3 Series Estate or 4 Series Gran Coupe?
Discussion
Hi all,
Currently drive a 2015 520d and am getting the urge to change again. Whilst the 5 is a great motorway cruiser, I miss having a bigger engine and I am highly likely to end up in a .35d. I'm going to the dealer on Saturday to test drive both the 3 touring and the 4 gran coupe.
I wandered whether any one has made the move from a 5 to a 3/4 and if so what are the downsides? I'm assuming road noise will be one, but is it hugely different (I will spec m sport plus which includes the 19s)? For me road noise is the one thing that can really spoil a car. Do different tyres make a significant difference?
Also, is there any difference in ride quality and refinement between the 4 and 3?
Thanks,
Dean
Currently drive a 2015 520d and am getting the urge to change again. Whilst the 5 is a great motorway cruiser, I miss having a bigger engine and I am highly likely to end up in a .35d. I'm going to the dealer on Saturday to test drive both the 3 touring and the 4 gran coupe.
I wandered whether any one has made the move from a 5 to a 3/4 and if so what are the downsides? I'm assuming road noise will be one, but is it hugely different (I will spec m sport plus which includes the 19s)? For me road noise is the one thing that can really spoil a car. Do different tyres make a significant difference?
Also, is there any difference in ride quality and refinement between the 4 and 3?
Thanks,
Dean
Had plenty of 3 series in different guises over the years as dd's. Skipped the 4 as it felt like the same car inside. Based on comfort and interior quality alone there's no way I'd go back to a 3 or 4 after having a 5. If you just want a bigger engine why not get a 6 pot 5 series.
Edited by Pioneer on Wednesday 13th September 16:32
I went from an E61 5 series to an 340i touring so not exactly like for like, obviously the tech in the F31 is miles ahead, however the downsides from my perspective is a more cramped interior (I'm 6.1) I've struggled to find a good seating position and often rub my head on the headlining. Quality of interior finish/fit is slightly inferior in the F31 imho, but I did have the merino leather and alcantara headlining in the 5 so not exactly a fair comparison compared to the bog standard dakota leather.
My F31 is running the OE Bridgestone RFT's (19' 225/255) on the standard suspension and road noise is significant, but more importantly the ride is very compromised on poor surfaces, the only saving grace is that the tyres have a decent amount of grip and are wearing well for the mileage I've done on them so far.
My F31 is running the OE Bridgestone RFT's (19' 225/255) on the standard suspension and road noise is significant, but more importantly the ride is very compromised on poor surfaces, the only saving grace is that the tyres have a decent amount of grip and are wearing well for the mileage I've done on them so far.
I want something a little more practical too hence the touring/gc, currently in the saloon 5. I ride bikes a lot and often drive places with one or two bikes (£4-5k bikes are not going on the outside!). The 5 touring I think is too big so hence looking at the smaller range cars. I also feel like I want something more engaging and fun to drive. I can put up with a bit more road noise for that, but not heaps.
I've had a run up to Manchester airport this morning and this thread has made me realise just how much road noise there is with the RTF's, its made a little better with the sunroof liner fully closed but to be honest, it actually felt a little bit like being on a airplane... and I wasn't the one flying!
I would try and test drive a selection of cars with and without the adaptive suspension, I would also try and test a car without the OE RFT's, even if its an M3/M4 on MPSS tyres. Finally, I wouldn't discount the 40i engines either, after 8000 miles I'm seeing almost 33mpg around town using super unleaded, extended runs increase that by another 15-20%
I would try and test drive a selection of cars with and without the adaptive suspension, I would also try and test a car without the OE RFT's, even if its an M3/M4 on MPSS tyres. Finally, I wouldn't discount the 40i engines either, after 8000 miles I'm seeing almost 33mpg around town using super unleaded, extended runs increase that by another 15-20%
I would avoid the 19s if you can on the F31. We recently had a few courtesy and hire cars due to an issue with our previous F11 520d and had the opportunity to compare the following all in M Sport trim/suspension: F11 on 19s, F30 on 19s, F31 on 18s.
The F11 was noticeably the quietest, also with the best ride over bad roads. The F31 on 18s wasn't far behind with regard to ride comfort, but road noise was louder. The F30 on 19s was horrible, very crashy and harsh over bumps, along with the louder road noise.
As others have mentioned, although I am biased I would be looking at F11s, 30d+ or 35i like the one I just picked up, if you can find them! Currently just the 1 in the AUC network.
Best to just try them out back to back if possible though and see what you think.
