking about going from a 335 convertible to 535… Thoughts?

bmw246 · 12-24-2014, 12:16 PM

Just as the title says- 335 is a 2013, 535 would be new. Would like some more room and also like all the newer technology in the newer models. Thoughts? Thanks!

mpress · 12-25-2014, 06:37 PM

my current at least until tomorrow is a 550 gt, wife has a new 335gt, love everything about it but its just not a 5 a tad too small inside and still to 3 series, the 5 seats especially multi contour are a mother level of comfort and the overall layout of controls and center console make it all in all a more comfortable car to "enjoy" being in. I get my new 535 m sport tomorrow...cant wait.

mp

SonicEndeavor · 12-25-2014, 09:01 PM

You have to drive a 535 to see if it fits your needs. The 5 series is a big, heavy luxury cruiser, so you'll gain size and features, but lose the nimble handling and speed of your 335.
If the 535 doesn't work for you from a handling perspective, then look at the Audi A6 which handles better than the 5 series.

bmw246 · 12-26-2014, 11:44 AM

I love everything about my 335 and the handling really is what makes the car (for me). I drove the 535 and while it's not as nimble as my 335, it's still fun to drive and I just use it to to go to and from work/gym and I want some more space and some more toys. I'd consider a 435 vert but I really think they messed up with the four going from concept to production so I figure I'd try something different for a year or 2. Did either of you get the dynamic handling package or the integral steering? Not really sure how much a difference those would make, none around to test drive. Otherwise I'd pretty much get it fully loaded. While I do like the A6, I would never venture from BMW.

HighlandPete · 12-26-2014, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmw246

.....I drove the 535 and while it's not as nimble as my 335, it's still fun to drive....

.... Did either of you get the dynamic handling package or the integral steering?

What suspension did you test drive? I really rate Adaptive Drive in the F10 5-series, what you choose also depends if you want the suspension 'modes' to widen out the working envelope.

The ARS part of AD contributes to the chassis feeling more nimble and agile, as it stays much flatter in the bends, helps the steering feel as well. Couldn't get to test IAS, hardly any models in the UK with it optioned, motoring hacks didn't rate it too highly when testing press cars over here. But it is supposed to help 'shrink' the car and help agility even more than just AD.

I've got AD in my 535i wagon, rate it as my best option.

HighlandPete

NewM3driver · 12-26-2014, 10:44 PM

I have both in my garage... the E93 vert with the M-sport pack handles very nicely, perfect balance of ride/handling. The steering is just about perfect, probably one of the heaviest in any recent BMW. The car is a bit tight on the inside. We use it as a fun driver, not a daily. Top down, its awesome. Top up, I personally feel cramped. I'm 5'9", 200 pounds, and I'm poured into the sport seats.

The 535 is a diesel which I'm having trouble with, but the car has the dynamic handling package and the luxury seating package with the Nappa leather. The handling is flat as can be when in sport mode... i wouldn't call it nimble or tossable, but it handles very well for a big car. The steering is way too light, i would call it fair at best. BUT, the interior size, comfort and build quality is LIGHT YEARS ahead of the 3 series. The 5, properly optioned (my car sticker was just shy of 73K) is an extremely comfortable, polished and refined ride. Just don't get the diesel.

Not to confuse you, but i'm just getting out of a 2012 X5 m-sport which, again, optioned up can be a supremely comfortable and sophisticated vehicle.

Pimpsy · 12-26-2014, 11:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NewM3driver

The handling is flat as can be when in sport mode... i wouldn't call it nimble or tossable, but it handles very well for a big car...BUT, the interior size, comfort and build quality is LIGHT YEARS ahead of the 3 series.

Nailed it. The handling on the 3 series is to the 5 what the interior of the 5 is to the 3. The secret to happiness is understanding your priorities in this regard.

Fair warning...the interior of the 5 will ruin the 3 for you very quickly.

Good luck with whatever you do.

Joe5268 · 12-29-2014, 11:06 AM

Depends on what you are looking for. They are completely different cars.

My wife has a E92 335i Xdrive. It's fast and handles great but the ride is a bit rough compared to the F10 and the interior is not as nice. Still nicer than the F30 3 series in my opinion, just not as nice as the F10. It's definitely more sporty.

When I went looking for an F10, I thought I'd be fine with the 535i Xdrive. And I would have been if I didn't test drive the 550i Xdrive. If you are used to the power of the 335, you may want to take a look at a 550. Either way, if you enjoy spirited driving make sure you either get a RWD with the MSport suspension, or if AWD is needed, as it was for myself, I highly recommend getting one with DHP. Completely transforms the car.

