Considering '10 535 or 335 x-drive. Wise?

[dman918]

Hello all,

I currently have a 2009 Infiniti G37x (had a 2007 328xi before that, hence why I am back). I've really enjoyed the G37x but have been considering going to either a 2010ish 335 or 535 xdrive. I am looking for that great balance between performance and luxury so were considering these two. I am familiar with HPFP issues (the 535 I just went to test drive started up and had a check engine light on with reduced power), but I am basically trying to understand if there really is much difference in acceleration between the two cars. I will most likely run a JB4 or Accessport on either to get performance increases.

Seems like the 335 may handle a little better but the 535 is roomier and a little more comfortable. Is this a reasonable statement? Aren't the two cars actually pretty close in weight so acceleration shouldn't be too far off from each other?

Thanks so much for the input.

ON EDIT: Here is one 535 I am looking at: http://www.elitemotorsonline.com/web...linois/1211204

[dman918]

Over 100 views and no opinions on these two cars? Any useful information would be most appreciated.

Thanks!

[AlterZgo]

I don't know about x-drives, but I just went from a 2011 335is coupe to a 2010 535i - both 6MT. While they are both relatively close in weight, the 335 definitely is quicker and nimbler feeling. In 1st gear, the 535 feels relatively quick, but in 2nd and 3rd gear, it seems like the sleeker 335 coupe accelerates noticeably quicker whereas the 535 has more wind resistance to overcome as it is definitely a taller and wider car.

In terms of handling, I have driven a 550i with active steering and it was very nimble - handled as well as my 335. My 535i without active steering feels heavier. I'm sure it probably handles as well as the 550, but without the active steering, it just doesn't have as nimble of a feel overall.

Get a 535 if you need room. It is a VERY roomy car compared to a 335 (sedan or coupe). Can't go wrong with either. My 535 with Cobb AP on it is FAST - definitely quicker than my stock 335is.

[dman918]

Thanks for the response!

I don't really neeed the room. The reason I was considering the 535 was that it seemed like it may be more comfortable? Are the interior materials similar or much better in the 5?

It is really important I have a car I find fun to drive (usually equated for me as good straight line performance) while having that comfortable, luxurious feel.

[RoxyGirl]

Originally Posted by dman918

Thanks for the response!

I don't really neeed the room. The reason I was considering the 535 was that it seemed like it may be more comfortable? Are the interior materials similar or much better in the 5?

It is really important I have a car I find fun to drive (usually equated for me as good straight line performance) while having that comfortable, luxurious feel.

I came from a 3 and now have a 5. The 3 feels faster and definitely feels more nimble and I "thought" I missed having my 3 for those reasons. Took the 5 in for service and got a 3 for a loaner car..couldn't get my 5 back soon enough. The 5 is roomier and more comfortable. The leg room isn't a huge improvement, but the larger dash, larger front windshield, side windows, head room, and overall width gives a feeling of a being in a larger car. The seats are more comfortable in my 5 as well. I have enjoyed moving up to the 5 from my 3, and hope my next move to the 7 will be just as enjoyable.

[ecibis]

I have a 335xi with Cobb that I love. It has every package and option available including 18" wheels, and sexy black on black with stainless trim inside. Its at 100k and it is a CPO. I drive 30k a year so its time to get rid of it and start fresh. I have a 4 and 7 year old that need more backseat space so I am 90% there to buying a used 2010 535 xdrive. I am actually looking at some this weekend. The only issue I have is that I kayak, fish bike, camp , snowboard etc. I hauled a kayak on my 335 roof without issues but what I really need is a good mileage car that can haul stuff like a subaru outback. I just don't want to give up the cobb and twin turbo feel. That 10% of me is making me pause before actually pulling the trigger on a 5-series but I am very very close....

[dman918]

Originally Posted by ecibis

I have a 335xi with Cobb that I love. It has every package and option available including 18" wheels, and sexy black on black with stainless trim inside. Its at 100k and it is a CPO. I drive 30k a year so its time to get rid of it and start fresh. I have a 4 and 7 year old that need more backseat space so I am 90% there to buying a used 2010 535 xdrive. I am actually looking at some this weekend. The only issue I have is that I kayak, fish bike, camp , snowboard etc. I hauled a kayak on my 335 roof without issues but what I really need is a good mileage car that can haul stuff like a subaru outback. I just don't want to give up the cobb and twin turbo feel. That 10% of me is making me pause before actually pulling the trigger on a 5-series but I am very very close....

What has been your impression of the 335 vs 535 with regard to performance and such? One additional thing that is nice with the 2010 535 is that it is the newer idrive and has the high res screen of the 7 series.

I feel like I am leaning toward the 535 but the straight line performance is definitely my main concern. I wonder what a tuned 535 can do (let's say in a 0-60 or 1/4 mile time standpoint). It definitely needs to be a bit quicker than my g37x sedan.

