[dohc97]

My first BMW was a 2001 330ci. I sold that in September 2003(with 18,000 miles on it) and bought a 2003 540 sport. My 540 has currently 22,000 miles on it. I have test driven the 335i twice and am seriously thinking of selling the 540 for it. If my car has 50,000 miles on it, it would be easier for me to decide on selling it.

If you're me, would you sell this 540 and get a 335i? For mods, it has the BBS RS-GT wheels with Goodyear F1 tires, JL audio amps, JL audio subs, and Diamond Audio components and coaxials.

[HyperM3]

Is it a 6spd?

[dohc97]

It's an auto with the Dinan tranny software.

[HyperM3]

Are you considering a 6spd in the 335 or auto?

[Mark]

most definitly, you'll have tighter overall package, equally impressive engine (in a different way), and of course it will be a new car with all those benefits (no sqeaks, new car warranty, etc)... I think overall you will be a happy camper, assuming you don't mind redoing some of your mods on the new car (i love modding a new car from scratch)

[LEDZEP]

First - Welcome! Very nice photo of your 5!

You're probably in good shape with equity and would do nicely on the deal. Are you thinking 335i sedan or coupe? Both are quite nice. The E90 (sedan) is actually about a big as the 5 you have so you wouldn't be sacrificing any space inside.

[dohc97]

If I get a 335i, it will be a 6 speed. The 540 is my first automatic. I already have set of wheels picked if I get the 335i. I want another set of BBS RS-GT.
Btw, i don't owe anything on the car.

If I decide to get one, I'll probably get it from the Delivery Center on September to coincide with my birthday.

I know that the 335i has only been out for a couple of months. Any issues so far beside the fuel pump problem I have been seeing in here?

Thanks..

[Kenny C]

I have a 98 540 with 32000 miles. The dealer offered $11000. I laughed at him and decided to keep it. Now I have the best of both worlds. A pristine 540 and brand new 335. If you can only keep one I'd get the 335. It's an absolute blast. Much better power than the 540. Handleing is not even in the same league

[dohc97]

kenny,

Since you have both a 540 and a 335, don't you feel you're downgrading when you're driving your 335i? Is the quality of materials the same? I can't really tell during my 30 minute test drive.

btw, I don't mean this in any bad way at all. Just an honest question I am asking myself.

[Chi-town330]

Originally Posted by dohc97

kenny,

Since you have both a 540 and a 335, don't you feel you're downgrading when you're driving your 335i? Is the quality of materials the same? I can't really tell during my 30 minute test drive.

btw, I don't mean this in any bad way at all. Just an honest question I am asking myself.

No offense taken here. I have owned two 5 series, including an '04 E60. I too was worried about the "downgrade" issue, being a 40-something year old guy in a 3 series, going "smaller", blah blah. Actually, I was shopping for another 5 series, didn't even think about the E90, but after several trips to the dealership, I found myself repeately sitting in it, digging the looks, liking the feel, etc. Probably like you.

Finally the sales manager said try it (even though he knew I was looking at the 5), I said what the heck, let me take it for a spin. Wow. Came home, did some research on the car, and between what I felt (HAPPY), and what I read (GREAT), I bought a leftover 330 48 hours later. I now look back on my original concerns and laugh at myself. And I saved money to boot!

And by the way, it's not like I am inexperienced with 3 series, we have one (an E46 convert).

I love my E90, and definitely feel the size increase over our E46. Some may not think that is an "improvement", but given I was a "5" sort of guy, it is to me. And given you are a 5 guy, I thought I would mention it. Honestly, it doesn't feel much smaller than the E60. Yes, a little, and the shorter wheelbase is noticeable over bumps, making high speed lane changes, etc, but not by much.

I have had the car for about 6 weeks, and I feel like I did back when I got my first BMW (1990 535, bought used in 1992, what a MACHINE).

This car is just more fun to drive. And I also thought that I wouldn't like it on the highway nearly as much as the 5, but not true there either. Haven't done a long trip, but have taken three 100 mile round trips to visit a relative (funny, that's more than half the total miles I have put on the car, don't use it much in the city), and the car was extremely stable and comfortable, cruising at 80 (and did hit 110 briefly, open empty highway, ROCK SOLID). Not quite the 5 on the highway, but oh so very close.

If I used the car a lot, for work, clients, filled with people, etc, then I probably would have opted for another 5. But not doing that now, so given this car is purely for FUN, I got the car that I think is actually more fun to drive. And I'm not implying this car wouldn't fill those needs (work, clients, etc), but let's face it, the 5 is an incredible all around car.

Good luck with your decision and let us know what you do.

one question: given you have a nice car now, are you considering waiting until the 08's come out? maybe a few of the first year hiccups will be ironed out, and that's not too far away.

[dohc97]

If I decide to go with it, I'll be getting mine in September as a bday present to myself. I guess, the 08 model will be out by then. Anybody know what's going to be different with the 08 model?

[Chi-town330]

Originally Posted by dohc97

If I decide to go with it, I'll be getting mine in September as a bday present to myself. I guess, the 08 model will be out by then. Anybody know what's going to be different with the 08 model?

I believe E90Fleet recently said no official information regarding '08 changes has been made public.

Oh, and to answer one of your other questions, I don't notice any difference in quality of fit/finish, at least compared to the E60 (can't comment on the E39). Feels like a scaled down 5, absent a few items, such as electric/programmable steering wheel tilt/scope, headrest, and seat belt height. But I can live without those, and probably wouldn't want all that weight in the 3 anyway.

[Kenny C]

I noticed some quality differences between the cars. The 540 has all top notch materials and has held up great over the 9 years that I've had it. The 335 seems like the sheet metal on the fenders is a little flimsy? However, I don't believe it's poor quality of materials. I think it's more of an effort to try and save weight. The interior materials are of high quality. When you drive the 335 on a daily basis the car is so fast and handles so well that the experience blows the 540 away. Add in all the features that seemlessly integrate nav, phone, sat, ipod, voice recognition... Get the 335.
Kenny