12-24-2014, 12:16 PM	#1
bmw246 Lieutenant 136 Rep 523 Posts Drives: 2015 F83 Join Date: May 2012 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (0)	Thinking about going from a 335 convertible to 535… Thoughts? Just as the title says- 335 is a 2013, 535 would be new. Would like some more room and also like all the newer technology in the newer models. Thoughts? Thanks!
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12-25-2014, 06:37 PM	#2
mpress Private 13 Rep 59 Posts Drives: 2012 gt 550 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: ny iTrader: (0)	yup my current at least until tomorrow is a 550 gt, wife has a new 335gt, love everything about it but its just not a 5 a tad too small inside and still to 3 series, the 5 seats especially multi contour are a mother level of comfort and the overall layout of controls and center console make it all in all a more comfortable car to "enjoy" being in. I get my new 535 m sport tomorrow...cant wait. mp
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12-25-2014, 09:01 PM	#3
SonicEndeavor Lieutenant 48 Rep 494 Posts Drives: 2014 535i MSport Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: California iTrader: (0)	You have to drive a 535 to see if it fits your needs. The 5 series is a big, heavy luxury cruiser, so you'll gain size and features, but lose the nimble handling and speed of your 335. If the 535 doesn't work for you from a handling perspective, then look at the Audi A6 which handles better than the 5 series. __________________ 2014 LCI 535i /// M-Sport - SAT, Premium package, HK Audio, Drivers Assistance, Top/Side/Rear cameras, multi-contour seats. Mods: V2 coilovers, Michelin PS4S, Opticoat Pro, Quad black chrome exhaust tips.
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12-26-2014, 11:44 AM	#4
bmw246 Lieutenant 136 Rep 523 Posts Drives: 2015 F83 Join Date: May 2012 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (0)	I love everything about my 335 and the handling really is what makes the car (for me). I drove the 535 and while it's not as nimble as my 335, it's still fun to drive and I just use it to to go to and from work/gym and I want some more space and some more toys. I'd consider a 435 vert but I really think they messed up with the four going from concept to production so I figure I'd try something different for a year or 2. Did either of you get the dynamic handling package or the integral steering? Not really sure how much a difference those would make, none around to test drive. Otherwise I'd pretty much get it fully loaded. While I do like the A6, I would never venture from BMW.
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12-26-2014, 10:44 PM	#6
NewM3driver Colonel 1110 Rep 2,008 Posts Drives: 2017 M3 ZCP Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: CT iTrader: (0)	I have both in my garage... the E93 vert with the M-sport pack handles very nicely, perfect balance of ride/handling. The steering is just about perfect, probably one of the heaviest in any recent BMW. The car is a bit tight on the inside. We use it as a fun driver, not a daily. Top down, its awesome. Top up, I personally feel cramped. I'm 5'9", 200 pounds, and I'm poured into the sport seats. The 535 is a diesel which I'm having trouble with, but the car has the dynamic handling package and the luxury seating package with the Nappa leather. The handling is flat as can be when in sport mode... i wouldn't call it nimble or tossable, but it handles very well for a big car. The steering is way too light, i would call it fair at best. BUT, the interior size, comfort and build quality is LIGHT YEARS ahead of the 3 series. The 5, properly optioned (my car sticker was just shy of 73K) is an extremely comfortable, polished and refined ride. Just don't get the diesel. Not to confuse you, but i'm just getting out of a 2012 X5 m-sport which, again, optioned up can be a supremely comfortable and sophisticated vehicle. Last edited by NewM3driver; 12-26-2014 at 10:51 PM..
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12-29-2014, 11:06 AM	#8
Joe5268 Private First Class 9 Rep 106 Posts Drives: 2011 550i Xdrive Msport Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Long Island, NY iTrader: (0)	Depends on what you are looking for. They are completely different cars. My wife has a E92 335i Xdrive. It's fast and handles great but the ride is a bit rough compared to the F10 and the interior is not as nice. Still nicer than the F30 3 series in my opinion, just not as nice as the F10. It's definitely more sporty. When I went looking for an F10, I thought I'd be fine with the 535i Xdrive. And I would have been if I didn't test drive the 550i Xdrive. If you are used to the power of the 335, you may want to take a look at a 550. Either way, if you enjoy spirited driving make sure you either get a RWD with the MSport suspension, or if AWD is needed, as it was for myself, I highly recommend getting one with DHP. Completely transforms the car.
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