E39 to E91: 3 * newer isn't better
Discussion
I recently upgraded the E39 to a E91.
In general, I am reasonably happy, but I have noticed three
things, concerning the front lights, where newer isn't better.
1. E39 has little latches to swap the front lights over
from drive right to drive left.
Useful and BMW were ahead of the pack on this. E91 goes
backwards to the same system as the other manufacturers with
sticky bits of plastic.
What on earth were BMW thinking with this ?
Given how often I cross the Channel, are these bits of plastic
sold in bulk packs ?
2. Front light replacement used to be a doddle on the E39:
Simply lift bonnet, unscrew back of bulb holder and replace.
Pretty much optimal in my view, but E91 goes backwards again
and requires the front wheels to be out of the way, for access
to a small panel in the wheel well.
GCSE Gynaecologists would appear to be at an advantage with this one.
What on earth were BMW thinking with this ?
3. When parking into a garage, two small spots of light were
produced by the E39 front headlamps. The closer you got to the
end wall, the closer the spots got. A handy feature for those
of us who don't want to get the micrometer out when parking.
No such system on the E91. Yet another step backwards.
A further grumble about the harsh run flat tyres, the pesky on board computer
and the initially poor fuel consumption, to follow.
Apart from that, 7 / 10 reasonably happy.
In general, I am reasonably happy, but I have noticed three
things, concerning the front lights, where newer isn't better.
1. E39 has little latches to swap the front lights over
from drive right to drive left.
Useful and BMW were ahead of the pack on this. E91 goes
backwards to the same system as the other manufacturers with
sticky bits of plastic.
What on earth were BMW thinking with this ?
Given how often I cross the Channel, are these bits of plastic
sold in bulk packs ?
2. Front light replacement used to be a doddle on the E39:
Simply lift bonnet, unscrew back of bulb holder and replace.
Pretty much optimal in my view, but E91 goes backwards again
and requires the front wheels to be out of the way, for access
to a small panel in the wheel well.
GCSE Gynaecologists would appear to be at an advantage with this one.
What on earth were BMW thinking with this ?
3. When parking into a garage, two small spots of light were
produced by the E39 front headlamps. The closer you got to the
end wall, the closer the spots got. A handy feature for those
of us who don't want to get the micrometer out when parking.
No such system on the E91. Yet another step backwards.
A further grumble about the harsh run flat tyres, the pesky on board computer
and the initially poor fuel consumption, to follow.
Apart from that, 7 / 10 reasonably happy.
My 325DSE on a 60 plate which have had from new, clutch failed last week 27,000 miles. Was worn out so charged for 
Never had a clutch fitted to any of my previous cars, last car was a MKV Golf GTI which did 93,000 miles and had nothing wrong with that.
Had the new 328 auto for a day, its like my current one, it ticks a lot of boxes, but overall there are other niggles or shortfalls which leave you wanting. Marry that to the dealer experience and to me its no longer a straightforward obvious class winner. Sorry
Never had a clutch fitted to any of my previous cars, last car was a MKV Golf GTI which did 93,000 miles and had nothing wrong with that.Had the new 328 auto for a day, its like my current one, it ticks a lot of boxes, but overall there are other niggles or shortfalls which leave you wanting. Marry that to the dealer experience and to me its no longer a straightforward obvious class winner. Sorry
I'm on my 3rd E91 and in my experience it's MILES better quality wise than my E46 M3 was, the interior doesn't squak/rattle like my M3 did and it has reached the age of 5 without rusting, something the M3 failed to do.
The light replacement issue is to entice owners back to the dealers, many many new cars are falling victim to this.
Never had an E39 to compare the E91 to, it's a car I've always wanted to own but never took the plunge sadly
The light replacement issue is to entice owners back to the dealers, many many new cars are falling victim to this.
Never had an E39 to compare the E91 to, it's a car I've always wanted to own but never took the plunge sadly
I don't get the reference to cheapness inside the E90 and agree with the above post that it's better than the e46 (I used to have a 330d) - also coming from a line of Volvo's (which are solid) I find it's good.
Obviously some bits of trim that are cheaper (the floor in the boot for example) but show me a car these days that doesn't have something where costs have been cut
The lights can be replaced without the need to visit a dealer - I went to halfords (yes I know) and they showed me how to do it, it was pretty simple once you have the knack. I have the 320d though where access is a bit easier!
