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2010 2011 BMW 5 Series Forum F10 BMW 5-Series (F10) Forums General 5-Series Sedan and Wagon (F10 / F11) Forum Have I gone Mental!!!!!
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      01-02-2014, 07:30 PM   #1
Stormbitch
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Have I gone Mental!!!!!

Like you - I am addicted to BMW.

Who wouldn't be?

But lately - having owned my f10 for 2 years. I am thinking about a 3 series !!!!!!!!! Coupe.

Every time I drive my friends 320d coupe. it feels more youthful... than my f10 530d.

I know - I must be crazy.

There is a certain life in the steering, a certain snugness and a lovely alert ness that my f10 530d seems not to have.

Trouble is.. I am concerned that the 3 coupe is seen as an older car now... Even if I went for a 2009 / 2010 and got a bargain and a new engine, I might look at 5s on the road and think - aaahhh what have I done...

I have a few options open at this point.


1. Keep my 5 a and wait for the 4 to reduce in value a bit.

2. Buy a 6k old 330i petrol convertible toy for the nimble joy.

3. Do nothing and save money.

4. Buy a 3 coupe as I am a driver - more than a cruiser.

5. Mod my 5 a bit to make it more special.

What would you do?????

AAAAHHHH

I am like a junkie.
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      01-02-2014, 07:51 PM   #2
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Mod your F10!
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      01-02-2014, 08:35 PM   #3
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      01-02-2014, 08:41 PM   #4
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Mod squad then M3/4 after the dust settles
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      01-02-2014, 09:29 PM   #5
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Since I don't know the entire financial picture, I'll just assume for a moment that you're in good health (money-wise) all-around, and all of these choices wouldn't put you in any immediate financial peril... so, that said...

I'd keep the 5, and I also wouldn't modify it. The resale value will likely be better if you keep it stock (I know - I can hear many people "booing" right now!). The 3 IS older, it's not just your imagination. A 2009/2010 is still based upon the 2006 model. You'd have to go for an F30, and even then the technology doesn't match what's in the F10. If you're going to be driving a 4-door, I don't think any other BMW (perhaps with the exception of the 6 gran coupe) looks as good as the 5/F10.

If you have to scratch the sports car (2-seater) itch, I'd suggest doing it with a dedicated car. I'm all about having dedicated vehicles. I want the SUV for snow, long family treks, etc... the 5 serves as a DD and business sedan... and then a 2-seater for weekend country-side runs. Granted, I'll admit - it's a lot more money to buy and maintain 3 cars vs. 1. But if you can swing it, like I said, I'm all about dedicating tasks to each car... that way they can excel to the max in each category.

That said, one of your options was also to buy a cheaper 330i coupe and have at it. This could also be another good option. It's cheaper, and if you wanted to mod the hell out of it, there's absolutely no concern about resale. For me, it would also give me peace of mind to try some more aggressive things that I'd otherwise hesitate doing to my DD for fear of reliability, etc.

As for the 4, if you considered it, I would definitely wait until the second or third production year just to ensure the major kinks were addressed. It's a nice looking car, but it's a totally different vehicle than the 5.

Whatever you do, best of luck - you're not mental BTW... just an enthusiast from the sound of it!
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      01-03-2014, 03:57 AM   #6
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+1 for EZ

What a well thought out post and nicely crafted words.

I think you are right. And I do feel slightly relieved that there is help out there other than my stupid mates who make their opinions and advice mainly based on what they think rather than what is best for me.

Money is OK right now - but I am no means rich. To say I am enthusiast is an understatement, I recently went to Munich on my own just to try BMW on demand and take out all the range for one hour at a time.

Here is the list

M6 Conv
M5
M3
Z435is
640D
X50D
X6M
135i

( which one would I live with every day??... tell you in a minute)

I spent a shed load on fuel in 4 days and flights but it was worth it. And I would go back.

I had a Boxster for a while. It was a 5k one. It was well found but each rattle that emerged brought on an anxiety attack. The running of two cars was a little unusual but I totally loved the idea that each does its own thing. In many ways the 5 is my main investment and each time I do a trip of more than 30 miles. I actually am still astonished.

But get this. Even though I do like Boxsters, there was something in me that was tugging at my heart... it was like being married to two people.

With this in mind, either another Boxster for around 10k, a 5K 330i convertible or finance an expensive 35is for around 16 might be on the next choice list.

As for the 4 - yes I did try the 420d - which for some reason felt a little slow, albeit it brilliant. But the most important thing I noticed was the incredible road noise in the cabin from the tyres. I vowed at that point not to buy one.

Oh - and the Z4135is
Best experience M5 - Second best M3 - I could not afford the fuel in either.
Worst disappointment? 640d Gran Coupe
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      01-03-2014, 05:34 AM   #7
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Keep your car, save your money
Familiarity always breeds contempt, especially with cars
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      01-03-2014, 07:42 AM   #8
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This means that the more you know something or someone, the more you start to find faults and dislike things about it or them.

I am not saying that there are faults with my F10 just that I want more toy.
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      01-03-2014, 09:00 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Stormbitch View Post
This means that the more you know something or someone, the more you start to find faults and dislike things about it or them.

I am not saying that there are faults with my F10 just that I want more toy.
I'm in a 2013 F10 as my sig notes. Before it arrived I has a 335 X Drive for a week as a loaner. I really missed the nimble feel, steering and handling after my car arrived. I didn't miss the cheaper interior of the F30 or the interior noise and smaller cabin. Still, BMWs are supposed to be drivers cars and the F10 qualifies, but not like it used to. I don't believe any amount of Modding will change the nature of this heavy car. I think you have to learn to love it or just leave it for a new F30 or F32 and learn to live with what it hasn't got but also what it has. It isn't about your mate's or this forum's opinions really, it's about how you feel when you drive a car. Good luck.
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      01-03-2014, 09:31 AM   #10
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The 3 and 5 are also, to me, clearly different in their intention.

