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Decisions, Decisions... (2003 530i or 2006 330i)
First off, I came across a link to this forum while purusing another and have since made this my "home" for bmw centered information/conversation. With that said, I present my dilema.
I'm looking to replace my 1999.5 A4 1.8TQMS and after much consideration, have narrowed it down to either a 2003 530i (sport/manual) or a 2006 330i (also sport/manual).
I've driven a nice 530i and came away thoroughly impressed. I drove a non-sport 330i and was also very impressed. In short, I don't think I could go wrong either way. The E90 has grown substantially and so interior space is pretty much a wash. I also like the more modern E90 interior, though the E39 isn't bad either. The E90 is quicker curve to curve, but the E39 is no slouch and has a bit more substantial feel without being overweight.
In the end it comes down to a few deciding factors:
1) Reliability - Both are BMW's (faults and all) so I know there will be problems, but is one better/worse than the other?
2) Resale - Rumors of a bigger engine on the way concern me re: the E90 while the E39 (especially w/ sport package) has "future classic" written all over it IMO. Agree or disagree?
3) Availability - I'm surprised how few 530i sport/manuals are out there. I could end up having to "settle" while I can order the E90 just how I want it.
4) Cost - I can get a nice 530i for $31k - $35k while the E90 will run me at least $40k. Am I nuts to spend more on the 330i when the 530i has pretty much everything I want/need for at least $5k less?
I admit, this is a great problem to have... so what's a guy to do?
Thanks,
Jarlaxle
| | Reply » Decisions, Decisions... (2003 530i or 2006 330i) |
I'd lean slightly towards the E90. The extra warranty coverage is on the E90 is definitely a plus, though it *is* a few grand more than the 530.
Are you looking to buy or lease? If you're considering leasing, have you looked at the price difference there? It may be closer than you think, and in that case I'd say the E90 wins for the following reasons:
1. Better warranty coverage, free maintenance.
2. Better availability. You can definitely get all the options you want. You can also go through the whole nail-biting (but fun!) wait of it being built, track it overseas, etc. There's nothing like taking delivery of your custom-ordered brand-new BMW.
Which brings me to another option - European Delivery. If you can do it, I'd go E90 with ED and make an experience out of it. Everybody here that has done it (some multiple times!) rave about it. 
Though I have to agree with you - the E39 will definitely be a "classic" BMW in my opinion. If you want a sport/manual, though, the pickings may be real slim and you could be waiting for quite some time to find "the right" car.
| | Reply » Decisions, Decisions... (2003 530i or 2006 330i) |
Quote: | Rumors of a bigger engine on the way concern me | There will ALWAYS be something 'just around the corner' or a rumor of the same. BMW models are re-done approx. every 7 years, with a re-fresh done once during the 7 years at year 4 give or take. So as soon as a new model is out, the rumors as to what will be done for the refresh will be out . . . . and the cycle repeats itself.
| | Reply » Decisions, Decisions... (2003 530i or 2006 330i) |
Quote: I'd lean slightly towards the E90. The extra warranty coverage is on the E90 is definitely a plus, though it *is* a few grand more than the 530.
Are you looking to buy or lease? If you're considering leasing, have you looked at the price difference there? It may be closer than you think, and in that case I'd say the E90 wins for the following reasons:
1. Better warranty coverage, free maintenance.
2. Better availability. You can definitely get all the options you want. You can also go through the whole nail-biting (but fun!) wait of it being built, track it overseas, etc. There's nothing like taking delivery of your custom-ordered brand-new BMW.
Which brings me to another option - European Delivery. If you can do it, I'd go E90 with ED and make an experience out of it. Everybody here that has done it (some multiple times!) rave about it.
Though I have to agree with you - the E39 will definitely be a "classic" BMW in my opinion. If you want a sport/manual, though, the pickings may be real slim and you could be waiting for quite some time to find "the right" car. | ED is probably not an option as we have a three year old and a two week old. Although, I'd have to ask the wife before I nix that idea altogether.
I would probably extend the E90 warranty out to 100k even, so it would have a large edge there.
In the end, I think its going to come down to availability. If the right 530i pops up between now and the end of the year, I'd probably buy it. But if it doesn't, my E90 will be on order by Christmas...
BTW, I'm seeing more and more E90's on the road here in Atlanta, and I think it might just end up in that "future classic" category itself... 
| | Reply » Decisions, Decisions... (2003 530i or 2006 330i) |
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=111304
| | Reply » Decisions, Decisions... (2003 530i or 2006 330i) |
Quote: | I'd lean slightly towards the E90.... 1. Better warranty coverage | Although true, you could look for a CPO 530i , which would take away some of the concern...
Here's the closest one to you...  almost 200 miles away!
*******>*******>| 530i | 
2003
|
Manual
|
58,872
|
Titanium Gray Metallic
|
$32,900
|
Hancock BMW
Columbia, SC
|
196
| ********>********>
|
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Decisions, Decisions... (2003 530i or 2006 330i)