[Jsoto250]

Hi,

My husband and I recently traded in our 18’ Macan GTS and 22’ X3 M40i for a 21’ X5 M50i. The Macan was getting tight with a toddler and I would like one more kid soon. The X3 was nice and fun but I still prefer a mid sized sedan as I’m not too crazy about SUVs. I had a Lexus GS before and loved the size of it. I received $54k for my trade and had about 20k in equity, So decided to put that towards my school loan and maybe lease or finance a sedan.

I can’t decide between 3 series or 5 series. Although I think the 3 might be too small, I love the new huge screen. Looking at m340i or m550i. Curious if I should hold out for the 24’ 5 series but that might be a while. Any tips, insights, thoughts on which sedan might be best and if leasing or financing is better? TIA!

[totalone]

M550 hands down. Bigger better. I have m440, but had an opportunity to have m550 for multiple weeks.
If my budget wasn't the issue at the time I would get m550

[G30M]

i have the 340 and 550

i don't like the 340

i like the 550

but if you like something agile to throw around violently the 550 ain't it

[Jsoto250]

Originally Posted by totalone

M550 hands down. Bigger better. I have m440, but had an opportunity to have m550 for multiple weeks.
If my budget wasn't the issue at the time I would get m550

The M440 was also something I considered until I sat in one. The coupe really cuts down on the head room in the back but I love the look of it. Thanks for opinion, I will b test driving one this weekend!

[Jsoto250]

Originally Posted by g21

i have the 340 and 550

i don't like the 340

i like the 550

but if you like something agile to throw around violently the 550 ain't it

I like a sportier drive and don’t like really huge cars but I’m also not flooring it everywhere and like a comfortable ride lol. What don’t you like about the 3 and what do you like more about the 5?

[madpistol]

If you need the extra size and can afford it, the M550i is the way to go, for sure.

[Jsoto250]

Originally Posted by madpistol

If you need the extra size and can afford it, the M550i is the way to go, for sure.

I guess I can get away with a smaller car because if ever needed I can take the X5 for the day. But yea, the M550i is pricey, debating if I want to break the bank lol

[madpistol]

Originally Posted by Jsoto250

I guess I can get away with a smaller car because if ever needed I can take the X5 for the day. But yea, the M550i is pricey, debating if I want to break the bank lol

If you are concerned about price, the current generation 3 series is plenty big, so an M340i is a great option. You shouldn't have any issue with backseat space.

[Jsoto250]

Originally Posted by madpistol

If you are concerned about price, the current generation 3 series is plenty big, so an M340i is a great option. You shouldn't have any issue with backseat space.

You’ve convinced me to go take another look at it and test drive the m340i this weekend. I’ll try and put my toddlers chair in there too. Thanks again!

[tturedraider]

Originally Posted by madpistol

If you are concerned about price, the current generation 3 series is plenty big, so an M340i is a great option. You shouldn't have any issue with backseat space.

Agreed. Sounds like you might prefer one with the adaptive suspension, which is now only $550, down from $700.

[Jsoto250]

Originally Posted by tturedraider

Agreed. Sounds like you might prefer one with the adaptive suspension, which is now only $550, down from $700.

Hmmm, what does the adaptive suspension do? I’m guessing you can adjust it for a softer or stiffer ride?

[madpistol]

Originally Posted by Jsoto250

Hmmm, what does the adaptive suspension do? I’m guessing you can adjust it for a softer or stiffer ride?

Yep. The M340i comes with the M-sport suspension as standard, so the optional adaptive suspension allows it to ride more comfortable or more stiff/sporty. I have it on my M440i Gran Coupe, and I would highly recommend it. It makes a huge difference.

[JABCAT]

I had 3 kids and a Fiat 500, so I don't understand how a Macan was tight with a toddler. I could fit everything we needed and the kids in the Fiat. I also had a Camaro SS when my first two were toddlers and miraculously it worked out just fine.

That being said, you're definitely going to think the 3 series is too small, and probably the 5 series as well. But of the two, the 5.

[Jsoto250]

Originally Posted by madpistol

Yep. The M340i comes with the M-sport suspension as standard, so the optional adaptive suspension allows it to ride more comfortable or more stiff/sporty. I have it on my M440i Gran Coupe, and I would highly recommend it. It makes a huge difference.

Sounds like a must, thanks for the heads up!

[Jsoto250]

Originally Posted by JABCAT

I had 3 kids and a Fiat 500, so I don't understand how a Macan was tight with a toddler. I could fit everything we needed and the kids in the Fiat. I also had a Camaro SS when my first two were toddlers and miraculously it worked out just fine.

