E46 325 or E39 523/525

[Crymson]

Need your advice, if you have 140k to 170k budget for a new car (preferably unregistered so that I can transfer my plate number), which would you recommend and why. Following are models considering1) E39 523/5252) E46 3253) MB C200KThanks.

 

[dvng]

depends on what you're lookin for, for more active and exhilarating ride, i would choose the E46 325i, but for build quality, comfort and class, my personal favourite would be the E39 525i (2000 model onwards), the MB is not in the equation...

 

[samhun]

Since u own a 3 series now, i think u should get the E39 for your upgrade. And 523i with double vanos should has very good power and very silent when cruising over 120Km/h. And ofcoz, 525i has better power thn 523i, both also lebih kurang le. But, if u would like to have smaller mid size car, i'll say go for E46 325i n don't even think to get the C200K. I had this car with very good experienced. Very troublesome...especially the Kompressor unit and the eletronic problems. The problematic will cost u a bom.

 

[eddiefiola]

e46 325. coz i have one.

i do not like e39 accelerator pedal, very hard to depress. so ketat......

i do not like forced induction engine.

 

[BMW9700]

525i 2000 model on, 192Bhp, would me my choice...generally more reliable than the 325I and more importantly, the space..

regards

 

[Vanquish]

Crymson ...

The E46 is my opinion, is a more refined and slightly bigger version of your current ride. The E39 seems to the natural upgrade path ... and with that budget a 2000/01 525i is easily the defacto choice.

I drove a couple of units recently and they give you the best blend of performance and comfort sans the more expensive 530i. You mite miss the push and raw acceleration of your 2.8 litre M52 but let's not forget that the 5er is in a different class all together.

Cheers and happy hunting, mate !

 

[Crymson]

Thanks all. It's ok if I have to sacrifice the extra power that my M52 engine gives me. At least a 325/525 is not too much of a drop on the power I'm used too and I get to save up on our ridiculous roadtax.

Now it boils down to a 525 (or 523) and 325. Suppose next is to test drive. Any problems encountering these two models? Or they are already discussed in the 5 series thread?

Thanks again all

 

[Jipster]

Congrats on your planned upgrade dude :yes:

I agree with the others here that MB C200K just doesnt cut it in this company..... the E240 would be a compelling choice but price rules it out....

My choice would be a post 2000 525i ..... drove other peoples cars before and immdiately felt that they are very very nice cars........but blarrrrrrdy expensive to maintain ..... speak to the E39 meisters here and share their ownership experience..... I dare say the jump in tech etc. from E36 to E39 is very significant....

 

[Crymson]

Just want to ask ... why post 2000?

Jip, it's ok ... i jump from Satria to my current 328

Would be cool to have it look like this. B)

 

[Daredevil]

Congrats Crymson. Go for the E39 525. I heard maintaining an E39 is not much far off from that of an E46.

When you plan a bigger family, you won't have regret...E39 very comfortable. The boot space can accommodate 2 prams. hahahah.

pssst...your Hamman beauty has BBS rims on it? Nice....

 

[Jipster]

Originally posted by Crymson@Aug 28 2005, 11:38 PM
Just want to ask ... why post 2000?

Jip, it's ok ... i jump from Satria to my current 328

Would be cool to have it look like this. B)

Then go for it dude...... post 2000? Better engine I think.... but could be my ass talkin here... check with WJ, Saat et al....

Are those BBS CH's?! Sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet.....

For your 'future' reference then:

http://www.jimmy540i.com/

http://www.beastpower.com/Merchant2/mercha...&Store_Code=BMI

http://www.bmwtips.com/

Good luck and enjoy dude!

 

[hamann18]

e39 bro. u wont regret

 

[chairoger]

Yup,personally I will go for the E39. Roomier and more comfortable. Some more if have extra $$$,can always do it up nicely like the pic above. Sweeeet. :yes:

 

[schone]

chester must be able to comment - he had a E39 525i before 'downgrading' himself to an E46 325i

Personally... I'd go for the E39 525i... comfy yet sporty enough. E46 just too darn bumpy or soft depending how the suspension is set up.

I miss the sheer bulk comfort of my old E34 ..

 

[Juan Powerblow]

Wow! It's quite a conflict between E46 and E39. I think the E46 is more nimble and with less weight seems quicker when you're in the mood for a blast. BUT, the E39's chassis and steering is so spot on that it will exploit the E46's weakness on PLUS and higher speeds! I think the E39 got a lot more class too while E46 seems a bit too boyracer or mistress' car. The MB is out of the question. Just the brand, no character unless you go for C230K avantgarde!

 

[cwk_ipoh]

having read the above, I just wish to add that a E39 525 is both comfortable n responsive but the boot space is not that roomy, not enough for golf bags though. Depending on the conditions of the car, I am of the opinion that the maintenance may not be that expensive. A periodic preventive may not burn your pocket. At 192BHP, it is definitely better than the 523. Go for it................

 

[supergripen]

IMO it all depends on what u want from the car..how u want the car to project urself.E46 will tell people that u are young/young at heart and u are a mobile person..more agile so to speak.
E39 tells people that u've matured and a tad on the older side of the equation..still mobile and on the move but slowing down ur pace just a little to take in the more subtle things in life..
the argument about space..well,i don't buy it cuz both are still 4door sedans and any difference in space is only measured in millimetres..so in the real world it don't make much difference..
my choice wud be the E46 cuz it gives more bang for my ringgits and is more agile plus better power to weight ratio which not only gives better performance but also better fuel economy.well,that what i think...

 

[DrGoh]

IMHO, the choice is obvious--E39 525 or 528.

Speaking from personal experience, as I own an E39 (CKD 523i), the E39 handling is fantastic, 2.5 liter is also not bad, as someone who loves FR sports cars, who drives hard, this is one car that always put a smile on my face.

In addition to the wonderful handling, there is a lot of room for passengers too. Now, let's get back to the sporty part...

My E39 smoked many C200Ks on the highway, it is extremely stable at around 220+km/h. Coupled with a responsive Steptronic, this thing just rocks! My buddy's E46 was a little nervous at speeds over 200km/h. The tail just didn't feel well-planted. I don't know if it is just my buddy's car, or all E46s, but the one I drove certainly didn't inspire confidence.

C200K is not roomy enough, slow, and has quite a bit of electronic glitches... I don't think it belongs in this league, sorry.

Good luck on whatever you choose

 

[supergripen]

well,my E46 feels very stable at high speeds..in fact,the faster i go the better it feels.my only gripe with my 46 is the steering feel.this is one department where i think the E39 trumps the E46.
i wudn't mind the E39 when i'm a bit older but for now the E46 will still be my choice.

 

[tinman]

hello... i am new to this forum but since u r plannin to change your car give the 328ci a test...... can get unreg about 178k......worth a test... super smooth and powerfull ......plus i think coupe will hold its value better because its less common.....personally i think it handles better too....and looks ultra cool...peace