Downgrade from E60 to E90?

AidenL · 08-11-2005, 03:09 PM

Ok, I'm currently driving an E60, its a 520 and is quite underpowered - so I have an E90 330 on order.

But I'm having doubts - I guess I'm wondering, and yes, maybe I'm being superficial, am I actually taking a backward step in my 'car career' by settling for a smaller car - would I be better stretching to a 530 perhaps?

We don't have any kids, so we don't actually need the E60s space - part of my reason for changing also is that I perceive the E90 as being sportier?

Perhaps I'm having pre-buyers remorse in a way, but I would appreciate your thoughts on this?

Kao BMW · 08-11-2005, 03:22 PM

How old are you? and can you easily afford a 530i or even a 545i. If you can I'd go with the 5 series... but I love my E90. I think it is way sportier than the 5. But depends on how you look at it. The 5 looks just as sporty in my opinion. My comments are all over the place isn't it? What I'm trying to say is, these two cars are almost identical... hope that helps?

AidenL · 08-11-2005, 03:24 PM

Im 40, could go with a lower specced 530 Sport as opposed to a relatively high specced 330 Sport.......

545 is way too expensive here - I'm budgeting 70,000 Euros which is approximately $ 54,000, or £47,000 - cars are expensive in Ireland.....

Hornet · 08-11-2005, 03:25 PM

The 545i is gone now. If you can get the new 540i, then I'd say go for it. If not, get the 330i.

Petercat · 08-11-2005, 04:02 PM

AidenL, I was kind of in the same boat as you. I stopped at the dealer to look at the 5 series, but drove home in the new e90. After driving both, I found that the e90 was the car for me. I loved the room, style, class of the 5 series, but I have no kids and no need for the larger space. When driving the two cars back to back, you really see the benefits of the e90, much more driving pleasure.
I wouldn't be too concerned about 5 vs. 3 class war. They are both great cars and either way you will not be disappointed.
Good Luck.

JBOO · 08-11-2005, 04:04 PM

Aiden-

As soon as I can sell my 535d, I'm going for the E90. I don't consider it a downgrade, but you will find those that do. IMO, the 5 series is better if you need the extra room and maybe a little more luxury/prestige, but if you want a sportier drive, the 3 series is the only way to go. You can get the 5 with sports package and V8, but the car is still big and you will notice it when compared to the 3. It really depends on what you are wanting. If you are wanting a luxury sedan that's sporty go with a 5 and if you want a sport sedans that has some luxury touches go with a 3. Have I confused you now?

AidenL · 08-11-2005, 04:18 PM

lol........

I know what you guys mean, and I'm thinking the same - I'll always perceive the 3 as being a sportier drive, and I think it will be more nimble and better handling than a 5.....

Maybe I'm just looking for reassurance that I'm doing the right thing......

carl_d · 08-11-2005, 04:32 PM

The E60 is too big for our, English and Irish, B and C classified roads.

For our American friends out there:- who are wonder what the hell we are talking about:-

C classified roads, trace their origin back to when a horse and cart was the only form of transport in England and Ireland (over 100 years ago) and they are often only wide enough for this purpose with passing palaces dotted along the road. B roads tend to be wide enough for two cars to pass (as they became upgraded over time).

Both B and C roads are just amazing to drive along, as they constantly change direction and inclination, and combined with a relatively high 60 MPH speed limited, the driving experience is almost euphoric in a small BMW (or Mini). This is one of the reasons why the UK buys 10% of all BMW’s production and make us the worlds next largest market for BMW’s outside Germany and the US. The 3 series is ideal for our roads. A 5 series is just too big!

The wife has an E60 520i and its fantastic on multilane motorways and A roads, with happy kids in the back, but its a pig (due to its size) on narrow country roads in England. I'd say the same is true in Ireland? The E60 is a family car. The E90 is ideal for a couple and country roads. Stick with the E90.

AidenL · 08-11-2005, 04:39 PM

Small is good over here Carl alright, some of the back roads I travel on, size is a distinct disadvantage.......

MCS · 08-11-2005, 05:26 PM

Prior to my order of the 330, I test drove a 530, Audi A6 and A4, Infiniti G35 and M45 Sport. (also a 2002 M5)

Came down to 2 cars, the Infiniti M45 Sport or the 330i. I ultimately decided on the BMW, not just due to the 10K difference in price; several factors:

6 speed manual - more fun to drive than a 5 speed auto
smaller and sportier to drive (not faster than the v8)

The BMW 530i is a larger sedan with a different feel. In my opinion, the Infiniti was more fun to drive, the V8 engine rocks. I did not dirve the current 545i. The 2002 M5 was the best test drive; however, the check engine and tire pressure lights came on during the test drive. This scared me regarding future maintenance costs.

