E90 325 msport vs. E60 525 msport

[Ruds]

I'm contemplating to upgrade my current ride (E90 325 msport) to a E60 525 msport 2010 model. Question to all:- Performance wise, does the E90 outruns the E60 as both have the same engines but the E90 is a lighter car? The 0-100 and top end on the sales sheet states that the E90 is slightly faster than the E60. - I find the ride on the "hard side" on the E90 msport setting. Taken into consideration that the E60 msport is a heavier ride, I assume the ride is less "bouncy" as compared to the E90?- Which car would have a better handling on the highways? Just to share my experience last weekend. I was heading north on the NSE and then came a VW Golf GTI MKV. Wanted to test power with the Golf and shifted to Sports Mode. I must say the Golf GTI can really fly. I have to admit is was a bit difficult catching up with the GTI on my 325! I think I will get a MK5 as a 2nd car as no budget for 2 BMWs!

 

[M3ac]

Bro, is your e90 325 a pre-LCI model? ie. prior to year 2008? If so, apparently the coils overs, suspensions are a tad bid sitiffer and the first generation RFT's does contribute to the harhness as well. Go and try the LCI e90 325i M Sports, its is way way more accomodating without comprimising the handling. Plus, the new 2nd generation RFT's Bridgestone Potenza RE050 (Made in Poland) ones are rather comfortable for a performance staggerred tyres setting (Front 225/40 18 Rear 255/35 18)

I have not done a drag race for both cars, but definitely the e60 will be a tad slower. And for the sheer size of the e60, its a little soft as compared to the e90. Having said that, both are very nice cars to drive. But if space is a main criteria, then the e60 is the winner (plus it comes with active steering and Heads Up Dsiplay (HUD) - quite cool. But since it has active steering, the feel can't be compared to the e90 325i.

So...if space is not a main criteria, then the e90 is still the UDM to drive and maybe you can consider changing to the new M-SPorts suspension and new RFT's.... do consider...

 

[Morganl]

instead of changing to E60 M Sport, why not keep your 325i and get a Golf GTI Mk6 if you have the budget for 2 cars... too bad I don't have that kind of budget, so I'm really thinking to get out of my E90 320i and change to Golf GTI Mk6

 

[Schwepps]

The GTI would be too small for someone thinking of an E60. Eg, I have an E90 for myself but need an E-Class for the family.

 

[Ruds]

Hi M3ac,

Mine is a 2009 LCI model Its a great car to drive but not pleasant for the back seat passengers. Space is also a main concern. Its fine to accomodate 2 adults + 1 childseat but 4 adults is a bit tight. HUD, sunroof & active steering is the pull factor but no steptronic is a letdown...

@Morganl, I need a bigger car. The ideal combination for me would be the 525 and MK5. I feel that the MK5 has a more aggresive look as compared to the MK6.

@Schwepps, we think alike except that I would prefer a E60 as compared to a E class

 

[Schwepps]

@Schwepps, we think alike except that I would prefer a E60 as compared to a E class

The E +driver is for the wife, kids, maid, mother, assorted relatives from overseas, to go wherever they need to go, leaving me free to drive whatever car I choose....ALONE.

Now that the kids have grow up, I'm starting to think that the replacement for the E can be an F10. Then I can look at the F30 in a couple of years. (But have also been casting sideways glances at a canary yellow Carrera 4s that I see often at my neighbourhood bank ATM...)

We each have our own needs.

 

[Morganl]

Hi M3ac,

Mine is a 2009 LCI model Its a great car to drive but not pleasant for the back seat passengers. Space is also a main concern. Its fine to accomodate 2 adults + 1 childseat but 4 adults is a bit tight. HUD, sunroof & active steering is the pull factor but no steptronic is a letdown...

@Morganl, I need a bigger car. The ideal combination for me would be the 525 and MK5. I feel that the MK5 has a more aggresive look as compared to the MK6.

@Schwepps, we think alike except that I would prefer a E60 as compared to a E class

well.... right now I don't need a big car... just me & my wife.... mk5 is definately more 'garang' than mk6... but can't get a brand new unit anymore so gotta settle with mk6.... imo, E60 is still the best..... much nicer than F10......

I'm learning how to appreciate the new E class more everyday, hopefully that'll change my mind about GTI...

 

[Schwepps]

The E-class is great as a family workhorse. Big, high, comfy, sturdy, good image. Suits the purpose I use it for to a T. But it's FAR from a driver's car. I only drive ours when the driver has gone home or I need the rear seat/boot space. A good compromise for you would be an Avantgarde C with enough horses and oomph to enjoy.

I gather that you're past the image of a GTI, so why go backwards mate?

 

[Morganl]

The E-class is great as a family workhorse. Big, high, comfy, sturdy, good image. Suits the purpose I use it for to a T. But it's FAR from a driver's car. I only drive ours when the driver has gone home or I need the rear seat/boot space. A good compromise for you would be an Avantgarde C with enough horses and oomph to enjoy.

I gather that you're past the image of a GTI, so why go backwards mate?

GTI might not be that suitable for 'image' especially in Msia... and I'm getting some pressure already after I'd told friends & family that I'm thinking to change to GTI.... seems like BMW & Merc really did their branding & commercial very well in Malaysia.... so far, most of the feedback I'd got is 'why don't you change to another BM or Merc if u really wanna change ur car?'

Back in UK, GTI is priced at the same level with the 3 series at around 25k pound.... so to me, I'm used to the concept where GTI is as prestige as a Bimmer...... in fact, I'd been smoked many times before when I was on 325i or 320d on the M6 or M25 highway.... my 1st London - Scotland roadtrip was actually my 1st encounter with Golf GTI at high speed....

 

[Schwepps]

Price isn't the only determinant of image though. The cultural norms of one's environment play a bigger part.

That the VW brand is mass-market is a fact, and Audi is the VW group's premium brand. Over here, even Audi doesn't come up to BMW/Merc status. If the VW-Proton merger had gone through, the upcoming Inspira might have been a rebadged Golf GTI instead of the Lancer GT.

But follow your heart if you're set on the GTI. It is a really good car with a rich history.

 

[Morganl]

yea.... that VW - DRB Hicom tie-up is worrying me more nowadays after the 'new launch' of Inspira.... what if the next Satria replacement model turns out to be a rebadged Golf GTI? then I would get a lot of 'I'd told you so' kind of msg from people around me...

Also, for comparison purposes, the HK version of Golf GTI full spec is selling at around 120k MYR, and the KL version although is 80k more expensive has few things been downgraded:

1. RIM is changed to a 'not so garang' model, it actually look more feminine now
2. no reverse camera (the one that can still be found on Passat CC, it's design is quite nice and smart)
3. Audio system is 1 generation behind & touch screen panel missing

I'm still doing some research on this and wondering whether we'll actually get these stuff on the standard spec GTI next year....

 

[Schwepps]

Hey Morganl! I had a close up look for the first time at a Jaguar XF parked near my office today. It is a gorgeous-looking, solidly-built car up close. No gear lever! The gear selector is like an iDrive knob that you turn. I must say the big cats are looking more and more like Aston Martins. :top: If you can afford it, take a look at Jags too.

 

[athan]

GTI is so narrow in space. faster could be smaller n lighter?