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      11-22-2019, 04:59 PM   #1
floridaorange
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Which preowned late model BMW SAV or GT to replace my F30 3 Series?

Hey everyone, so the missus has been suggesting we trade in the F30 for something bigger, but sticking with BMW.

I'm looking at the Gran Turismo 3 & 5 series, as well as the X3, X4, X5. I don't think the 4 Series Gran Coupe is a real step up in size from what I have.

So my main question is - which of those 5 presents the best value (bang for the buck)? Looking at 2016, 2017, 2018's, since that's about what our budget to buy outright is at this time.

I really like the GT 5 Series and X4, but I’m open to any of them, frankly.

Thanks for your input!
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Sounds pizzagatey.
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      11-22-2019, 07:26 PM   #2
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Assuming you and your wife like a little performance in your life, the X3M or even X3 M40i seems to be the best combination of space and performance in my opinion.
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      11-22-2019, 07:37 PM   #3
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Know it gets no love but I like the 5 Series GT very much, one of my favorite cars.
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      11-22-2019, 08:37 PM   #4
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Thank you Scott and Allinon, just at the starting point really and listening to others that have experience with the list I mentioned in particular. Just open to hearing from others who may have more experience with them than I.
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      11-22-2019, 10:54 PM   #5
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Like Allinon - I like the X3M. Do not own one but have had the opportunity to have one for a week.
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      11-23-2019, 12:17 AM   #6
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If you could afford it, I think the X3 M is the best balance between space and performance. Otherwise the X3 M40i is a solid alternative, more bang for your buck for sure.
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      11-23-2019, 09:45 AM   #7
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What sort of space? Front seat? Rear seat? Leg room? Hip/shoulder room? Head room? Cargo?
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      11-23-2019, 11:08 AM   #8
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What sort of space? Front seat? Rear seat? Leg room? Hip/shoulder room? Head room? Cargo?
Yes. And why do you want to stick with BMW? Is it because you want performance? The name plate? Etc.

The more information you give us about your needs and desires the better we can assist you.
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      11-23-2019, 11:10 AM   #9
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^thanks for the distinction - cargo space + comfortably seating 2 adults and 2 kids. I'm 6'2, 39 yrs old, my 2 boys are 7 & 1.5 yrs old, wife is only 5'4 so she fits anywhere

I love the size of my f30 because of it's maneuverability in Florida traffic. So sportiness + more cargo space if I had to sum it up better.

Thanks again
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      11-23-2019, 11:53 AM   #10
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If you could afford it, I think the X3 M is the best balance between space and performance. Otherwise the X3 M40i is a solid alternative, more bang for your buck for sure.
I 100% agree with this recommendation.
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      11-23-2019, 11:56 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by floridaorange View Post
^thanks for the distinction - cargo space + comfortably seating 2 adults and 2 kids. I'm 6'2, 39 yrs old, my 2 boys are 7 & 1.5 yrs old, wife is only 5'4 so she fits anywhere

I love the size of my f30 because of it's maneuverability in Florida traffic. So sportiness + more cargo space if I had to sum it up better.

Thanks agsin
I would go for the 5 GT. It will handle a lot better than an SUV and it will still give you additional cargo room. If you really want a SUV, then I would go for the X4 as I think you don't really want an SUV looking SUV.
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      11-25-2019, 12:57 AM   #12
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The thing is, the X3 M doesn't handle like an SUV, that's what makes it an M car! Personally I prefer the X4 M but the design of the boot vs the X3 M makes it a lot worse for storage.

"Although BMW has done a lot of work to make the X4 M more practical this time around, there's no getting around that sloping roofline. You need an X3 M with an extra 1.6 inches of rear headroom and, crucially, an extra 10.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat. The X3 M also gets reclining rear seats and rear window shades to keep the sun off the kids. The good news is, getting the Competition package on your X3 M doesn't affect cargo capacity, so feel free to go for the big gun."


If you really have the budget, the X3 M COMP is a must have.
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      11-25-2019, 07:39 PM   #13
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I'd seriously look at acquiring a classy F31 3 Series Touring which was sold in the US in 328i xDrive and 328d xDrive forms. Perhaps you have an aversion to wagons, else nothing from that list will have the lithe-ness and sensible practicality of the BMW Touring.

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      11-26-2019, 06:38 AM   #14
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Since you mentioned that you liked the X4, I'll offer my thoughts on that one first. From a driver performance standpoint, there were a lot of body/performance/style changes made to the X4 in 2019 that really made a difference for me. I'd only consider the X4 if you can snag a 2019, especially the M40i variant.

From a pure practical standpoint, (best "bang for the buck") I would offer that the 2018/2019 X3's would be your best bet. This same build style is what was used for the 2019 X4's and is fun to drive and will give you a bit more storage space than the X4 if that's a consideration.

Either one would be a great choice, with the nod to the X4 M40i (or M version) if you lean towards performance. Yes, the X4 WILL handle differently/better than the X3 by a margin, even though they share mostly the same chassis. I notice a bit less body roll and more stability than in an X3.

Last edited by BSquared+; 11-27-2019 at 06:47 AM..
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