335i or X5 3.0

[StatenEye]

I am trying to decide if I will go with the 335i or the X5 3.0.

I currenty drive the 335i with the SSTT installed and I thouroughly enjoy driving everytime I get in the car. The speed is fun but it is also very addicting and I am constantly racing and driving way faster then I shuold. As an alternative I am looking at the X5 3.0 (4.8 is too expensive ). Basically I am trying to find out if the 3.0 is boring and soft and if I should stick with the 335i because it will be such a drastic change in speed.

My main questions are; Does the X5 match up with the 335i in quality of drive? Is it equal better or worse in the enjoyment area? Lastly which do you pefer looks wise?

I know nobody "knows which is better" I am just looking for you opinions.

Thanks

[chuck92103]

I have owned a 3/5/6/X6 over the years.

The X5/X6 are the most comfortable to drive and handle exceptionally well.

However, the 3 series handles the best from a performance standpoint simply because it is smaller, lighter. However, the ride in a new 3 series even without run flats is cramped, rough, etc.

So it depends what you want. All BMW's handle very well. The M's and smaller models handle extremely well. But as handling improves, ride comfort deteriorates.

It is a trade off.

The interior quality of an X5 is a few notches higher than a 3 series. An SUV compared to a compact sedan. So you need to figure out what you want. I would not buy any SUV thinking it will handle better than a sedan. Buy one because you want better cargo and ride comfort.

p.s. Consider an X5 diesel.

[MeEmZ]

I would stick with the 335i and learn to drive a bit slower (if I could) :P

the X5 3.0 is a good DD but I wouldn't buy it if it was the only car

and btw we have an 09 and it's really fun to drive .. nothing like the 4.6 or the X6 but it's not bad at all

[keanu1]

I would go for the 335i!!
I have an x5 and driving it is a pain!! It is so stiff and so harsh you will have problems with your spine!!
Is good only if you drive most of the time on good roads!!

[Deda]

I will go for x5 or x6,diesel of course...and my advice is...drive it,and decide what do you want.

[Henry1515]

The X6 has the 335 engine and the space of the X5. So best of both world. No regret.

[Finnie]

I'm having exactly the same problem. Need something with a bit more room and practicality so thinking of 3.0d or even a range rover sport. Would ideally get a 3.6 TDV8 rangie but I see that 3.0d is just as fast. I guess I need a test drive soon.

Then again i could save some pennies and just hire a van when i need to!

[02fireman]

I just had a day on the track with a X535d and have no regrets getting rid of my Dinan 335i for it. Plus this month you have 4500.00 in rebates so if you negotiate close to or at invoice you will be at the same price as a 3.0 and better mileage. 400+ ftlbs of torque makes up for the lack of Dinan and it handles super sweet!

[mtech8]

Really depends what you need and what.

The 335 is just a rocket, so fun to drive. A lot easier to wash and run quick errands with. Totally reminds me of the not so long ago college days.

But the X5 has a much more comfortable ride. Much more suited for family life. Taking the family out in and packing all of the little ones stuff. But I would not get a 3.0 (until the LCI when the TT engines get put in) . The 35d is well worth the additional cost both in performance and trips to the pump.

I actually like the X6 a lot, but it just didn't appeal to my wife.

Let us know what you decide.

[ad78]

instead of getting 335i get the 135i. more fun than 335 and you can save at least 10K then get the X5 3.0 like i did

but if you like 2 in 1 setup go for X6!

[OTK_KART]

I also doesn't know what to do. I have been driving my 335i for for the past 2 years and recently bought a New MDX for my wife. For some reason, I enjoy more and more driving the MDX on weekend and debating getiing the X5 for myself.

[vladberca]

x5 diesel, best choice!!!

[terrym]

Get them both

I own an 07 335i and 09 X5 3.5d and its the best of both worlds.

I drive the 335i to work and on weekends. My wife and I share the X5 which is our 'family' vehicle.

[quality_sound]

I'm also in the same boat. I'm tired of my GTI and was pretty set on an M3 but I find myself really liking my wife's Wrangler and that's not nearly as nice as an X5. I just wish we could get a manual X5.