[stugolf]

I've just started looking into 535D's, with my budget it would more than likely be a pre LCI, I still like the 330D but am I missing a trick not counting the 535D

Doers anyone have any experiences?

Thanks

[Ajs_435d]

What do you want something that's quicker or better Mpg, the 535d has even better tuning abilities than the 330d.

It's that simple.

[Thomas_lad]

I would go 535d

[MattOz]

I've owned both. If you are going to have an auto 'box on either car, then go 535d. If you're thinking manual for the 330d, then go 330d. I'd choose a 330d manual over the pre-LCI 535d any day. A manual 330d is 8-10mpg more efficient than the 535d. Both offer similar performance in the real world and not the drag strip.

Either car is good in all honesty. I currently have a 330d and wouldn't swap it for the 535d.

[AWBimmer]

All down to what you want from your car. Totally different. Do you want a larger car or a smaller one? Is MPG that important? Will you be tuning. This is all very subjective and the comparison will never be like for like. Put down here a list of things that important in your next car purchase and lets see if we can help you chose the right one

[joeyt]

A pre lci 535d is just simply awful on fuel. If you can get an lci its a whole 10mpg better from the experience I had in both of mine.

[dest]

When I was looking at cars I found a garage that had a 530d and a 330d parked next to each other.
I got out the 3 and into the 5 and instantly knew I preferred the smaller 3.
The 5 just felt too big for what I wanted and the missus and 2 kids preferred the 3 as well

[stugolf]

Thanks guys, some good comparisons

I'm after the engine really in either car, I've never had a car as "big" as a 5 series but it doesn't really bother me, although I think I prefer the look of the 3 series

The fuel on pre LCI 535d is worrying as I would have a petrol if I wasn't interested in saving some fuel along the way

I heard the 5 is better built than the 3?

[MattOz]

Build quality wise they're about the same. Neither car is as well built as its predecessors. My pre-LCI 535d averaged 32mpg and that was with considerable motorway mileage. Realistically it's sub-30mpg, which is rubbish for a diesel. Might as well have a 530i or even 550i.

[makkan00]

I have been in both cars. If you are buying it to cruise and for long journeys, 5 series is better.
However if its for short distances and not bothered about the comfort and requires more agility, then 3 series is better.

I must say that I am impressed with the built quality of 5 series and everything was superior in terms of quality and complexity. The only draw back was the seats and they do not hold you as good as 3 series seats around the corners.

[dakhu1]

Firstly both great cars so you wouldent go far wrong with either!

I had a pre LCI 535D for a year (sold in Jan) and did about 12k in the time I had it - fuel wise I averaged 30 mpg according to the computer and used mainly for motorways and fast A roads - i couldent complain with the fuel economy on motorways, around town can be heavy-ish

We also have a pre-LCI 320D and I whilst not a 330D I conclude the following:

1. 5 series is much more luxurious to drive - much much better on longer runs and around town - everything is big when you sit inside
2. 5 series has fantastic boot space vs. 3 series
3. Being a twin turbo the 535D can be a money pit when things go wrong - I know first hand (new turbo etc)
4. Prefer the dash layout in the 3 series - maybe the LCI 5 series is better
5. Neither feel "big" to drive - they are both very managable in any situation as long as you can drive properly

To sum up - I would go for the 330D as the safer bet i.e. cheaper on fuel, tyres, less on maintenance (ceteris paribus) and if you dont need the boot space etc. If purse strings are looser go for the 535D - monster performance, great all rounder - only sold mine as we had another nipper and looking to get into a X5 or Q7

Any more questions re 535D let me know

My 2p worth....good luck!

[phil200tdi]

If a 535d is that poor on fuel get a 335i!

My 335i averages about the same!

[Ess]

If you're not worried about the extra size, you could consider a 335d?

My pre-LCI gets around 37mpg on country roads to work and around 45 on a long run with gentle driving so it's not too bad on fuel, but you get all the benefits of the 35d engine

[bazz780]

Originally Posted by Ess

If you're not worried about the extra size, you could consider a 335d?

My pre-LCI gets around 37mpg on country roads to work and around 45 on a long run with gentle driving so it's not too bad on fuel, but you get all the benefits of the 35d engine

I agree with this. I had a 520d lci which i found awesome on long journeys, however most of the time its just me and the short journeys which is why i went back to a 3 series, this time a 330d, previously i had a 335d which i still miss even though it was sold over a year ago. In your situation id get a 335d and u will love it if you like the 330d

I got 2 kids under 4 and although 5 has the bigger boot, we manage fine with the 3

It has more oomph and once remapped hits 340bhp approx with 530ft lbs of torque

I only bought 330d as found one cheap with under 70k miles

[shej]

We've had our e90 330d m sport for nearly 3 years bought from birds bmw. We just had another child so were looking to replace with a 530d lci. Test drove one and did not like it as felt too big compared to the 3. So might have to test the newer f10 5 series but in 520d m sport form as heard they are great with an awesome 8 speed box.