If it was our only car, I'd go with the larger cars, however, since We already have a family hauler SUV, I decided to go with the smaller "sports car" that my wife and I can use to bring the baby along in a pinch.

If unlimited funds were on tap, maybe 2 extra cars are in order - Lotus Elise, and a separate 4 door for the snow (who knows, maybe this would still be the 330

Any other opinions - test driving is blast. If you're going to buy a car, have fun along the way.

collinp · 08-11-2005, 05:28 PM

Besides cost and size what's the difference between a 5 and a 3 nowadays? About the only 5 series features you can't get on the 3 are active suspension and the heads up display. I see no reason to get a 5 over a 3 unless want/need a bigger car.

- Collin

JBOO · 08-12-2005, 01:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by collinp

Besides cost and size what's the difference between a 5 and a 3 nowadays? About the only 5 series features you can't get on the 3 are active suspension and the heads up display. I see no reason to get a 5 over a 3 unless want/need a bigger car.

- Collin

That's pretty much all it is or has ever been really.

Unlike Mercedes, where the E and C class are smaller versions of the S class. With BMW, I think the 5 and 7 series are just larger versions of the beloved 3 series.

The 3 is the true BMW sports sedan.

Imperial · 08-12-2005, 01:56 AM

while I'm sure I'm a little biased, my vote also goes for the E90. I know Europe and her streets well and I can't imagine have anything bigger than a 3. If you don't necessarily have a need for a larger sedan, either, then I say E90

besides, it's not a step down. The 520i is lower in the 5 range, while the 330i is at the top of the 3 range (with respect to sedans, of course)

Thavash · 08-12-2005, 03:13 AM

If you like a sportier car , then get the E90.
Don't worry about image and what the neighbours think.
Imagine if you bought a 5 to impress the neighbours , every time you drove it you'd be unhappy because you would long for the sportier E90.

It's your money so buy the car you really want - don't worry about whether it's a class above or below.

davinet78 · 08-12-2005, 06:59 AM

i think that the e90 is much more sportier than the e60 but undoubtly the e60 is a better car

mrbelk · 08-12-2005, 07:58 AM

I have a 545, and when the lease is up in April, '07, I will be getting back into a 3er. I "graduated" from the 3er to the 545 basically because I thought I wanted something a little bigger and more powerful. Well, the new 3er fits that bill, especially when the twin-turbo model comes out next year.

Now the 545 is a great car; tons of power, torque, room, etc. The thing is, I feel like I'm not "old" enough to be driving it (even though I got a 6sp manual). It's very nimble, but the 3er is just a little more "visceral;" a little more "connected" to the road.

MARCUS330I is taking the same route as I: E46 330 -> E60 545 -> E90 330.

I think the new 3er is a perfect blend of size, power, handling.

-MrB

Robin_NL · 08-12-2005, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carl_d

The E60 is too big for our, English and Irish, B and C classified roads.

For our American friends out there:- who are wonder what the hell we are talking about:-

C classified roads, trace their origin back to when a horse and cart was the only form of transport in England and Ireland (over 100 years ago) and they are often only wide enough for this purpose with passing palaces dotted along the road. B roads tend to be wide enough for two cars to pass (as they became upgraded over time).

Both B and C roads are just amazing to drive along, as they constantly change direction and inclination, and combined with a relatively high 60 MPH speed limited, the driving experience is almost euphoric in a small BMW (or Mini). This is one of the reasons why the UK buys 10% of all BMW’s production and make us the worlds next largest market for BMW’s outside Germany and the US. The 3 series is ideal for our roads. A 5 series is just too big!

The wife has an E60 520i and its fantastic on multilane motorways and A roads, with happy kids in the back, but its a pig (due to its size) on narrow country roads in England. I'd say the same is true in Ireland? The E60 is a family car. The E90 is ideal for a couple and country roads. Stick with the E90.

I can't agree more with you on that.

chrisbin · 08-12-2005, 08:15 AM

You are doing the right thing! E90 is plenty big enough for most!

dxk · 08-12-2005, 08:36 AM

I went from e46 328 to C32 AMG, I was thinking of getting 545, but it's too big and handles not as good, so what's the point? My only concern with 330 has always been the power, but coming of 520, that's not an issue for you. If I had a big family, I'd consider 550 (new for 2006), otherwise, the 3 is the right size. I would not get 520, 525, or 535 since it's too heavy for it's engine.

