Budget allows either 2006 330i or 2006 525i: Which one should I buy?
02-16-2006 | 10:46 AM
#21
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From: The United Kingdom
Depends on your proritiesI upgraded from the 3-series because:
1. I could
2. I felt I needed more interior space
For me the 3 series is the more nimble sportier drive - BUT the 5 series is more 'adult'.
I do a lot of long distance motorway driving and for me it had to be the 5, which is the ultimate in high speed - high comfort cruising.
02-16-2006 | 12:21 PM
#23
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Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Providence, Rhode Island
My Ride: 2005 545i Titanium Silver/Black/Poplar: Steptronic, Sport, Cold Weather, Premium Sound, Comfort Seats, Sat Radio, NAV & Shades
Originally Posted by SKK' post='241280' date='Feb 16 2006, 02:39 PM
E60
Love those wheels SKK
02-16-2006 | 12:28 PM
#24
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Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Carlsbad, California
My Ride: 2007 BMW 550i Sport Pkg, 6MT
I was facing the same question. I ended up with 06 525i:
1. 06 525i is more powerful than 05 525i. It has new 3.0L engine and is as powerful as, if not more than, any I6 5 series in the past.
2. Ride quality - more space is obvious in 5 but many people forget taking much better ride quality into consideration.
3. Handling is very good for this size of the car.
#2 + #3 = What 5 is known for: magical combination of ride&handling.
I think I made right decision.
1. 06 525i is more powerful than 05 525i. It has new 3.0L engine and is as powerful as, if not more than, any I6 5 series in the past.
2. Ride quality - more space is obvious in 5 but many people forget taking much better ride quality into consideration.
3. Handling is very good for this size of the car.
#2 + #3 = What 5 is known for: magical combination of ride&handling.
I think I made right decision.
02-16-2006 | 12:37 PM
#25
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From: Pasadena, CA
At first I thought speed would be better...but in the long run, the 5 would be a classier, more modern, and more prestigious car than the 3...if that stuff matters to you. I like the 3 myself but not as controversial as the 5.
02-16-2006 | 12:53 PM
#26
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From: Costa Mesa, CA
My Ride: Gone: 2004 525i Jet Black, Built 03/04, Premium Package, Black Dakota Leather, Halogen to Euro Spec Bi-Xenons Retrofit, Dark Poplar Wood Trim, Steptronic Breyton Spirit Reps 20x9F 20x10R - Nitto NT555 245/35/20F-275/30/20R, M5 Front Bumper, H&R Sport Springs, Chrome Grills, 20% Tint, Euro Reflectors, Debadged, Aux Input, CIP v19.x
E60! 
02-16-2006 | 01:28 PM
#27
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From: expat in The Netherlands
My Ride: BMW 545iA Black Sapphire
Model Year: 2005
Engine: 545i
From a standpoint of budget, I would go for the 330i. I would want personally, slightly more "fun" factor for the money.
02-16-2006 | 01:38 PM
#28
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From: London
Originally Posted by SolarFactory' post='241351' date='Feb 16 2006, 09:21 PM
Love those wheels SKK
Back to the original post - I don't like the styling of the E90. Its plain bland. The rear looks like it could have come from a cheap Japanese car and the front is only slightly better. Certain colours make it look totally awful.
The additional prestige, space and better looks of the E60 just seals the choice.
02-16-2006 | 09:10 PM
#30
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From: sofia / london
Originally Posted by Veight' post='241283' date='Feb 16 2006, 07:45 PM
I believe Xenons are standard on the 330.
are optional on any e90 even with the comfort package
:'(