545i vs 330i e90
#11
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Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 206
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From: DFW, TX
My Ride: 2009 535i Sport
Model Year: 2009
Engine: N54
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
#12
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Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 22
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From: Powder Springs
My Ride: 1980 320i
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.
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.
#13
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Senior Members
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,539
Likes: 10
From: Tampa Bay, FL
My Ride: 530i
Model Year: 2004
Engine: M54
#15
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Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,539
Likes: 10
From: Tampa Bay, FL
My Ride: 530i
Model Year: 2004
Engine: M54
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.
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.
#16
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 49
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From: NYC
My Ride: 2009 535i xdrive --- JB4 G5 iso --- BMS intake --- e85 ---
Model Year: 2009
Of course, this is all IMHO.
#17
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New Members
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 22
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From: Powder Springs
My Ride: 1980 320i
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.
Of course, this is all IMHO.
#18
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 49
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From: NYC
My Ride: 2009 535i xdrive --- JB4 G5 iso --- BMS intake --- e85 ---
Model Year: 2009
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.
#20
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 49
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From: NYC
My Ride: 2009 535i xdrive --- JB4 G5 iso --- BMS intake --- e85 ---
Model Year: 2009