Help me decide! 330i/525i

[prado]

Hi Guys!

My old E39 528i manual is really beginning to wear out now! Shocks, front suspension may need work, paintwork and small things here and there. I still love the car but I need to move on, I guess.

Which BMW would be a great replacement? I don't have a big budget - my 528i E39 as a trade plus R100 000.

I believe that I can (hopefully) get an E90 330i or an E60 525i around this price. (R100 000 plus my 528i) I chose these two cars for the reported fuel economy/performance/motor combination.

I am not familiar with diesels and have heard many horror stories about them!

What do you guys think I should do? BTW, the car has to be manual! I had 2 automatic BMWs before and automatics just do not appeal to me! Problematic, poor fuel consumption and boring! I love manual!

We have two little kids - 5 and 8 years of age, so interior space is not a major issue for now!

 

[Mr Occo]

330 or 330d, Both very strong cars.

 

[abmi0000]

If space isn't a requirement, then a 330 is the one.

The 525i isn't strong enough for that body IMO, which means that you will have consumption issues as you will always be flooring to go places. Car is far too heavy to have fun with if you go for a 525i.

 

[Dippies]

If space isn't a requirement, then a 330 is the one.

The 525i isn't strong enough for that body IMO, which means that you will have consumption issues as you will always be flooring to go places. Car is far too heavy to have fun with if you go for a 525i.

Could not agree more but i also suggest that you test drive both maybe on a fanatics run...

But i can already tell you that if you dont take the 330 you'll be sorry

Consumption, Power to body weight ratio. :thumbs:

Nothing agaist the 525. Brilliant car my father in law has one and my uncle a 330d...

Between you and me if i needed to choose Ill take the 330 Any day. :fencelook:


My 2c. :thumbs:


Best of luck :thumbs:

 

[prado]

That makes much sense - the 330i should be a much more 'quick' off the mark car without having to press too hard.

I'm hoping to test drive one on Friday. It will be great to feel what it's like compared to my 528i. :=):

 

[Dippies]

You should take your check book with cause your not coming home without it.


:fencelook:

 

[Mr Occo]

You should take your check book with cause your not coming home without it.


:fencelook:

+1000000

 

[abmi0000]

You should take your check book with cause your not coming home without it.


:fencelook:

Agree - The punch on the 330 supercedes the 528 by a long shot.

 

[Doomsdaya]

The E90 330i manual is a hands down winner but its no where near an E39 let alone an E60 in terms of comfort. For a family car, a 5 series is better suited...

 

[abmi0000]

The E90 330i manual is a hands down winner but its no where near an E39 let alone an E60 in terms of comfort. For a family car, a 5 series is better suited...

No question there. When I moved from my 330i E90 to the E60, it felt like I was driving another brand of car and not just something bigger.

 

[///MALCOLM325]

Maybe consider a 530 E60 Manual, at one stage there was many advertised on Gumtree not sure how scarce they are now.

 

[abmi0000]

Maybe consider a 530 E60 Manual, at one stage there was many advertised on Gumtree not sure how scarce they are now.

I personally find manual in such a luxurious car to be out of sync.

My 2c

 

[Bayn46]

330i :thumbs:

The 5er will be sluggish.

 

[abmi0000]

330i :thumbs:

The 5er will be sluggish.

Unless he looks for a 550i :rollsmile:

 

[Dippies]

Like i said i drove both

330 with my eyes closed

 

[abmi0000]

Like i said i drove both

330 with my eyes closed

Yeah - between the 2 options above, it's a no brainer.

I owned the 330i for about 3 years and test drove a 525i when looking for a 5er. Dead!

I must admit that I was pleasantly surprised by the performance of a 530d which wasn't the LCI if I remember correctly.

 

[prado]

Mmmmm! For a while, I thought it was going to be an easy decision.

The best thing to do is probably take the time to drive as many as I can to determine which one feels right. The E39 was really comfortable and the E60 must be a great improvement of course.

An 530i manual seems like the way to go. :fencelook: I wonder if anyone here has experience with the 530i manual fuel consumption.

This is going to be an interesting search for me! But ultimately, I'm going be very happy - I will be driving a BMW any way! I can't wait to get to the dealers this weekend!

 

[abmi0000]

Mmmmm! For a while, I thought it was going to be an easy decision.

The best thing to do is probably take the time to drive as many as I can to determine which one feels right. The E39 was really comfortable and the E60 must be a great improvement of course.

An 530i manual seems like the way to go. :fencelook: I wonder if anyone here has experience with the 530i manual fuel consumption.

This is going to be an interesting search for me! But ultimately, I'm going be very happy - I will be driving a BMW any way! I can't wait to get to the dealers this weekend!

Test drives are always fun. Making the correct choice thereafter is the scary part, especially when there were many options.

 

[Rayzor]

330i eyes closed. you will not look back. the new autos are also not bad. they have really come a long way

 

[prado]

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!