E46 330i Touring vs E39 530i/540i Touring?
Discussion
Hi all,
Having owned an E46 3-series saloon a couple of years ago, and an 18-month stint with my brilliant Honda S2000, I once again am looking to come back to the BMW fold as I need a more practical car, this time an estate.
As I don't do so many miles these days, I can afford to look at the bigger engined petrol models, which is nice, and am immediately drawn to the E46 330i M Sport Touring, a shape I've always loved - decent ones seem to come in around £7-£8k.
However, a mate of mine picked up an E39 540i Touring (140k on the clock) for about £2,500 a month or so back, and having been for a ride in it the other day I was really impressed - what a fantastic engine!
So, which is best? I don't really need a massive boot - most of the driving is with just me, the need for an estate is mainly for taking stuff to the tip and possibly a small dog in the coming months, and I do enjoy a spirited drive from time to time!
I would also like to be able to tow my bike to trackdays, so whilst it's not pulling a great weight, it's still a consideration.
Also, it doesn't have to be a 540i - I am sure a 530i would be plenty quick enough and a bit more economical. So is the 330i M Sport Touring really worth the £2k-£3k premium they command over a similar age/mileage 530i/540i M Sport Touring? And are the 540's that much less economical than a 330 or 530?
Cheers!
Having owned an E46 3-series saloon a couple of years ago, and an 18-month stint with my brilliant Honda S2000, I once again am looking to come back to the BMW fold as I need a more practical car, this time an estate.
As I don't do so many miles these days, I can afford to look at the bigger engined petrol models, which is nice, and am immediately drawn to the E46 330i M Sport Touring, a shape I've always loved - decent ones seem to come in around £7-£8k.
However, a mate of mine picked up an E39 540i Touring (140k on the clock) for about £2,500 a month or so back, and having been for a ride in it the other day I was really impressed - what a fantastic engine!
So, which is best? I don't really need a massive boot - most of the driving is with just me, the need for an estate is mainly for taking stuff to the tip and possibly a small dog in the coming months, and I do enjoy a spirited drive from time to time!
I would also like to be able to tow my bike to trackdays, so whilst it's not pulling a great weight, it's still a consideration.
Also, it doesn't have to be a 540i - I am sure a 530i would be plenty quick enough and a bit more economical. So is the 330i M Sport Touring really worth the £2k-£3k premium they command over a similar age/mileage 530i/540i M Sport Touring? And are the 540's that much less economical than a 330 or 530?
Cheers!
Bramley on here has a 530i Touring and gets little better fuel economy than my 540i. I think he just clogs it more than me, though 
Restraint makes the 540i at least 10% more economical. I can tell if I've been in a bad mood because my regular commute achieves 22mpg rather than the usual 24mpg.
The E46 is a good looking car, and a bit lighter. Steering is a bit lighter too, though. I don't think it's worth paying the extra for one, on balance.
Restraint makes the 540i at least 10% more economical. I can tell if I've been in a bad mood because my regular commute achieves 22mpg rather than the usual 24mpg.The E46 is a good looking car, and a bit lighter. Steering is a bit lighter too, though. I don't think it's worth paying the extra for one, on balance.
alfabadass said:
The 540i would be the better bet IMO
Based on....?I don't really need the space of a the 5-series, but they do definitely seem better value!
A friend of mine had an S2000 and moved to a 540i Touring (albeit an early R-reg SE) but says it's only a little more thirsty than the S2000 and is cheaper in other ways, e.g. insurance.
How much do you guys think I should be looking to pay for a decent 540i Touring M Sport, sub-100k miles preferably?
SJobson - how far is your regular commute, and what sort of driving? I'm hoping for around 24mpg on my commute - 7 miles each way, not too much standing still, mostly flowing along between 30mph and 50mph.
On a motorway run @ 80mph, what will it likely get up to then, 27/28mpg? Maybe more?
Edited by Mike_C on Saturday 31st October 12:34
7 miles each way is similar to a previous commute of mine which I did in the 540 then B10 V8 Touring. I reckon 18mpg with the cold starts taking the short distance into account is closer to the truth.
I managed 23mpg on a London to Glasgow run in the touring last week which I was quite happy with!
I managed 23mpg on a London to Glasgow run in the touring last week which I was quite happy with!
Crombers said:
7 miles each way is similar to a previous commute of mine which I did in the 540 then B10 V8 Touring. I reckon 18mpg with the cold starts taking the short distance into account is closer to the truth.
I managed 23mpg on a London to Glasgow run in the touring last week which I was quite happy with!
18??? That's not so good! Is that in the 540i or B10?I managed 23mpg on a London to Glasgow run in the touring last week which I was quite happy with!
