I currently have an 07 GS 350 AWD and I'm kinda debating whether it would even be worthwhile trading it in for either a new BMW 3 (335i) or 5 (528i). I know I could probably only get $25K for my GS although it only has about 64,000km (40K miles) on it (I'm in BC). Will it be a downgrade if I were to go for the 3 series? The only thing is that for some reason I now feel like I'm driving something old after the new GS debuted (although I really don't like the new styling) and I work in real estate so I drive clients around a lot. I've always LOVED the 3rd gen. GS design and I still do get amazed by how beautiful it is though.

NEED your honest opinions, fellas!

 

335i is a nice car but for me it's too small to pass as a 4 seater luxury sedan, it's definitely fun to zip around in

528i is also a nice car but underpowered IMO

If u have the extra money, I would invest in a 535i, perfect balance between the two

 

I am trying hard to not let the new model change affect my feelings for my 3GS. Its easier since I'm not in love with the 4GS. I'm kinda digging the new ES though.

I still think our 3GS is a unique and stylish car and the new model can't change that.

As for the BMW's. I like them but not enough to exchange a 3GS for one.

 

Since you're driving clients around, I would suggest the 5 series. 3 series sedan has grown in size especially with the recent ones but still a too small for passengers in the back.
535 is the way to go IMO.

 

3 is too small. Its a compact basically. 535 is awesome. fast and sexy looking.
Whatever you do, make sure you have warranty for any of those cars, factory one not some 3rd party crap.
Expect to be in a shop from time to time fixing stuff, hopefully covered under warranty.

 

On the 335 and 535's did they fix the fuel pump issue. They never fixed it in the previous 1,3 and 5 series cars just gave a 10 year 100k mile on that part. They have a "upgraded" part that still did nothing to fix the problem.

 

As a real estate brokers car, the 3 series is completely useless. The back seat is only big enough for children. My first pic would be a new 2013 ES since you don't need to try and blast around. Or even a couple of year old GX (lots of room in the back for yard signs etc)

Reliability has suffered with BMW as of late (MB too). If I was looking for a car to chauffeur customers around in I would look for a 2 or 3 year old LS as better option before I would pick a new gutless entry level 5 series. Even with a warranty the car does no good to you if it is in the shop.

Where I live in West Richmond BMW's are plentiful, lots in the neighborhood... Lots of breakdowns, engine issues, headgaskets, etc. For some reason Lexus owners don't seem to have half of the issues as BMW owners.

 

If you dont want to be late or break down in the middle of work, then go for LS

 

335s are pretty cool cars, but too small to carry clients in. 528 is a slouch, 550 is a beast of a car, although it more expensive and I'm not really liking the new styling.
I would suggest keeping the GS. It has a very nice design, although i do understand where you're coming from, since it's no longer the "latest and greatest"

 

Both are nice. best suggestion is to test drive. If you don't like either, then move on to something else

 

3 series grows in size, I don't think interior space is a problem at all. The exterior design of new 3 is also better than 5 IMO. I would pick it over 5.

 

Totally new engine (N55 twin-scroll single turbo vs. N54 twin turbo), that thus far hasn't experienced any widespread HPFP issues in the first few years of production.

 

For driving around clients, the alternative i would suggest is the new ES. The 3 is to small. 5 maybe. If you really want to impress, a CPO LS would fit the bill nicely!

 

having owned both a M3 and M5, I'd vote for the 5 series.

bmw makes an amazing car, but make sure you buy an extended warranty!

 

Keep your GS, no need to change car just because a new version comes out. Unless you are tired of your GS and want something new. To impress your clients, your GS is good enough.