e39 to e90 - thoughts?
e39 to e90 - thoughts?
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Discussion

Matt UK

Original Poster:

18,084 posts

230 months

Thursday 11th June 2009
quotequote all
Afternoon all, just musing about my next car..

Currently running an e39 530i and considering an e90 330i.

Any of you made such a move? Thoughts?

Cheers,
Mstt

_Deano

7,414 posts

283 months

Thursday 11th June 2009
quotequote all
Although not an e90; i went from an e39 530 to an e46 330.
The 3 series is a lot smaller and you do feel it inside, the rear seat are much closer to the front and the passenger side feels a lot closer (although on paper it's not that much smaller) too.
The change was due to me hankering after a soft-top again after so many year of driving coupes or saloons. But now that the 645 and 650 are dropping in price i think that my next move will be a to one of these, for the space.



Edited by _Deano on Friday 12th June 07:20

Matt UK

Original Poster:

18,084 posts

230 months

Thursday 11th June 2009
quotequote all
Good call. I used to have an e46, but the e90 is a bigger car.

Keen to hear views on the build quality between the two as well.

dibbly_dobbler

11,493 posts

227 months

Thursday 11th June 2009
quotequote all
Hi Matt.

Only got half the picture (as I own an e90 330i) but it is definitely well screwed together and is substantially bigger than the e46 (a pal of mine has one). In fact I would have thought the interior space would be pretty similar to the e39.

The engine is a belter - if you can manage to get the 272ps version - the combination of power and economy is stunning.

Admittedly the e39 530i is probably one of the best all rounders ever made but I think you would find the e90 330i very satisfactory smile

timwatsham

239 posts

280 months

Friday 12th June 2009
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We went from an E39 530d to an E91 320d via an E46 320d. The 530d was a fantastic car, and i'd had it chipped to 230bhp so the engine was just brilliant, but I think the 320d is the better car. As much room inside for passengers, much more modern interior and a great car to drive. Its probably a little quieter than the e39, which is already a quiet car, and lighter to throw around in the corners.

I still miss the big engine and 6 cylinders of the 530d, but when we come to replace the current car, I'd be looking for an e91 330d rather than looking for a 5 series again. You'll probably get better mileage out of the 3 too - I get 47mpg overall including driving in and out of London everyday, and constant motorway driving sees 50mpg+

A 330i e90 would be a wonderful car I'm sure...