I considered a 540i
But I couldn't find one with a manual 'box
In the end I picked a 530i because of the rack and pinion steering and the sale price vs condition
Having said that I haven't tried the rotating ball type on the 540i
But since I had to go for the SE over the sport I wanted to maximise reponsiveness where I could
(I have a nipper who loves motoracing but also needs to sleep in the car seeat)
Very happy with it
For the record it indicates 23mpg urban
But I couldn't find one with a manual 'box
In the end I picked a 530i because of the rack and pinion steering and the sale price vs condition
Having said that I haven't tried the rotating ball type on the 540i
But since I had to go for the SE over the sport I wanted to maximise reponsiveness where I could
(I have a nipper who loves motoracing but also needs to sleep in the car seeat)
Very happy with it
For the record it indicates 23mpg urban
Crombers said:
Both, they're pretty similar in that respect.
That said, I don't do driving miss daisy so if you were to drive nicely then you'll be able to eek out another few mpg I guess
What does that equate to in terms of miles per tank full, and how much is a full tank at todays prices?That said, I don't do driving miss daisy so if you were to drive nicely then you'll be able to eek out another few mpg I guess
Auto is better for me to be honest, better to tow with!!
Mike_C said:
SJobson - how far is your regular commute, and what sort of driving? I'm hoping for around 24mpg on my commute - 7 miles each way, not too much standing still, mostly flowing along between 30mph and 50mph.
Sounds like you should achieve 24mpg or so; my commute is 12 miles, part 40 limit and part dual carriageway.Mike_C said:
alfabadass said:
The 540i would be the better bet IMO
A friend of mine had an S2000 and moved to a 540i Touring (albeit an early R-reg SE) but says it's only a little more thirsty than the S2000 and is cheaper in other ways, e.g. insurance.Edited by Mike_C on Saturday 31st October 12:34
Not trying to be an arse by slagging off your mate more trying to save you a fortune on fuel from making a decision to buy a 540 based on his opinion.
If you can afford to run a car with a 20mpg average you should definately consider a 540, they are immense cars.
I got a 530i Touring for my commute, which is 95% motorway (110miles per day). I get 30-32mpg, the motorway is the natural habitat of the 5. I have had quite a bit better on a really long run (over 500 miles out of a tank)
For such a short commute you are going to get terrible mpg, so IMHO you might as well go for the 540. I haven't driven one, but I am led to believe that they are quite a big step up from the 530 performance wise.
Neither is a sports car, they are a big and a bit wallowy (though it depends what you compare it to, i.e. it won't be as sharp as you Honda). But to want a 5 to be a scalpel is missing the point somewhat It's a whole different league to the 3 series in terms of zero fuss a to b, but you are a bit more remote from the road than you are in a 3, not a bad thing for a daily driver.
I love my 5, it's a great all round family car, fast enough for the occasional overtake, as comfortable as you like, and surprisingly economical (on the motorway). They do have annoying problems (look up missing pixels, 'hedgehog' problems, and air suspension bag replacement for the touring) - but none of them are that expensive to fix if you use an independent specialist.
For such a short commute you are going to get terrible mpg, so IMHO you might as well go for the 540. I haven't driven one, but I am led to believe that they are quite a big step up from the 530 performance wise.
Neither is a sports car, they are a big and a bit wallowy (though it depends what you compare it to, i.e. it won't be as sharp as you Honda). But to want a 5 to be a scalpel is missing the point somewhat It's a whole different league to the 3 series in terms of zero fuss a to b, but you are a bit more remote from the road than you are in a 3, not a bad thing for a daily driver.
I love my 5, it's a great all round family car, fast enough for the occasional overtake, as comfortable as you like, and surprisingly economical (on the motorway). They do have annoying problems (look up missing pixels, 'hedgehog' problems, and air suspension bag replacement for the touring) - but none of them are that expensive to fix if you use an independent specialist.
Not a Touring, but my 2001 530i Sport auto gets 28mpg (real, not OBC) on my 100-mile a day commute (50% motorway, 25% A road, 25% urban) and I have a fairly heavy right foot. It is a great family car, has cost me just tyres, servicing and a £500 air con condenser in the two years I have had it. Fun enough in the twisties and a great family car / mileage muncher. That said, i'd have a 540i if I were doing fewer miles (I do 20k-50k a year depending on work)
ETA - forgot the new disks and pads all round that I had to replace too!
ETA - forgot the new disks and pads all round that I had to replace too!
Edited by BillyB on Monday 2nd November 10:57
///Mike said:
Mike_C said:
alfabadass said:
The 540i would be the better bet IMO
A friend of mine had an S2000 and moved to a 540i Touring (albeit an early R-reg SE) but says it's only a little more thirsty than the S2000 and is cheaper in other ways, e.g. insurance.Edited by Mike_C on Saturday 31st October 12:34
Not trying to be an arse by slagging off your mate more trying to save you a fortune on fuel from making a decision to buy a 540 based on his opinion.
If you can afford to run a car with a 20mpg average you should definately consider a 540, they are immense cars.
If I can get a 540i at a bargain prices then I'll go for it, I can always sell it on, but if not I think the 330i (or even 330D) is probably more suited to my needs!!
I have an S2000 and just a few weeks ago bought a 530i SE Touring. Like you I don't do that many miles so never paid attention to fuel consumption. However, I would say that the BMW will be quite a bit more to run based on servicing and insurance than the S2000, the Honda is also simpler and less prone to going wrong as it simply has less stuff on it.
