For me it was 3 reasons:
1)Being 6 foot and being inside the 3 was way too uncomfortable.
2)The rear of the 3 series looks like a civic or something around that.
3)The Difference is only $10,000 which isnt that big of a price difference...

By the way does anyone know how much longer the 5 is then the 3?

5 cuz in LA too many rich dads buy their kids 3s and I dont want to be branded as daddy bought my a BMW.

Size
Price
545i HP/Performance
Looks

Size and safety, kids on the way I don't want to feel like I'm in a Corolla or Civic like backseats. With all those big gas guzzling suv's out there I prefer to be in a 5 just in case they hit me.

For me is the size i'm 6'0 235lb so I'm really uncomfortable in the 3series. Second is the Hp difference :thumbsup: :devil:

I'm with you
I just hate being placed in the category when I actually earned my own BMW ;)

1. Magic combination of ride quality and handling. 3 series gives up too much ride quality.
2. Space.

True. But you know what? In LA even 5 is not rare AT ALL! I see a 5 every five minutes when driving down almost ANYWHERE.

3 x 6+ footers !

the 5 for its big trunk!!
and off course his comfort and size of the car.