m3to545

Hi everyone, this is my first post and I was wondering if you could give me some insight into your opinions between these cars. I am sure I will get a lo of flame for this but I am going to be a sophomore in college next year and my parents and I have agreed that if I got a car we would split the price down the middle. I was looking at these cars in about the 26k range.

heres the 545i: http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=p...&cardist=20
330i
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u...&cardist=28
A8L
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u...&cardist=11
IS350
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u...amp;cardist=230

I will probably be transporting people a lot (for atleast 60% of my driving so I wanted a four door). I love the 545i's power and handling, but idrive seemed frustrating. I change radio stations a lot and going through to the menu to change just seemed like too many steps. Is this something that you just get used to? Also I was worried about the resale of the 545i due to higher gas prices. I understand the mileage is very good, but I just dont trust that the majority of the public will get around the idea that a v8 can get decent mileage. And also reliability.

Any opinions/comments/flaming would be greatly appreciated. I look forward to hearing what you guys have to say.

DINAN530i

I would take the following in this order..
1.545i
2.A8
3.330i
4.IS350

gl

tex_phil

I would take the cars in the exact same order as dinan. You won't regret the 545!
You get used to the i-drive, it only took me a week and I love it now!

IceyTys

to the forums!

I may get some backlash from my fellow memebers on here, but in your situation (sophomore in college) Id have to go with the 330i. It has the least amount of mileage, its probably not only still under warranty, but im sure still under free factory maintanance, and its a 2006. This car should take you thru college with no issues, if the 545 or A8 have any issues mechanically, youre screwed, so Id do 330 for now. In addition if you are going to be commuting alot with the gas savings it should be a no brainer, the A-8 and 545 will make you at the pump

If you do decide to get the E90, you'll have to hang out on e90posts.net which could be a negative...

GL

miguex

1) 330i (less mileage and gas plus Factory warranty and 2006!)
2) 545i (Power V8!, under 50K miles, maybe no Warranty being 2004)
3) IS350 (very nice maybe no warranty and high mileage)
4) A8 (Power V8, luxury like 7 series, maybe no warranty, gas dismal)

If you want power go for a 2006 550i and there are less of $30K under warranty.

GL!

1esquire

+1, get the 330. For someone in college, you will want the warranty and lower miles. My 545 is still under warranty, but I recently had a new clutch installed, new door seals and a new airbag sensor. The airbag sensor alone would have been something like $1800. The door seals would have been another $1k. Unless you have deep pockets for repairs, I'd get something w/a warranty.

Trinity Autosport

1600

+1

Brit_in_NJ

I'd get the 545..oh I did


Actually you should get the 330, I don't want to see sophomore's driving e60s...

i<3e60

you come to an e60 forum ask this question, lol i think you know what the masses are gonna tell you to get