Once shown I managed to change the bulbs myself, it is tight though
I can't argue it's better than a e39 though - I still lust after one. Time ran out and my last car fell apart and I had to buy in a hurry, I don't regret getting the E90 though in any sense, just that the e39 seems to have more character. Seeing your comparison makes me want one more!
So far though the E90 is one of my favorites in a very long line of cars. I just wish for a bit more oooomph than the 320d - but can't complain as getting 47 mpg according to the OBD with heavy/mixed driving.
Forgot to add - I had a new clutch 4 weeks after getting the car at 57k. I found that a let down, to be fair the dealer was brilliant, but I would say on balance the E90 isn't a car to own without a warranty.
Obviously some bits of trim that are cheaper (the floor in the boot for example) but show me a car these days that doesn't have something where costs have been cut
The lights can be replaced without the need to visit a dealer - I went to halfords (yes I know) and they showed me how to do it, it was pretty simple once you have the knack. I have the 320d though where access is a bit easier!
Once shown I managed to change the bulbs myself, it is tight though
I can't argue it's better than a e39 though - I still lust after one. Time ran out and my last car fell apart and I had to buy in a hurry, I don't regret getting the E90 though in any sense, just that the e39 seems to have more character. Seeing your comparison makes me want one more!
So far though the E90 is one of my favorites in a very long line of cars. I just wish for a bit more oooomph than the 320d - but can't complain as getting 47 mpg according to the OBD with heavy/mixed driving.
Forgot to add - I had a new clutch 4 weeks after getting the car at 57k. I found that a let down, to be fair the dealer was brilliant, but I would say on balance the E90 isn't a car to own without a warranty.
Edited by halo34 on Friday 16th March 10:29
I've just "upgraded" from my E39 to an F01. I can relate to the OPs sentiments. Don't get me wrong the 7 series is way ahead of the E39 in many areas, however, certain items have been made cheaper. This includes a lot of the interior trim materials and the seat leather.
I remember talking to some BMW insiders. Their attitide was that the E39 was the last of the "proper" BMWs that was designed by Engineers and not bean counters.
pp
I remember talking to some BMW insiders. Their attitide was that the E39 was the last of the "proper" BMWs that was designed by Engineers and not bean counters.
pp
Devil2575 said:
The E39 is a 5 series and the E91 is a 3 series.
You're not comparing like with like.
E91 about 10cm shorter than E39, and about 100kgs lighter, so not that different.You're not comparing like with like.
Devil2575 said:
Not sure what you expected? A 5 series will always have bits that the 3 doesn't have, because it's a more expensive car.
True for anything that costs a significant amount of money,but the three things I described have a total cash value in total of
much less than 100 quid.
E39 still looks a well designed car. Shame they don't make it anymore.
dcb said:
Devil2575 said:
The E39 is a 5 series and the E91 is a 3 series.
You're not comparing like with like.
E91 about 10cm shorter than E39, and about 100kgs lighter, so not that different.You're not comparing like with like.
I think you've kinda missed the point being made there!
I'm pretty certain Devil2575 wasn't talking about the physical size of the vehicles being that different, I think they were saying that the 3 series and the 5 series are aimed at different markets and that the 5 series automatically comes with more toys than the 3 series.
Pickled Piper said:
I've just "upgraded" from my E39 to an F01. I can relate to the OPs sentiments. Don't get me wrong the 7 series is way ahead of the E39 in many areas, however, certain items have been made cheaper. This includes a lot of the interior trim materials and the seat leather.
I remember talking to some BMW insiders. Their attitide was that the E39 was the last of the "proper" BMWs that was designed by Engineers and not bean counters.
pp
TBF look at what they had to beat.. The W124 which is another legendary vehicle.I remember talking to some BMW insiders. Their attitide was that the E39 was the last of the "proper" BMWs that was designed by Engineers and not bean counters.
pp
Fox- said:
Jobbo said:
Sounds like the difference between xenons in the E39 and normal halogen lights in the E91.
E39's have the same headlight housing whether Xenon or Halogen therefore the same adjustment thingy for left/right hand drive.gf15 said:
Went from an E38 740 to an E63 650. Biggest niggle is the sun vison in the E38 was a quality piece, the E63 one feels cheap and nasty.
Something this close to the driver that gets used so much should not feel cheap.
I know it is not significant, but it bugs me!
i noticed that in my E38, the sun visor feels lovely....anthracite....hmmmm Something this close to the driver that gets used so much should not feel cheap.
I know it is not significant, but it bugs me!
Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff