pls let me pick your brain......

[mr. pink]

hi all

ok basically i'm in the market for a used bimmer....

3 cars that interest me are - late 90's 540i, late 90's 328i and finally early to mid 90's M3.

my question is this......

having never driven, let alone been in a bimmer how do these models compare to each other (i.e. the 540 rides nice but doesent handle as well (is it a "boat"?) as the 3 series cars, but yet is more powerful). I would imagine that the M3 is the best preformer but as far as bang for buck would i be further ahead to mod a 328?

theres just something about the style of the 540 that makes me think "my god that's a beautiful machine......the 3 series look kinda cramped to me but they look very "tossable" (i'm 6'2" 275 lbs... and yes i carry it well lol)

if anyone could provide their real world driving impressions of these cars that would be great.

thx

(if you haven't driven these cars please don't speculate........that's what i've been doing and i'm no further ahead)

 

[mr. pink]

delete

 

[selavia]

6'2" 275lbs and carry it well...I was the same as you, but I don't think I, nor many people could carry it very well. However, let me just tell you that a E36 3-Series will not cramp you one bit. I was actually 280, and I found that the car was more comfortable and spacious than one would think, and I have a two-door coupe.

IMO, the 97 and up 5-Series is absolutely the best BMW design I have ever seen. If I could afford one I would get one instantly. I have only driven a 98 540i once, and let me just say that I think it handled better than my 318Is. Pick-up was sensational; my only complaint was that the dash seems spread out. I like cars that have every centered around the driver, and the 540i didn't have that connectivity. One another thing; I can fit through many narrow areas and many small parking spots because my car is smaller; and I can take turns at unnecessarily fast speeds (but only after practice!!) because it is smaller. A smaller car is easier to manuever, usually.

I would go for the 540i in a heart beat. And if you're lucky enough to find one with a 6-speed, thank your lucky stars. THe other thing I would think about is, how many people do you usually ride with; if it's more than Driver+1, I wouldn't even have to think hard.

Final opinion is for the 540i.
Good luck with whatever you do man.
Sean

 

[mr. pink]

thx for replying selavia

family is where its at right now.....
wife , 2 kids, mom, st. bernard etc...........

there is currently a 1997 540i sport package 6 speed with 102,000 km's for $19,000. artic ice blue on black leather. looks nice. and u have helped me to decide to go look at it.

again thx

 

[flashinthepan]

2 cents worth

I will only reply to this, with experience I have had, so I will say

4-doors:
530-540 are awsome universal well balanced cars, "my" fav 4-door & I have spent a lot of time driving my friends 540.

2-doors:
3 series are hard to beat, I have had 2, a 330Cic & and currently an M3. If Performance outweighs a soft-comfortable-luxury style ride, an M3 is for you, they really get up and move - corner great, but a stiffer ride.

If you want some balance with very good performance go 540.

If I were just out of school and watching my money, personally I like the 330ZHP's if new. If I went used I would consider the 328's/330's.

Good Luck !!

 

[Montana]

Well you know I'm gonna say the 540. ANd yes...DEFINITELY get the 6 speed! I was in the same predicament. I went the 540 route and am very happy. The power-to-weight is not as high as the M3 but the 540 is a nice compromise of speed, comfort and style and all that with 4 doors and trunk space! And yes, get a 97 or up on a 540i. The newer V8 engines are solid.

If you decide on a used M3...get a 95 or earlier. It has the OBD1 computer (as any car pre-96) which allows more tweeking and less restrictive tuning for emmissions. Post 96 all cars have more strict emmissions standards (OBDII) and thus less power capability (if you follow the law). They are fast as hell when souped up to 300HP with a chip.

Good Luck!

 

[Montana]

Also, if you haven't already, read this post if you seriously consider the 540.

http://hotbimmer.net/forum/showthread.php?t=12128

 

[mr. pink]

thx guys

this is why i love the internet.

again thx

 

[Wadula]

here are my impressions

cars owned myself

´98 E36 323:
- Fast enough, great handling, sporty and loves corners
- As for space it is small by nature, though still acceptable for 2 people and vacation or 4 people and trip only.

´02 E46 235:
- again faster enough, great handling again even better than before. more agile. loves corners
- Reagrding space it is the same as with the older E36

Car family owned:

´98 540 touring
- dang that thing is fast and has a punch! great engine
- you can definetly feel the weight of the car. it is really fast but just doesn´t feel as agile as it is, compared to the 3 series


result

i´d go with the 5er if i were in your shoes. the family aspect is enough to take that decision, the engine helps.

Amendment: never drove the new 5er so no comments on that.

 

[flashinthepan]

pls let me pick your brain......

One thing, next time you pick my brain could you offer a pain killer ? that ice-pick was rather dull.

 

[MadMacs]

The e36 M - 4 door would do well with kids/small adults in the rear - you'd get the quickness and nimble suspension in a nice tight package. I had a '95 318i 4dr, and it was actually comfy for 4 average sized people. Overall, I'd still look hard at a 540 with sport package. With the right wheels/tires they hold thier own in twisties, plus they just have the V8 "grunt".

 

[bonswa93]

While I like the handling of a 530 over a 540 (rack and pinion vs. recirculating ball steering) there is no arguing with the 540's power. Awesome. The biggest problem most new 5 series owners have to overcome is their own disbelief that such a seemingly heavy car can handle as well as it does. The harder you push it the more it just hunkers down and goes. A 540 can cruise at 120 all day long while you sit in one of the finest luxury cabins available.