535d worth it over 335d for comfort?
Discussion
Hi all, I am in the market for a new car and sticking with BM, the F11 535d seems to tick all my boxes (although I’d love to be able to justify the F10 M5...).
Now, I’m fairly picky about spec and on the list is the comfort seats, and having had a go in a mate’s 535d, these seem to be a must (or maybe just a massive want). Other wants are HUD, H/K and anything else seems a bonus. Reading around a little, VDC and AD seem to be big wins on the F11 also.
Frankly, I’m having the devils own job trying to find one I like with a non beige interior, and that’s before VDC/AD. As a current E90 driver, my thoughts start to sway towards the F31 simply as there appear to be more of them (bit newer/lower miles etc) and I can probably live with the slightly smaller size, plus the same engine in a smaller car will be quicker right
I don’t find my E90 seats uncomfortable (I have elec lumbar, bolsters etc) on 18’’ wheels and Msport suspension, but the F3X 3/4series seats do look very thin compared to the F11s generally.
Main use will be motorway/A roads commute and the occasional continental trip.
TLDR: can I get the same level of comfort to an F11 in an F31?
Welcome the thoughts of anyone who has owned/driven these two.
Cheers,
Z
Now, I’m fairly picky about spec and on the list is the comfort seats, and having had a go in a mate’s 535d, these seem to be a must (or maybe just a massive want). Other wants are HUD, H/K and anything else seems a bonus. Reading around a little, VDC and AD seem to be big wins on the F11 also.
Frankly, I’m having the devils own job trying to find one I like with a non beige interior, and that’s before VDC/AD. As a current E90 driver, my thoughts start to sway towards the F31 simply as there appear to be more of them (bit newer/lower miles etc) and I can probably live with the slightly smaller size, plus the same engine in a smaller car will be quicker right
I don’t find my E90 seats uncomfortable (I have elec lumbar, bolsters etc) on 18’’ wheels and Msport suspension, but the F3X 3/4series seats do look very thin compared to the F11s generally.
Main use will be motorway/A roads commute and the occasional continental trip.
TLDR: can I get the same level of comfort to an F11 in an F31?
Welcome the thoughts of anyone who has owned/driven these two.
Cheers,
Z
In fairness, a 335d with the adaptive suspension (especially on 18" wheels) will not be a million miles away from a 535d in terms of ride comfort. Of course, fit and finish and perceived quality will be noticeably better in a 535d, and road noise is also better suppressed in the 5 series. I did 20.000 km in a 335d, and rate it as an allround car. If you specifically are looking for comfort, then look out for a 535d with adaptive suspension, the adaptive drive in particular, and moderately sized wheels, and comfort seats.
I went from an E90 to a F11. Worlds apart in every sense. The E90 was cramped for a family of 4 (2 teenagers), the 5 is a lot bigger in every dimension.
I had a list of "must haves", "nice to haves" and "not bothered", and I ended up compromising.
Comfort seats - I wasn't bothered. I ended up with them, and I'm not sure I could go back.
VDC - also ended up with this. I have no experience of a non-VDC (aka EDC) F11, so I'm probably thankful. I think I am! Seriously though, the difference in ride quality between comfort and sport is very noticeable.
Pan roof - wasn't bothered, but it's a nice-to-have for sure.
Widescreen nav - I wanted this, and I had to compromise. I'm glad I did. I have DAB, bluetooth audio, line in, USB etc, and my phone gets used to navigate these days - although the "Move" nav also has traffic information, and will auto-reroute at the same time as my phone does.
Audio system - apparently I'm not an audiophile, as I find the standard system fine.
Beige carpets - I ended up with them. This includes the boot (I have a liner) and (gulp) I also have the light dashboard. When I went to see the car I thought this might be a deal breaker, but in reality there are no reflections, and the interior of my SE is a light and airy place. I think the best combo is the Oyster seats/black dash top/black carpets. I toy with swapping my dash (not a difficult job) and my carpets. I might, one day.
Powered bootlid - a must. Love it. I don't have comfort locking, soft close doors or folding mirrors. I don't want/miss them.
Xenons - occasionally I wish I had them, particularly after driving our Golf with its LED's. I have poverty halogens in the F11. Facelifts (mid 2013 on) all got Xenons.
I've driven my car to Germany twice and to Spain once. Did the job superbly each time.
I hope this helps.
I had a list of "must haves", "nice to haves" and "not bothered", and I ended up compromising.
Comfort seats - I wasn't bothered. I ended up with them, and I'm not sure I could go back.
VDC - also ended up with this. I have no experience of a non-VDC (aka EDC) F11, so I'm probably thankful. I think I am! Seriously though, the difference in ride quality between comfort and sport is very noticeable.
Pan roof - wasn't bothered, but it's a nice-to-have for sure.
Widescreen nav - I wanted this, and I had to compromise. I'm glad I did. I have DAB, bluetooth audio, line in, USB etc, and my phone gets used to navigate these days - although the "Move" nav also has traffic information, and will auto-reroute at the same time as my phone does.
Audio system - apparently I'm not an audiophile, as I find the standard system fine.
Beige carpets - I ended up with them. This includes the boot (I have a liner) and (gulp) I also have the light dashboard. When I went to see the car I thought this might be a deal breaker, but in reality there are no reflections, and the interior of my SE is a light and airy place. I think the best combo is the Oyster seats/black dash top/black carpets. I toy with swapping my dash (not a difficult job) and my carpets. I might, one day.
Powered bootlid - a must. Love it. I don't have comfort locking, soft close doors or folding mirrors. I don't want/miss them.
Xenons - occasionally I wish I had them, particularly after driving our Golf with its LED's. I have poverty halogens in the F11. Facelifts (mid 2013 on) all got Xenons.
I've driven my car to Germany twice and to Spain once. Did the job superbly each time.
I hope this helps.
Edited by BFleming on Thursday 4th June 10:04
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