Between the 540 and 530 I preferred the 30 as it seemed a decent compromise between performance and economy, neither of which are things its excels at though as its not particularly fast (when compared to the S) nor economical. What it is though is very comfortable and relaxing to drive, plus its hard to take a mountain bike or chest of drawers in the S! I also though that, should I need to resell in a couple of years it will be less difficult to sell the 30, what with taxes and fuel prices always on the up.
When looking make sure its had regular coolant changes as BMW's are known for a weakness with the cooling system. I also got the impression that the 40 could have more issues with the engine, but that was more from US based forums.
Between the 540 and 530 I preferred the 30 as it seemed a decent compromise between performance and economy, neither of which are things its excels at though as its not particularly fast (when compared to the S) nor economical. What it is though is very comfortable and relaxing to drive, plus its hard to take a mountain bike or chest of drawers in the S! I also though that, should I need to resell in a couple of years it will be less difficult to sell the 30, what with taxes and fuel prices always on the up.
When looking make sure its had regular coolant changes as BMW's are known for a weakness with the cooling system. I also got the impression that the 40 could have more issues with the engine, but that was more from US based forums.
RiccardoG said:
I have an S2000 and just a few weeks ago bought a 530i SE Touring. Like you I don't do that many miles so never paid attention to fuel consumption. However, I would say that the BMW will be quite a bit more to run based on servicing and insurance than the S2000, the Honda is also simpler and less prone to going wrong as it simply has less stuff on it.
Between the 540 and 530 I preferred the 30 as it seemed a decent compromise between performance and economy, neither of which are things its excels at though as its not particularly fast (when compared to the S) nor economical. What it is though is very comfortable and relaxing to drive, plus its hard to take a mountain bike or chest of drawers in the S! I also though that, should I need to resell in a couple of years it will be less difficult to sell the 30, what with taxes and fuel prices always on the up.
When looking make sure its had regular coolant changes as BMW's are known for a weakness with the cooling system. I also got the impression that the 40 could have more issues with the engine, but that was more from US based forums.
Hi Ricardo,Between the 540 and 530 I preferred the 30 as it seemed a decent compromise between performance and economy, neither of which are things its excels at though as its not particularly fast (when compared to the S) nor economical. What it is though is very comfortable and relaxing to drive, plus its hard to take a mountain bike or chest of drawers in the S! I also though that, should I need to resell in a couple of years it will be less difficult to sell the 30, what with taxes and fuel prices always on the up.
When looking make sure its had regular coolant changes as BMW's are known for a weakness with the cooling system. I also got the impression that the 40 could have more issues with the engine, but that was more from US based forums.
Interesting you have made the same move recently! My impression has been that the 540's are very reliable and have a really strong engine - my mates has doen 150,000 miles and felt very sweet indeed!
I agree I imagine the 530 would be easier to sell on, but the 540 is a lot quicker and not massively less economical, from what I have read.
To be honest, I think ideally I would opt for a330i or 330D unless I can get a good deal on a 540i that tempts me!!
Mikey,
Well, I'm still keeping the S...
I think you're points are spot on, if you don't need or want the extra space then the 3 series will be more suitable for you and still somewhat entertaining to drive (my mom's E91 surely is a nice drive). I chose the 5'er because of its greater space and comfort to counterbalance the S2000, but as an only car the 3'er can at least give you some driving pleasure that the bargey 5'er can't!
Would not look at the diesels myself, a combination of greater purchase cost, less noticeable savings on small annual mileages and potentially more maintenance issues, not to mention crappy engine noise!
Well, I'm still keeping the S...
I think you're points are spot on, if you don't need or want the extra space then the 3 series will be more suitable for you and still somewhat entertaining to drive (my mom's E91 surely is a nice drive). I chose the 5'er because of its greater space and comfort to counterbalance the S2000, but as an only car the 3'er can at least give you some driving pleasure that the bargey 5'er can't!
Would not look at the diesels myself, a combination of greater purchase cost, less noticeable savings on small annual mileages and potentially more maintenance issues, not to mention crappy engine noise!
Aah, lucky man keeping the S too! Apparently I'm not allowed any more toys, and I chose the motorbike(s) over the S2000 I'm afraid!!
I agree about diesels but I must say the 330D is probably one of the best available, other than the brand new ones! I wouldn't go looking for one necessarily, but if I found a perfect 330D and couldn't find any 330i's then I'd take it quite happily.
Has anyone ever driven a 330i and a 540i side-by-side or back-to-back? Would be interesting to know how they compare in terms of performance?
Also, does the 330i respond well to being chipped, just in case it isn't quick enough?
I agree about diesels but I must say the 330D is probably one of the best available, other than the brand new ones! I wouldn't go looking for one necessarily, but if I found a perfect 330D and couldn't find any 330i's then I'd take it quite happily.
Has anyone ever driven a 330i and a 540i side-by-side or back-to-back? Would be interesting to know how they compare in terms of performance?
Also, does the 330i respond well to being chipped, just in case it isn't quick enough?
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