Just curious, any current 525i/530i owners; do you think you would be happy with a 330i? Why or why not? I am asking because the 330i is getting some unbelievable press. Edmunds just called it "The Perfect Sports/Luxury Sedan". They said it the first time, they have used the word, "perfect" to describe a car.

Please understand this post is not designed to undermine either the 525i or 530i. I love them both! I am just asking a question.

 

no way becasuse it is too small for me with 6.4" and even more ridiculous as a family car.
But I must admit it is a great car. Amazing car on its own but not instead of the E60.
It is simply a different class/size. And that is the way it is.

But honestly besides the size I can't say a single bad word about the new 330i, uhmm maybe the price.... fully loaded 330i is pretty close price tag to the E60 series car

 

I'd say I could be mighty happy with a 330i. Or a 330d.

After driving the E60 for a while, when i drove an E90, it seemed sort of cramed. However, I'm alone in the car for 90% of the time so I'd say one would get used to it quickly enough.

The nav-equipped E90's have a cosier feel (and more upmarket I think) to the non-nav E90's.
I drove a 320d and a 325i with sport suspension. That suspension ruins the car I think. However, the steering and brakes were more direct and had a slightly better feel than the E60. And being a little smaller feels more at home with being thrown around.

So, with a sweet 258bhp I6, I reckon that would give the same refinement level as the E60 in a smaller package. Other than the physical size, I don't think one would loose out too much over the E60. I haven't checked the pricing difference between the two, but if the pricing gap was small (making the E90 expensive) than opting for an E60 over an E90 would make more sense.

 

I'd be happy with the new M3--if that counts, but not a 3-series otherwise since no others will have a V-8.

 

Going down to a 3 series would not even cross my mind. They are a different class completely. Absolutely impractical for any familly as there is no room in the back, no trunk worth talking about. And man are they bland looking. Not bangles finest hour. No descript. The 3 litre engine would be okay in such a light car but surely if thats what your looking for might be a good bet to go for a 130i at least you would have the go kart experience as the car is so light. But whoever described this car as the finest sport sedan would not hold much credibility with me.

 

I only bought an e60 cause I got a chance too after owning 3 3-ers in a row.

I couldn't bring myself to buy an e90 as it just bored me to look at it.

Either I am growing up or the 3-series just isn't fun enough any more.

 

5 series just have much better ride quality and more space than 3 series. The difference is just too big to compare these 2 cars.

 

Hell, no. I had a 330 loaner last week, and it was like an e60 light. Great car, if you like to be really close to your passengers.

No comparison, and I love the 3-series. If you can afford more, get it.

 

Thought about the 3, but that "something" I feel about the 5 wasn't there - do not know how to describe it - but that is why they make different cars for everyone

 

Yes, I think I would be happy with a 330i. It is one cool looking sports sedan. And, the interior room is not as bad as some indicate. I also read the Edmunds article, they raved about the 330i, and they did, in fact, call the 330i perfect! They said, the 330i is not like the C class Mercedes, where buyers purchase the C class until they can get to the destination, which is the E Class. The 330i according to Edmunds, "is the Destination."

So, I believe it is a great BMW. Now between a 525i/530i and 330i, which would/am I going to purchase? I will let you know soon!