Anyone like the new 3-series more than E60?
08-01-2005, 09:18 AM
#11
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Very interesting. It is the opposite that happened to me. I was planning to buy the new 3 but ended up buying a 5 because 1) the rear end of the new 3 looked even worse than on the pic 3) the new 3 is indeed very small.
08-01-2005, 10:36 AM
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My Ride: 2005 - 545 - tit silver/grey/sport/premsound/nav/cold weather pkg/ hardwire valetine/clear bra/4700k fog bulbs - acs fron and rear spoiler, r10's radenergies with michelin ps2 - 275/30 - 275/35 - aux audio, v 18.xx
I have had 4 3's and one M3 - when I see them it is more like a kids car. The E60's just seem more mature.
08-01-2005, 10:56 AM
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The e60's rear has a presence when driving behind it. There is good girth...and its proportional...the e90 is nice from the front, but they squished the trunk and rear way too much. thus, new gs400 is not apeiling as well, it loses the road presence and inrimidation with a small rear end. It just doesn't have the stance like the e60.
08-01-2005, 10:58 AM
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My Ride: E60 530d Sport - Carbon Black, Black Dakota Leather, Media Pack (satnav, bluetooth, CD changer), heated font seats, through load
The 3er is, and always will be, a W*****mobile. Which is why I would NEVER get one. Regardless of looks.
I still prefer the E60. But the new 3er is took much like the 5er now. In fact to the non-BMW enthusiast the 1er, 3er, 5er, & 7er all look VERY alike. Of course there's no confusing a 1er with a 7er, but it's more difficult between similar sizes. And of course a 7er owner does NOT want someone confusing it with a 5er, or a 3er for that matter.
A few years ago, when I first considered getting a 5er, the E39 looked fantastic, and the E60 looked a but odd. Now the E39 looks old, and the E60 looks great. IMHO. And the best of the lot
I still prefer the E60. But the new 3er is took much like the 5er now. In fact to the non-BMW enthusiast the 1er, 3er, 5er, & 7er all look VERY alike. Of course there's no confusing a 1er with a 7er, but it's more difficult between similar sizes. And of course a 7er owner does NOT want someone confusing it with a 5er, or a 3er for that matter.
A few years ago, when I first considered getting a 5er, the E39 looked fantastic, and the E60 looked a but odd. Now the E39 looks old, and the E60 looks great. IMHO. And the best of the lot
08-01-2005, 11:02 AM
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Originally Posted by JFiRB' date='Aug 1 2005, 01:18 PM
Very interesting. It is the opposite that happened to me. I was planning to buy the new 3 but ended up buying a 5 because 1) the rear end of the new 3 looked even worse than on the pic 3) the new 3 is indeed very small.
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but when I saw it in person, I changed my mind.
It is kind small, so for few thousands more,
I ordered E60.
I like it a lot.
08-01-2005, 11:55 AM
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My Ride: 2006 530xi w/ Premium, Sport and Cold Weather Pkgs
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Drove both the new 330i and the '06 530xi before deciding on the 530. As someone else said, style is strictly a personal choice: everybody has an opinion but the only one that really matters is yours.
For pure driving performance, I thought the new 3 came out ahead. It's as fun and tossable as you will find today in a 4-door sedan. The same engine and much of the same equipment as an '06 5 but smaller and a little lighter. Haven't seen the new 330xi as of yet so I can't comment on the AWD comparison but both use the same xDrive variant.
I went for the 530xi for reasons that may or may not relevant for your decision:
1) Two teenage boys in the house and the back seats of the 5 are definitely roomier and more comfortable.
2) Live in the country outside Washington DC and AWD can be very handy at times.
3) Reaching an age where a few more creature comforts are welcome.
4) Much like the LA resident noted, there are a ton of 3s in the DC area and the 5 is a little less common. Not a big factor but did enter into my thinking.
I don't think you'll be disappointed whichever way you go - find the right balance of your head, heart and bank account then go for it...
