I would much prefer Audi cerntainly for the interiors but just realized that BMW still offers a MT option on even their 5 series which I thought was pretty cool.

08's interior quality was much improved (having traded an 07 525xi for an 08 535xi). having compared the two...A6 4.2 to BMW, I found the BMW better. The comfort seats with the sport package or stand alone are extremely comfortable and supportive.

i got the auto. from bimmerworld, people seem to like the MT. the auto shifts smoothly and is nice to drive...throw into manu mode and it snaps off shifts fast.

I really wanted the 3 series wagon since the MPG might be better but think it feels cramped?

i use my 3 for around town. forget long trips in it. BMW is using run flats (not sure if they're using it on the wagon) and the ride is firm to say the least....it brakes corners very well. there isn't a lot of headroom. if you're over 5'8" you'll feel cramped. the blasted sunroof takes up too much room.

my 535xi has 3300 miles on it. highway 70-75 i'm getting around 28 +/- .5. around town ~17. pretty good for a car that just wants to fly. i think the auto makes the diff.

my 335xi is a gas hog. has 1700mi on it, (i know, no wheres near broken in). around town it's 15, and gets about 25 on the highway.

i had an 07 525xi....it was 215hp and slow as dog. it was scary to pass on 2 lane roads. you needed to stab the throttle all the time to move. i had crappy mpg on the 525. with 15 extra hp on the 528, i don't think it would make a whole lot of difference. the general consensus is that it is underpowered. not bad, but not the 535.

big difference in between the 5 and 3 series in terms of comfort and amenities. the 5 is quiet, handles well, and goes fast--and brakes great.

the 3 is firm. handles like a go kart, but has the noise to go with it. with the big engine, it just wants to be driven a bit harder. i run 93 oct. in both. the 5 has a bigger tank by 2 gallons or so.

found in the test drive. Small,choppy, fast, good coernering but not the most comfortable ride. I cruise long highway jaunts with my 200's and S6's so your thoughts to stick with the 5 series is a good one but they are sooooo expensive and no adjustable arm rest for UP and DOWN.

the Audi was the better overall package.

I own both an Audi and a BMW currently (though the Beemer is a motorcycle), so it's not a question of brand loyalty. I love that twin turbo six on the 535i, and the handling feel is crisper than my A6, but the Audi had it beat on all other counts. Interior, much cleaner iPod integration, along with bluetooth, navi and the MMI, the Audi was a nicer place to be. I got my '08 with the S-line interior, with the sport seats and the paddle shifters, so it was pretty much loaded to the gills with options, and the car was substantially cheaper than a comparably equipped 535i, let alone a 535xi.

I probably would have gone for the 535i if I didn't have the bike as a speed machine, but as an all-round large sedan, the Audi was more satisfying to me.

actually I sell them. What would you like to know? It's a great engine and has a really nice ride. The looks have grown on me over the years. I assume you are considering an xi which cannot come with a sport suspension and that's quite a bummer in my eyes. Still a nice ride though.

the 535 has a different auto than the 5, and the 3 justs wants to be whaled on. it wants to zoom and just says let's play.

even if driven like an econo car, it sucks gas. i'm hoping it gets better as it breaks in.

the 535xi auto weighs 3946 and has a 18.5 gal tank.

the 335xi auto weighs 3824. the 5 is mostly aluminum. bmw's site didn't have the tank size, but i think it's 16.2. i'll have to check the manual.

i think the 5's auto steptronic is a ZF unit and the 3's is a Aisin unit.

i'm using the same gas, 93 oct. it just think it's the nature of the beast. just doesn't want to be putzed around town.

a 528i with a manual probably would zip around pretty well...not like a 535.

the armrest in the 5 does have some adjustment...an extension moves forward for a bit more support, but no up/down.

if you can find a CPO 530xi, it probably would meet a good balance of engine power and economy.

dealers might be offering some decent numbers with financing and leasing. finding a MT 5 is going to just about impossible. my dealer had a 528xi that they had built...someone didn't check the auto box and they had it on their lot for 6 months.