swajames

I'm pretty sure the 5 and 3 are actually pretty close in terms of weight - the E90 does not benefit from many of the weight saving techniques the E60 gains through the use of aluminum etc. With the same engine and similar weight I think performance will be pretty close. I don't think you'll go wrong either way but if it were me I'd definitely take the five

ipse dixit

For what it's worth, word is that BMW will launch a 335i sometime midyear 2006.

I can't really give you any advice you haven't heard already. I would just say drive both cars, walk around them, and buy the one you like the most. Don't worry about the performance numbers, or what people say you should or need to get.

Good luck.

BigGrey

If you don't have kids and look for something sporty, get the 3 series. But only the touring one. I don't like the 3 sedan. 5 series sedan is the only one i like!
3 series handles better and has better performance.

If you are looking for comfort and/or have more than 3 kids, go for the 5 series! (or if you have some self-estime problem )
Besides the 160 extra there is the extra cost of everything (fuel, etc).

Bottom line get what ever you want!! Ask your wife/girlfriend her opinion!

(what is the price of the M3? )

jsal

Here is my 2 cents worth in the form of a pros list. Of course in asking a 5 series site, you are going to get a biased opinon.

530:

better ride and nicer to drive on the freeway and long distances (longer wheel base - better ride, not quit as quick in the turns).
Still a great handling and accelerating car, but it excels on the luxury feel and image
Room of course, the 5er can easily fit 4 large people in comfort. I spend 95% of the time in the car myself and love the sport feel. But in the mornings when I drop off the kids, having a little more room for them is nice. It also allows me to do family things in comfort without taking the SUV.
larger trunk

330:
quicker and more sporty
You can still fit people in the back, but if you are tall like me, putting the seat forward is not an option.

Also, you could probably get more opinons by answering the following:

- daily drive/comute (miles, traffic...)
- family size
- trips and activities

silver530sportwagon

I pondered this same question before I bought my 530, but after spending a day with a 330i loaner last week, I like the 530 a lot better. The 530 is quieter, more substantial feeling and at the end of the day it handles just as well and it is plenty quick. Plus, I owned the 3 e46's ('99 323i, '01 330i, '03 M3 Conv) before the 530, I'm 42 with kids, and it was just time to move up, and on already.

Howz550

I agree with Silver. My only experience with a 3-series is when I had one as a loaner last week. It was pretty loaded but just wasn't the same as the 5-er.

doug_999

The 3 is going to be more fun.
The 5 is going to be bigger.

These are the facts - now it is up to you to decide.

of note, I always leased because of the write-off. However, I just had my accountant run the numbers for me and it turns out that purchasing is CHEAPER over the three years! I won't get the full deduction until the 3rd year when I get rid of the car, but overall, I will spend less.

BMWDoug

I really understand your situation. It is a tough choice. The 5 Series has more room, handles great, has power; but, the 330i is flat out cool! I think the 330i is the sportiest looking car in the BMW lineup. It is a true sports sedan. And, you get a loaded 330i for about $14,000 less than a comparable loaded 530i, not exactly chump change. Plus, the real life resale value of the 330i is better than the 530i. So, it is a very tough decision.

I am not sure about the ride quality of the 330i. I have not been in one on a long trip, so I cannot give you any information. I like a sporty ride, but I also like a luxury ride. I sure as heck do not want to feel every bump and pothole, and hear a lot of wind noise. Maybe, some others can shed some honest light on these issues. The 2006 3 Series sure has been winning all the sport/luxury sedan shootouts and awards.

I think you need to go sit in the 330i again and see how it feels to you, then sit in the 530 and see what you think. Sometimes cars can surprise you in terms of interior room. Also, the 2006 3 Series is bigger than the previous 3 Series. One other thing to consider is that you mentioned your 330i did not have Navigation. If you go the 3 route, I would get one with Navigation, because you get all the voice activation features.

You have a tough decision, but fun decision.

Stoley

of note, I always leased because of the write-off. However, I just had my accountant run the numbers for me and it turns out that purchasing is CHEAPER over the three years! I won't get the full deduction until the 3rd year when I get rid of the car, but overall, I will spend less.
[/quote]

He's right...in most cases it is less expensive to to purchase the car outright if you have the cash (even when you write off your lease payments).

AC_S5

Here's my thought. After driving both E90 and E60, I like the E60 better because in an E60 you can drive it slowly if you wanted to but in case of sudden ugre to push the car, the E60 will step up to the challenge whereas the E90 is a car that you need to drive hard all the time, you couldn't really enjoy it driving slow. The E60 is also better build than the E90 as it is quiter overall. Plus the Idrive is standard on the 5, I am surprise no one mentioned anything about the Idrive, I guess I am the only one here that love that little screen in the middle.