So aside from the size, design, and price, what are the differences between the 5 series and the 3 series?

 

Well, I'm no expert, but having driven a 325 as a loaner while my car was in the shop, the size is a BIG difference, both in the customer the car appeals to and in the ride. There is no way I could fit my two kids car seats and another adult in the backseat a 3. I can do it in my 5. It is a bit tight, but when the grandparents are in town, we do it for shorter rides. And my dad at 6'3" could not ride in the back seat of a 3. These are major issue for many buyers, so I would simply brush aside the size difference.

The 3 is a smaller, sportier car with a much rougher ride than the 5. The 5's suspension is tuned for the smoother ride of a sedan while the 3 is much firmer. By the time I got my 5 back, I was ready for it! The 325 was fun, but it was noisy and rough in comaprison to my 545. They just appeal to different markets.

Every auto maker has smaller, less expensive cars and larger cars with different driving characteristics. One of the better examples I can think of is a numbers of years ago, Mazda tried to break in to the higher end car market, with its mid sized/mid priced 626 and the larger, more "luxurious" 929. Problem was, there was not enough differientiation between the two cars and the 626 sold quite well, but at the expense of the 929.

 

5er's regardless of engine size are for "real" manly men

M5's cater to manly sized men who want the performance of an M3

3er coupes especially the M3 are for sporty single guys that probably have a 2nd car and can afford to have a backseat for display purposes only.

3er sedans are for those who need a back seat (kids, in-laws) and are probably not as tall.

You can't go wrong with either one.

 

I'm currently driving a 330Xi loaner and man this thing is small. The ride is much bumpier (quite "hoppy" over expansion joints, etc. due to short wheelbase.) It feels like a toy compared to the E60.

Overall, it's a fine car but man I miss my 5...

 

The 3 series is good, 5 series better, M5 is the BEST.


An 08 E90 330i (or 335d is this possible?) hold the i-drive would be quite nice.

 

I've had 325i loaners while my 530 was in for service. They are kind of fun to drive....for awhile, but man, I miss my 5 after a day or two. It is just way more comfortable, in my opinion!

 

I did notice one thing last night on the 330Xi I'm using -- the business radio can play MP3 CDs...

 

No way!!!
3 series plays MP3s and ours don't.... that totally sux!!!

 

I believe that everyone who was comparing the 3 to their 5 was comparing the E46 3 series and not the new E90.

The E60 5 series grew in size over the E39 so it would make sense that it is a lot larger than an E46 3 series.

The size difference between a new E60 and E90 would be less, although, still a significant factor.

I think the biggest difference between the two is the driving style each offers.

5 series= More comfort, less sport
3 series= More sport, less comfort

Depends on what you prefer. Either car is awesome in it's own way.