To the 525i/530i Owners: Would you be happy with a 330i?
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Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Helsinki, Finland
My Ride: -04 530D
More loud in cabin, harder ride, more nimble, smaller (I?m 191 cm). Is it faster with similar engine? At the track probably.
Maybe in touring form for family with small children.
Skaffa
Maybe in touring form for family with small children.
Skaffa
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Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Charlotte, NC USA
My Ride: ED '07 530 soon to replace my ML500
previous: '00 540i6, '98 V70T-5, '95 318i, '89 Jetta, '79 Beetle Conv.
I battled long and hard between a loaded 330i a 530 or stipper 550.
The 330 is alot of fun, but I really need the extra space.
BTW, only 22 lbs (9.9 kg) seperate the 530 manual from a 330 Sport.
I would definitely look at a M3 Touring or 330i Sport Touring, but neither come here.
I do not need the pork of xDrive in the 5er Touring...
The 330 is alot of fun, but I really need the extra space.
BTW, only 22 lbs (9.9 kg) seperate the 530 manual from a 330 Sport.
I would definitely look at a M3 Touring or 330i Sport Touring, but neither come here.
I do not need the pork of xDrive in the 5er Touring...
Originally Posted by skaffa' post='235552' date='Feb 6 2006, 07:19 AM
More loud in cabin, harder ride, more nimble, smaller (I?m 191 cm). Is it faster with similar engine? At the track probably.
Maybe in touring form for family with small children.
Skaffa
Maybe in touring form for family with small children.
Skaffa
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Joined: Apr 2005
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From: MIAMI B*CH
My Ride: MY RIDE is DA real .-) HAMANN 5 aka BLACK MAMBA born on 16/06/2005/delivered on 05/08/2005 as following:
530dA (steptronic), Black II (JET), leather Dakota auburn black, mapple trim, head-up display, dynamic drive, active steering, adaptive xenon headlights (auto levelling) with headlight washers, alarm, comfort seats with massage function, advanced A/C, big compartment armrest, aux-in, MP3, Logic 7, Radio PRO, CD in-dash+cd changer, power rear sunshades, rear airbags, park distance control, auto dimming folding mirrors, smoking package, shiny shadow line (individual), fold down rear seats, ski bag, sport suspension, run flats on �116-style� rims (Good Year NCT5+), cup holders, debadged, fire extinguishers, additional permanent power outlet, BMW coat hanger, trunk release button (installed by Hobi), GPS tracking device and a big thx 2 Iceman.
Mods done:
� Authentic HAMANN FRONT APRON Including ellipsoid fog lights Item-No.: 10 060 110
� Authentic HAMANN REAR SPOILER Item-No.: 10 060 130,
� Authentic HAMANN HAMANN ALUMINIUM PEDALS For cars with manual gearbox Item-No.: 80 099 100 81,00 For cars with automatic transmission Item-No.: 80 099 120
� Authentic HAMANN FOOT REST In aluminium For left-hand drive vehicles Item No. : 80 099 122
� Authentic HAMANN HAND-BRAKE LEVER In aluminium For left- and right-hand drive cars Item No. : 80 099 216
� Authentic HAMANN Idrive of alu (sorry this is the only one in the World) but you can have it in carbon fiber ,
� Authentic HAMANN EXCLUSIVE FLOORMAT SET In black with HAMANN logo in silver For left-hand drive cars Item-No. : 80 060 120 For right-hand drive cars Item-No. : 80 060
� Authentic HAMANN COVER FOR OIL FILLER CAP In aluminium Item-No.: 80 099 117
� Authentic HAMANN SPORT REAR MUFFLER 4 TAILPIPES Sport rear muffler with four round stainless-steel tailpipes ( � 76mm ) Item-No.: 50 060 111
� Authentic HAMANN new add-on for M pack rear with diffusor for quad pipes -AVAILABLE NOW (http://forums.e60.net/index.php?act=ST&f=22&t=30630&st=0#entry332409)
� ///M steering wheel w Pegasus logo (this will be also changed to three spoke sports)
� ///M pack rear
� HAMANN ECU upgrade 265 HP 608 Nm.
most improtant:
�real and working like a charm forumsbuy real LED tails and PIAA 4700k fogs!!! for HAMANN full front apron you need H3
� CustomAngels, Angel Eyes Brighter than stocks 10X, WHITE & (REd for shows).