That being said, you're definitely going to think the 3 series is too small, and probably the 5 series as well. But of the two, the 5.

My husband is 6’4 and when he’s driving, no one can sit behind him because there is no leg room left in the back seat. Also, the macan’s coupe design, gives it very very little headroom and my daughter’s car seat is massive. Visibility through the rear also sucks. I’m not tall 5’6 but when I would ride passenger, my knees were jammed up against the glove box so that my daughter’s legs weren’t crushed by the seat. The X3 felt way roomier than the macan by a long shot but that could just be me. Some have said the X3 and 3 series have the same space just not as tall. If that’s true, I think the 3 might be fine because the x3 was perfect size.

[G30M]

Originally Posted by Jsoto250

I like a sportier drive and don’t like really huge cars but I’m also not flooring it everywhere and like a comfortable ride lol. What don’t you like about the 3 and what do you like more about the 5?

3 with the standard sport seat with lumbar support delete thanks to chip shortage - not comfortable, seats are hard. if you can, go for the M sport seats, make sure it has lumbar support.

sound system - not impressed

bumpy - make sure you get the adaptive suspension as the non adaptive is even worse

apart from that it's a pocket rocket

note - the 3 comfort is same as the X3 so if you're fine with the m40i you will be fine with the M340i

[siddsbmw]

If you’re looking at a 3 series, sit in it. While it’s the same size inside as a X3, most people sit closer to the wheel in a SUV since the seats are higher up giving more legroom to rear passengers. In a sedan, people sit further back to make room for their legs as the seat is lower to the floor.

[Jsoto250]

Originally Posted by g21

3 with the standard sport seat with lumbar support delete thanks to chip shortage - not comfortable, seats are hard. if you can, go for the M sport seats, make sure it has lumbar support.

sound system - not impressed

bumpy - make sure you get the adaptive suspension as the non adaptive is even worse

apart from that it's a pocket rocket

note - the 3 comfort is same as the X3 so if you're fine with the m40i you will be fine with the M340i

Will keep that in mind, didn’t know the seats for the m40i and the base are different. I thought they were the same.

Are you referring to the Harmon kardon sound system upgrade? I thought it was decent compared to the macan Bose which was not that great.

Yea others have suggested the adaptive suspension which I deff want now.

Comfort wise, I was ok with the x3

Thanks!

[Jsoto250]

Originally Posted by siddsbmw

If you’re looking at a 3 series, sit in it. While it’s the same size inside as a X3, most people sit closer to the wheel in a SUV since the seats are higher up giving more legroom to rear passengers. In a sedan, people sit further back to make room for their legs as the seat is lower to the floor.

Another good point I didn’t think of lol. Adding this to the checklist. Thanks!

[Montaver]

Originally Posted by g21

3 with the standard sport seat with lumbar support delete thanks to chip shortage - not comfortable, seats are hard. if you can, go for the M sport seats, make sure it has lumbar support.

sound system - not impressed

bumpy - make sure you get the adaptive suspension as the non adaptive is even worse

apart from that it's a pocket rocket

note - the 3 comfort is same as the X3 so if you're fine with the m40i you will be fine with the M340i

All the seats are the same across both cars. Only the X3M / M3 has the option of M sport seats.

[JABCAT]

Originally Posted by Montaver

All the seats are the same across both cars. Only the X3M / M3 has the option of M sport seats.

I have to disagree. I just had an X3 as a rental for 2 weeks while my 330e MSport was in the shop. The X3 had leather seats (mine has sensatec) which were noticeably softer than the seats in my car. They also had the adjustable side bolsters (which were deleted on my car) and even with the bolsters all the way out, they were narrower than my seats. This made them not as comfortable as my seats for longer drives (I drive round trip 500 mi every weekend). The X3 also felt like it had much more room inside than my 3-series, especially in the rear seats/leg room department. My youngest son is 5'5" with long legs and size 12 shoes. He doesn't have much leg room in my car but seemed to have plenty in the X3 with the seats in the same position.

I much prefer the ride & handling in my car with the MSport pkg, and was happy to return the X3 and get back behind the wheel of my car.

[jjl]

The Macan was too small, and you loved the size of the GS, no brainer you should be looking at the 5 series, the 3 series will be too small. My toddler days are long behind me but the X5 served me well back then, but you said you prefer a sedan, so 5 series it is.