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545i vs 330i e90

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Old 05-01-2013 | 09:28 AM
  #11  
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Never owned a 545i, but from what I've read I would stay FAR away from them. The engine problems alone on the 545i would make me choose the e90 330i.

Originally Posted by RTR
Had both.
330i - it always feels more agile
545i - it is more civilized if you just drive it nice and smooth, but if you decide to push it - it becomes crazier and more fun than the 330i.
I found handling of 545i better than 330i, but that was probably because of sport packaged e60 vs non-sport e90.
At first cars seemed quite similar, but after I got used to 545i, every time I drive the e90, I see how much more I like the 5er.

Maintenance - 330i has much less potential problems. If you want e90, 330i is a good choice. It's a bit more powerful than the 328i, but doesn't have 335i problems.
335i isn't that bad - the power more than outweighs a water pump or fuel pump here and there.

Originally Posted by aythatblackguy
Well mainly going to be a daily driver and im not looking to have a family anytime soon. Then I want somthing I can do work on myself. And i want somthing that i can tune to make more power.
IMO neither is going to let you make much more power. You can tinker and add stuff to each, and have fun with it, but don't expect to get much more than stock out of either platform.
Old 05-01-2013 | 09:49 AM
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Originally Posted by LessIsMore
335i isn't that bad - the power more than outweighs a water pump or fuel pump here and there.



IMO neither is going to let you make much more power. You can tinker and add stuff to each, and have fun with it, but don't expect to get much more than stock out of either platform.
Well i have read bad things about the 335i and the water pump or fuel pump and turbos I just would rather not deal with it.
Old 05-01-2013 | 09:50 AM
  #13  
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Originally Posted by aythatblackguy
Then I want somthing I can do work on myself. And i want somthing that i can tune to make more power.
Even more reason to look at an E46 330i.
Old 05-01-2013 | 03:06 PM
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Originally Posted by KyleB
Even more reason to look at an E46 330i.
But I thought the e46 330i and the e90 one had the same engine
Old 05-01-2013 | 03:37 PM
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Originally Posted by aythatblackguy
But I thought the e46 330i and the e90 one had the same engine
nope, not even close

E46 = M54B30, aka "old faithful"
E90 = N52B30, aka "roll of teh dice"

totally different engines, totally different architecture. I'm sure there are those who would disagree with me, but I'd choose the former over the latter every day of the week.

good luck with your car search.
Old 05-01-2013 | 04:41 PM
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Originally Posted by LessIsMore
335i isn't that bad - the power more than outweighs a water pump or fuel pump here and there.
I also have a 535i with a jb4. It is a fantastic car and the best thing by far is the engine. Turbos are warrantied 82,000 to miles. The fuel pump is warrantied until 120,000 miles and gives you warnings when it's on it's way out, with long cranks at startup. The electric water pumps seem go on all newer BMW cars on average around 90,000 - 100,000 miles from what I have read. Some at 70,000, some at 120,000. Water pumps do not seem to give you much warning. Rad Fan on full blast, then dash warning, then pull your ass over. I would personally avoid 07 e90 35i cars. They seem to be different in a few ways from the later cars with the DME and some parts. Look at the car history for an HPFP recall performed. Get a jb4/ cobb and e85 and you will be on cloud nine.

Of course, this is all IMHO.
Old 05-01-2013 | 05:38 PM
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Originally Posted by Duperstar
I also have a 535i with a jb4. It is a fantastic car and the best thing by far is the engine. Turbos are warrantied 82,000 to miles. The fuel pump is warrantied until 120,000 miles and gives you warnings when it's on it's way out, with long cranks at startup. The electric water pumps seem go on all newer BMW cars on average around 90,000 - 100,000 miles from what I have read. Some at 70,000, some at 120,000. Water pumps do not seem to give you much warning. Rad Fan on full blast, then dash warning, then pull your ass over. I would personally avoid 07 e90 35i cars. They seem to be different in a few ways from the later cars with the DME and some parts. Look at the car history for an HPFP recall performed. Get a jb4/ cobb and e85 and you will be on cloud nine.

Of course, this is all IMHO.
Thats something to think about I wish I could get e85 where I live.
Old 05-01-2013 | 06:34 PM
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Originally Posted by aythatblackguy
Thats something to think about I wish I could get e85 where I live.
Even on 91 with jb4 you're looking getting at least 100 horsepower more than 330i and even more torque. I will say that the 330i has a better reliability track, but then again it's missing turbos and the associated parts and plumbing which is more to maintain. Test them both if you can. I really don't think you will be disappointed with either car in the end.
Old 05-01-2013 | 06:39 PM
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But we do have 93 down here in Ga
Old 05-01-2013 | 06:44 PM
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Originally Posted by aythatblackguy
But we do have 93 down here in Ga
It's worth another 10 or 15 hp over 91. We have it up here as well. You can get some race gas and mix it in but it will destroy your pockets.



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