� Authentic HAMANN LIGHT-ALLOY WHEELS DESIGN EDITION RACE 20"
Ultra-light forged 3-pieced light-alloy wheel, Cross-spoke-design,Spider in black, titanium, screwing,polished flange
DIMENSIONS : 9.0 J x 20 FA Item No.: 91 207 315
10.5 J x 20 only RA Item No.: 91 207 625
Recommended 20" Complete Wheel Set DESIGN EDITION RACE I went with most aggressive Combination A.10 FA 9.0 J x 20 / RA 10.5 J x 20 with tires: FA 245/30 ZR 20 / RA 285/25 ZR 20
� Authentic HAMANN LOWERING KIT 4 progressive sport springs Lowering by approx. 40 mm FA, 20 mm RA Item-No.: 20 060 125
� Authentic HAMANN TIRE - PRESSURE CHECK SENSOR SYSTEM
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� Authentic HAMANN REAL CF ROOF SPOLIER Item-No.: 10 060 235
� Authentic HAMANN AIRBAG SPORT STEERING WHEEL 3-SPOKE Three-spoke design w their SMG paddles (For assembly O.E. airbag in exchange)
� Authentic HAMANN sports mirrors (all functions)
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and of course !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
E60.net Clings
Still to do list;-):
� Our Hobi's camera system from : ww.switchchange.com).
� Individual leather interior (auburn+auburn alcantara)... and drive with sheer drivin' pleasure ... until 2009/2010 F10 comes or E60 possibly a 540d V8 diesel early in 2009 badly juiced!
When I got my 15,000 service on my E60, I was given an E90 loaner car. It was a base model, 325i.
Simply put.... I HATED it. I can't explain why exactly, but it just felt cheap. It did not feel like a BMW compared to my E60.
Because E90 is an all-around-smashed E60
americans and their obsession with v8... a ford mustang gt for you , no?
I am sure all the 525/530 owners would be happy with a 330, but the passengers who tend to sit in their back seats wouldn't be too happy. 
Simply put.... I HATED it. I can't explain why exactly, but it just felt cheap. It did not feel like a BMW compared to my E60.
Because E90 is an all-around-smashed E60
Originally Posted by 700700' post='235521' date='Feb 6 2006, 12:12 PM
[quote name='Znod' post='235298' date='Feb 5 2006, 10:21 PM']
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.
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.
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.
Please understand this post is not designed to undermine either the 525i or 530i. I love them both! I am just asking a question.
[/quote]
I agree with you, in the back and passanger perfect BUT for the driver there is small place.
We was btw e90 320d or 5er (e60) and I tried E90 not bad, but nothing compared to the E60. It is smaller and therefore might seem as more dynamic.. but NO. I went with the E60 3L d and I luv it every sec
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Joined: Nov 2005
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From: North Carolina
My Ride: "06 530i, Alpine White, Beige Leather, Steptronic, Cold Weather & Sport Pkgs.
I'm on my 3rd 5-series. Wife is on her 1st 3-series - both 2006's. She absolutely loves her 330i, and tells everybody so. But after driving SUV's for 10 years, no wonder. I think the 330 is definitely fun to drive, but I like my 530 better - more room. I would find the 330 cramped if I drove it much. BTW, I'm an old guy at 55, wife's 53.
Contributors
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Chippenham, Wiltshire UK
My Ride: F11 535i M-Sport,, Silver, Black Leather, LED Adaptive headlights
Model Year: 2015
Engine: N55
No chance, the 3 series is a great car if you want a small family car.
It's levels of luxury and it's size do not make it a competitor with the 5 series.
5er wins every time.
It's levels of luxury and it's size do not make it a competitor with the 5 series.
5er wins every time.
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Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Dublin. Ireland
My Ride: 09 - 520d M Sport - Steptronic - Carbon Black - Black Dakota Leather Sports Seats electric- Auto Climate - Piano Black Bamboo - Antracite Headlining - Business Media Kit - Sat Nav - Bluetooth - CD Changer - Auxillary Port and USB - M Sport Multifunction Steering - Lowered M Suspension - 18" Alloys with RFT - M Badged - M Bumpers and Bodykit - Park Distance Control - Advanced Voice Rec - Auto Dim Mirror - Privacy Glass - 5 Year Service Inclusive
Previous -06 - 525 M Sport - Steptronic - Sapphire Black - Black Nappa Leather Sports Seats - Auto Climate - Alluminium Cubed Interior - Anthracite Headliner - Business CD with Auxillary Port - M Sport Multifunction Steering - Bluetooth - Lowered M Suspension - 18" Alloys with RFT - M Badged - M Bumpers and Bodykit - Park Distance Control - Spare Wheel kit - Advanced Voice Rec
Originally Posted by CoolTones' post='235439' date='Feb 6 2006, 05:04 AM
My last BMW was a 3-Series. My motivation for pursuing was getting a bigger car. Now I can pack 4 golf bags in the trunk and haul my buddies to the golf course. There's also the cabin spaciousness that I like in the 5.
If I had only enough $$ for a 3-Series I would have picked one up. Thank goodness I had a bit more $$ to get a well equipped 5-Series.
You can't go wrong with either one.
-Tony
If I had only enough $$ for a 3-Series I would have picked one up. Thank goodness I had a bit more $$ to get a well equipped 5-Series.
You can't go wrong with either one.
-Tony
Fair play to you I have to borrow my neighbours MB E320 to carry more than 2 sets of clubs!
