Argelius

I am currently vacillating between getting a 2006 530xi and a 2006 330xi (next fall). Since I am a gadget nut, I am curious how the new 3 stacks up agains the 5, gadget-wise.

From what I have been able to learn, both have (standard or optional) Nav, Satellite Radio, park-distance control, Bluetooth, and mp3 capabilities.

In terms of the Logic 7 premium stereo, I am guessing that since the have the same name, they are identical.

Does anyone know if they iDrive and Nav systems in the 3 and 5 are identical?

As far as I can tell, the only gadget that the 5 has that is not available in the new 3 is the Heads Up Display (and both will get the push-button keyless start in the fall).

Thanks for your thoughts....

UUronL

Car and Driver's 330i test indicated that the new 3 got the same iDrive the 5 series has, but I don't know if they are 100% identical.

manc5

i went to the dealer over the weekend and messed with a 330 with idrive and it looked and seemed to function exactly as mine does.

Other differece was location of wheel , further back in console and voice control button / menu button layout next to wheel.

gotta like the e90 330.. it's a peach in high spec..

Argelius

Am I correct, then, that since the 330 and 530 have the same engine and the same 'gadgets' (iDrive, Nav, sound system, bluetooth), etc that the 'only' difference between the two of them is [1]size, [2] design, [3] cost, and [4] 'prestige' ? I don't care about [1] or [4] at all...

akirax

Am I correct, then, that since the 330 and 530 have the same engine and the same 'gadgets' (iDrive, Nav, sound system, bluetooth), etc that the 'only' difference between the two of them is [1]size, [2] design, [3] cost, and [4] 'prestige' ? I don't care about [1] or [4] at all...
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Interesting point, just looked at the specs for the 06 3series.

330i hp=255hp
530i hp=255hp

330i torque=220 ft-lb at 2,750rpm
530i torque=220 ft-lb at 2,750rpm

330i weight = 3417lbs
530i weight = 3494lbs automatic

330i Price= $37k base
530i Price= $48k base

The 11k difference gets you larger size and bigger badge.

Yet in a sense if you want a 5 with the latest greatest options buy a 3.

manc5

Sorta looks that way.. but the 330 is smaller inside ... felt quite a bit smaller. and the boot(trunk) looked smaller to me... so the 5 is also a better load lugger...

jsal

Well, we all know that the same engines are used in the 5 & 3 and the 7 & 5, and that most of the technology would trickle down from the 5 to the 3.

I have not looked closely at the 3, but the info on BMWNA was pretty impressive - looks like a nice car.

If you are truely comparing to see what you are getting for your $, I would look at the following:

- Since the weight is so similar between the two, are they using the same materials technology in the 3 that they used in the 5 to make it bigger than the E39, but lighter.
- Do the base numbers include active steering, active roll, adaptive headlights?
- Are you comparing the same interior features (i.e. Dakota leather, sport seats...).

It is amazing that the weight is so similar, yet there is such a big difference in size!

Then the bottom line is what you like. If size doesn't matter and you don't need comfortable back seat or trunk, then go for the 3 - smaller is always better for handling. I don't think prestige is an issue as they are both great cars! Enjoy!

sj3

Gotta have those comfort seats! I haven't seen them in a 3, but I'm not sure if they're available in the '06 models. If they were, I might have considered the 3 but I am having much fun using up mucho gas in my v8!

Sam

xexyus

I SERIOUSLY hope that iDrive on 3 series is VERY different from iDrive on 5 series.

Its all we have to remain different from 3series then