AidenL · 08-12-2005, 01:18 PM

Thanks for all the input guys.....

The poll result is certainly emphatic too......

AidenL · 08-12-2005, 01:54 PM

Hmm, you could have a point there.......

icedragon · 08-12-2005, 04:56 PM

The 3er is much more important than the 5er.
More than 50% of all BMWs sold is the 3-er.
If the the 5er failed and no one bought it, BMW would still survive. But if the 3-er failed, BMW would collapse and crumble. That is how important and powerful the 3er is. That's why journalists always say that 3 is BMW's lucky number.

View Poll Results: Which would you choose, E90 or E60?
Go with the E90 you fool, its sportier, cooler, younger......	137	82.53%
Get an E60 dummy, its bigger, classier, more expensive......	29	17.47%
Voters: 166. You may not vote on this poll

08-11-2005, 03:09 PM	#1
AidenL Driving ! 71 Rep 426 Posts Drives: 530e XDrive Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Ireland iTrader: (0)	Downgrade from E60 to E90? Ok, I'm currently driving an E60, its a 520 and is quite underpowered - so I have an E90 330 on order. But I'm having doubts - I guess I'm wondering, and yes, maybe I'm being superficial, am I actually taking a backward step in my 'car career' by settling for a smaller car - would I be better stretching to a 530 perhaps? We don't have any kids, so we don't actually need the E60s space - part of my reason for changing also is that I perceive the E90 as being sportier? Perhaps I'm having pre-buyers remorse in a way, but I would appreciate your thoughts on this? __________________ 2021 530e M Sport XDrive- Phytonic Blue - M Tech - 20" Wheels - Ivory / Black - Ash Trunkwood - Tech Pack - Laserlights - Sun Protection - Advanced Parking
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08-11-2005, 03:22 PM	#2
Kao BMW iLOVE90 64 Rep 245 Posts Drives: 2006 BMW 330i Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: CALIFORNIA iTrader: (0)	How old are you? and can you easily afford a 530i or even a 545i. If you can I'd go with the 5 series... but I love my E90. I think it is way sportier than the 5. But depends on how you look at it. The 5 looks just as sporty in my opinion. My comments are all over the place isn't it? What I'm trying to say is, these two cars are almost identical... hope that helps?
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08-11-2005, 03:24 PM	#3
AidenL Driving ! 71 Rep 426 Posts Drives: 530e XDrive Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Ireland iTrader: (0)	Im 40, could go with a lower specced 530 Sport as opposed to a relatively high specced 330 Sport....... 545 is way too expensive here - I'm budgeting 70,000 Euros which is approximately $ 54,000, or £47,000 - cars are expensive in Ireland..... __________________ 2021 530e M Sport XDrive- Phytonic Blue - M Tech - 20" Wheels - Ivory / Black - Ash Trunkwood - Tech Pack - Laserlights - Sun Protection - Advanced Parking
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08-11-2005, 03:25 PM	#4
Hornet Lieutenant 59 Rep 410 Posts Drives: g20 330d xdrive Join Date: May 2005 Location: Finland iTrader: (0)	The 545i is gone now. If you can get the new 540i, then I'd say go for it. If not, get the 330i.
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08-11-2005, 04:02 PM	#5
Petercat Cat Herder 8 Rep 274 Posts Drives: LR3, again... Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Mpls, MN iTrader: (0)	AidenL, I was kind of in the same boat as you. I stopped at the dealer to look at the 5 series, but drove home in the new e90. After driving both, I found that the e90 was the car for me. I loved the room, style, class of the 5 series, but I have no kids and no need for the larger space. When driving the two cars back to back, you really see the benefits of the e90, much more driving pleasure. I wouldn't be too concerned about 5 vs. 3 class war. They are both great cars and either way you will not be disappointed. Good Luck. __________________ Waiting for my e93.
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08-11-2005, 04:04 PM	#6
JBOO Second Lieutenant 9 Rep 286 Posts Drives: BMW 535d Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Netherlands iTrader: (0)	Aiden- As soon as I can sell my 535d, I'm going for the E90. I don't consider it a downgrade, but you will find those that do. IMO, the 5 series is better if you need the extra room and maybe a little more luxury/prestige, but if you want a sportier drive, the 3 series is the only way to go. You can get the 5 with sports package and V8, but the car is still big and you will notice it when compared to the 3. It really depends on what you are wanting. If you are wanting a luxury sedan that's sporty go with a 5 and if you want a sport sedans that has some luxury touches go with a 3. Have I confused you now?
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08-11-2005, 04:18 PM	#7
