E46 or E39 X30d?

[ecKARd]

Howzit Gents!

I think it's about time I get back in a BMW and decided it needs to be a diesel this time around. Since I've had a 330i previously the 320d is not going to make the cut.
Thus I'm currently looking for a 330d but wouldn't mind the 530d either.

So now I have a few queries. I've read a lot about the auto vs manual debate, especially in these tractors, yet I'm still unsure which would be better. Will it be a safer option to just rather go manual?

Are there any pros or cons to either the 3 or 5 series where one would be the better car? For a budget of around R65k.

What would be the maximum mileage you would buy one of these cars at considering I don't drive very long distances daily?

Any other things that I should keep in mind would be greatly appreciated! Also don't be shy if you know about a good car for sale in my price range!

And just because I like polls: would you personally take an E46 330d or the E39 530d?

 

[ChefDJ]

Forget mileage. It's not a deciding factor when it comes to a big diesel motor. The engine will outlast the body of the car if looked after.

My auto was good right up until I sold my 530d two weeks ago on 292k km and that was with a software remap on, so horror stories most probably come from those who can't look after the car (ie: you don't buy an auto to race).

Personally the 5er will always be first choice for me because it's a lot more comfortable than the E46.

 

[ChefDJ]

Oh and you're going to be very lucky to find either an E46 330d or an E39 530d in good condition for that price. You might want to bump up your budget by another 20k at least, otherwise you'll get one for 65k and have to spend another 40k fixing up the common issues.

 

[graan13]

Having driven both, I am a sucker for the 5. I love the e46 as a whole - shape is classic in my view, size is great for a daily, however the e39 is also a classic in its own right, also damn good looking. Think its your personal choice really. The 5 was built like no other BMW I have ever owned though, rock solid!

Personally I think that the diesel works better with the auto box, the manuals you are going to be consantly swopping gears, so unless you like having to do that I would go auto but you need to make sure that the box is good, not "slipping or holding gears with clunky/sharp/vicious" changes.

If you can get a 5er with the Msport kit you are winning! (like chefs old car - awesome)

 

[DieselFan]

Buy a manual. The auto is not a good box. It's a GM box which is underrated for the car. You can nurse the box all you want but you have no idea how it was driven before you bought it.

Is splints 330d still available? That'd auto but it's a clean car.

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[ChefDJ]

Buy a manual. The auto is not a good box. It's a GM box which is underrated for the car. You can nurse the box all you want but you have no idea how it was driven before you bought it.

Is splints 330d still available? That'd auto but it's a clean car.

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For a lot more money than his budget.

Not all autos were GM boxes.

 

[DieselFan]

Buy a manual. The auto is not a good box. It's a GM box which is underrated for the car. You can nurse the box all you want but you have no idea how it was driven before you bought it.

Is splints 330d still available? That'd auto but it's a clean car.

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For a lot more money than his budget.

Not all autos were GM boxes.

In the 3.0ds e46 and e39. They were all GM boxes. Two variants. One which handled 360nm and one which did 390nm.

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[Barkie]

Mr ChefDj, did you sell your 5 er, mmmm, will come and visit you.

 

[RAArmstrong]

530d any day of this week or this next week

 

[ET was here]

530d any day of this week or this next week

:withStu:

 

[msm]

I would focus more effort on finding a clean good condition car, rather than fixate on whether it would be a E46 or E39.

That said, if it were me and there were 2 almost identical condition cars, it would be a E39 over a E46 any day.

 

[Waseem 333i]

Both cars are almost the same. I own the e46. I did the manual conversion on my one. If i sell my car i make a huge loss but i didn't buy it to sell. Fuel consumption was improved drastically after the conversion. The auto box is guaranteed to pack up. I don't care what anyone says, it will break. When it breaks you have various options. Buy a replacement box for R7k - R9k and spend labour to fit. Even if it comes with guarantee, I guarantee i will break. Or repair your box at R25k+ depending on repair and have a guarantee for 100k km or do a manual conversion for roughly R30k. Driving the manual is not bad. Its just like any other manual. The ratios are really long and plenty of torque. On the highway you leave it in 6th. No matter what load you have or how steep the hill is the car will go. You will need to budget for a long list of things to do once you get the car. I searched for a manual but couldn't find so i bought a decent auto then did the conversion.

About ride quality. If you old (like chef) or have a bad back go for e39. My 46 has the individual m sports jobbie. The ride quality does not rattle my bones. My advice is look for both and take which ever one you find first. There are plenty of lemons out there now so it will not be easy to find a perfect one. You will need to put some money in to get it perfect. E46 also has weak suspension so all bushes will be needing replacement.

Swirl flaps, vacuum delete, egr delete are all cheap cheap. Engine mounts suspension parts, damper pulley, those are expensive. Hopefully injectors or fuel pump doesn't give up the ghost while owning the car. If you find a manual clutch, guibo, carrier bearing. Check those out.

Another thing. E46 hates the hot weather. When aircon is on and viscous fan is locked don't bother racing. You will lose. When its cool the car is fun.

 

[RAArmstrong]

E39 hates hot weather too... When that viscous fan locks up I get very sad.

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[rhett325]

I have owned both 530d and currently 330d.

You must buy the 330d. My 5er gave me endless issues until I finally managed to convince the dealer to take the POS back and cancel finance.

I bought my 150kw 6 speed manual 330d on 160 000kms and its now on 310k km's and smooth as butter. Fast, unbelievable economical (averages 6.2l/100km mixed cycle) and a handsome car all around. Faster than golf 5 and 6 GTI still and can get you to CPT on one tank of gas.

5 was a less common car than 3 so parts are less common. Also its a tad washy where the 3 is pin point precise and hangs on very well in the twistes.

Need a big sedan to amble to work in calm effortless performance? 530d
Want a car that will get you there via some fun and smiles - 330d

 

[ecKARd]

It seems like my budget isn't going to allow for a lovely 3 litre, should I consider a 320d or am I going to be disappointed?

 

[ChefDJ]

You will be disappointed if you do not go for an E39 530d.

 

[individj]

if you get an auto you also shouldn't consider modding it.

 

[ecKARd]

So I ended up buying a very clean E90 320d MT. So far I'm definitely not disappointed, everything feels more solid than my old E46 and I'm really enjoying the ride quality. Currently saving up for downpipe and software to try and make up for the "lack" of performance. Will make my showroom thread soon. :tiptoe:

 

[Waseem 333i]

Congratulations. Was it within budget?

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[ecKARd]

Congratulations. Was it within budget?

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I had to add R10k to my original budget but I'm sure the newer model makes it worth it.