Help me decide! 330i/525i

[abmi0000]

I must admit that my heart is beating for a 330i! :=):

A lovely grey-ish colour, dark interior and great wheels!

The only thing that's a concern is the comfort level compared to my E39. My wife WANTS a five series! (Status blah blah) But I must admit, the thought of driving a 330i is exciting!

I am really looking forward to driving a 330i this weekend! Will definitely miss the big E39 and that "Airwolf" like take-off!

The 2 cars in terms of comfort are worlds apart.

something that you will have to experience for yourself. The E90 is a lot more sportier, so you tend to drive it that way. The 5er is more refined and doesn't always tempt you to put foot.

 

[Doomsdaya]

My wife WANTS a five series! (Status blah blah)

Woman and boot space goes together :rofl:

 

[Dippies]

:biglol::roflol:

 

[naushad]

the more space they see, the more shit they store!

 

[Bayn46]

330i :thumbs:

The 5er will be sluggish.

Unless he looks for a 550i :rollsmile:

That's a whole new ball game :rollsmile:

 

[Budleigh]

I must admit that my heart is beating for a 330i! :=):

A lovely grey-ish colour, dark interior and great wheels!

The only thing that's a concern is the comfort level compared to my E39. My wife WANTS a five series! (Status blah blah) But I must admit, the thought of driving a 330i is exciting!

I am really looking forward to driving a 330i this weekend! Will definitely miss the big E39 and that "Airwolf" like take-off!

A 3 series won't be as comfortable as a 5 Series. And you may find that the E60 is not as nice, relatively speaking, as the E39. Lots of 5 series owners have found that to be the case. But the E90 is pretty decent, and a 330i would presumably be quite well-specced.

Maybe look for an E60 530D? They seem rather more reliable than the E39 530d, and the power is a step up from your E39. Most of the 530i E60s on Gumtree in your price range are the pre-LCi models, which IIRC come with the less powerful motor, and aren't particularly well-built/trimmed.

 

[abmi0000]

I must admit that my heart is beating for a 330i! :=):

A lovely grey-ish colour, dark interior and great wheels!

The only thing that's a concern is the comfort level compared to my E39. My wife WANTS a five series! (Status blah blah) But I must admit, the thought of driving a 330i is exciting!

I am really looking forward to driving a 330i this weekend! Will definitely miss the big E39 and that "Airwolf" like take-off!

A 3 series won't be as comfortable as a 5 Series. And you may find that the E60 is not as nice, relatively speaking, as the E39. Lots of 5 series owners have found that to be the case. But the E90 is pretty decent, and a 330i would presumably be quite well-specced.

Maybe look for an E60 530D? They seem rather more reliable than the E39 530d, and the power is a step up from your E39. Most of the 530i E60s on Gumtree in your price range are the pre-LCi models, which IIRC come with the less powerful motor, and aren't particularly well-built/trimmed.

What's the difference in build quality between pre and LCI E60?

 

[James-ci]

When I was in the market for a car 3 months ago, I also had my eye on a nice 525i at BMW, took it for a drive and drove out with a newer 320d. If I were you, 330i, I just think the pro's is a bit more than with the 5.
Good luck, and I am sure what ever you choose that you will be happy!

 

[Budleigh]

I must admit that my heart is beating for a 330i! :=):

A lovely grey-ish colour, dark interior and great wheels!

The only thing that's a concern is the comfort level compared to my E39. My wife WANTS a five series! (Status blah blah) But I must admit, the thought of driving a 330i is exciting!

I am really looking forward to driving a 330i this weekend! Will definitely miss the big E39 and that "Airwolf" like take-off!

A 3 series won't be as comfortable as a 5 Series. And you may find that the E60 is not as nice, relatively speaking, as the E39. Lots of 5 series owners have found that to be the case. But the E90 is pretty decent, and a 330i would presumably be quite well-specced.

Maybe look for an E60 530D? They seem rather more reliable than the E39 530d, and the power is a step up from your E39. Most of the 530i E60s on Gumtree in your price range are the pre-LCi models, which IIRC come with the less powerful motor, and aren't particularly well-built/trimmed.

What's the difference in build quality between pre and LCI E60?

There seem to be more build quality issues with the pre-LCI models. Not as well-screwed together, slightly dodgier plastics (certainly not as good as the trim in the E39), strange door panels:biglol:...The LCI E60s are better.

 

[abmi0000]

I must admit that my heart is beating for a 330i! :=):

A lovely grey-ish colour, dark interior and great wheels!

