330i or 540i? Going from m240i

[Mizuno]

OK. So I currently have a 2018 240 convertible. I LOVE this car, but I do take long road trips (500 miles) with lots of golf gear and crap (would also like to take my bike), so the size is limiting and long drives get tiresome and make me sore AF.

My Budget is 45k MAX.

One feature I DEFINITELY NEED is Driver Assistance Plus to take a lot of that stress off those drives.

I dont really want to compromise too much on driving enjoyment though..

So Im trying to choose between say a 2023 330i M sport OR a 21-22 540i M sport.

I know both will fit my space needs, but the 330s are HARD to find with the driver assistance plus, but I think I would have more fun driving it than the 540i.

the 540i has the B58 and would definitely be more comfy, and its easier to find the driving assistance plus..but wont handle quite as well (but maybe I wont miss that?).

I dont mod heavily, but would consider a tune for either one (plus cosmetic stuff).

Id LOVE the m340 but those are a bit more expensive for the same years with more miles....however if I found one in budget and with the driver plus, Id probably go for that.

Has anyone here gone from a 330 to 540 or visa versa? Just would love some thoughts.

Thanks!

Mizuno

[BlkGS]

I've had the 330i as a loaner. It's garbage. That 4 cylinder motor has to be beaten on to do anything, the car rides like crap, and thr interior just isn't up to snuff for the money.

Get the 540 if you're gonna be doing long trips, you won't regret it.

[crAbb]

Four cylinders?

[Mizuno]

Originally Posted by BlkGS

I've had the 330i as a loaner. It's garbage. That 4 cylinder motor has to be beaten on to do anything, the car rides like crap, and thr interior just isn't up to snuff for the money.

Get the 540 if you're gonna be doing long trips, you won't regret it.

Thanks for the input!

[Ugly Kar]

Have to agree with GS. I think you'll be awfully disappointed going from a B58 to a 4 cylinder anything. It's a huge step down in refinement even if it's a high power 4.

[G30M]

the 3 series is very close to the 2 series in terms of handling and comfort

the 5 series does not like to turn but comfort level is like a (poor man's) rolls royce

completely different cars my friend

(i had a M340i and a M550i for 2 years)

[erickonphoenix]

I test drove both recently. The 540i's B58 engine is fantastic, great power for it's class and it's nice conservative design feels more adult and sophisticated than the 330. However, the 540 drives like the big car it is, the 330 handled better. Both had M-sport packages.

In addition:
• The rear seats on the 540 are not as big as we expected. I thought they felt about the same as the 330. The longer length appears to have been allocated to the front seats and the engine bay.

• The trunk is slightly bigger on the 540 by nearly two cubic feet but the space is in the depth of the trunk and not the width or height.

• The 540 is relatively tall for a sedan. I'm only 5'8" and I roof mount my bikes so with the rack it would be difficult to safely load and unload them even if I lowered the car.

• The 330 felt sportier but slower than the 540.

• Driving position felt better on the 3 but long distance comfort would defininetly be better in the 540. It's just a better place to be than the 330.

• IMO, quality materials was better on the 540 but the 330 is very good. But bear in mind our other car is a 2018 Honda Accord so anything feels more premium than that.

[Mizuno]

Originally Posted by erickonphoenix

I test drove both recently. The 540i's B58 engine is fantastic, great power for it's class and it's nice conservative design feels more adult and sophisticated than the 330. However, the 540 drives like the big car it is, the 330 handled better. Both had M-sport packages.

Thanks! This helps a lot!

[ash_schwin]

I vote 540i, definitely a gentleman's car.

[tturedraider]

540i!!

[BigHunk]

540i is a better car, especially for long trips, that 4cyl is anemic.
Plus 100hp difference.

[Deke]

Test drive em both. Can't go wrong with either IMO. I own a G30 540i, but had a 330i as a loaner. The 330i was more "tossable" and a little more fun to drive, but the 5 is a little more comfortable and had a bit more luxury features. Contrary to some who have commented, I found the 330i to be decently powered and had plenty of oomph for city driving. Plus, nobody buys these cars to drag race in. I don't know why some get all caught up in HP or #of cylinders, but to each their own.

[Leucosticte]

For long trips the G30 is insanely good. I had one as a loaner while my parents X3 was at the BMW dealer for a recall and was impressed by the interior and just how refined and comfortable the car was. That being said there is absolutely no feedback driving it whatsoever whether its through the steering or chassis. It's definitely a pure luxury car and it does that well.

I don't know how the G20 compares since I've never drive one, been meaning to do so for a while.

I'd say get the 540i since you do lots of long distance trips, or even better drive both and see what you prefer.

[pbonsalb]

I’d get the 540i. Have had 3 and 5 series, both M and non-M and always found the 5 series to be a lot more car in terms of space and solidness and comfort, while the 3 series is a bit sportier. I have had an F90 M5 for the past few years and had an E90 M3 for 10 years before that.

I certainly would not buy a 330i, but I would test drive a 340i along with the 540i.

[Mavus]

my friend bought pre owned 540i 2y ago and he loves it. It is designed for those 500 mi trips to take discomfort away. He takes it from Phl to NC. The M sport pkg is a must to reduce roll in my opinion. The interior and drivetrain are excellent. It is very likely one of the best lux car values on the market. 330 does not compare but it is a lighter more dynamic vehicle better suited for short-medium length trips and dd.

540i M sport is the way to go for your use case

[Neusser]

Originally Posted by G30M

the 3 series is very close to the 2 series in terms of handling and comfort

the 5 series does not like to turn but comfort level is like a (poor man's) rolls royce

completely different cars my friend

(i had a M340i and a M550i for 2 years)

Not my experience. The 5 likes to turn quite a bit, as it should given its weight distribution (non-V8 models) and RWD chassis. Feedback on the 704 setup is also quite good.

I spend a lot of time on Alpine backroads (which are much tighter and with more extreme elevation changes than US country roads) and the car's agility is very impressive.

It is no M240, but that is down to wheelbase, as the 240 is also quite road-biased.

Good shocks and proper tires and pressures are all that is needed to have a machine that more or less does it all.

[Mizuno]

Thanks yall! I was able to test drive the 540 and a 330 today...

The 330 is nice! I had a 228 years ago so I knew what to expect from the 4 cyl and its fine. Interior is fine, more comfy than my current 240. Would definitely be a fun car BUT it wasnt so big a difference from my current car to justify trading it in...

HOWEVER the 540i is DEFINITELY on another level. Interior Space was way more upscale (obviously) the seats way more comfy (obviously) but I also liked and was pleasantly surprised that it didnt drive like a BIG car. It was very composed and handled itself very well while remaining comfy and still fun to drive.

And yeah Lots of room for golf junk in that trunk!

540i wins! Thanks again!