[ecibis]

I have only test driven a 528i Xdrive, I will be testing the 535 I am looking at in the next few days, but the Cobb wont be in there. For straight line I would think it is close to the 335, a little slower but the Cobb in the 335 is a screamer. The car rips. With the same engine and slightly heavier build I think it will be a little slower but still responsive and have plenty of power. The Cobb really makes a huge difference in the 335.

[dman918]

Interesting. See it's not the space that makes me consider the 535, it's the fact that it sounds like it is MUCH more comfortable. The problem I have is that I get bored of cars easily. The G37x sedan I currently have is pretty fun, but I wouldn't mind a little more power than this. Seems like if I throw in the AP or JB4, I'd accomplish that in either car. Sound about right to you?

[bighead2267]

i tested drive 335X and 535X before i pull the trigger on my E60. like everyone said above, the E60 is definitely more rommie and the seat is more luxury/comfort.
On the other hand, i will go 335 in your case. First, you mention interior space is not your concern. Second, you mention you are more into performance wise. I have to say the corner handling on 535X and 335X is quite a day and night different. i can't say about straight line performance as i can't beat my friend's 335 while i only have COBB sport flash.

hope that help and happy hunting your new ride.

[dman918]

Originally Posted by bighead2267

i tested drive 335X and 535X before i pull the trigger on my E60. like everyone said above, the E60 is definitely more rommie and the seat is more luxury/comfort.
On the other hand, i will go 335 in your case. First, you mention interior space is not your concern. Second, you mention you are more into performance wise. I have to say the corner handling on 535X and 335X is quite a day and night different. i can't say about straight line performance as i can't beat my friend's 335 while i only have COBB sport flash.

hope that help and happy hunting your new ride.

Thanks for the advice. When you say you cannot beat your friend's 335, is he stock or does he have mods as well?

[kymedic25]

Originally Posted by bighead2267

i tested drive 335X and 535X before i pull the trigger on my E60. like everyone said above, the E60 is definitely more rommie and the seat is more luxury/comfort.
On the other hand, i will go 335 in your case. First, you mention interior space is not your concern. Second, you mention you are more into performance wise. I have to say the corner handling on 535X and 335X is quite a day and night different. i can't say about straight line performance as i can't beat my friend's 335 while i only have COBB sport flash.

hope that help and happy hunting your new ride.

I just drove my 2010 535 home3 days ago after trading in my 335 e90. These cars are like night and day. Granted, my 335 was lowered, tuned and modded all around and my e60 is not and probably will not. The performance between the two, for me, is definitely geared toward the e90. The e90 is much more nimble and quicker. My e90 was awesome and I will miss Maxine forever, but I needed something larger for me and the family. The e60 is like driving a couch. Smooth, elegant, and a lot more luxurious than the e90. The interior is more plush, the features, like the steering wheel telescoping automatically when you get start it, etc just makes me smile.

Both of my cars, the e90 and the e60, have sport and premium packages.

I hope this helps. In my opinion, if you are looking for performance and space is not an issue, I would go the e90 route, but if you want the luxury and nice ride, then the e60 is probably more your style.

Jason

[thedohboy]

Originally Posted by dman918

Interesting. See it's not the space that makes me consider the 535, it's the fact that it sounds like it is MUCH more comfortable. The problem I have is that I get bored of cars easily. The G37x sedan I currently have is pretty fun, but I wouldn't mind a little more power than this. Seems like if I throw in the AP or JB4, I'd accomplish that in either car. Sound about right to you?

Here's my 2¢...

My purist boss has a 335 (premium+sport) manual, and I have a 535 (premium+sport) automatic. While the power in my boss' car is slightly better, he constantly talks about buying a new 535 because he is envious of the ride and comfort in my car. Plus, the E60s seem to come with much nicer bells and whistles.

Given the choice between a fully tuned 335 with all options and a mostly stock 535, I'd take the 535 for the sexy look, the comfortable feel, stock performance alone.

Keep in mind I'm an old guy (31) with kids, so my days of racing ricers are behind me. I also live in Silicon Valley where 3's are seemingly more abundant than Civics, so the 5s tend to stand out and give you a small sense of exclusivity.

[mdobin]

I'll chime in. I have a '10 535xi touring. I have a '11 535i sedan 6MT. I had a '07 335i 6MT. The 3 series felt faster, and probably was. It is clearly more tossable and feels more responsive than the wagon. But the 5 series is more comfortable car. It handles nearly as well, and maybe as well, but it goes about its business with less drama. You may be disappointed in the nav, if it hasn't had the maps upgraded. BMW gave me my money back for mine. The maps in 2010 MY were lousy, at least for my area. If you like your sound, then you will be disappointed without the premium audio. The multi-contour sport seats are great. And you know the day-to-day benefits of AWD. Here in Florida, driving the car in torrential downpours is a really cool experience. The car is unflappable.

