330Ci or 530i?

[bmw555]

Shoping for used BMW, never owned BMW before and now can't choose between 2003 330Ci (SP, manual, 32,000m, $30k) and 2002 530i ("M" Sport Package, manual, 37,000m, $33k). I like them both, damn it! 330Ci is a little more fun to drive on twisty road and 530i is more comfortable on the highway. Any thoughts? Give me your input! Any comments about reliability also welcome. Thanks in advance!

P.S. I'm 29, single and will use the car mostly for pleaser driving, I'm not a racer but I'm going to take the car on the twisty backroads occasionally.

 

[hosagod]

I would go 330ci, your young, and it is 2003, not 2002 like the 5.

It's great for pleasure driving and is more of a sports car.

Perhaps when you're 40 you can trade it in for the 5!

 

[f1racer77]

330Ci!!!! it's lighter, faster, and handles much better. You won't regret owning a 3 series.

 

[jnejman]

I had a same dilemma 4 months ago. I went with 2001 530i with M package.
Here are my thoughts:
1. If you care about being somewhat unique, go with 530i, there is about 10:1 ratio of 3 series to 5 series out there, 530i with M package and shadow trim is even more unique.
2. If you like being comfortable and like space, again go with 530i, 3 series is about 30% smaller inside that 5 series.
3. If you care about the way how sporty the car sounds, go with 3 series. My 530i is very quiet. Bmw silenced it, since it is after all a luxury sedan. So unless you throw out original muffler and buy after market one, your 530i will not sound sporty. Also there is so much easier to get after market parts for 3 series.
4. If you care about more speed, consider the fact that 530i is about 210lbs heavier than 330ci, so you get better acceleration with 330ci.
5. If you care about "angel eyes" you have to go with is 530i. 3 series don't have them
6. I think that 530i dash and console detail and finish is slightly better that that of 3 series (my opinion)
7. As far as "this is an expensive car" perception goes, 530i is ahead of 3 series. Again this is my opinion.

If I were you I would save up and go with M3!!!! NOw that is one good looking beast!

hope this helps))))))))))))))

 

[bmw555]

I had a same dilemma 4 months ago. I went with 2001 530i with M package.
Here are my thoughts:
1. If you care about being somewhat unique, go with 530i, there is about 10:1 ratio of 3 series to 5 series out there, 530i with M package and shadow trim is even more unique.
2. If you like being comfortable and like space, again go with 530i, 3 series is about 30% smaller inside that 5 series.
3. If you care about the way how sporty the car sounds, go with 3 series. My 530i is very quiet. Bmw silenced it, since it is after all a luxury sedan. So unless you throw out original muffler and buy after market one, your 530i will not sound sporty. Also there is so much easier to get after market parts for 3 series.
4. If you care about more speed, consider the fact that 530i is about 210lbs heavier than 330ci, so you get better acceleration with 330ci.
5. If you care about "angel eyes" you have to go with is 530i. 3 series don't have them
6. I think that 530i dash and console detail and finish is slightly better that that of 3 series (my opinion)
7. As far as "this is an expensive car" perception goes, 530i is ahead of 3 series. Again this is my opinion.

If I were you I would save up and go with M3!!!! NOw that is one good looking beast!

hope this helps))))))))))))))

Thanks for such a detailed reply. M3 rides too stiff in my taste though and I'm not obsessed with acceleration, I care more about handling. About reliability - I heard that 5 series have more electrical problems than the 3 series, what can you say about your 530i?

 

[Average Jae]

once in a while, i wonder how things would've been had i picked up a 5er, instead of my 3. but i really really like my car.

and yes, there is no oem dde for the 3er, but the aftermarket kit does look pretty nice. i'll get one as soon as i could afford to.. after getting stoopid snows..

it really is matter of what you like. since you are thinking of this car as a pleasure driver, having a bit of an edge would be better than being plush. imo anyway.

 

[jnejman]

I did not experience any electrical problems with my 2001 530i. I think BMW might have solved that on the 2001 and latest e39 models.