BMW F11 vs F31
Discussion
Had a F10 M5 and a F31 335d.
F10 felt more solid and refined, as would be expected from a 5 series, while the F31 had the more modern tech (adaptive cruise, adaptive led, and newer idrive). On balance, I would henceforth always go for a 5 over 3 series.
As to engines, depends on your usage but the 330d/335d are both excellent, and a 528i would feel quite weedy in comparison
F10 felt more solid and refined, as would be expected from a 5 series, while the F31 had the more modern tech (adaptive cruise, adaptive led, and newer idrive). On balance, I would henceforth always go for a 5 over 3 series.
As to engines, depends on your usage but the 330d/335d are both excellent, and a 528i would feel quite weedy in comparison
I have had a couple of F11's, I have a 520d at the moment still. 64 plate LCI version so gets the NBT nav etc.
I did a deal on an 68 plate F31 340i a few weeks back, but after going for a test drive I felt a bit disappointed and just knew that I would regret the move after the novelty wore off, so backed out.
It all just felt a bit low rent and didn't feel anywhere near as sold
I reckon I will probably get a G31 540i next.
For me I would also be happy with a 535i too, the lci 528i is a 2 litre 4 cylinder turbo by the way.
F11 530i 6 cyl doesn't exist I don't think, they were from 2011-2013 and the LCI was 2014.
It would have to be a very high spec one for me, with full nav, dab, etc. etc.
I did a deal on an 68 plate F31 340i a few weeks back, but after going for a test drive I felt a bit disappointed and just knew that I would regret the move after the novelty wore off, so backed out.
It all just felt a bit low rent and didn't feel anywhere near as sold
I reckon I will probably get a G31 540i next.
For me I would also be happy with a 535i too, the lci 528i is a 2 litre 4 cylinder turbo by the way.
F11 530i 6 cyl doesn't exist I don't think, they were from 2011-2013 and the LCI was 2014.
It would have to be a very high spec one for me, with full nav, dab, etc. etc.
I should add, I bought the F11 after arguing on here that diesel doesn't really save you any real money, as an overall cost the savings are so minimal if you are buying a sub 5 year old car and that is me doing 25k miles a year.
I said if you buy diesel you may as well go 20d and try and save money, difference between 535d and 535i etc. will be so small not worth it.
I must admit, I have been really, really impressed with the 520d. Mine is tuned to 238hp which helps. But it does 43mpg normal stuff and can see 55mpg on a run.
550-650 mile tanks.
So much so I'm in no rush to swap it, I do genuinely love it.
This one is an SE, have to say, really enjoying the comfort too. I was offered £10500 for it last week by someone, but in reality not sure I want to bung in £20,000 to get into a 540i. So thinking keep this and get something else like an E91 330i or similar. I loved the E91's I had.
I said if you buy diesel you may as well go 20d and try and save money, difference between 535d and 535i etc. will be so small not worth it.
I must admit, I have been really, really impressed with the 520d. Mine is tuned to 238hp which helps. But it does 43mpg normal stuff and can see 55mpg on a run.
550-650 mile tanks.
So much so I'm in no rush to swap it, I do genuinely love it.
This one is an SE, have to say, really enjoying the comfort too. I was offered £10500 for it last week by someone, but in reality not sure I want to bung in £20,000 to get into a 540i. So thinking keep this and get something else like an E91 330i or similar. I loved the E91's I had.
Nice to hear all of your opinions.
I’m just wondering basically if the xDrive system is worth it on the F31 (F11 not available in the UK as xDrive) and if diesel or petrol is the best option both for running costs and reliability?
It would be good if BMW put the N53 3 litre N/A 6 in the F30/31 as well as the F10/11. Although I am aware that by the time the F30/31 came out the N53 was discontinued in the F10/11.
I’m just wondering basically if the xDrive system is worth it on the F31 (F11 not available in the UK as xDrive) and if diesel or petrol is the best option both for running costs and reliability?
It would be good if BMW put the N53 3 litre N/A 6 in the F30/31 as well as the F10/11. Although I am aware that by the time the F30/31 came out the N53 was discontinued in the F10/11.
Edited by Levi1501 on Sunday 1st December 13:43
Levi1501 said:
Nice to hear all of your opinions.
I’m just wondering basically if the xDrive system is worth it on the F31 (F11 not available in the UK as xDrive) and if diesel or petrol is the best option both for running costs and reliability?
It would be good if BMW put the N53 3 litre N/A 6 in the F30/31 as well as the F10/11. Although I am aware that by the time the F30/31 came out the N53 was discontinued in the F10/11.
Doesn’t the x drive pay the penalty of floaty suspension ? I’m just wondering basically if the xDrive system is worth it on the F31 (F11 not available in the UK as xDrive) and if diesel or petrol is the best option both for running costs and reliability?
It would be good if BMW put the N53 3 litre N/A 6 in the F30/31 as well as the F10/11. Although I am aware that by the time the F30/31 came out the N53 was discontinued in the F10/11.
Edited by Levi1501 on Sunday 1st December 13:43
Do you need it?
I’ve a 340i touring costing me 26 p a mile.
My 20d X1 with x drive was about 14p a mile
Both 2017 models
Even at 20k miles per year it’s not enough to make me choose diesel ever again

^^^^ wot he/she said
I had a 335d F31 and it was completely boring
It smoked most things from a standing start but to my shock even the novelty of this wore off
Handling was not good and the interior just felt a bit low rent compared to previous BMWs Ive had over the years
Size wise though it was perfect, usefully more compact than a 5, and with a roofbox decent family transport for holidays with 2 teenagers
Get the F31 340i
Cheers
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