E46 330i or E39 M5?
#1
05-27-2008, 04:55 PM
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: cALIFORNIA
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E46 330i or E39 M5?
Hey guys,
I am selling my 07 M5 for a less expensive sport sedan. I am getting a new sports car, so I must downsize the sedan to make the economics work.
I am considering either a 2002 330i (e46) or a 2001 M5 (e39). The 330i's are going for about $17k and the M5's about $22k.
I like the more nimble handling and more modern interior of the 330i, but the power and torque of the M5 is superior to the 330i. Obviously the M5 is the more substantial vehicle, but it is also more expensive to repair I believe. Can anyone confirm this? An added plus of the 330 is gas mileage, especially considering $5/gallon is on the horizon.
Which one do you think makes a better daily driver? I only carry small kids in the back seat.
Thanks
James
I am selling my 07 M5 for a less expensive sport sedan. I am getting a new sports car, so I must downsize the sedan to make the economics work.
I am considering either a 2002 330i (e46) or a 2001 M5 (e39). The 330i's are going for about $17k and the M5's about $22k.
I like the more nimble handling and more modern interior of the 330i, but the power and torque of the M5 is superior to the 330i. Obviously the M5 is the more substantial vehicle, but it is also more expensive to repair I believe. Can anyone confirm this? An added plus of the 330 is gas mileage, especially considering $5/gallon is on the horizon.
Which one do you think makes a better daily driver? I only carry small kids in the back seat.
Thanks
James
#2
05-27-2008, 05:29 PM
There is no question on this.
E39 M5 will not only be more rewarding, it will maintain it's value better in the long (and short) run.
Gas mileage--I can't speak for the M5 but I know my '03 330i was a total PIG. I probably averaged 15 mpg if that.
I drive my cars pretty hard, though.
All BMW's are expensive to maintain once out of warranty. Just get the car PPI'd and go with the cleanest car.
E39 M5 will not only be more rewarding, it will maintain it's value better in the long (and short) run.
Gas mileage--I can't speak for the M5 but I know my '03 330i was a total PIG. I probably averaged 15 mpg if that.
I drive my cars pretty hard, though.
All BMW's are expensive to maintain once out of warranty. Just get the car PPI'd and go with the cleanest car.
#3
05-27-2008, 05:46 PM
if gas is your main reason then i would get a 330ci..fixing a 330ci would be alot cheaper than a m5 as mentioned. i've work on both cars and i loved working on the m54 motor in the 330ci.
#5
05-27-2008, 06:11 PM
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: cALIFORNIA
Posts: 50
Rep Power: 19
Gas mileage is not my primary concern, but then again I have been averaging 10.3/MPG in my e60 M5, which is sad. 
#6
05-27-2008, 08:12 PM
The 330i would make a better commuter - more economical to own and maintain, small enough for urban parking situations, roomy enough for 4 passengers, even 5 in a pinch. The E39 M5 would be better for highway cruising and occasional track work.
A good compromise would be an E39 540i, especially with the 6-speed trans.
A good compromise would be an E39 540i, especially with the 6-speed trans.
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#10
05-28-2008, 10:40 AM
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Location: Montreal
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#11
05-28-2008, 09:08 PM
An 01 E39 for 22k???
...must have big miles on it...or a third owner car.
This is the problem right now with E39's VERY VERY Few original owner cars out there....I had a 2000 Carbon Black/Caramel...had an accident and the car was totaled...tried finding a replacement...could not find a clean E39...BE VERY CAREFUL...you could be buying a 2nd/3rd owner car that was not maintained well and CARFAX will do squat.
That aside...the M5 is a no brainer...I suggest you go to the M5messageboard..you will find solid cars there maintained by enthusiasts at the very least.
Good Luck...
Regards
S
...must have big miles on it...or a third owner car.This is the problem right now with E39's VERY VERY Few original owner cars out there....I had a 2000 Carbon Black/Caramel...had an accident and the car was totaled...tried finding a replacement...could not find a clean E39...BE VERY CAREFUL...you could be buying a 2nd/3rd owner car that was not maintained well and CARFAX will do squat.
That aside...the M5 is a no brainer...I suggest you go to the M5messageboard..you will find solid cars there maintained by enthusiasts at the very least.
Good Luck...
Regards
S
#14
06-01-2008, 02:54 PM
There is no question on this.
E39 M5 will not only be more rewarding, it will maintain it's value better in the long (and short) run.
Gas mileage--I can't speak for the M5 but I know my '03 330i was a total PIG. I probably averaged 15 mpg if that.
I drive my cars pretty hard, though.
All BMW's are expensive to maintain once out of warranty. Just get the car PPI'd and go with the cleanest car.
E39 M5 will not only be more rewarding, it will maintain it's value better in the long (and short) run.
Gas mileage--I can't speak for the M5 but I know my '03 330i was a total PIG. I probably averaged 15 mpg if that.
I drive my cars pretty hard, though.
All BMW's are expensive to maintain once out of warranty. Just get the car PPI'd and go with the cleanest car.
M5 > 330i of course. However, considering your situation, I'd say get 330i ZHP and call it a day. ZHP can't compare to the M5, but its much better overall commuter car. Better gas mileage, a lot of fun, cheaper to maintian, newer, and looks pretty darn good!
330 ZHP rules!
Prolly my next ride...Good luck!