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 96
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From: Central California. Plenty of sunshine. Hot in Summer, but NO humidity. :)
My Ride: In the process of buying the right 2006 530i
Originally Posted by subterFUSE' date='Feb 6 2006, 12:58 PM' post='235544
When I got my 15,000 service on my E60, I was given an E90 loaner car. It was a base model, 325i.
Simply put.... I HATED it. I can't explain why exactly, but it just felt cheap. It did not feel like a BMW compared to my E60.
Because E90 is an all-around-smashed E60
[quote name='700700' post='235521' date='Feb 6 2006, 12:12 PM']
[quote name='Znod' post='235298' date='Feb 5 2006, 10:21 PM']
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.
Simply put.... I HATED it. I can't explain why exactly, but it just felt cheap. It did not feel like a BMW compared to my E60.
Because E90 is an all-around-smashed E60
[quote name='700700' post='235521' date='Feb 6 2006, 12:12 PM']
[quote name='Znod' post='235298' date='Feb 5 2006, 10:21 PM']
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.
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.
Please understand this post is not designed to undermine either the 525i or 530i. I love them both! I am just asking a question.
[/quote]
I agree with you, in the back and passanger perfect BUT for the driver there is small place.
We was btw e90 320d or 5er (e60) and I tried E90 not bad, but nothing compared to the E60. It is smaller and therefore might seem as more dynamic.. but NO. I went with the E60 3L d and I luv it every sec
[/quote]
You took SubterFuse's quote and only included the first part.
You did not include the entire quote. :thumbsdown: Here is what SuberFuse said in its entirety: "When I got my 15,000 service on my E60, I was given an E90 loaner car. It was a base model, 325i.Simply put.... I HATED it. I can't explain why exactly, but it just felt cheap. It did not feel like a BMW compared to my E60."
"However, since then.... my parents bought a 325i, but got it loaded.
iDrive + Nav
Premium Sound
SAT radio
Comfort Access
Cold Weather Pack
Xenon lights
etc.. etc.. etc..
It has every single option on it... except for Active Steering.
I drove this 325i from the Performance Center to Washington, DC .... and I loved it. The experience was 180 degrees opposite. When you put the options on the E90, it is an excellent car. Granted, it is smaller than the E60... and some of the appointments are not quite on the same level... but it drives great.
In fact, I felt like the car was even more stable at high speeds. I felt more in control when driving above 80 mph than I do in my E60. I think this might be because of Active Steering on my E60.
Senior Members
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,356
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From: Orange CA, USA
The 330i is a great car, I honestly thought about getting that instead of the 5. But I was use to the size of the 5 and I often get passengers so I thought about them too. But I also fell in love with the E60 styling. Handling wise I'm sure the 330i was just as good, maybe even better?
I will say this, I had the most fun driving when I had my E46 328i (5 speed). That car was a blast to drive. I am seriously thinking about getting another 3, someday.
I will say this, I had the most fun driving when I had my E46 328i (5 speed). That car was a blast to drive. I am seriously thinking about getting another 3, someday.
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 724
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From: Chicago, IL
My Ride: 2008 Sapphire Black on Black M5 - loaded sans soft close doors
Drove the 330 with stick back to back with the 550 auto. Five times.
Loved both cars. The 330 is VERY sporty - you point and it goes. The five is also sporty - but more of a cruiser with a huge motor. My only fear was being too involved with the car all the time (sometimes I just want to get where I am going without a lot of work). Because of this I chose the 550. I don't regret it, but I doubt I would have regretted the 330 either. In a perfect world I would have both cars like jmatthe.
PS - Let's be serious, compared to my GS430, both the 330 and 550 are SO MUCH MORE FUN!
Loved both cars. The 330 is VERY sporty - you point and it goes. The five is also sporty - but more of a cruiser with a huge motor. My only fear was being too involved with the car all the time (sometimes I just want to get where I am going without a lot of work). Because of this I chose the 550. I don't regret it, but I doubt I would have regretted the 330 either. In a perfect world I would have both cars like jmatthe.
PS - Let's be serious, compared to my GS430, both the 330 and 550 are SO MUCH MORE FUN!
Senior Members
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 386
Likes: 1
From: Seattle, Wa.
My Ride: 2006 550i Titanium Silver Metallic, Black Dakota Leather, Anthracite Maple Wood Trim, Cold Weather Package, Premium Sound Package, Sport Package, Steptronic, Navigation, Electric Rear Sunshades, Heated Rear Seats, Sirius Radio
I actually had a deposit on a 330i with almost every option. I decided against the car when I discovered the engines would be changing soon. I did prefer the steering on the e90, and felt it outhandled the 5 series. But the 550 has so much torque, and the cabin is of higher build quality and has such a spacious feel. And the acceleration of the 550 is almost M3-ish, and the 60-100 is something else entirely. If I get another 3 it will probably be another M3, but an e90 this time.