Help me choose my first BMW

[metalmilitia]

Hey guys

I'm new in these parts so please take it easy on me. Have been an avid Honda fan most of my life all the while being constantly tempted by BMW's

What put me off initially were the horror stories regarding reliability and price of parts. Did some more reading up and saw that these motors can be plenty reliable if preventative maintenance is done properly so after having a look at what i can get 2nd hand i have made the decision to get one

I can probably buy a new 3 series and have full motorplan but my thinking was to buy a 2nd hand 330d E90, 530d E60 (find them very stylish) which will leave me with money for the "preventative maintenance"

Please can you guys help me decide on one of the following:

1. E90 320d or 330d
2. E60 530d

I drive roughly 80km a day and don't get much traffic. I'm looking for the more comfortable model of the above cars preferably with sport pack and if possible under 100 000kms
Which would give me the least hassles maintenance wise and if something does go pear shaped is there a reliable BMW mechanic in the East Rand or surrounding areas

When looking are there any nice to have extras i should be looking out for? I would really like one with xenons and idrive + USB or bluetooth functionality

So excited to buy my first "luxury" vehicle, just want to do my research first and i am in no rush finding a mint one as i have my trusty Corsa UTE tractor

Any help will be appreciated guys

 

[RAArmstrong]

530d raise::inlove:

 

[ChefDJ]

530d hands down :thumbs:

 

[phantom]

The 5 series cars lose a lot more value from new to second hand so in fact when you do buy you get more for your money.
The 320d in the E90 is a bit too sluggish so if you can afford rather the 330d.
A car is like a wife at the end of the day make your own choice between those 2. :thumbs:

 

[Cerberus]

I'd go for the 530d - so much car for the money! It will be quick too :thumbs:

 

[Bayn46]

The later revision of the M57 engine in the 330d and 530d is a solid engine - probably has better reliability than some of the NA engines. The 330d got the newer N57 engine in the facelift (2008+), but I think the 5er kept the M57 all the way to end of production.

So with that in mind, it really just comes down to what you want out of the car in terms of comfort and luxury. Drive both and see which one excites you the most :joy:

 

[metalmilitia]

I'm assuming the N57 is an improvement over the M57?

Are there any major differences between the E60 models between 2004-2009 ?

 

[RAArmstrong]

The M57 is an epic motor raise:

 

[metalmilitia]

Would swirl flaps and the timing chain be an issue on the M57, any particular year models i should be aiming for?

 

[RAArmstrong]

Swirl Flaps design was modified by the time the E60 came around... Havent heard of any timing chain issues on this motor tbh

 

[Bandile]

I don't really know a lot on the technical side of things. But I agree, you will get a whole lot more car for your money on the 530d. I'd personally go for it as well.

 

[Bayn46]

Timing chain is more a 320d problem, and as mentioned already, the swirl flap design has been improved for the new motors, so no issue there either.

The N57 is a completely different motor, but I'm not aware of any common problems on that version either.

3.0l diesel engines are pretty epic

 

[sash]

I'm assuming the N57 is an improvement over the M57?

Are there any major differences between the E60 models between 2004-2009 ?

The engine was upgraded in the Facelift of 2007. The facelift has not been known to have swirl flap issues, but there have been a few(not alot) in the pre-facelift versions.

The interior was changed in the facelift and i like the look of the facelift interior, but there is nothing wrong the with the pre-facelift interior. I personally prefer the steering wheel of the facelift, along with the m-sport kit.

In terms of 530d, it is bigger, heavier than its 330d sibling, but doesnt give you feeling that you are lugging around extra weight. In terms of space, i prefer a spacious car and my daily is camry, so a 3 series felt small to me.

 

[Ga-3M]

Bud 330d LCI all the way!!!:thumbs: Also how old are you? If you want a stylish, fast, reliable, and economical ride E90 330d LCI with sportpack is the best option!
If you have a family or are planning on having one soon 530d is an option too but I'd still have the 330d.

 

[metalmilitia]

Thanks for all the help thus far guys, i have plenty to think about

@Sash - you prefer the Camry to the 530d as a daily drive?
@Ga-3M - i'm 27 now but won't mind driving a 530d even though it seems like an older mans car. I owned a facelift Honda Accord Type S before for a few years and that was suppose to be an old mans car...loved every trip in it and still miss it

 

[sash]

Thanks for all the help thus far guys, i have plenty to think about

@Sash - you prefer the Camry to the 530d as a daily drive?
@Ga-3M - i'm 27 now but won't mind driving a 530d even though it seems like an older mans car. I owned a facelift Honda Accord Type S before for a few years and that was suppose to be an old mans car...loved every trip in it and still miss it

i prefer the 530d as a daily as its auto.., its just i prefer to not get the daily drive dings and dents. :biglol:

My wife keeps the camry with her and it parks out in the sun. The 530d is used twice a week at most and then on weekends and my trips to Durbs...

In terms of consumptions( if you are considering usage) you can look at my fuelly(signature), it started off a bit hectic, as i was using my new found power, but then flattened out. I did software around April 2013 and exhaust late 2013. I have indicated the percentage of the tank was city driving and even though there are much lighter 530d's out there, mostly manual, but some E39's are known to be lighter than the e60(go figure).

 

[Rayzor]

Well its quite obvious the responses that you should go with the 30d 5 or 3 series are both great cars. I have a 330d LCI and sitting on 160000km and still running strong. No issues to report. Which ever car you choose, just make sure its serviced on time with quality parts and they will keep you smiling :rollsmile:

 

[Bayn46]

I'm 27 now but won't mind driving a 530d even though it seems like an older mans car.

I think the 5er only looks a bit old without the sports pack, otherwise it looks awesome in sports trim.

 

[Gbmw]

ok ok I'll be the tosser....
If a new 3series is affordable, why not bud? It'll have MP so no need to worry on some extra change (though if u find a good example of the E90 or E60 u still safe)

Unless the F30 is not to your liking. Or maybe if u planning on modding then yes, to avoid MP issues.

A thought

 

[metalmilitia]

@GBMW - i really can't justify spending 400k+ on a car when i can get an older model that will be just as comfortable for half the price

The rate at which cars are depreciating is also a concern

I'm patiently waiting for a neat 330d or 530d. I did however run into this little number which has me very curious, maybe i should go check it out...what do you guys think?

http://www.gumtree.co.za/a-cars/eastern-pretoria/2011-bmw-320d-msport/1001116472390910010098909