2003 330 CIc vs. 550

[330blue]

I have a 2003 330 Cic and I just finished paying off the lease 15 months early. From what I hear about the 550i it makes sense to wait until the Fall for the upgrade from the 545. I just had my first child and the 330Cic is not enough room. The next BMWer I purchase should last for awhile.

I thought about the M3 (assuming it is a four door) but a manual 550i seems about right.

What are the pros and cons of going from a 3 series to a 5 series. I love the handling of the 330 and the feel of the road generated between the wheel and the road and I thought I may have to give that up for more room. Any thoughts??

 

[MrElussive]

The 5 is BMW's most well-rounded car. It gives you the driving sport of the 3 series with the driving luxury of the 7 series. My friend's E39 530i auto is really amazing, it feels like a big and comfortable car, but then you throw it into a turn and you get amazing BMW quickness and handling. I'd imagine this new 5-series is even better and you get a faster car...that 360hp 4.9 liter V8 is awesome !!!

 

[tool fan]

The difference between the amount of room from a 3 to a 5 series is substantial. The 5er will give all the room you need and more (provided you aren't Harry and the Hendersons"). The E60 530i I had was by far the best performing and handling car I have ever owned (when it wasn't in the shop) I can only imagine that the 550i is going to be quite an amazing machine. Good Luck and keep us posted.

 

[codex57]

I like the 5 series. You do get more room, but you can find bigger cars for much less money. The point is that you get BMW's handling while getting an even better ride than the 3 series. To me, the diff btw the 3 series' handling/ride quality balance vs the 5 series is like night and day. The 5 is like perfection in balancing the two.

If you like the looks and other intangibles of the 5, go for it. I still can't get over its looks so when I move up, I'm prolly gonna look elsewhere until a new 5 series comes out.

 

[kscarrol]

Just to throw out my 0.02. If you really like the feel of the road through the wheel, I would advise against the Active Steering option. I ordered my 2004 545 without the Sports Package only because I did not care for the "artificial" feel of the AS. That being said, those who have seem to love it, but it was not for me. I understand that the AS is now a stand alone option so that you can get the Sports Package without the AS. If that is the case, get the Sports Package sans the AS, as the roll stabilization feature is very nice. The others comments on the ride of the 5 are right on target. I have two small children and the back seat easily accomodates their car seats, but when I need to the trunk is big enough to fit both so that adults can ride in back.