2005 530i vs. 330ci

Vroman · Nov 24, 2004

Hello everyone. I'm coming off a '02 325ci lease. I want to negotiate my next lease and am contemplating either the 2005 530i or 2005 330ci. I'm having a tough time deciding even though i've thought about size, price, etc. Also, the new 3 series next year is another issue.

What do you guys (or girls) think?

kscarrol · Nov 24, 2004

Vroman said:

Clearly the new design of the 5 series is not an issue for you or you wouldn't be considering ti. I own a new 5 series, so I'm not bashing it. Now if size/space is not an issue, I'd go for the 330ci. For me, I've got two kids, so when the whole family travels, I wanted the added space of the 5 series sedan vs. the smaller 3 series. Also use the car for business, so frequently have 3-4 adults in the car, where the extra leg room of the 5 wins out. If these are not issues for you, I'd get the 330ci. The new 530 is a very nice car, but the 330 is faster and, I haven't driven it, but I'd think the 330 handles a bit better too. The new 5 also has some newer technology (iDrive etc.) that the 330 doesn't have and some of the kinks are still being worked out. Just my 0.02

Big Daddy · Nov 24, 2004

I agree with kscarrol. If size is a issue get the 5'er, if not get the 3!

Vroman · Nov 24, 2004

The only issue with size is I sometimes feel the coupe is a little small on the inside. Meaning I just want more size for MYSELF. I don't have a family, and only sometimes I have 4 people in the car (maybe on weekends when i'm driving with friends). But that happens at most 3-4 times a month. Will the 5 series satisfy my need for more personal interior and storage space, or is it unnecessary?

kscarrol · Nov 24, 2004

Vroman, I've had my 5 series since Feb 2004 and I love it. I'm 6'3" so the room helps, and the handling is outstanding, so you're not going to go wrong w/ the 530. I guess I would view the 330 as more of a sporty car w/ better acceleration and handling. The 530 is a sedan just by virtue of its larger size. A sport sedan, but a sedan. If that added space is important to you, go w/ the 530, you will love it. Interior storage space on the new 5 is not that great. The center console has a box for the BMW phone option, which I would avoid by the way. Way over priced. Your dealer can remove (it ain't easy, I've tried) the phone cradle, opening up the entire console, which helps.

MrElussive · Nov 24, 2004

Vroman said:

Since you've already considered everything, I think it comes down to image. Do you want to drive a gangster 2-door or a mac-daddy sport sedan?

tool fan · Nov 25, 2004

MrElussive said:

I own a 04 530i and I love it. I test drove the 330i ZHP last week and I can say it is definately faster off the line than the 530 BUT..........it is far less comfortable than my 5er. It all depends on what you want........Thousands of people own 3er Bimmers, hundreds own 5er's (yes I know...but is just an example) Do you want "common" or not so common? A 5er to me just says something that a 3er doesn't (don't ask me what that is)
at any rate good luck....keep us posted.

Montana · Nov 29, 2004

Get a pre- "new design" 540 (1997- 2003?) The new 5's seem to be troublesome from listening to this board. The older model is tried and true raw power with the comfort too. In my opinion, they look better too. I'm biased of course.

Vroman · Nov 29, 2004

tool fan said:

I own a 04 530i and I love it. I test drove the 330i ZHP last week and I can say it is definately faster off the line than the 530 BUT..........it is far less comfortable than my 5er. QUOTE]

How is it "far less comfortable" in your opinion?

2005 530i vs. 330ci

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Big Daddy

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MrElussive

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