BMW 3-series vs. 5-series

[zcacogp]

Chaps,

The quest for a new waggon for the zcacogp household goes on. Latest wheeze is to actually put aside all my prejudices and impressions of image, and think seriously about a BMW.

Budget up to £10k. It strikes me that for around £6-7k you can get a much better 523 or 535 than you can 323 - lower milage, better condition, couple of years newer. Any ideas why this is? Simply that 5-series depreciate quicker than 3's?

It seems that (on paper, at least), the 5 is the much better car. The 5 series that was being sold new around 2000 (last-generation?) gets phenomenal write-ups on parkers.co.uk. Much better than the 3.

On this basis, why buy the 3?


Oli.

ETA: Please, please please don't make this into another BMW-bashing thread. I know we are all good at it, but let's give it a break for this one, eh?

>> Edited by zcacogp on Saturday 20th August 23:38

[mustard]

the E39 5 series is undoubtably better value than the E46 3 series, but this is due to a number of reasons

1. Its bigger, big cars depreciate more than smaller ones due to precieved higher running costs
2. E39 has been out of production longer
3. E46 is more fashionable

If the 5 series suits then go for it, try and go 2001 model year on though (facelifted and newer engines 520 2.2, 525 & 530)

[reardrive]

I've worked as a delivery driver for a BMW dealer for four years and driven hundreds of the cars in question.
The early E46 was an unremarkable car, not as nice to drive as the E36 in my opinion. With the facelift (in '01) they sharpened up the steering and handling and it was much, much better. The 320(petrol) was my favourite - the 2.2 'six' is a sweet unit.
However, the E39 5-series was always a great car. Heavier of course, so bear in mind that decent performance starts with the 528. If you're not in the anti-diesel lobby the 525d & 530d are swift, refined and economical.

[GetCarter]

I've owned E39, E46 (M3) and E36 and IMHO the chassis on the 5 is much better. Sure footed and very comfortable. I'd go for one of those. Just don't expect people to let you in at junctions!

Remember the 5 was consistantly voted best exec car for drive - and if you do chuck it about it's quite remarkable how well it sticks.

(BTW - I made an attempt in all my Beemers to drive VERY courteously - just to make up for the countless T***S that seem to think BMWs own the road). Made bugger all difference mind.

Steve

[zcacogp]

Chaps,

Good replies all, but I am getting in a pickle with the numbers. I assume that E36, E39, E46 are models, but which is which? And GetCarter, are some of the models you quote 3-series then? (You say M3 against one, so this must be a 3.)

Where can I find photos of the models, with the associated model numbers?


Oli.

[v15ben]

The 5 is definitely the better car from the experiences of various owners that I know!

But on a side note, a friend of my fathers just picked up a very nice 120k mile T plate 520i (E39) for well under book price! It's a gem and an absolute bargain! Just look hard and there are lots of great buys out there!

[mustard]

E36 3 Series 91-98
E46 3 Series 91-05
E39 5 Series 96-03

HTH

>> Edited by mustard on Sunday 21st August 16:08

[sparkythecat]

Over the past 10years I've had an 325 E30 3 series, a 328 E36 3 Series and have just moved up to an E39 530i

All the cars were about 3 years old when I got my sweaty mitts on them and have never let me down

The E39 5 series is definitely the best car I have owned you won't be disappointed if you buy one. Get one with more grunt than the 520 and don't be put off by mileage.
A 3 year old car with 75k motorway miles and FSH will be a steal. The 530d with autobox is a corker if you like oil burners, but the 2.5 - 3k premium over a similar age and spec petrol engine doesn't necessarily make it the most economic option.

[NiceCupOfTea]

mustard said:

E36 3 Series 91-98 E46 3 Series 91-05 E39 5 Series 96-03 HTH >> Edited by mustard on Sunday 21st August 16:08

E36 3 Series 91-98
E46 3 Series 98-05
E39 5 Series 96-03

[mustard]

NiceCupOfTea said:

mustard said: E36 3 Series 91-98 E46 3 Series 91-05 E39 5 Series 96-03 HTH >> Edited by mustard on Sunday 21st August 16:08 E36 3 Series 91-98 E46 3 Series 98-05 E39 5 Series 96-03

Well spotted!

[GetCarter]

mustard said:

E36 3 Series 91-98 E46 3 Series 91-05 E39 5 Series 96-03 HTH >> Edited by mustard on Sunday 21st August 16:08

sorry... numbers are like what he said - I've owned both 3 and 5 - 5's are better IMHO.

Just buy a 5, and if not, a 3


>> Edited by GetCarter on Sunday 21st August 19:41

[zcacogp]

NiceCupOfTea said:

E36 3 Series 91-98 E46 3 Series 98-05 E39 5 Series 96-03

Helped enormously, thanks both Mustard and NCOT.

