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535i sport vs. 335i coupe

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Old 09-07-2007, 04:44 PM
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I'm in the market for a 535i with the sport package, but since I'm in New Hampshire (USA) all the dealers near me only have the xi. It seems like test driving the 535i, with or without the SP, will be next to impossible.

Like many before me, my concern about the sport package is the roughness of the ride. Here's my question: if I've driven the 335i coupe and was OK with the ride (didn't find it harsh), can I assume that I'd be satisfied with the ride of the 535i with the sport package?

Here's my thinking: the 335i and the 535i are pretty close in weight, and the 335i has the sport suspension, although the tires aren't the same size.

I don't like the idea of buying a car that I've never driven before, but short of hopping on a plane and flying somewhere that isn't inhabited by a bunch of "Must Have All Wheel Drive" zombies, I can't think of anything.

Opinions?
Old 09-07-2007, 05:39 PM
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I believe that the 335 SP has a rougher ride than the 535 SP. But the cars are so different, I don't know if you can judge how a 5 series sedan feels by driving a 3 series coupe.

Consider traveling to the Boston area. I'm sure you'll find some dealers there that have a 535 SP you can drive.

Lou
Old 09-07-2007, 05:41 PM
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Originally Posted by bdkinnh' post='467168' date='Sep 7 2007, 08:44 PM
Here's my question: if I've driven the 335i coupe and was OK with the ride (didn't find it harsh), can I assume that I'd be satisfied with the ride of the 535i with the sport package?
Ja, you can.
Old 09-07-2007, 06:20 PM
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The 5er sport package ride is not harsh at all.
Old 09-07-2007, 07:19 PM
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Originally Posted by pharding' post='467187' date='Sep 7 2007, 09:20 PM
The 5er sport package ride is not harsh at all.



I agree. The ride is not harsh, in spite of the runflats. My experience has been that with proper inflation pressures, the runflats are OK on the 535i Sport.
Old 09-07-2007, 08:57 PM
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My father has a 335i coupe that I have driven and am in all the time. He has the stock 19" wheel package so it feel really planted and transmits a lot of road to the occupants. I test drove 535's prior to placing my order and all have a more compliant ride than the 335. I went with the MSport suspension which is apparently the harshest of the options and it was smoother and more luxurious than the 335.

To the point. If you are OK with the ride of the 335 you will be happy with a 535 sport.

Good Luck
Old 09-08-2007, 08:28 AM
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Originally Posted by BMWSTL' post='467175' date='Sep 7 2007, 09:39 PM
Consider traveling to the Boston area. I'm sure you'll find some dealers there that have a 535 SP you can drive.
I have Monday and Tuesday off, so that's the plan: hit the phones early, and try and track one down.
Old 09-08-2007, 08:30 AM
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Originally Posted by FRANK970' post='467228' date='Sep 8 2007, 12:57 AM
If you are OK with the ride of the 335 you will be happy with a 535 sport.


Thanks - that's exactly what I was hoping to hear.

Thanks for the feedback everyone!
Old 09-08-2007, 08:42 AM
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I agree with Frank , go for the sports package, the other non functional benefit of the SP is the elimination of the chrome trim around the windows. I think the black trim is much more attractive and understated.

Cheers
Old 09-08-2007, 10:01 AM
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Don't worry, get the Dynamic Drive Control and the 5er is better than the 3!


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