[BoneMan_E60]

Here is my input. I had a 07 328i sport manual, went to 09 A4 quattro auto, then 09 535xi auto. I moved from Virginia to Connecticut so I wanted something awd. Plus had a kid, so wanted more room for car seat stroller, etc. The 5 is nearly as quick as 3. The 5 has a lot of aluminum components that keep weight close to 3. 5 should be quicker then G, but a touch slower then 3. As far as handling, the 5 is definitely geared to comfort. I do not have sport suspension on my 5. They dont offer it with xi. I do plan on putting on some summer tires and upgrading the rear sway to improve handling. Dont get me wrong, its still a BMW and can run with the best of them. As far as space goes, the 5 will embarrass the 3. The trunk is so much bigger and rear seat room is greater. Also the base seats on 5 are much better then base seats on 3. Sport seats in either car are better. 5 also has more luxury features like programmable steering wheel buttons, adjustable seat heaters(to vary heat on butt or back), programmable touch presets on dash(maybe comes with nav on 3, mine didnt have nav).

I think you will be happier with the 5, more luxury, more space and only slightly less handling.

[twelve535i]

I'd go with the 535i, if you're looking for more room and comfort. If you're looking for better handling and a more fun car, go with the 335i

[bighead2267]

Originally Posted by dman918

Thanks for the advice. When you say you cannot beat your friend's 335, is he stock or does he have mods as well?

his is Diana stage 2 plus another 335I is cobb aggressive tune. the pick up from their vehicles is quite a different compare to my 535XI. i guess their power is only toward 2 wheels while mine goes to 4s.

[mweine]

I have a 2009 535i XDrive MSport with a 6 speed manual transmission, remus quad muffler, Dinan stage 3, Brembo BBK etc..
IMHO the E60 MSport is a far better looking car than the E90. With the Dinan stage 2 tune, it is very fast. Faster than my E46 M3. Probably in the low 5s to 100km/h. With the AWD, the grip is tremendous. The car just launches off the line. Torque is tremendous. Handling is great also. Also, the E60 series is much more comfortable than the E90. Get the comfort seats. They are well worth it. The side electric bolsters work well. Also, if you can find one with the heads up, you will wonder how you lived without it. Good luck in your search and with your choice.

[stmoore01]

Dman

Strange coincidence, but I live in the same town as you and looked at that car back in the beginning of February. I took the car out for a test drive and it drove very nice, I couldn't find any major problems with it other than the rotors are suffering from "lot Rot" and probably will need to be replaced.
I almost bought the car but couldn't come to an agreement with the dealer. I was a little surprised when the Manager told me he would cut the rotors for me if I bought it. He was apparently unaware that you don't cut BMW rotors. It's a great color combo and I would have bought it for the Anthracite Bamboo interior alone.

I ended up finding a equally equipped car up in Wisconsin for about $2500.00 less. Bought new rims and a route 66 warranty for the difference.

Great car though, but it will not be easy to get it for much less than their list price. Strange thing is that car has now been sitting on their lot for over 5 months, you would think they would be motivated to sell, they weren't a month and half ago. The managers attitude was "we'll wait till springtime and raise the price up"
Good Luck, Steve

[dman918]

That's too funny Steve!

It was a great looking car, no doubt. However, when I drove it, the check engine light ended up on and it was in limp mode. Not the best showing for it.

I ended up finding a car at McGrath Lexus in Chicago. It's a 2009 335i xdrive with sport/navi/comfort/cold weather, had a K40 radar on it (but I need to find someone with a remote to turn it on) and only 27k miles. With the sport seats and such, it gave a great balance in comfort and performance. Already put on a JB4 and DCI. Tinted the windows, and some misc minor visual changes.

Loving it so far. I hope not to regret not getting the 535 but the space and size wasn't a factor for me.

[LessIsMore]

I started out looking for a 335i coupe, but had to concede that a couple wasn't practical with two kids. So i began looking at 335 sedans and was underwhelmed. Then I found my current car for a great deal, and decided that "if I 'm going to have to get a sedan, might as well get a real sedan".

I would say if you need 4 doors, get the 5. If you can do with 2, get the 335 coupe. I've seen the E60 described several times as the "perfect sized" car - and I would agree. The 3's feel claustrophobic now, and the 3 sedan's look awkward to me.

I drive the car everyday - so I wanted something that would handle that well, and the 5 is just better suited in every way to a DD than a 3 - more comfortable, more room (while not a boat like the 7), and almost equal performance.

On the E60 -the sport package (lowered, 18" wheels, firmer springs, ARS) is a MUST if you care about handling/fun driving. On either car, get a JB4.

[Murph335]

I have one of each in the garage and modded. By dumb luck they both are missing the fold down rear seats making the 5 more useful for the trunk and legroom for grown folk.
335 is lighter and it is noticeable at the limits.
5 msport pkg really makes all the difference, and fk453's make you want to push it hard in the turns.

I used to live in buffalo grove and know that corner in mundelslime well, xi makes perfect sense, still need winter compound if you want to stop. I found a great deal on a 5 but it was xi and that would limit any crazy offset wheel plans to stance it.