Great Looking and Luxuriously Appointed
I bought my 2013 535i used after totaling my beloved 2003 525i. This generation's body styling is quite attractive as compared to that immediately prior ( i.e.; the "lost in the design desert" models from 2004 to 2011). Styling comes at a significant ergonomic cost: Its lowered roof line has resulted in me having a chronically strained lower back/side from the way that I need to bend and twist to get into driver's seat without hitting roof edge with my head or my back on center post. This is a serious issue that is likely to compel me to sell the car at some point soon. Interior appointments are excellent EXCEPT for the ashtray (which most people, I assume, use it as a coin holder like I do). It's badly designed as coins easily fall behind it and inhibit opening it! And you can't reach the coins to remove them without removing the console (the dealer tech acknowledged this as a widespread complaint). Very annoying. A/C efficiency is so-so (used to be able to hang meat in my 12 year old 525i !
A very smooth driving (6 speed manual) and quiet automobile. Acceleration is light years ahead of my 525i (obviously) due to larger, turbocharged engine. Clutch/Transmission is as smooth and easy to use as anyone might imagine. From a handling perspective, this car is "heavy". In its usual "comfort" ride setting, steering is imprecise (as compared to earlier generation); it floats a bit at highway speeds and exhibits under-steer on twisty roads (this issue goes away on "Sport" setting but you sacrifice significant fuel efficiency using this mode).
A very nice car for sure but would have reservations recommending one to a family member or friend given the drawbacks I describe in light of the car's costs.
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