BMW 330i (E90) or 2nd hand BMW 530i or 530d ?

EQAddict · #1 03-14-2006, 09:42 AM

Hi All,

Im saving and saving and saving and hopefully sometime this year I'll have enough to buy one of these cars. I've test drove all of them.... the 330i has a suspension as hard and as sporty as my X3 3.0 but it drives like a HOOT ! Really fast acceleration for a stock car and would put my x3 to shame. Test drove it along edsa and was wonderful going thru the steptronic and blasting along. I drove the 530i and its got that wonderful executive / luxury/ classy feeling not to mention the spaciousness. Kaya lang, even though its a 3.0 liter, its not Valvetronic so kapos siya at 230 HP / 300 Lb Torque (same as the X3). Its got good cruising speed and decent acceleration but it isnt a barnstormer. The 530d.... well, loads of torque (good for in gear driving) but it wont win a drag race due to the lower HP (210Hp). Also, I know there is a 535d (260HP for a diesel and more torque than the new M5) na nakalabas na sa Europe with twin-turbochargers so this 530d is 'older technology'. Kung the 535d were out here, no choice, hands-down that would win. Everything else in the 530d is the same as the 530i.

I can only afford second hand specimens of the 5-series but can afford a bnew 330i. What do you think I should get? I love speed but I also love luxury! And yes, sa EDSA at C5 at Makati at Pasig imamaneho ko to.

Thanks!

bm5er · #2 03-14-2006, 09:56 AM

I had a friend who had a E39 525 M Sport replaced by a E46 330i. He now enjoys the 330 more. He had an E36 M3 before the 5er so he was longing for the pocket rocket feel of the 3er. For the 3.0i's, they should be the same engines on a 3er or a 5er, except when it's a diesel. So smaller body and bigger body on the same engine.

I prefer the 5er to shock some others when you seem to be driving a rather big sedan and can still pull a fast one. But between a new 330 and a 2nd hand 5er, that may spell the difference.

EQAddict · #3 03-14-2006, 09:59 AM

the new 330 engine is Valvetronic and Bi Vanos so it has about 255 HP. the engine in the 530i (same as X3 3.0) is not valvetronic so its only 230HP. So the 5 series has a heavier chassis and less power than the more nimble 3-series. Hence my confusion :-)

I want the power and pocket rocket feel of a 3 but the luxo of a 5. Sigh. Help before I blow my money on the wrong car :-)

squala · #4 03-14-2006, 03:28 PM

Yup, the current 530i's engine hasn't been upgraded yet, and it should. The E-Class came out with a bunch of new engines as well, so BMW should respond well.

Having saved that much, you should reward yourself with a new BMW instead of a used one. The back seat of the 3-Series will have no problem fitting a 5'9 person, perhaps even up to 6 feet at most. It's much more spacious than the older models. If you don't mind the design, this car will certainly do you proud.

basti08 · #5 03-14-2006, 03:32 PM

also the E39 has a recirculating ball steering, sluggish at low speeds....

for 330i...a good car backed up by a warranty pa.
the 530i/530d is a good car too, but risk of getting a problematic due to the state of being 2nd hand is too far to accept befitting the price you have to pay.

just my 2 cents

**theveed** · #6 03-14-2006, 03:39 PM

Mga V8 lang na E39 gumagamit ng steering gearbox. Rack and pinion ang six bangers.

As for the 530D, I've heard stories (just hearsay) that (as usual) local diesels causes long term problems on CRD BMW engines.

**kimpOy** · #7 03-14-2006, 03:42 PM

if your concern is speed (pocket rocket) then 3er is for you...

wren · #8 03-14-2006, 03:46 PM

unless you really need the extra space, go with the new car. sure thing na yan, wala nang guesswork. baka makakuha ka pa ng lemon.

EQAddict · #9 03-14-2006, 03:51 PM

Thanks guys for the tips. Tama kayo, warranty is very important nowadays. At least I wont have headaches for 2 years if I get brand new. Appreciate it!

momoyster · #10 03-15-2006, 10:20 PM

hate to be the devil's advocate, but since you already have the x3, maybe you should already get a 5er? if i was in your enviable position, that's what i'd do. for variety lang, i suppose

KCboy · #11 03-16-2006, 07:35 AM

go for the 5series......kung yun yung new body na 5 series, if not then go for the new 3 series na, masmalaki na din sya sa e46body, brand new pa. iba kasi talaga pag naka 5 series, businessman ang dating plus you can set it up for porma din.

empy · #12 03-16-2006, 08:57 AM

is the 2nd hand 5 series an E39 or E60?

i would go this route:

E60 > E90 > E39

mbt · #13 03-16-2006, 09:03 AM

330i for me! i like the styling and the feel of the 3 Series more.

EQAddict · #14 03-16-2006, 09:10 AM

Its the new 5 series body the E60 (the one with iDrive). 2nd hand specimen for a 530i is about 3.8M . Brand new 330 (e90) is about 3.9+M hence my choice between the two.

The warranty could be the deciding factor. I could go with BMW certified pre-owned and get a 1 yr warranty but the price might be way above market value.

Im still deciding but will let you know soon what I choose.

alwayz_yummy · #15 03-16-2006, 12:09 PM

ok yan 330i..naka SMG ba yan?mas masaya ung for me kasi,e....e how about kung 330d...diba meron din nun?

nga pala, alam ko may difference sa fuel consumption ung 330d sa 330i...pati din ba sa performance?