The F11 was noticeably the quietest, also with the best ride over bad roads. The F31 on 18s wasn't far behind with regard to ride comfort, but road noise was louder. The F30 on 19s was horrible, very crashy and harsh over bumps, along with the louder road noise.
As others have mentioned, although I am biased I would be looking at F11s, 30d+ or 35i like the one I just picked up, if you can find them! Currently just the 1 in the AUC network.
Best to just try them out back to back if possible though and see what you think.
@cslchappie I have actually said to the dealer that I'd also look at the .40i. I'm fairly lucky that my fuel is paid for whether private or company mileage so MPG isn't a huge concern for me, and a reason I kick myself still for opting for a 520d two years ago.
@daaaveee good advice. Out of interest, did any of the cars you had have either adaptive suspension or x drive which would have deleted the msport suspension?
@daaaveee good advice. Out of interest, did any of the cars you had have either adaptive suspension or x drive which would have deleted the msport suspension?
I just got an F31 330D touring a few months ago. First time in a BM for me so maybe not a fantastic comparison.
The F31 isn't huge at all but I also test drove the 5 series touring - which was a bit like a barge to drive, even in 30D M sport trim. I doubt you'll be able to get a couple of bikes in the back without folding down the rear seats, and potentially taking front wheels off too.
Not sure I agree with the poster who says they're 6' 1 and can't fit in. You need to tilt the seat down and backwards to take on a racier driving position! I'm also 6' 1 and I'm fine. Mind you when my old man (5' 7) sits in my driving seat, he can't see over the dashboard cowling...
Can't really comment on road noise but in terms of comfort I find the F31 a bit wallow-y in Comfort mode so have got the AC Schnitzer springs on my Christmas list...
The F31 isn't huge at all but I also test drove the 5 series touring - which was a bit like a barge to drive, even in 30D M sport trim. I doubt you'll be able to get a couple of bikes in the back without folding down the rear seats, and potentially taking front wheels off too.
Not sure I agree with the poster who says they're 6' 1 and can't fit in. You need to tilt the seat down and backwards to take on a racier driving position! I'm also 6' 1 and I'm fine. Mind you when my old man (5' 7) sits in my driving seat, he can't see over the dashboard cowling...
Can't really comment on road noise but in terms of comfort I find the F31 a bit wallow-y in Comfort mode so have got the AC Schnitzer springs on my Christmas list...
djbunker8 said:
I just got an F31 330D touring a few months ago. First time in a BM for me so maybe not a fantastic comparison.
The F31 isn't huge at all but I also test drove the 5 series touring - which was a bit like a barge to drive, even in 30D M sport trim. I doubt you'll be able to get a couple of bikes in the back without folding down the rear seats, and potentially taking front wheels off too.
Not sure I agree with the poster who says they're 6' 1 and can't fit in. You need to tilt the seat down and backwards to take on a racier driving position! I'm also 6' 1 and I'm fine. Mind you when my old man (5' 7) sits in my driving seat, he can't see over the dashboard cowling...
Can't really comment on road noise but in terms of comfort I find the F31 a bit wallow-y in Comfort mode so have got the AC Schnitzer springs on my Christmas list...
Having said that I do like the look of the 4GC, just don't think you'll get the bikes in the back...The F31 isn't huge at all but I also test drove the 5 series touring - which was a bit like a barge to drive, even in 30D M sport trim. I doubt you'll be able to get a couple of bikes in the back without folding down the rear seats, and potentially taking front wheels off too.
Not sure I agree with the poster who says they're 6' 1 and can't fit in. You need to tilt the seat down and backwards to take on a racier driving position! I'm also 6' 1 and I'm fine. Mind you when my old man (5' 7) sits in my driving seat, he can't see over the dashboard cowling...
Can't really comment on road noise but in terms of comfort I find the F31 a bit wallow-y in Comfort mode so have got the AC Schnitzer springs on my Christmas list...
I have had older 5 and 3 series Tourings and more recently a 330d xDrive SE Touring. I also had a journey recently in a 5 Touring. Here's my thoughts.
My 2013 330d Touring was as big as my 528i Touring of ten years ago. I thought that the 330d was a great balance of capacity and motorway cruising without being a barge. For me, the 5 is just too big. My 3 Series could (and did) take 2 bikes inside but if you really wanted to do this, a carrier on a towbar would be a much better solution, whatever the model.
I have actually just swapped from the 3 to an M235i Convertible, in part because I felt that the 3 had itself got serious middle-age spread. I don't miss the space and we've done various European road trips with tons of gear and suitcases and still been able to put the top down.
