tume

Hello,

I will be ordering/purchasing a new or used BMW soon. The problem is that I haven't decided yet which model to get. So I need your opinion and advice.

I'm going to spend ~30k? for the car, and buy it tax-free (peacekeeping mission). BMW offers new cars for -15% for peacekeepers. I need to have the car delivered on early May 2007 at the latest. With these in mind, which of these would you recommend:

new (base car, without options):
525d Sedan 3/2007 facelift model (~28 800? now, price may change)
330d Coupe E92 2007 (~29 500?)
X3 3.0d 2007 (~31 000?)


used car (from Germany, with options)
535d Sedan 2004 (~30-33 000?)
X5 3.0d 2004 (~30-33 000?)


I haven't had the time to test drive any of these, except the E92 (325i). Dealer said that E92 orders are late due to high demand, and it would take approx 5 months for the delivery (which would be too long in my case). I doubt if this statement is true.
Right now 525d Sedan 3/2007 facelift model is on the top of my list. With a new car I would of course get a better resell value. Does anyone know when I can order a 3/2007 facelifted model and when I would have the car? Thank you.


UPDATE:


Thank you everyone for your help. Right now I'm debating between these choices:

new 525d 3/2007 facelift
530d 2005/2006 with many options, low mileage
535dA 2004 (+2005)

red-max

Hmm... tough choice.

Having just had a 2004 E60, I would say that although it was a good car, I believe there were some significant improvements in 2005 and 2006, so I would advise getting a 2005 or 2006 model if you can, and avoid 2004 if possible.

Then again, I'm sure a 535d 2004 is going to be a pretty good car, if it has been looked after - just make sure you get a decent warranty with it in case something serious goes wrong you want to be covered.

I would avoid the X3 from 2004 - the new recently facelifted X3 is meant to be *much* better.

A new 525d is a good car, but "without options" could be a bit basic.

Sorry, that's not much help ...

tume

Thanks for the tip. Only the new X3 (2007) was an option for me, but I have the 2004 X5 listed as an option.
Can you tell me how your new coupe compares to your previous E60? I'm very interested in your opinions.

0700700

id quite like an x5 3.0d , but if its gonna be your only driver than then e92 330d is more sensible.... will you be driving it in snow? then consider the 330xd... it is wonderful

IrishEyes

Either the 330d if interior space is not the major requirement followed closely by the 525d as long as it has the 197bhp 3.0 litre engine.

pinguhk

well I think you have too big of a list cut it down my 2.
eg
1. what is it used for? family, day to day car, weekend car so on.
2. if itis for you family then the X5 or the 5er
3. if you like to drive fast then the 3er or 5er

If it was me then I go for the new 5er which I think is a all rounder.
Fun to drive, good looks, good for the family size.

tume

It will be my first car, and for day to day use. Need space mostly for my friends, so X5 would probably be just too big for me (X3 also).

pinguhk

x3 is small not big at all.
I think itis the 5er that you sould go for then.
you will like it and itis a good size not to small and not to big.

tume

Now it seems that I'm unable to test drive any of these cars, not to mention I'm unable to see any color/interior choices live before ordering. My vacation is in early January, but I have to order the car this month due to long delivery times.
It seems that it will be E60 vs E92, and probably I can't go wrong with either. But I'm still uncomfortable to order my first and very expensive car "blindly". Damn

pinguhk

I know this is you 1st time buying a expensive car so I would try and test both cars if I was you.
Both are very good to drive and both drive diffrently.
You do not what to regret it after you get your new car and seening other same cars on the street that is nicer than yours in the end.
If itis a expensive item, then I must see what I am buying otherwise I will never buy any thing in this world that I can not see.
well good luck buying your new car.