And E30 is 3-series previous to the E36?

And what is the 5-series that succeeded the E39?

And why can't BMW arrange numbering systems that are distinctly different?


Oli.

>> Edited by zcacogp on Sunday 21st August 20:52

[cosmoschick]

I've owned a 320i and a 520i. Both had similar mileage but the 5-series was the superior model IMHO. It felt more solid, the ride was smoother, it seemed to pull better in all gears and it didn't have anything go wrong. The interior of the 3-series deteriorated quickly (torn fabric, loose trim etc, oh and when I went to change into 2nd gear once the knob detached itself from the lever - not funny the first time it happened I can tell you!). It was more sporty but on the whole I was pretty disappointed with it.

[sparkythecat]

Want to know more about the merits or otherwise of a 5 series?

Some knowledgeable chaps on these forums

[scared but happy]

I found this site very good when researching my 750iL
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E36
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_3_Series
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_5_Series

>> Edited by scared but happy on Sunday 21st August 21:13

[mustard]

zcacogp said:

NiceCupOfTea said: E36 3 Series 91-98 E46 3 Series 98-05 E39 5 Series 96-03 Helped enormously, thanks both Mustard and NCOT. And E30 is 3-series previous to the E36? yes And what is the 5-series that succeeded the E39? E60 And why can't BMW arrange numbering systems that are distinctly different? then a 3 series wouldnt be a 3 series and a 5 wouldnt be a 5! once you get your head around people babbling on about 'E numbers' all becomes clear. Oli. >> Edited by zcacogp on Sunday 21st August 20:52

Keeping having a very simialar conversation as to which one to get with my old codger (5 vs 3)*think* we've narrowed it down to either a 325 or 525 manual touring, but BMW built his E34 5 series far too well, so hes in no desparate hurry all hes succeded in doing is aquiring E30 (convertible)

>> Edited by mustard on Sunday 21st August 21:21

[zcacogp]

mustard said:

... manual ...

Gosh, that opens up another can of worms. Auto/manual.

Collected wisdom?

Let me guess. I think that people will come up in (slight) favour of the slushbox, as it suits the car better. And will mean more money at resale time.

I have never owned an auto (only driven one twice.) I count myself as an "enthusiastic" driver, although will admit to living in traffic-jam-city (London). Is the manual any good - i.e. what's the gearchange like? Or did the BMW boys spend all their R&D budget on developing the auto?

Also, what's the economy like on these? I know that will vary, but I expect that it's not that bad, given they are fairly modern cars, and therefore modern engines (and slippery shapes.) To put it in context, this will replace a Mk2 Golf 8v, which does around 32-35 (ish) to the gallon. Difficult to compare, I know.

Thanks for all your input chaps. It's all very good thus far - swinging me firmly in favour of the 5. Only concern is size and parking. (Insurance was remarkably un-eye-watering.)


Oli.

[windsorrob]

I went through a similar choice last year and eventually got a Yr 2000 523 auto (steptronic). I also felt they were much better value than the 3 series and gives you more interior room. On your economy question this is what has really surprised me. Admittedly, I do 80% motorway miles, but I've got 31 to 32 mpg since day 1. Other general things I'd say are - watch the sepc you pick up - I managed to get one with most of options from the 'sport' pack that was offered when it was new - seats, suspension, steering wheel and in my opinion gives it a much nicer feel than the standard kit. Another point on running cost - doing mainly motorway miles, I've gotten 18,000 miles between service indicators, hence servicing is affordable. The only thing I'd like to change this for now is a s series touring and may well do so when a good one appears at the right price !

[zcacogp]

Rob,

Thanks.

What's a "Steptronic"? Some kind of push-the-button-to-change-gear type thing? Or something else?

Out of interest, what did you find difficult when buying yours? Did you find a buyers guide? Did you buy privately or through a dealer?

It sounds like you are pretty pleased with it - what else did you consider at the time?


Oli.

[r988]

zcacogp said:

Rob, Thanks. What's a "Steptronic"? Some kind of push-the-button-to-change-gear type thing? Or something else? Out of interest, what did you find difficult when buying yours? Did you find a buyers guide? Did you buy privately or through a dealer? It sounds like you are pretty pleased with it - what else did you consider at the time? Oli.

Steptronic is just BMWs push button auto thingy like Porsches Tiptronic, nothing special really.

I'd go for a 530i manual though the manual is rare as hens teeth. I've always preferred the 5 to the 3, seems less yuppie fashion accessory and more discreet grown up car. It (E39) was constantly described as the best car in the world after all.