Quote:
Originally Posted by Howshnaz
As a backstory, I owned an f30 328i. We recently bought my wife an X3 M40i and I absolutely love that car. It drives so well and the engine is great. Now I am driving her old Honda Civic and would like a new BMW for myself.
One thing I did not like about my 328I was the ride quality. Mainly that the interior felt kinda cheap and the endless ratting of various pieces of plastic drove me insane. Otherwise fun car.
I am torn over what to get now. My only stipulation is I need a car seat in the back. I like having a quick powerful car on demand but commute daily so comfort is a must. Would like tech like auto cruise and remote start.
I also was looking at the m550i for more interior luxury and better build quality. But the 5 series just looks... Boring. Also no remote start bugs me (wtf, BMW?).
I also really like the X5 m50i. Particularly the ride, tech and interior luxury. I realize this is quite different than the above 2 lol.
I really like the look and engine and tech of the m340 but worry that a cheaper interior quality will drive me insane again. But it would be fun to have a small and nimble "sportier" car.
Any thoughts on which BMW might suit my situation best? Would love to hear from owners of various models.
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I went for the 530e and loaded it with Nappa upholstery, leather dash, adaptive lights, adaptive suspension, etc. A huge advantage, in Phoenix area, is the ability to use the phone app to turn on the AC. In the summer when I am golfing and the car has been sitting in the sun for five hours, I take out my phone after the 17th hole, turn on the AC, and when I get to the car, it is nice and comfortable. It is way better than remote start.
While I would prefer more power, I have always had adequate power (I don't track a car) including passing on steep hills on a road with a 65 mph speed limit (Carefree Highway coming back from Peoria toward Scottsdale). I would be tempted to wait for the alleged 545e but it is not clear that this vehicle will ever make it to the states.
The 530e with the Nappa upholstery will meet most of your needs. I have the added benefit of being able to drive in the car pool lane (I an grandfathered into that) but you won't have that option.
I had a 3 series before my 5 series. The crappy interior on the 3 series is why I upgraded. With Nappa upholstery, multi-contour seats (I love the way the wings tighten and hug me after I put on my seatbelt) the 5 series is very nice. I do like a smaller more maneuverable car.
An added benefit of the five series is that the car seat will be easier to fit.
If you don't track your car, and you want more power, the 540i should give you that.