Back to the 3 Touring, I would say that a lot depends on how you spec' the interior. Mine was full oyster with a panoramic sunroof (photo below). This made the interior light and airy and rear passengers commented on how pleasant it was on longer journeys. But opt for all-black and no panoramic roof, and it'll look confined and depressing. I'd also say that adaptive makes a big difference too - without it, the car will be too 'floaty' for many people. So if you do test drive, make sure the spec' is along these lines.
(The colour rendering is much closer to reality on the first shot of the front for some reason.)
My 2013 330d Touring was as big as my 528i Touring of ten years ago. I thought that the 330d was a great balance of capacity and motorway cruising without being a barge. For me, the 5 is just too big. My 3 Series could (and did) take 2 bikes inside but if you really wanted to do this, a carrier on a towbar would be a much better solution, whatever the model.
I have actually just swapped from the 3 to an M235i Convertible, in part because I felt that the 3 had itself got serious middle-age spread. I don't miss the space and we've done various European road trips with tons of gear and suitcases and still been able to put the top down.
Back to the 3 Touring, I would say that a lot depends on how you spec' the interior. Mine was full oyster with a panoramic sunroof (photo below). This made the interior light and airy and rear passengers commented on how pleasant it was on longer journeys. But opt for all-black and no panoramic roof, and it'll look confined and depressing. I'd also say that adaptive makes a big difference too - without it, the car will be too 'floaty' for many people. So if you do test drive, make sure the spec' is along these lines.
(The colour rendering is much closer to reality on the first shot of the front for some reason.)
Edited by msej449 on Friday 15th September 17:39
So bit of an update...
Based on the numbers I had been discussing with the dealer, the 3 touring was making more sense financially and so decided to start by looking at that option more closely. I had also more or less decided on the .35d over the .40i for the XDrive (I miss my Quattro and so wanted something 4 wheel drive) and torque for motorway driving... I figured the auto box is less likely to change between gears with the diesel when applying power making for a smoother more effortless feel to the drive.
Went in today to discuss in more detail, and when I got there I was advised that BMW had also dropped the Q3 finance rate on the 3 series to 0% - free money - so great way to start... Just needed the test drive to go well.
They only had a 330d xdrive on 19s, but that didn't bother me so much as I really wanted to get a feel for the handling, ride quality and refinement... certainly everything I've read says the 35d if anything is more refined. Straight away the engine noise is more intrusive than my 520d, but once it warmed up it quietened down and once at a cruising speed hushed up nicely, although still more present than the 5. The road noise was not dissimilar from my 5, certainly not enough to be an issue. The ride on the standard xdrive suspension is more floaty than my 5 m sport springs, but from a comfort perspective on our crappy roads I think work well, I didn't get a chance to fling it into corners too much but do expect it to roll a little.. for me this isn't a big issue for now. The 330d is quick for sure, but I do think a little more wouldn't hurt
I got the chance to overtake on a backroad, the extra punch makes such a difference to confidence in these situations... So much better for me. All in all I can say that for me I think it's the right car.
We looked at available cars with my required spec which to be fair is quite high, since I'm coming from a 5, there are certain things I've just got used to. I need to take delivery this month to qualify for the 0% and deposit contribution (Or so they say, I'm sure there will be deals next quarter too!) I was looking at available stock.
Looked through a few 335ds (only 5 in the UK because of how particular i am) and found one that sounded perfect... it's in an Individual Citrin Black with Oyster Leather and Panoramic Sun Roof. It also has m sport plus, pro media, reverse camera, folding mirrors with anti dazzle, electric front seats with memory, heated seats, enhanced bluetooth as well as all the other standard kit... certainly enough to make a move to a 3 feel less of a drop in luxury from the 5.
The dealer came up with a price that was overall circa 21% off list.. this, plus it being the right car and the 0% finance for me just makes it feel the right move... so I've put a deposit down!
Now I cannot wait!
Based on the numbers I had been discussing with the dealer, the 3 touring was making more sense financially and so decided to start by looking at that option more closely. I had also more or less decided on the .35d over the .40i for the XDrive (I miss my Quattro and so wanted something 4 wheel drive) and torque for motorway driving... I figured the auto box is less likely to change between gears with the diesel when applying power making for a smoother more effortless feel to the drive.
Went in today to discuss in more detail, and when I got there I was advised that BMW had also dropped the Q3 finance rate on the 3 series to 0% - free money - so great way to start... Just needed the test drive to go well.
