E46 or E39 for first time buyer?

[actionman]

Hi all,

I posted a thread about 2 weeks back regarding my potential purchase of a BMW e46 325 with an automatic transmission.
I have since driven a 2001 model 525 with 286000 km on the clock. The 525 is manual, and it drove, as far as I am concerned, much better than the 325, which had a 100k less mileage. I think the oke who washes the cars at the dealership may have wished he didn't come along. :roflol::roflol:

As far as I can tell, the 525 uses the same engine as the 325, and from what I've read, the e39 BMWs are fantastic cars. I prefer the bigger boot, as well.

Question is thus: bang for buck, which is a better buy overall? I think I have been convinced to go manual, the automatic seemed more sluggish and I think puts less power to the wheels, than the manual. In addition, the 525 is generally cheaper to pick up second-hand.

So if I choose a 525 manual, would that be considered :thumbdo: or :rollsmile: taking into consideration running costs and so on?

 

[P1000]

Seems like you have already answered your own question. The e39 is much more car, for even less money. If you can get one in manual, it is definitely the best choice!.

Remember, new the e39 was much more expensive than the e46, nowadays, the e39 is cheaper. Also consider that the fact that it cost more and was bigger, attracted a certain type of owner and consequently 5ers are generally better cared for.

 

[msm]

If you are looking for a 6 cylinder, consider the 530i instead of the 525i. Maintenance would be identical but the 530i is so much better. Fuel consumption should be about the same - on the open road, the 530i may be lighter on fuel.

 

[actionman]

One thing which I forgot to ask - regarding fuel consumption, when driven in a humane fashion (i.e. in a civilised manner), would I be able to get about 10km/l with an E39 525i / 530i ? 10km/l is a figure I can live with. Much worse and I will have to rethink things.

Thanks for any (existing and future) replies raise:

 

[Gregmeister]

Re fuel consumption, depends on what sort of driving you do. I had a 528i manual, which did between 9.1 and 11.6l/100 depending on the driving conditions. So I would say it would be able to average 10.5l/100 with "civilised" driving, with the car in good tune, of course.

 

[Theo333]

Choices...:=):

i had the 1996 e34 525i...just something about that solid feel when you drive the 5er
Having said that..cant fault the e46...m2cw

 

[Gizmo]

My gf gets 9.4lt/100km in her 330i, I get 9.7lt/100km in my 325i touring. The e39 is roughly 400kg heavier so expect figures closer to 11-12lt/100km.

 

[msm]

My gf gets 9.4lt/100km in her 330i, I get 9.7lt/100km in my 325i touring. The e39 is roughly 400kg heavier so expect figures closer to 11-12lt/100km.

I thought the difference was more like 100-150kg, but not 100% sure on this ...

 

[Sankekur]

Go for the e39, it is widely regarded as one of the best BMW made, it embodies everything that a BMW should be.

 

[Gizmo]

My gf gets 9.4lt/100km in her 330i, I get 9.7lt/100km in my 325i touring. The e39 is roughly 400kg heavier so expect figures closer to 11-12lt/100km.

I thought the difference was more like 100-150kg, but not 100% sure on this ...

just over 1400kg for the e46 vs around 1800kg for the e39.

 

[Gregmeister]

My gf gets 9.4lt/100km in her 330i, I get 9.7lt/100km in my 325i touring. The e39 is roughly 400kg heavier so expect figures closer to 11-12lt/100km.

I thought the difference was more like 100-150kg, but not 100% sure on this ...

just over 1400kg for the e46 vs around 1800kg for the e39.

Curb weight (with one person, ready for operation, full tank of fuel, options not included)
BMW 525i manual transmission = 1565kg
BMW 530i manual transmission = 1610kg
BMW 540i manual transmission = 1700kg
Add 25kg for auto

Figures pulled from owners manual. The M5 is around 1800kg

 

[Coisman]

imp:
Dont know how much you willing to spend again, but here in Pretoria at Monaco motors in Gezina they have a VERY clean 530i auto 2002 model for R90k with 146k km's on the clock...

 

[actionman]

Thanks for the replies guys,

I spoke to a dealer here in PE, and asked him to let me know if he gets an E39 traded in. Definitely want one, especially after the favourable replies. The dealer himself agreed with the idea of an E39 over the E46, as well.

 

[naushad]

currently looking at a 530d 03 individual 105km fsh but I'm sh#t scared of diesel, heard many horror stories of injector and turbo problems, any advice? e39 in individual guise has always made my knees weak and although they are ageing, the sport models still have enormous presence and age defying styling, excellent build quality I must add!

 

[msm]

currently looking at a 530d 03 individual 105km fsh but I'm sh#t scared of diesel, heard many horror stories of injector and turbo problems, any advice? e39 in individual guise has always made my knees weak and although they are ageing, the sport models still have enormous presence and age defying styling, excellent build quality I must add!

P1000 has quite a bit of mileage on his - over 200K KM IIRC ....

I sold my 530d at around 160K with no issues.

 

[brimes]

currently looking at a 530d 03 individual 105km fsh but I'm sh#t scared of diesel, heard many horror stories of injector and turbo problems, any advice? e39 in individual guise has always made my knees weak and although they are ageing, the sport models still have enormous presence and age defying styling, excellent build quality I must add!

sometimes its good to go with your heart :rollsmile: