In market for 2012 528ix Sedan: Lots of Questions

This is the first time I've bought a luxury car though I've been driving a 2009 Lexus which is loaded that I inherited. I am a rather wussy driver... don't speed and don't like to drive in the snow/ice. Haven't test driven any BMW's yet though I fell in love with them at the car show. My boss who has sold and driven BMWs for years has been giving me lots of [welcome] advice. But, I want to get other's opinions.

1. Boss says stay away from metallic paint as it scratches very easily and costs twice as much to fix as flat and never looks as good. Yet, I'm drawn to metallic finishes. I also hear the matte black is hard to keep clean. What's your experience/thoughts?

2. He says don't get the run flats, get Michelins. Is that right?

3. I am considering the 335i because it's smaller [I'm not used to a much bigger car], but my boss says the 5 series is a much better driving experience... no contest. My brother, a former owner of the 3 series is afraid the 5 series will be too big for me. I will be test driving both but I wondered if you had advice/thoughts.

4. Options: What is really worth it/not worth it. I definitely want the cold weather package , navigation system, satellite radio. But what about the park assist? Head up display? Anything else?

Thanks in advance for any guidance.

Go to a local BMW dealer and test drive both series cars. Don't get caught up in options and paint chips yet, but first see which model suits you best or if it even does. After that, skimming through these pages will help you zero in on options, pricing, etc.

1 and 2 are very true. 3 not so much.

The 5 series is more of a comfort ride and soft ride comparing to 3 series. If you are into handling, 3 series are better.

Originally Posted by SuePhilly

1. Boss says stay away from metallic paint as it scratches very easily and costs twice as much to fix as flat and never looks as good. Yet, I'm drawn to metallic finishes. I also hear the matte black is hard to keep clean. What's your experience/thoughts?

Get what you like. Unless you are keeping your car for a million miles, then the paint thing is a non issue. And all BMW paint has the same wimpy powder clear coat, so the scratches are more visible on metallic paints, not that one paint is more prone to scratches.

Originally Posted by SuePhilly

2. He says don't get the run flats, get Michelins. Is that right?

My car has Michelin run flats from the factory. You don't have a choice on the tires- all BMW's come from the factory with run flats. You can potentially convince your dealer to swap them out with another type of tire when you take delivery, but that's about all you can do.

Originally Posted by SuePhilly

3. I am considering the 335i because it's smaller [I'm not used to a much bigger car], but my boss says the 5 series is a much better driving experience... no contest. My brother, a former owner of the 3 series is afraid the 5 series will be too big for me. I will be test driving both but I wondered if you had advice/thoughts.

The F30 3 series will probably be a better driving car.

Originally Posted by SuePhilly

4. Options: What is really worth it/not worth it. I definitely want the cold weather package , navigation system, satellite radio. But what about the park assist? Head up display? Anything else?

I love HUD. Love it love it love it. I love the M Sport package as well. NAV routing is terrible but the bigger screen is really nice.

I also love the HUD. Getting the HUD also gets the larger black panel display. The side/top view cameras are great for parking - since the 5 series is larger, this could be useful. The active cruise control is nice if you have a lot of traffic, but is something that takes a bit of faith to use.

Two things in my humble opinion:

1
M-sport is a must, just makes the car appear more aggressive.

2
The 528 comes with a 4cylinder. Go for the 535, the power will be welcomed.

I have no issues with my run flats so far. My car is a lease so I am sure I need to return it with them on. Can't be bothered changing out the tires.

keep it simple
go to AD and test drive 2013/F30/ 328i vs 2012 528/ F10/
CONCENTRATE ONLY what you like to drive, do not listen CA or your boss it will be YOUR car and YOU have to like it outside and inside
Go home think about your driving experience and EDUCATE your self with brand and specific model. Again keep it simple and do not go crazy with details but learn about options, packages etc
After YOU decided what YOU want ask more specific questions on this or 3 series board and go and buy.
Remember you live in NE and AWD option may be very important for you winter driving confidence.
Alex