AidenL Driving ! 71 Rep 426 Posts Drives: 530e XDrive Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Ireland iTrader: (0)	lol........ I know what you guys mean, and I'm thinking the same - I'll always perceive the 3 as being a sportier drive, and I think it will be more nimble and better handling than a 5..... Maybe I'm just looking for reassurance that I'm doing the right thing...... __________________ 2021 530e M Sport XDrive- Phytonic Blue - M Tech - 20" Wheels - Ivory / Black - Ash Trunkwood - Tech Pack - Laserlights - Sun Protection - Advanced Parking
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08-11-2005, 04:32 PM	#8
carl_d General 38 Rep 683 Posts Drives: E90 335i M-Sport N55 6SP Nov10 Join Date: May 2005 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	The E60 is too big for our, English and Irish, B and C classified roads. For our American friends out there:- who are wonder what the hell we are talking about:- C classified roads, trace their origin back to when a horse and cart was the only form of transport in England and Ireland (over 100 years ago) and they are often only wide enough for this purpose with passing palaces dotted along the road. B roads tend to be wide enough for two cars to pass (as they became upgraded over time). Both B and C roads are just amazing to drive along, as they constantly change direction and inclination, and combined with a relatively high 60 MPH speed limited, the driving experience is almost euphoric in a small BMW (or Mini). This is one of the reasons why the UK buys 10% of all BMW’s production and make us the worlds next largest market for BMW’s outside Germany and the US. The 3 series is ideal for our roads. A 5 series is just too big! The wife has an E60 520i and its fantastic on multilane motorways and A roads, with happy kids in the back, but its a pig (due to its size) on narrow country roads in England. I'd say the same is true in Ireland? The E60 is a family car. The E90 is ideal for a couple and country roads. Stick with the E90.
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08-11-2005, 04:39 PM	#9
AidenL Driving ! 71 Rep 426 Posts Drives: 530e XDrive Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Ireland iTrader: (0)	Small is good over here Carl alright, some of the back roads I travel on, size is a distinct disadvantage....... __________________ 2021 530e M Sport XDrive- Phytonic Blue - M Tech - 20" Wheels - Ivory / Black - Ash Trunkwood - Tech Pack - Laserlights - Sun Protection - Advanced Parking
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08-11-2005, 05:26 PM	#10
MCS e90 newbie 35 Rep 448 Posts Drives: 2012 M3 E93 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Northern NJ iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	Prior to my order of the 330, I test drove a 530, Audi A6 and A4, Infiniti G35 and M45 Sport. (also a 2002 M5) Came down to 2 cars, the Infiniti M45 Sport or the 330i. I ultimately decided on the BMW, not just due to the 10K difference in price; several factors: 6 speed manual - more fun to drive than a 5 speed auto smaller and sportier to drive (not faster than the v8) The BMW 530i is a larger sedan with a different feel. In my opinion, the Infiniti was more fun to drive, the V8 engine rocks. I did not dirve the current 545i. The 2002 M5 was the best test drive; however, the check engine and tire pressure lights came on during the test drive. This scared me regarding future maintenance costs. If it was our only car, I'd go with the larger cars, however, since We already have a family hauler SUV, I decided to go with the smaller "sports car" that my wife and I can use to bring the baby along in a pinch. If unlimited funds were on tap, maybe 2 extra cars are in order - Lotus Elise, and a separate 4 door for the snow (who knows, maybe this would still be the 330 Any other opinions - test driving is blast. If you're going to buy a car, have fun along the way.
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08-11-2005, 05:28 PM	#11
collinp Private First Class 5 Rep 117 Posts Drives: 2006 330i Join Date: May 2005 Location: San Francisco iTrader: (0)	Besides cost and size what's the difference between a 5 and a 3 nowadays? About the only 5 series features you can't get on the 3 are active suspension and the heads up display. I see no reason to get a 5 over a 3 unless want/need a bigger car. - Collin
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08-12-2005, 01:56 AM	#13
Imperial First Lieutenant 11 Rep 304 Posts Drives: '06 330i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Del Mar, CA iTrader: (0)	while I'm sure I'm a little biased, my vote also goes for the E90. I know Europe and her streets well and I can't imagine have anything bigger than a 3. If you don't necessarily have a need for a larger sedan, either, then I say E90 besides, it's not a step down. The 520i is lower in the 5 range, while the 330i is at the top of the 3 range (with respect to sedans, of course) __________________ 2006 330i 6MT - Black Sapphire Metallic - Terra Leather - ZSP - ZPP - iDrive - Sirius