The only thing that's a concern is the comfort level compared to my E39. My wife WANTS a five series! (Status blah blah) But I must admit, the thought of driving a 330i is exciting!

I am really looking forward to driving a 330i this weekend! Will definitely miss the big E39 and that "Airwolf" like take-off!

A 3 series won't be as comfortable as a 5 Series. And you may find that the E60 is not as nice, relatively speaking, as the E39. Lots of 5 series owners have found that to be the case. But the E90 is pretty decent, and a 330i would presumably be quite well-specced.

Maybe look for an E60 530D? They seem rather more reliable than the E39 530d, and the power is a step up from your E39. Most of the 530i E60s on Gumtree in your price range are the pre-LCi models, which IIRC come with the less powerful motor, and aren't particularly well-built/trimmed.

What's the difference in build quality between pre and LCI E60?

There seem to be more build quality issues with the pre-LCI models. Not as well-screwed together, slightly dodgier plastics (certainly not as good as the trim in the E39), strange door panels:biglol:...The LCI E60s are better.

LCI ought to be better otherwise they missed the plot. It isn't just to enhance looks. They fix teething issues. Nevertheless, I have never owned an E60 LCI 550i, but certainly don't have nagging trim issues on mine. It's the best car I've owned thus far.

 

[prado]

Now my heart is beating out of indecision! :roflol:

Anyway, I'm going to take the time to drive the 5s and the 3s soon. Thank you, guys for giving me some valuable information.

I do wish I could keep my E39. If I could get a good deal next month, I'd keep the E39 and get a 330i! The E39 is so good on long trips and I would definitely enjoy the 330i daily!

Phew, BMWs are so addictive! I wish I had the space and money to have three or four different BMWs! (And an 850i for special days and car shows!)

Hopefully, I will post pics of my next BMW in a month's time! Thank you! :thumbs: (BTW, my present cars are on 'my garage' pics above)

 

[frikkieh]

I would say 330i, if you are a petrol head. The fiver is great until something breaks, and if you are out of MP, things can become much more costly as opposed to a 3. For the 3 I see spares on my way to work, every day, but not the 5 series. The more there are off on the road, the more the likelyhood that you can find parts (cheaper) should something break.
That's why I will never own a Ferrari, 1M,M3 or M5 BTW.

Save up a bit and buy what YOU want.

 

[prado]

That is a very important aspect in this decision. Maintaining the car and buying parts in the long term. I too, have noticed that parts for 3 series cars, mechanical and body are easy to find.

I spent months looking for angel eye Hellas for the 5 as well as the facelift bumper and I got them with lots of luck and a heavy price! Most mag wheels I liked didn't work on the 5 - lucky I found the style 5 BBS mesh type that fits!

You are right - I should save and get the right one! Thanks!

 

[Philip Foglar]

The 330i ticks all of the selected boxes for your requirements.

Engine is bullet proof. Performance is good. Economy is good for the performance. Decent space. Safe. Offers great value.

If comfort is a priority, then stay away from the Sportspack and get an Exclusive like mine, and then stick to 17" RFT's rather than larger size wheels. You can of course improve the comfort further by ditching the RFT's and investing in a space-saver or mobility kit.

The 330i is actually an awesome open road cruiser too and is in its element there! Once on the go it really sips fuel while there is still plenty of reserve power available for safe overtaking etc. Town driving it is heavy of fuel much like the 528i in a way - for better town fuel consumption you would simply need to go the diesel route...

 

[frikkieh]

And buy a virtual 330d like me :biglol:

 

[petrivanzyl]

And buy a virtual 330d like me :biglol:

:fencelook:

 

[prado]

Okay, I'm going to make a start today! 330i Exclusive! :thumbs:

There are plenty of BMWs for sale in Gezina, Pretoria. I have also seen many in the west of Pretoria last week. I must do some footwork today!

Now, to get the one with the essential items - sunroof, FSH and I guess the standard items on a 330i would cover the rest! PDC will be nice, though.

Phew! The time has come! Hope to find one in a great colour - but buying used doesn't allow much choice. The greys appeal to me but all BMW colours are great. Thanks! :thumbs:

 

[frikkieh]

There is a Fanatic selling a 2007 model here:
http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=34008

 

[hanopp]

For me there is only one choice here.. The E90 330i Manuel, aaaaaaawesome car, i love mine!! the 525i gone frustrate you.. unless its the 160kw, but still the 330i is a more complete car i believe, look out for some nice 330s around R160 000 with less than 100 000km on clock, the arrival of the new F30s will help in picking up a nice E90..