[alexckma]

for the same price... would you rather get a 3 series or a 5 series. i know it's 2 really different cars.. but if you had a choice for the same price, and the same year model, what would you get?

More specifically I am looking at 2007-2008 models.

Same price and same mileage...

[Jlomb436]

Originally Posted by alexckma

for the same price... would you rather get a 3 series or a 5 series. i know it's 2 really different cars.. but if you had a choice for the same price, and the same year model, what would you get?

More specifically I am looking at 2007-2008 models.

Same price and same mileage...

Depends. Speed or comfort is the way I look at it.

I went with speed, and picked up a 335i. However, if I wanted a nicer larger vehicle, I'd go with the 5. Both are fantastic cars (new 5 series doens't do it for me), so I don't think you can go wrong

[FVM3]

3 series handles beeter and 5 series has more room. For me, 3 series looks better

[bbbuzzy]

I think the answer you receive here will be biased, it's a forum for 3 series enthusiasts. Take a guess what the majority will say. Good luck with your decision.

[Jlomb436]

Originally Posted by bbbuzzy

I think the answer you receive here will be biased, it's a forum for 3 series enthusiasts. Take a guess what the majority will say. Good luck with your decision.

I agree, however, I think most of us here enjoy BMW's as a whole, and can probably tell you the cons and perks of each vehicle.

And to OP - Of course, make sure to test drive each if you haven't already.

[TheStigsTwin]

Have you sat in the backseat of a 3 series sedan? I did, and fealt there was a plenty of legroom (i'm 6'3"). However, if you need more room, the 5 series is the clear choice.

[Php]

Depends if you need the car to be family friendly or not....kids....etc

I personally would pick a 3 series coupe, 335i preferred. If you want a 4 door though, go with the 5 series...a bit less sporty, but nicer and bigger than a 3 series sedan in my opinion.

[DenverJayhawk]

I'd go with the 5 in a heart beat.

[BRAISKI]

5 series is a pure comfort compared to the 3 series.

[okevino]

if you have a family, get a 5 series.

[BenTrovato]

It's a tough question since they are totally different drives!

I really like the new 5 series with some modifications, but if we're talking 07-08, definitely 3 series. It's all subjective to personal taste so go with what you like best.

[hipnotic]

3 series

[Bluecougar]

I was in the same boat however I had a E92 335i and wanted a sedan and was going back and forth whether to get an E90 or E60. But, if you want more room, more comfort, more luxury feel, I'd choose the 5 series. If you want less of everything listed but a sportier, fast, nimble feeling I'd choose the 3 series.

[The HACK]

I've had an E60 545i and a E92 328i in the garage for extended periods of time.

I am going to have to go counter to what everyone is going to say here. The 5 series is a significantly BETTER car than the 3 series. And anyone telling you that the performance edge goes to the 3...It doesn't. At the end of the day, no sane person will be able to push past what both cars are capable of, and the 5 is actually surprisingly nimble for a larger car. While heavier, the all aluminum front subframe/frame rails makes the center of gravity closer to the middle of the car and it rotates surprisingly well...With active roll stabilization, it corners BETTER than the stock 3 series (wider front and rear tires help) and feels more responsive and planted at the same time, while cruising around town it offers far more creature comforts than your typical 3 series.

And the inline 6 5 series comes with rack and pinion steering rather than a recirculating ball steering, so if you're comparing the same size engines, 335 vs. 535, and the price and feature is about the same? The 5 series wins hands down.

[ham96]

I love the boats so I'd say go for the five. But if you don't need the extra room and prefer a sportier drive get the 3.

[dday]

3, the 5 is just too big for my personal taste. The 3 is the perfect sized car for me.

[blacknbean]

3, dont need the extra size or weight. plus im not sure they even make the 5 in manual so that kills it for me.

[sickem]

It is hard to say since I have never driven an E60 535i. I really love the 3 series platform and my son is only a month old. thus it'll be a while before him and his future brothers/sisters will need extra room. So I like the compact E90. It really would come down to how they drove for me. F10 is out of the question as it looks like a volvo.

[wuchao1]

Ill go for a 5.. 535i or 550i tho

[BMWFanatic2008]

Since the F11 is already out, E60 looks outdated. So I would def take current gen 3-series over the previous gen 5-series.

[Gilda G]

I actually just sold my 2006 E60 Ac Schnitzer for my 335. I loved the E60 style, ride and the comfort interior. It was absolutely beautiful. After two years of owning it the problems started. First was the Idrive going, next was the sos, next was the Cd and Dvd drive and lastly was sunroof leaking which caused my car to ingest 2 inches or so of water under the passenger carpet. Had all items replaced out of my pocket other than going through my insurance for the water damage. If it wasn't for all those items going wrong I would have kept my car. It truly was a had turner and every time i see one Im like damn should have I stuck it out but then all the issues come to mind.
Check out the e60 forum ( I am under gildagjg) and do your research and get one with a warrantee and extend it if you can. Mine ran out and i chose not to extend that was a big mistake.

[aquichiro]

I love our 3 series and it suits a family of 3 just fine. But But 4 or more, go with the 5.