[2006bmw]

If one of your primary concerns is rear legroom, the 5 is only marginally better in that department - I believe there's maybe two more inches than in the 3er, at the most. I would definitely go with the 330. The 525 is a tad slow.

[David328M-Sport]

Originally Posted by PoliticalAid007

Which one would you buy and why?
Thank you.

Depends on my personal requirements.
330 for dynamic drive, brisk accelleration and roadholding.

525 for still a good drive but less exciting. Bigger car, more room.

Also depends on what car you like to look at as well comfortable with.

Many considerations but only you can decide after test driving the cars, probably more than once each.

All the best

[Brunotheboxer]

330i
i think the 330 has even more front seat leg room than the 525. i think this is just something that you are going to have to decide for yourself.

[gos]

Originally Posted by Casey 5

If you go with a 525i you will have to check your ego because the 330i's will be blowing your doors off--so will the 325i's--they have the same engine but are much lighter!!

If you have 51,000 wait and get a 335i--in short, choose a BMW that will allow you to LEAD not FOLLOW.

2006 525i/530i MT curb weight: 3428lbs / 3472lbs
2006 325i/330i MT curb weight: 3285lbs / 3417lbs

The total difference in weight is 143lbs with the "2.5" L engine (I know it's a 3.0 in the USA) and a difference of 55lbs in the "3.0" engine.

If you can feel a ride difference with a 55 pound weight differential (all other things equal) you're a better man than I am.

--gos

[Dizzy330i]

Originally Posted by gos

2006 525i/530i MT curb weight: 3428lbs / 3472lbs
2006 325i/330i MT curb weight: 3285lbs / 3417lbs

The total difference in weight is 143lbs with the "2.5" L engine (I know it's a 3.0 in the USA) and a difference of 55lbs in the "3.0" engine.

If you can feel a ride difference with a 55 pound weight differential (all other things equal) you're a better man than I am.

--gos

Wow, I had no idea they were that close...

[KL2DC]

I believe the e60 has more aluminum parts?

[carnuts3]

I went with the 3 because I didn't like the look of the 5 rear. Personal preference. If I did, I would have gotten the 550i for the performance, not the 525 or 530. So, if you like performance, get the 330i.

[SapphireBlackG01]

Actually...

3351 lbs - 325i Weight
3428 lbs - 525i Weight
3450 lbs - 330i Weight

The 5er is hardly a heifer, seeing as how it's actually lighter than your 330's. It also has better weight-distribution, AND a lower coefficient of drag. In fact, some of the only compromises between the 525i and 325i are the 100-pound weight penalty in exchange for all that extra room, and a different final-drive ratio. Recent reviews suggest that the difference, performance-wise, between the x25 engines and the x30 engines is nowhere near as large as it was when the engines used different displacements, and most people likely won't miss the power during everyday driving. I'd go with the 5er, if this is your daily-driver, just because of the extra-space and comfort... but that's just me.

[SapphireBlackG01]

Originally Posted by gos

2006 525i/530i MT curb weight: 3428lbs / 3472lbs
2006 325i/330i MT curb weight: 3285lbs / 3417lbs

The total difference in weight is 143lbs with the "2.5" L engine (I know it's a 3.0 in the USA) and a difference of 55lbs in the "3.0" engine.

If you can feel a ride difference with a 55 pound weight differential (all other things equal) you're a better man than I am.

--gos

Ooooops. Someone beat me to it. I should read the whole thread before replying, I guess.

[06330i]

no doubt 330i. i just got mine, love it!!!

[coupedupcivic]

get the 5 series...the rear end is sicker and the front end is nasty!

[BKsBimmer]

Originally Posted by coupedupcivic

get the 5 series...the rear end is sicker and the front end is nasty!

Sorry but 5 series is one UGLY ass car . Except M5 ... now that's SICK!! :rocks:

[haigaz3]

i had a recent test drive of both back to back at my dealership.

if your looking for more of a drivers car with brisk excelleration the 330 wins hands down.

however if you can sacrifice on preformance you can go with the 525.

personally the 330 just feels more fun to drive and is a better value than the 525 because of xenons and logic 7 standard being standard

[ldpantoja]

330i

I had that same issue and when I added all the options that I wanted the price difference was huge. I was pretty much paying for more room and to top everything off, the engine is less powerful. Easy choice to make!!!

330i

[SRT]

Originally Posted by BKsBimmer

Sorry but 5 series is one UGLY ass car . Except M5 ... now that's SICK!! :rocks:

That's being out-right picky in my view, a 5'er with a sport pack and a nice set of alloys is virtually identical to the M5, apart from the usual 'M' attributes - just a tad contradictory IMO

Back to topic...
If power and sporty handling is not a priority, then you'll probably find the 5 series is the better choice - more comfort, bit more room

But to be honest, the 330i is not only cheaper, but doesn't fall far short of the 5 series for interior space and legroom, and you have the added bonus of more power and class leading characteristics

[ksfrogman]

Didn't we all just have this discussion? Deja Vu.

[stressdoc]

Check the data. The weights of the 525 and the 330 are identical, 3450 lbs.

I would consider a 525 if only it were not so costly to get the sports package, which requires leather. The cars drive differently. A 525 feels more like a big car; OK if you want isolation rather than fun. The E60 is an older design, due for a mild update soon. Most unfortunate that the rumoured engine change for the E90 does not seem destined for the E60 this fall. A 528 would be a more attractive option, although the sports package cost is still a real value problem for me. The other problem with an E60 for me is the big hit on resale I would take with a manual transmission. The steptronic is well suited to the E60; I just am not there yet.

[pharding]

I have a 545. My son has the 330. They are both great cars. It depends on what you are looking for. The 5 er has a wonderful large cabin. It handles well. The 525 has the new engine so it is not as underpowered as the above posters would lead you to believe. The 330 is more agile and athletic. It has a smaller cabin that is almost as large as the previous 5 er generation. The 330 is more fun to drive than the 525. Good luck. They are both wonderful cars.

Another option for that same price is to get the 530 and do Euro Delivery.

[BKsBimmer]

Originally Posted by RR

That's being out-right picky in my view, a 5'er with a sport pack and a nice set of alloys is virtually identical to the M5, apart from the usual 'M' attributes - just a tad contradictory IMO

I stand by what I said. The 5er looks like crap in any trim less than the M5.

To take your suggestion of adding the sport pack and "a nice set of alloys" would bump the cost up another 5 grand. Sorry, but my $$$ goes with the 3.

[timoth31]

Don't bother with either one, for Heaven's sake. You're a single guy - for that amount of money you can load up a Z4.

You can start buying family cars once you actually have a family. Don't get me wrong - my wife, daughter and I all love our Familymobile (06 330i). But I'm glad to have gotten the roadster itch (two Miatas) out of my system before I settled down.

[pharding]

Originally Posted by BKsBimmer

I stand by what I said. The 5er looks like crap in any trim less than the M5.

To take your suggestion of adding the sport pack and "a nice set of alloys" would bump the cost up another 5 grand. Sorry, but my $$$ goes with the 3.

You do know what you are talking about. The 5er is a huge success. Owners are quite happy with the 5 er. It is a great car, but it is not for everyone.

[BKsBimmer]

Originally Posted by pharding

You do know what you are talking about. The 5er is a huge success. Owners are quite happy with the 5 er. It is a great car, but it is not everyone.

Ease up pharting ... I'm just expressing my opinion. I think the car looks like dog do. I never said it wasn't successful, just not pretty