They only had a 330d xdrive on 19s, but that didn't bother me so much as I really wanted to get a feel for the handling, ride quality and refinement... certainly everything I've read says the 35d if anything is more refined. Straight away the engine noise is more intrusive than my 520d, but once it warmed up it quietened down and once at a cruising speed hushed up nicely, although still more present than the 5. The road noise was not dissimilar from my 5, certainly not enough to be an issue. The ride on the standard xdrive suspension is more floaty than my 5 m sport springs, but from a comfort perspective on our crappy roads I think work well, I didn't get a chance to fling it into corners too much but do expect it to roll a little.. for me this isn't a big issue for now. The 330d is quick for sure, but I do think a little more wouldn't hurt
I got the chance to overtake on a backroad, the extra punch makes such a difference to confidence in these situations... So much better for me. All in all I can say that for me I think it's the right car.We looked at available cars with my required spec which to be fair is quite high, since I'm coming from a 5, there are certain things I've just got used to. I need to take delivery this month to qualify for the 0% and deposit contribution (Or so they say, I'm sure there will be deals next quarter too!) I was looking at available stock.
Looked through a few 335ds (only 5 in the UK because of how particular i am) and found one that sounded perfect... it's in an Individual Citrin Black with Oyster Leather and Panoramic Sun Roof. It also has m sport plus, pro media, reverse camera, folding mirrors with anti dazzle, electric front seats with memory, heated seats, enhanced bluetooth as well as all the other standard kit... certainly enough to make a move to a 3 feel less of a drop in luxury from the 5.
The dealer came up with a price that was overall circa 21% off list.. this, plus it being the right car and the 0% finance for me just makes it feel the right move... so I've put a deposit down!
Now I cannot wait!
Edited by Dean83 on Saturday 16th September 19:19
Edited by Dean83 on Saturday 16th September 19:21
CSLchappie said:
I went from an E61 5 series to an 340i touring so not exactly like for like, obviously the tech in the F31 is miles ahead, however the downsides from my perspective is a more cramped interior (I'm 6.1) I've struggled to find a good seating position and often rub my head on the headlining. Quality of interior finish/fit is slightly inferior in the F31 imho, but I did have the merino leather and alcantara headlining in the 5 so not exactly a fair comparison compared to the bog standard dakota leather.
My F31 is running the OE Bridgestone RFT's (19' 225/255) on the standard suspension and road noise is significant, but more importantly the ride is very compromised on poor surfaces, the only saving grace is that the tyres have a decent amount of grip and are wearing well for the mileage I've done on them so far.
I'm an inch taller than you and have a 5' 10" teenager who sits behind me yet we are both perfectly happy on 5h non stop trips in our F31My F31 is running the OE Bridgestone RFT's (19' 225/255) on the standard suspension and road noise is significant, but more importantly the ride is very compromised on poor surfaces, the only saving grace is that the tyres have a decent amount of grip and are wearing well for the mileage I've done on them so far.
Coming from a RR Sport - no really - I had concerns over interior space but probably due to the awful packaging of the original RRS this hasnt been an issue. The boot is a different proposition, we have a large dog and used to be able to get all of our stuff in the back with him but now are reliant on a roof box for family holidays, not exactly a real hardship.
But good luck with your new motor OP
Mine's leased mainly because I wasnt sure it would be big enough for us however the run out deals on the F31 are pretty good although as much as I admire, not love, my 335d Id certainly be sniffing around the 340i - pragmatically though the 335d has been ace, humungous stomp and 50mpg on the motorway
Cheers
So chopped in the 5 this weekend and took delivery of my new 335d touring 
. Only done around 100 miles since yesterday, but loving it so far. Makes me smile, whereas the 5 never did. I've yet to really test the engine as am breaking it in first, but feels lovely so far with real pace available.
Definitely more road noise than the one I test drove, but just crank up the HK and it soon is inaudible... I can live with it Is the main thing. I think it's down to the tyres being different than the test drive car... Will change to something quieter in time. Also the ride is firmer than the car I test drove which was pre LCI, so BMW must have changed this with the update, anyone know for sure? It is better, feels more planted.
Some crappy pics for now. Need to get some proper ones taken.
. Only done around 100 miles since yesterday, but loving it so far. Makes me smile, whereas the 5 never did. I've yet to really test the engine as am breaking it in first, but feels lovely so far with real pace available.Definitely more road noise than the one I test drove, but just crank up the HK and it soon is inaudible
... I can live with it Is the main thing. I think it's down to the tyres being different than the test drive car... Will change to something quieter in time. Also the ride is firmer than the car I test drove which was pre LCI, so BMW must have changed this with the update, anyone know for sure? It is better, feels more planted.Some crappy pics for now. Need to get some proper ones taken.
Edited by Dean83 on Sunday 24th September 20:49
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