Argelius

I currently have my sights set on a 2006 530xi (which I am told I will be able to order in a month or so). I have visited the BMWUSA website about a billion times and repeatedly gone through the "build your own" process, thinking that if I do this enough times one will magically appear in my garage. But I digress...

Given that my 530 with all the options I want ends up at about $65K, I've started getting cold feet (if only a little) and thinking about the 2006 330xi (which I am told wont be available until the fall).

Does anyone know if the iDrive system, Navigation, 7 Logic stereo, and other gagets available in the 3-series are identical to those in the 5-series? (And what is the horsepower of the '06 3- and 5-series -- know I can find this out on my own...just haven't gotten around to it yet)

I dont necessarily need the larger size of the 5-series, so I'm just weighing my options...

PS I love this board. People here are nice, unlike certain other boards...

[and I just realized I posted "prospective" in the subject, when I meant "perspective"...and I can't edit it. I am so embarassed... ]

E60Speed

The idrive system on the 3 series will not be as extensive as on the 5 series, as it only comes with the navigation option, so it doesnt control as many systems.

Engines are 190Kw ( about 258 bhp)

m630

...what do you expect the E90 330xi would go for? looking on bmwna website, the current model is +47K loaded, so I assume the new one will be atleast 50K, so you have to keep that in mind, its 15K difference msrp, but you can probably negotiate much more on the E60 than the E90... since there hasnt been any indication from any official docs i have seen about the E90 xi, i dont know if its going to be available in the fall. It may be a winter release, so you must consider that in your timing factor.

as for features, iDrive and Nav are dumbed down for the E90, less functions, controls, and no HUD, but there are many new features only in the E90 thus far which you have to consider. Im sure they will make their way to the E60, but at release the E90 will have some diff features within iDrive

the Logic 7 is the same except theres no cd changer included, but its $1800 in the E60, included in the E90

the engines are identical in the 330/530 @ ~258bhp

...its very subjective on the designs, i think the E90 is :thumbsdown: , imho

good luck!

m630

opps

Argelius

Thanks for your thoughts. I'll probably end up goign for the E60. I agree...like the design of the 5-series....not too impressed with the pictures of the 3-series I've seen; perhaps it will look better in person.

I just wish I wasn't so promiscuous with cars. I am a total tramp. Can't seem to stay with one for very long. Hoping that getting a car of the E60's caliber will keep me satisfied for a while and justify the cost...

m630

...thats how i used to be too, guess a few years under the belt changed me, plus when i thought about it, there was no other car that i'd rather have than what I did already, and im over the brand new car everyother year phase.... i have my car for almost 5 years now, have just over 41K on the odometer so there is not a pressing reason to change every year....im starting to go on a 5 to 6 year ownership per car, cause it doesnt make much sense to pay forever, ...i will order my new car with every option i want and then just drive....

cost justification...i want it, no wait, i NEED it!!!!!

kmslo530i

Thanks for your thoughts. I'll probably end up goign for the E60. I agree...like the design of the 5-series....not too impressed with the pictures of the 3-series I've seen; perhaps it will look better in person.

I just wish I wasn't so promiscuous with cars. I am a total tramp. Can't seem to stay with one for very long. Hoping that getting a car of the E60's caliber will keep me satisfied for a while and justify the cost...


[/quote]

Or it could be that you are about to start entertaining a more costly "tramp" and we all know how addictive that behavior can be!!

By the way, this is a great board. I've got a Jeep Grand Cherokee on order, and found a forum for the '05 models, and except for about 10 people, it's so vicious, I hate to even post there. I can't say how much I have appreciated the depth of knowledge that the members here seem to have, and how it's been helpful in both the purchase decision, and being better informed for service issues. However, Argelius, in the future, spelling does count!! lol

Argelius

. i have my car for almost 5 years now, have just over 41K on the odometer so there is not a pressing reason to change every year....im starting to go on a 5 to 6 year ownership per car, cause it doesnt make much sense to pay forever, ...i will order my new car with every option i want and then just drive....
[/quote]


41,000 miles on a car? Based on my past experience, that would be a miracle. I don't belive in getting the oil changed...I just change the car...

BUT, I am starting to think about getting a truly amazing 530....and being content for a long time....

m630

hahahahahah... luckly all service is INCLUDED for the first 4 years,

take the time to get an oil change in a new E60