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08-12-2005, 03:13 AM	#14
Thavash Private First Class 20 Rep 166 Posts Drives: F30 M-Sport 320i Red Join Date: May 2005 Location: Johannesburg, South Africa iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 BMW 320M [0.00] 2005 320i [0.00]	If you like a sportier car , then get the E90. Don't worry about image and what the neighbours think. Imagine if you bought a 5 to impress the neighbours , every time you drove it you'd be unhappy because you would long for the sportier E90. It's your money so buy the car you really want - don't worry about whether it's a class above or below.
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08-12-2005, 06:59 AM	#15
davinet78 Lieutenant Colonel 28 Rep 1,832 Posts Drives: bmw e90 320d Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: gibraltar(europe) iTrader: (0) Garage List 2005 bmw 320d E90 [0.00]	i think that the e90 is much more sportier than the e60 but undoubtly the e60 is a better car __________________ e90 320d,arktis,lumber support, hifi speaker, alarm, dakota beige, 162 18", xenon with washer spray,window chrome trimmings, professional radio, 6 cd changer wood trimmings 6 speed manual.
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08-12-2005, 07:58 AM	#16
mrbelk Second Lieutenant 9 Rep 207 Posts Drives: E90 335i/6MT Join Date: May 2005 Location: Alpharetta, GA iTrader: (0)	I have a 545, and when the lease is up in April, '07, I will be getting back into a 3er. I "graduated" from the 3er to the 545 basically because I thought I wanted something a little bigger and more powerful. Well, the new 3er fits that bill, especially when the twin-turbo model comes out next year. Now the 545 is a great car; tons of power, torque, room, etc. The thing is, I feel like I'm not "old" enough to be driving it (even though I got a 6sp manual). It's very nimble, but the 3er is just a little more "visceral;" a little more "connected" to the road. MARCUS330I is taking the same route as I: E46 330 -> E60 545 -> E90 330. I think the new 3er is a perfect blend of size, power, handling. -MrB
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08-12-2005, 08:15 AM	#18
chrisbin Colonel 112 Rep 2,333 Posts Drives: 640i MSport Coupe Join Date: May 2005 Location: S.Wales, UK iTrader: (1)	You are doing the right thing! E90 is plenty big enough for most! __________________ Current: F13 640i MSport, e85 Z4 3.0i Previous - Alpina D3 BiTurbo E90 LCI Manual, 320d M Sport E92 Auto, 330i M Sport E92 courtesy of BMW UK....320i M Sport E92 Auto, 320d SE E90 Manual.
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08-12-2005, 08:36 AM	#19
dxk Private First Class 9 Rep 166 Posts Drives: 2017 BMW 540i Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Boston iTrader: (0)	I went from e46 328 to C32 AMG, I was thinking of getting 545, but it's too big and handles not as good, so what's the point? My only concern with 330 has always been the power, but coming of 520, that's not an issue for you. If I had a big family, I'd consider 550 (new for 2006), otherwise, the 3 is the right size. I would not get 520, 525, or 535 since it's too heavy for it's engine. __________________ e90 330i e60 535i f10 550i f10 550i lci g30 540i
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08-12-2005, 01:18 PM	#20
AidenL Driving ! 71 Rep 426 Posts Drives: 530e XDrive Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Ireland iTrader: (0)	Thanks for all the input guys..... The poll result is certainly emphatic too...... __________________ 2021 530e M Sport XDrive- Phytonic Blue - M Tech - 20" Wheels - Ivory / Black - Ash Trunkwood - Tech Pack - Laserlights - Sun Protection - Advanced Parking
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08-12-2005, 01:54 PM	#21
AidenL Driving ! 71 Rep 426 Posts Drives: 530e XDrive Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Ireland iTrader: (0)	Hmm, you could have a point there....... __________________ 2021 530e M Sport XDrive- Phytonic Blue - M Tech - 20" Wheels - Ivory / Black - Ash Trunkwood - Tech Pack - Laserlights - Sun Protection - Advanced Parking
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08-12-2005, 04:56 PM	#22
icedragon guardian of ice and snow 67 Rep 424 Posts Drives: 128i, 325i Join Date: May 2005 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0) Garage List 06 325xi [0.00]	The 3er is much more important than the 5er. More than 50% of all BMWs sold is the 3-er. If the the 5er failed and no one bought it, BMW would still survive. But if the 3-er failed, BMW would collapse and crumble. That is how important and powerful the 3er is. That's why journalists always say that 3 is BMW's lucky number.
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