Which one would you buy?

[StealthBimmer]

If you had a choice of buying a 3 or 5 series which one would you buy? Give a reason to explain why and which model? This could be used or new and comparable price tags. (eg. 20K-20K, 30-30, 40-40,50K to 50K).

[AutoM3otives]

too vague of a question.

Id have an E30 M3 and an E34 M5 Touring, cuz theyre the best ones.

[Panzer_M]

ODB I 3ser or ODB I 5ser.

535 for the e28/e34

M3 or 325is for the e30/e36

[roadrash]

Yeah.... that's a pretty vague question. It would depend on the price range and my budget.

However, I do know that if someone offered to GIVE me a 3- or 5-series of my choosing, I'd choose the most expensive one. Then I'd sell it and use the proceeds to buy as many good 318ti's as I could. :-D

JMJ <-- Down with the 318ti sickness

[azca]

the new twin-turbo charged 3 series coupe

[Mad-Machine]

One reason not to buy above a 3er... I-drive

[bullmand]

3 for me. The 5 is just too big for my taste. The 3 is just right. I love the looks of the E46 and the E90 is starting to grow on me. I do not like the new 5 series. Very Pontiac looking. I also agree with Mad-Machine. I-Drive is fine as an option, but not a standard feature. I'll take mine without.

[robcarync]

sAme here...i like the smaller 3 series cars

[tastade]

Now that I have a kid, and if I have more kids, I would go for a 525iT Wagon with a 5 speed. Much more practical than the 3er. I would also consider a 3er wagon, but they are a bit on the small side. I have narrowed down my next vehicle purchase to a family wagon like a V70 T5 R, Saab 9-5 Aero, VW Passat, or a 5er wagon. My requirements were a manual tranny, less than $20k used, among other things. I would also consider an X5, but they don't really have much luggage space, I think the 5er wagon has about twice as much.

However, my preference is for smaller lighter weight cars, that is why I am leaning heavily towards the Passat in that last group as it is by far the lightest. A wagon that weighs almost 4000 lbs isn't that sporty.

[bmwracerchick]

m5 for the win if I could afford it, but if its not an m5 then the new twin turbo 3 series coupe....mmmmm

[Bluebimma]

Originally Posted by bmwracerchick

the new twin turbo 3 series coupe....mmmmm

tt 3-series ftw, m5's are too big, need somethin smaller.

[Steve in No Va]

Hi, I'm new to the forum.

I own a '96 318ti and an '87 535is. The build quality is definitely better on the 535, but it was a $35,000 car in 1987, so you would expect that. It is also, relatively light compared to the newer cars, weight in at 3,100 to 3,300lbs, based on options and euro v. US model. It can be built into a monster; I installed a TO4E turbo, liquid to air intercooler and 3" exhaust, good for 280whp/340wtq up to 500+/500+ with internal mods. I like to wrench on my cars so I would prefer it over a newer car. However, it is older, and does break, especially with the upgraded HP and suspension.

I bought the 318ti in March as a daily driver and like it also. It handles well and has adequate accelleration, it is fun to drive and gets 27-29mpg. I haven't driven the newer 3's, so I couldn't say whether I would like them or not.

Both cars serve a purpose well and are cheap enough, that I can afford both.

[snwbrdrbum10]

Originally Posted by bmwracerchick

m5 for the win if I could afford it, but if its not an m5 then the new twin turbo 3 series coupe....mmmmm

Totally agree on the M5, it's my ultimate...or an M6...or a Z8 alpina...or i guess just any BMW..lol...they're way too many good ones

[Phil Marx]

In general, historically the quality of a 5er has always been much better than a 3er. If you were asking about used cars I'd also say there is very little price difference between the two, either, as they age. Since you seem to be asking about current models, I'll tell you I've spent a couple of days behind the wheel of the new 335i coupe and it's a heck of a nice car and a remarkable engine. Some testing done by a colleague for Automobile magazine seems to indicate the power of the twin-turbo motor is closer to 350-hp than BMW's quoted 300, and I'll attest to it having plenty of get-up and go, just a tick slower than an E46 M3. Since you're talking about a family car, you might be interested to know that the same twin-turbo engine will be available in the E90 4-door, too, right about now. Though at our Roundel press time BMW NA denied any plans for it to appear in any other model, it will likely show up in the 5-series as well and probably the SAVs, too. BMW AG has already announced a 135i. You should be able to read my review of the 335i Coupe on the BMWCCA.org web site as soon as our webmaster gets around to posting it early next week. It's in the September issue of Roundel for you BMW Car Club members.

[alaska]

If we are talking new I would go for the 5. Nicer ride. The 3 awd was to noisy for me.