540 vs 330, m3? Trying to pick...

[Skyman]

I posted this in the 3 series forum, but I figured id get more info on the 540 here so I'll post it once more.

Hey guys, I had some late 80s early 90's 3 series cars some years ago and loved them. In the persuit of more HP I went w/ mustangs for quite some time, and I am now selling my 99 Cobra to go back to a BMW. Ive been around and around here on what to get. Any help any experiences you guys can share would be great!

I am thinking ~2001 330i 5speed of course. Spending around 25k. From what Ive read it looks to get the best mileage of all the 3-series cars, and Id definatly like to see 30 or more on the freeway so I dont feel so limited from longer trips, although Im sure its going to feel slow stepping down from a low 12sec car, although I was thinking about gettin an older mustang 87-93 again to mess aroung w/ on the side.

I was also thinking a 2001 M3, its a bit more payment, but the 333hp and 6speed make it sound a like a lot of fun. Although the gasmileage isnt that great, its about the same or worse than my cobra. And its a bit more payment and insurance.

I was thinking also a 2001 540i 6speed, again torquey engine, 6speed, and more room for people in the back but the draw back is worse mileage, and I like driving a smaller car., and again more money.

Any input you guys can provide to help me make a good choice here would be great.

Im really leaning toward the 330i, I found one w/ 35k miles $26,000, spt and prem packages. Also what do those packages include?

Thanks
Skyler

 

[5man]

[driving2] Hey Skyler, I see drama. Lets break it down. 540/330/M3 Its going to come down to your needs. Power wise, the M3 and also an investment belive it or not it is a hot commodity. Resale prices continue to remain strong, E30/E36/E46. There are a few things to watch out for on a M3. Never get first years, its all about trails and tribulations with testing out side the factory confines. Luxury wise, 540 but here is one consideration to hold. A 6 speed indeed is extremely torquey and unless you are a die hard shifting fan, reconsider to a auto. With a BMW V8 the auto shifts faster than you can, belive it ! Maintinance is a premium too. Reliability wise, the 330 with lower servicing requirments and one of the best if not the best powerplant. The straight 6 has come a long way with BMW. Many renditions, but the same ole reliability. One more choice is a 530. A adequate car with about the same power figures with a 3. If you ask me, Id choose the 530 over the 540 any day. the drivetrain gearing setup is for the most part the same. 0-60, braking, handling, and less money. THE ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE !!!!

 

[HornyHornet]

Responding again for you. I responded in the 3 series forum. I agree with 5man, the 530i is definitely the best all around welterweight. As you probably already know, I have recently purchased one. I love it! It has enough power to zip around town and will have more than enough when I feel the need to punch it. It has the butter smooth straight six, with its reliability reputation. Enough power, enough style, enough car. Perfect.

 

[flashinthepan]

I posted this in the 3 series forum, but I figured id get more info on the 540 here so I'll post it once more.

Hey guys, I had some late 80s early 90's 3 series cars some years ago and loved them. In the persuit of more HP I went w/ mustangs for quite some time, and I am now selling my 99 Cobra to go back to a BMW. Ive been around and around here on what to get. Any help any experiences you guys can share would be great!

I am thinking ~2001 330i 5speed of course. Spending around 25k. From what Ive read it looks to get the best mileage of all the 3-series cars, and Id definatly like to see 30 or more on the freeway so I dont feel so limited from longer trips, although Im sure its going to feel slow stepping down from a low 12sec car, although I was thinking about gettin an older mustang 87-93 again to mess aroung w/ on the side.

I was also thinking a 2001 M3, its a bit more payment, but the 333hp and 6speed make it sound a like a lot of fun. Although the gasmileage isnt that great, its about the same or worse than my cobra. And its a bit more payment and insurance.

I was thinking also a 2001 540i 6speed, again torquey engine, 6speed, and more room for people in the back but the draw back is worse mileage, and I like driving a smaller car., and again more money.

Any input you guys can provide to help me make a good choice here would be great.

Im really leaning toward the 330i, I found one w/ 35k miles $26,000, spt and prem packages. Also what do those packages include?

Thanks
Skyler

My favorite BMW for "Me"...M3, I have driven it every single day in pure enjoyment !

But my favorite 4 door BMW is the 540 - easily the prettiest 4door and a great performer, only exception naturally being its fire eating brother the M5.

Sorry peeps I need more time to get used to the new 5 series cars.

 

[backcountry33]

Skyman-
I found myself in the same situation 3 months ago although I was comparing 2004 models. Before any test-drives I was leaning in the direction of the M3 - and after an initial drive I really liked it. I am a former s2000 owner which also has a great power to weight ratio so I found the drive very akin.

I drove a 545i and liked it a lot. On a whim I drove to 530i (with sport package) that had 5000 miles on it. Suprisingly I preferred the drive to the 545i. It felt a little more nimble through the corners and the power was really smooth.

So that is the car I ended up getting. I am very happy with it. There are times when I wish it had a little more power and I might end up doing some aftermarket mods when the warranty runs out.

 

[Abdoman]

It's hard to give advice because choosing a car is so personal, but IMO:
540 - excellent power, big car, nice ride and is still fun to drive. This car is kinda a fun family car
M3 - incredible sports car, but it's a sports car
330 - a compromise between the two

My choice will always be the M3, but if you need the room I would not hesitate to purchase a 540 and last the 330

I would definitely say no to the 530, you will miss the power of a V8 everyday, especially coming off a Cobra