For pure driving performance, I thought the new 3 came out ahead. It's as fun and tossable as you will find today in a 4-door sedan. The same engine and much of the same equipment as an '06 5 but smaller and a little lighter. Haven't seen the new 330xi as of yet so I can't comment on the AWD comparison but both use the same xDrive variant.
I went for the 530xi for reasons that may or may not relevant for your decision:
1) Two teenage boys in the house and the back seats of the 5 are definitely roomier and more comfortable.
2) Live in the country outside Washington DC and AWD can be very handy at times.
3) Reaching an age where a few more creature comforts are welcome.
4) Much like the LA resident noted, there are a ton of 3s in the DC area and the 5 is a little less common. Not a big factor but did enter into my thinking.
I don't think you'll be disappointed whichever way you go - find the right balance of your head, heart and bank account then go for it...
08-01-2005, 12:24 PM
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Well, my wife and I recently spent quality time in the E90 as that was going to be our next car. I drove many different versions both on road and simulated track. Handling was outstanding and seemed like a very well put together car. Love the styling from front and side. Not so hot on the rear. Seems like they didn't want the controversy that went with 7 and 5 series. Mistake. The dumded down rear is the only weak point in otherwise nice design. It clearly lacks the presence of both 7 and 5. Very easy to get swallowed in traffic whereas 7 and 5 both stand out everywhere. Regardless, I would be very happy in a 3.
We ultimately went for the 5 because:
a) that sweet V8 -- nothing beats it
b) E90 seems a bit small especially entry/exit in rear (plenty of space inside though)
c) that sweet V8
d) coming from 7, the 3 is tiny, 5 is just right
e) that sweet V8
Doesn't really matter, they're all great cars
We ultimately went for the 5 because:
a) that sweet V8 -- nothing beats it
b) E90 seems a bit small especially entry/exit in rear (plenty of space inside though)
c) that sweet V8
d) coming from 7, the 3 is tiny, 5 is just right
e) that sweet V8
Doesn't really matter, they're all great cars
08-01-2005, 01:03 PM
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My Ride: MY RIDE is DA real .-) HAMANN 5 aka BLACK MAMBA born on 16/06/2005/delivered on 05/08/2005 as following:
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Originally Posted by jjl' date='Aug 1 2005, 04:18 AM
stopped by the BMW dealer yesterday to look at the 530xi, and the car that caught my eye was the new 3 series.? Very nice car.? I actually prefer the styling, both inside and out, of the 3 more than the 5.? Feel like the 3 pushed the styling to the limits without crossing over, whereas the 5 crossed over the line in some respects...
just my 2 cents.? picked up both the 3 and 5 brochures, and keep on looking at the 3 brochure.? Sparkling Graphite is a great color, also...too bad no go on a 5.
just my 2 cents.? picked up both the 3 and 5 brochures, and keep on looking at the 3 brochure.? Sparkling Graphite is a great color, also...too bad no go on a 5.
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08-01-2005, 04:01 PM
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I was going to order the e90 having driven an e46 for years but chose the 545i instead:
1. awesome V8 over 6-cylinder
2. more space, more family-friendly utility
3. styling statement with unique character/presence vs safer styling to appeal to masses
4. 3ers are very common where I live.
5. greater luxury and prestige but maintains the attitude of a sports car
I concede the better handling but the benefit is not so remarkable that it outweighs the other benefits of 5er ownership IMO. Nonetheless, the e90 is a great car that's better than most crap on the road - I just think the e60 is a better car for me.
1. awesome V8 over 6-cylinder
2. more space, more family-friendly utility
3. styling statement with unique character/presence vs safer styling to appeal to masses
4. 3ers are very common where I live.
5. greater luxury and prestige but maintains the attitude of a sports car
I concede the better handling but the benefit is not so remarkable that it outweighs the other benefits of 5er ownership IMO. Nonetheless, the e90 is a great car that's better than most crap on the road - I just think the e60 is a better car for me.