[valsorim]

The lease on my 2006 330i is expiring next year in summer. I narrowed my options to the facelifted 335i or the 535i.

Facelifted 335i

Good:
Drives like a BMW. New features, like the new I-Drive, Harddrive etc. Fresh New Looks, Cheaper than a 535.

Bad:
Small space for a family. Similar to what I have right now.


535i:

Good:
Drives like a BMW. Larger space. The optional seats are amazing. BMW may have some great offers next summer for this car.

Bad:
Will become dated when the new 5 series comes out. Old I-Drive. More expensive than a 335i.

What would you do?

[methodtim]

The answer, as in all these types of threads, is: it depends. Have you test driven the 5-series? Does it make you go ooh and aah enough to justify the additional expense or does it have any "killer features" that, too, would justify the additional expense? You mentioned space as one of the requirements, but did not say how important it was to you. If you require more space than an e90 will provide, then the choice is pretty clear, right? You could also look into an e91 as well, but BMW doesn't offer that with the bi-turbo engine.

I wouldn't worry too much about things being outdated once the new or refreshed models come out. If you worry about these things, you'll never buy anything, as there's always something newer and better down the road.

If it was me and I had a family that didn't really fit in a 3 series, I would definitely go for the 5 at this point in my life. Other than the space issue, I don't think there's any real reason to go with the 5 unless you like the styling more or it suits you more. I definitely plan on upgrading to a 5 series sometime later in life though. I remember drooling all over the e39's when I was younger.

So I don't know, do what you feel is best. You win with either choice.

[PLAYON]

Go with a 550i, all the cool kids are doing it kidding completely. Go with the 335i, I've had my 550i for a few weeks now, love it to death, this thing is THE BUSINESS. . .buuuut I am having buyer's remorse everytime I see someone get a new e90 M3. . .

Did I make a mistake? Maybe. should I have sprung for the M3? Probably. Am I unsatisfied with the 550i? Hell No. Should you buy the E90 335i? Absolutely brotha!

[snowboarder]

I think 535 is not as much fun as 335. If you want a car for a large family
and want something different that what you have now, go for 535.
If you want to enjoy your ride as much as possible, go for a 335.
Or, I have to say, get a 550i, it's the best of two worlds!
550 is amazing, so smooth, sticks to the road and just goes.

[Staszek]

I would sit in the back seat of both cars, the 535 is definitely bigger but I dont think its A LOT bigger, if you have smaller kids I dont think it will make much difference, older kids yea maybe.

Also the new Idrive from what I have seen is much better then the old one. I kind if wish I could upgrade mine to the new version.

Personally I like the looks of the new 3 facelift, I still like the older e90 over the 5 series.

I actually had that choice I went in to buy a 530 back in 06. Then I saw the 330 in person and drove them both and decided to save my money and get the 3.

[simp0man]

Minimize feeding your kids so they won't grow too fast to ruin the interior. Seriously 5 is something I too will get into. Maybe the next model depending how it looks.

[duk]

bmw drives like a bmw? what?

[simp0man]

If I don't like the look I ain't riding it. You don't see everyone racing to get the 1 series. Sorry no offense to the one but it is commonly true.