Discussion
Primarily the petrol one but I guess the diesel figures might be useful as well.
What sort of real world fuel economy are people getting out of these? Specifically the older N54 engined models.
The combined fuel economy figure from BMW is more or less identical to that quoted for the E39 530i which would normally make me think the economy in each given circumstance is likely the same but given I've never been able to get anywhere near the quoted economy in newer BMW's and suspect they've got good at winning fuel economy tests over the last few years I'm not so sure.
So.. anyone got one?
And how does the 330i stack up? I notice its 30bhp less but I guess most of that is right at the top of the rev range given its considerably down on torque versus a 330i.
What sort of real world fuel economy are people getting out of these? Specifically the older N54 engined models.
The combined fuel economy figure from BMW is more or less identical to that quoted for the E39 530i which would normally make me think the economy in each given circumstance is likely the same but given I've never been able to get anywhere near the quoted economy in newer BMW's and suspect they've got good at winning fuel economy tests over the last few years I'm not so sure.
So.. anyone got one?
And how does the 330i stack up? I notice its 30bhp less but I guess most of that is right at the top of the rev range given its considerably down on torque versus a 330i.
I see the 335 in either form as the sort of ultimate 'half sensible' do anything go anywhere reasonable running costs car.
Almost as quick as an E46 M3 yet a more accomplished cruiser with newer, better technology inside. Reliable and economical (Remember, I am used to a 530i and have considered something like an older E39 M5) when you are not in the mood, properly quick when you are. Room for people inside, yet not a case of function over form as its a really rather nice looking car.
As a car to buy at 3 years old, renew the warranty every year and get rid of after 5 years with minimal hassle it seems unbeatable.
Am I wrong?
The only catch seems to be everyone, and his dog, and his dogs petfood salesman has an identical looking one with a 2 litre diesel engine in it. It's about as standout and exclusive as a Ford Focus.
Almost as quick as an E46 M3 yet a more accomplished cruiser with newer, better technology inside. Reliable and economical (Remember, I am used to a 530i and have considered something like an older E39 M5) when you are not in the mood, properly quick when you are. Room for people inside, yet not a case of function over form as its a really rather nice looking car.
As a car to buy at 3 years old, renew the warranty every year and get rid of after 5 years with minimal hassle it seems unbeatable.
Am I wrong?
The only catch seems to be everyone, and his dog, and his dogs petfood salesman has an identical looking one with a 2 litre diesel engine in it. It's about as standout and exclusive as a Ford Focus.
I am tentatively thinking an E92 or E93 could be the answer to my 'how will I ever find something as good as my E39' question - by trying something a bit different.
I really like the idea of a cabrio but hate the refinement compromises of a fabric roof. I've driven an E93 335i but found the performance underwhelming before discovering it weighs the same as a small oil tanker
I really like the idea of a cabrio but hate the refinement compromises of a fabric roof. I've driven an E93 335i but found the performance underwhelming before discovering it weighs the same as a small oil tanker
Fox- said:
I am tentatively thinking an E92 or E93 could be the answer to my 'how will I ever find something as good as my E39' question - by trying something a bit different.
I really like the idea of a cabrio but hate the refinement compromises of a fabric roof. I've driven an E93 335i but found the performance underwhelming before discovering it weighs the same as a small oil tanker
Metal roof on E93.I really like the idea of a cabrio but hate the refinement compromises of a fabric roof. I've driven an E93 335i but found the performance underwhelming before discovering it weighs the same as a small oil tanker
Fox- said:
Mine is a 530i. I was expecting the 335i to blow me away when in reality it was only marginally quicker. I did have my girlfriend and a BMW salesman in the car, mind, so the 1800kg kerb weight + 3 adults is approaching 2 tonnes, meaning 150bhp/tonne so about the same as mine.
Don't discount the 330i Fox - you get significantly better emmissions and economy, and I don't think you would find it wanting in terms of performance (you'd still get a decent step up over your 530i I think).Do you prefer manual or auto ? If manual then that's another plus for the n/a 330i which makes a particularly good combination with the manual box. IMHO obviously
My 530i is a manual and I specifically sought it out. I love manual boxes, but if the autobox is excellent I wouldnt rule it out. I'm going to keep the next car for at least 5 years, I want to make sure that like the 530i I love it as much in Year 4 as I do in Year 1.
330i would be a good choice if its noticeably quicker but I keep thinking why go for the 330i when you might as well get a 335? It would have been like buying a 525i...
330i would be a good choice if its noticeably quicker but I keep thinking why go for the 330i when you might as well get a 335? It would have been like buying a 525i...
dibbly dobbler said:
Fox- said:
What I really want is an E39 M5 - my dream car - but I just feel its a sideways step into an 8+ year old car with none of the geeky tech I crave. I think that shipped has sailed without me on board.
If you want geeky tech then buy an iPad!Go for the M5.
Fox- said:
dibbly dobbler said:
Fox- said:
What I really want is an E39 M5 - my dream car - but I just feel its a sideways step into an 8+ year old car with none of the geeky tech I crave. I think that shipped has sailed without me on board.
If you want geeky tech then buy an iPad!Go for the M5.
Remember that dude Welshbeef ? Just a thought
anonymous said:
[redacted]
I want a 2009 E39 530i Sport with iDrive. Obviously in the real world, such a car doesn't exist. What I want is an absolutely brilliant all rounder that is at home on the Motorway as it is on a challenging A road or popping into town, or sitting in traffic. Good handling, refinement, comfort, decent looks, high level of standard kit inc Pro nav, 'reasonable' running costs (I don't want a 2.0 diesel but neither can I be bothered to pay £750 for an Inspection II on an E46 M3 either).
I want to have my cake *and* eat it. The E92/93 seems to tick most if not all of these boxes. I'm happy that an all rounder is a compromise - an E92 wont handle like an M3 neither will it cruise like a 7 Series but it'll cruise better than an M3 and handle better than a 7 Series if that makes sense.
My driving skills are not sufficient enough to get the best from something as razor sharp as an M3 on a public road anyway, I'd appreciate the straightline performance and fairly decent handling over the blistering performance and exceptional handling of the M3 in return for the newer tech etc etc.
I think.
I do 400 miles a week in my E92 335iSE (all m/way and A road) and average 32mpg. Have seen as good as 36.7 but it wasn't much fun achieving it. Can't recommend the car highly enough, it's an awesome piece of kit (bar the RFTs).
I actually prefer that to the untrained eye it's indistinguishable from lesser models - makes it something of a sleeper
I actually prefer that to the untrained eye it's indistinguishable from lesser models - makes it something of a sleeper
Paul_GTS said:
Fox - I think your asking for too much. Either you have the cash for a new M3 or M5 or tough buy a second hand car and accept it! Sorry but thats the truth..
Why do you think I am asking for too much? I had the same tastes (But a lower budget) when I bought my current car and it fitted the breif perfectly. I just want more of the same, but with a bit more performance and a bit more modern-ness.I don't really understand where you have got the idea that I need to 'accept' buying a used car. I'm more than happy to do so, just because I'm nervous over buying an 8 year old M5 doesn't mean I'm 'asking too much' by preferring a 3-4 year old 335i, surely?
dibbly dobbler said:
Paul_GTS said:
Fox - I think your asking for too much. Either you have the cash for a new M3 or M5 or tough buy a second hand car and accept it! Sorry but thats the truth..
Three and a half years lurking and you break your silence to have a go at Fox - nice ! 
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