I lived with 3ers for 13 years - 4 doors. I was younger, no wife or family for a good portion of it, a "need for speed," a comfort-be-damned mentality, etc, etc. The back seats were "just in case" I ever needed to carry someone. I was in a different place. As time has worn-on, I now have a wife, a son, and my priorities in a DD have changed. I still value speed and agility (which I think the 550xi delivers), but it's now just more balanced with OTHER priorities - such as needing more room (the back seat really gets used now), and taking a client or colleague for a bumpy-as-hell ride over a choppy street on a sport suspension just isn't flattering.

My DD is now one step further removed from the true enthusiast's nature of a 3. But to be practical about it, having tossed around the 5 now, it does everything (and more) than I'll likely ever ask it to do on the street. It may feel "larger" in the process, but from what I can tell, it can still easily do everything I ever could in the 335.

So, I think it's just a matter of understanding what your values are in your DD. Make a list, prioritize it, and then figure out what car really serves those priorities best. Like I said, for 13 years the 3ers did right by me. Now the 5 is a better fit for my priorities... and if the wife and budget allows it, a nice 2-seater dedicated sports car will help fill the void of what's been left behind.

I'll have to trek over to the 7-series board, though, and find out what finally happens in a man's life that makes him get a 7... and then how to avoid it like the plague! In all seriousness, I was in LOVE with the late 90's era 7 - just a beautiful car and great performance (steering clear of the iL). But it seems to me that the 5 is now the size (roughly) of that long-gone sleek 7, and the new 7's are literally gigantic. When I was picking up my 550xi, I was sitting at my CA's desk which was planted right next to a 7. The tires alone were literally massive, and the car looked like it sat a foot off the ground. I think they still look beautiful on the road when I see them, but I can never imagine driving one now.
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      01-03-2014, 12:06 PM   #11
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Wonderful words wow.

I agree the 5 is a sporty 7 - and the 7 is a monster but built for one thing. To bring rich people from one end of the country to another.

The 6 is a beauty but being bigger than my 5 that too has issues... and 2 less doors.

I occasionally take my mum around in my 5. And when it comes to doing the UKs A roads it is quite a delight.

The f30 ( new 3 right? ) is a wonderful car. Again - hideous road noise and yes cheap cheap cheap interior. What? A cup holder that is a removable tray? No snazzy push open thing any more. No snug plonky holders? What has happened there.

You do need a car for a long time to learn if you want it or not. And so at this time with 43000 miles on my 2 year old car, I need to be mindful.

It still looks the money compared to a f30 - which just are really everywhere and in a way I am glad, as driving mine I feel less of a travelling salesman now there are a few 3s in middle management budget.

All roads are pointing to EZMASS in that buying a Z4 - on finance for a toy or a boxster might be a safer waste of money, than chopping in my F10 for something else right now.

In the old days there was no compromise. They just make too many cars now. In the old days a BMW was everything. Now in our niche sub culture the f10 seems to tick most of the boxes.

After a tired day - its 3am and you have to get from London to Devon. I certainly wouldn't want to do that in a 3 series - especially if it cost me £35k or $1,000,000 in US money.

Once you have had a convertible sports car... there really is nothing like it ... and that is a problem

I should also only talk to you guys...as my friends send my already confused head into overdrive.
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      01-03-2014, 01:10 PM   #12
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What kind of suspension does your 530d have. I feel that my 520d with coilovers and M5+M550d swaybars now feels even more sporty than my old e90.
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      01-03-2014, 01:18 PM   #13
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WHOA WHOA Sway bars... love the idea of that...
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      01-03-2014, 01:26 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Stormbitch View Post
WHOA WHOA Sway bars... love the idea of that...
It's a great upgrade if you don't have the adaptive drive.
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      01-03-2014, 09:49 PM   #15
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Actually, I found the F30 very quiet over the road. Not as quiet as my F10, but definitely quiet enough.
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      01-04-2014, 02:48 AM   #16
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Can I ask why you found the 640d grand coupe such a disappointment ?
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      01-04-2014, 04:58 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Stormbitch View Post
This means that the more you know something or someone, the more you start to find faults and dislike things about it or them.

I am not saying that there are faults with my F10 just that I want more toy.
Apologies

Some of your comments in the first post gave me the impression you were beginning to find the F10 unsatisfactory.
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      01-04-2014, 07:51 AM   #18
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Buy a 550 and mod it, you'll feel very young.
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      01-04-2014, 08:50 AM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Daddy Wagon View Post
Buy a 550 and mod it, you'll feel very young.
I feel very young everything I drive my 550

... And a bit disappointed when I get back in the 535!
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      01-04-2014, 10:37 AM   #20
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My suggestion is to buy a decent e46 330 ci/convertible or even better M3.

F10 is a very nice car, but it is too heavy to have some serious fun on twisty roads. Even M5 can't compare to e46 coupe on that kind of road. The steering response, lower weight and n/a r6 engine with manual is the real deal. z4 is even better, but it lack of space if you have to use the car sometimes for everyday.

Depend on budget, if I were you, i would buy e46 330 convertible, ZHP, for less than 10k and if you want something more, put on WW brake kit, H&R struts and bilstein b12 suspension. It's the best car money can buy under 10k...convertible, enough place for 4 person, decent trunk, nice look, reliable engine, nice amount of HP,...

If your budget is higher, buy e46 M3 convertible.

Like I said, f10 is a very nice car, but even if you put coilovers on and tune it, it is still to heavy for serious fun on twisty road even if it can be really fast.

bw,
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