BMW E39 Touring vs F31 Rear Seat Space

danza · 7 Apr 2022 at 12:42

I'm considering picking up an F31 330D to replace my wife's E39 touring. I know that the boot space is broadly similar, as are the exterior dims, but has anyone compared the rear seat space between the two?

We use a forward facing car seat and a booster for our youngest two kids, with the eldest sitting in the middle. This works well in the E39.

I can't seem to find anything definitive online; some say the E39 is bigger, some say they're about the same.

Anyone had any experience of these cars? Also on the list are F11s, but these are huge compared to the E39.

[TW]Fox · 7 Apr 2022 at 14:17

The F11 is a much better car than the F31 and isn't really that much bigger than an E39. The F10/11 are in my view an obvious successor to the E39.

MrRockliffe · 7 Apr 2022 at 15:37

Where are you based OP? If you’re local, you’d be welcome to spend some time checking my F31 out for space :-)

danza · 7 Apr 2022 at 16:04

That's a kind offer, I'm in Burgess Hill.

The F11 is kind of the obvious choice, my wife is gunning for something at least as big as the E39...

MrRockliffe · 7 Apr 2022 at 20:41

danza said:
That's a kind offer, I'm in Burgess Hill.

The F11 is kind of the obvious choice, my wife is gunning for something at least as big as the E39...

Not too far, I’m in Chichester

F11 does sound like the better option though. Very nice motors, my dad had one for a couple of years in the 35d variant and it was mega.

Absolute motorway muncher.

Tinders · 8 Apr 2022 at 09:58

I have a G20,and recently had a G21 as a courtesy. Absolutely no chance of 2 boosters and a full size seat. I just about get 2 boosters and a 10 year old in the G20. Move the size up you wont regret it.

EddScott · 8 Apr 2022 at 10:13

I've an F31 and we have a 9 and 6 year old. 9yr old is on a booster, 6yr old a full seat.

You can't get another seat in between. You can have a child in the middle but they won't be particularly comfy.

Personally though, I like my F31.

ahenners · 8 Apr 2022 at 20:29

F31 doesn't seem that big inside, I think it would be tight. F11 will be better.

You haven't mentioned budget, but if it helps at all, we tested a G31 5 this afternoon. There seemed to be loads of room in the middle between two high back boosters at either side.