BMW 3 series or 5 Series?
 

Hi there,

Looking at the classifieds its seems that 5 series BMW's from around 2000-2002 are priced similar to 3 series cars of the same age. The 5's look better value for money IMO.

Is their much difference in performance, handling, running costs, etc between the two?

Is the 3 series a better drivers car or is there not much in it?

Thanks and all the best.

Martin.

Had a 2000 523i and 2 different(saloon and estate) 320D's in last year. 5 series is a better car overall. Better ride and comfort plus it will cruise all day at 100+.

5 Series :thumb:

5 Series are always cheaper as they deprciate loads more than the more common 3 series, therefore a very good used buy. Get a 2002 M5, they start at around 13K for a 4litre V8 beast

Could just be me but I feel the 5 series image is a lot better than the 3 series image.

Richard

As for your question about performance, it depends on the engine. For example the 2.0 in the 3 series will be better than in the 5 series due to power to weight ratio.

There is only a small difference in weight between the two models surprisingly. Personnally it would be down to how many doors I needed. I brought a 3 series coupe but if i'd wanted a 4 door car it would have been a 5 series, just don't think the 3 suits that many doors.

I prefer the 5 series. Really good cars.

I prefer the 5 series too,

Seems everyone has a 3 series these day's

Type~R, you're not quite right on the M5.

A 2002 model will cost you something closer to £20K, maybe more.

It's a 5 litre V8, not 4, though it is 400bhp.

Hoever, it's a hell of a car for the money. I'm just buying a 2000 model now. That's about the price you suggested.

SB

When I was looking in November, the M5s below £25k were a bit doggish, need to look for a while to find decent ones on a budget.

I've got a e39 528i as a daily motorway cruiser & it's superb. It averages 28 mpg as an auto. Only thing I'd swop it for would be a 530i or d sport. (But I won't as I'm too tight :D ) Easy to service & cheap too using pattern parts.

D

I have a 530i sport. Amazing car. Apparently had the best straight 6 engine in the world at the time of launch. Still can get low 6's to 60 and cruises all day@100mph without no tyre or wind noise. Beautiful interior, very well built.

3 series is as common as muck and bad value in terms of rear leg room and boot size.

Best thing to do is test drive each series and their respective engine sizes for a comparision. Forget the 520i, start with the 523i onwards.

Let us know if you want any further info. Also try www.bmwtalker.co.uk

Jay

Remember that the 3-series will hold its value better than the 5 over its whole lifetime, so you might think a 3year old 5-series looks good value as its the same price as a 3-series yet cost more new, but in another 3 years the 3-series will probably be worth a fair bit MORE than the 5-series...

The 5-series image gets worse faster too - you see a lot of old-ish ones being driven by some shifty characters who think they look rich, ie kebab shop and Indian take-away owners etc.

Interesting topic this as I'm still considering a 330d Sport as the next car but had also noticed the 530d Sport is looking great value for money now and is ultimately more car for the money I'd say.

My main concern is dimensions though. The 3 being the smaller car making it easier to hustle along in and through town you'd expect.

I think the 530d actually comes with slightly more power as standard over the 330d as well but don't know the exact figures.

Image is one thing but in my opinion any good, sought after, top marque car starts to eventually fall into the hands of a wider range of people as the depreciation starts to make them affordable, that just can't be avoided.

The 5-series doesn't feel much bigger than the 3, or much heavier. Have a drive of one and see what you think

5 Series all the way

Taking away the diesel engine, which of the 5 series engine gives the most mpg on the motorway?

Talk about stereo typing. It's like saying white blokes can't dance!

Raj - I think you will find they can't jump :D

lowlander - I have a 2.5 straight 6 5 series and similar 3 series. (One for the wife) - 5 series wins all day long. basically better everything. 3 series might just be better if you are caning it down a B road, but there is a fight every morning for the 5 series keys :D

Thanks for all the advice. My ideal car would be a 530i with a manual box. Seen a few good ones for 10K. My new car choice has been narrowed down to the following vehicles.

1. 530i
2. Mondeo TDCI 130 Zetec.
3. Golf 2.8 4 motion.

Thanks and all the best.

Martin.

The 523i is prbably the best alround BMW, the 2.5l engine is a peach.

I have a 530i with the V8, its a stunning car except for mpg!!!

I would probably swap or a decent 523i, almost 10mpg better!!!

:cool:

How come you have you have a 530i with a V8? The 535i, 540I and M5 have V8's in the E39 line up. The 520i, 523i, 525i, 528i and 530i are all straight sixes.

HE hasnt got an E39 - probably an E34??

E34

Would go for an auto myself in a 5-series, but each to their own. Mondeo is also a good car, but if you spend £10k on one you'll lose half of that quite quickly. Wouldn't get a Mk4 Golf

10 out of 10

:thumb:

I think Lowlander is after a E39?????!?


'Looking at the classifieds its seems that 5 series BMW's from around 2000-2002 are priced similar to 3 series cars of the same age. The 5's look better value for money IMO.'

Another 5-series vote too over the 3series....Smoother ride, just as fast, very little weight difference, and better handling dynamics without the need for rigid suspension.

I have a 523i manual..Consistantly do 320 miles a week in it,220 motorway,and 100 potterin about,averages around 32mg.As much as 38mpg on a run going steady.Brilliant cars,far far far superior to the 3 series..