My E60's Vs. new 3

Cheers comrades,

Took the Alpine E60 in for: 1st scheduled service (light came on), software upgrade for GPS, S.O.S. issue (SOS can't locate me) and a "popping in the driver's seat.

Anyhoo, was given a 2006 3-Series on 1/4 and I will return it 1/9 - the following is just my opinion;

I would never give up not one of my 5's in exchange for the 3. The simple reason, I like the styling of the E60 way better and the size is just that much "roomier" for me - and I'm a single guy with no kids or pets! The 3 series interior (without iDrive) is sleek and user friendly and, IMO, a HUGE improvement over the previous 3's interior. However it still "looks" entry level to me. I firmly believe opting for the iDrive in the new 3 would give a much more high-end feel... Side note: I'm still perplexed as to why BMW DIDN'T put it in as standard??? They could have done the same as the E60 and just made GPS "optional" as on the 5.

In favor of the new 3, hands-down it handles MUCH better than my E60's (both 530i's). The engine is more responsive and the steering is DEAD-ON! It is by far the "ultimate driving machine"... Still, the cabin is a bit cramped for me and the arm rest is too far back and not adjustable.

In summary I agree with the critics - it IS the benchmark for sports sedans but I'm a 5-guy at heart! ;-)

Cheers for now!

P.S.
on Friday 1/6 a 19yr old driver of a '96 Mercury Marquis, plowed into the new 3 while I was stopped at a red light. Impact shoved me into a Ford Ranger pickup. It "felt" like the girl was going 50mph! Much to my surprise while there was visible damage to the front & rear of the 3, it was virtually unscathed! Yes, I took it back to the dealer (WITH the police report) but the dealer said to just keep it until my car was ready! I was impressed with the overall build integrity of the car!

Reply » My E60's Vs. new 3

I think due to previous incarnations of iDrive, BMW did not want to risk alienating their 3 series customer base since the 3 series is their bread and butter.

I agree, the iDrive implementation makes non iDrive cars look cheap and dated. I suspect the next version of the 3 will have it standard. It costs more for BMW to have two versions of the car and to maintain both. However, they will have to get iDrive rock solid.

Reply » My E60's Vs. new 3

Nice post. I agree, the 3 Series is the Ultimate Driving Machine! I have test driven one, and WOW! My concern would be long trips as the car is smaller than the E60, and I wonder about how well the 3 Series will absorb road noise, road imperfections, bumps, on a long haul. But, I have not had the pleasure of sitting in a 3 Series for an extended trip, so I will reserve judgment on those issues.

Reply » My E60's Vs. new 3

The new 3 is almost as big as the E39 5er. I will concede that the interior is a bit more cramped than my 545; there's not as much headroom (but there's enough, and I'm 6'5"); and there's not as much rear seat legroom (but more than my old E46 330)

Honestly, I think the E90 3er is a much more attractive vehicle than my E60. The proportions are better. I like the front and rear fascia better. I like the sharp, concave crease that goes down the side. The headlights, with the floating ring lights are way cool, too.

The driving experience (aside from all the power and torque of my V8) is superior to the E60. The steering was awesome; terrific feel, good weight, and very tight. The shifter and clutch action was much smoother and crisper than the E60.

I am salivating at the possibility of a 300hp 335i to replace my 545i next spring. The 3er is just a little more my taste at this stage of my life and career. It's a bit more "visceral, " which is a feeling that I think is missing from the new 5er, with the exception of the M5.

-MrB

Reply » My E60's Vs. new 3

I have always had Three's and I loved them. (Two, e30, e36) They drove amazingly. The e36 is actually the one that got me hooked on bimmers. I then wanted the new 3 and I thought it drove very well. But I decided on my 5 because I wanted a little more trunk room and more rear seat space. All I can say is that I wasn't hesitant at all to get the 5. Personally, I love the 5 series styling

I have to say though I am truely an e60 lover

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