[ksfrogman]

I was curious so I looked at the Technical Data sections of the 3-series and 5-series vehicles on the BMWUSA.com website, and discovered the following:

e90 Unladen Weight (Manual) = 3417 lbs
e60 Unladen Weight (Manual) = 3428 lbs

Yet the 5-series is much longer, wider and taller than the 3-series. Does this strike anyone as odd? And why is this?

[tctic]

The 5 series uses more lightweight material. For example, the Aluminum Front end construction.

[SRT]

Hmm
I assume you looked at models with similar sized engines?

I'm going to suggest that it's not the 5-series which is produced lighter, but simply the E90/3-series which has gotten heavier

[Saintor]

I read an article about the E60 being a "disposable" car in case of important body repair because of light weight material. Very expensive.

[stressdoc]

325i 3285
525i 3428

330i 3417
530i 3472

I agree, the E90 is portly. Part of me would prefer a 3200 lb. 335i, achieved with fewer luxury bits. No sunroof, manual seats, no runflats, etc.

I picked up the rear end of my 2002tii. Would not want to have to do that to an E90.

[ksfrogman]

Originally Posted by stressdoc

325i 3285
525i 3428

330i 3417
530i 3472

I agree, the E90 is portly. Part of me would prefer a 3200 lb. 335i, achieved with fewer luxury bits. No sunroof, manual seats, no runflats, etc.

I picked up the rear end of my 2002tii. Would not want to have to do that to an E90.

The difference between the 325i and 330i weight cannot be the engine block, since they are the same engines essentially. Must be the larger wheels and what else?

[Arby 330]

basicly the entire front end of the 5 is made up of lightweight materials. I understand this can be expensive, but why wouldnt bmw use the same thing on the 3??? i dont really understand, maybe someone can shed some light.

[quackman]

Originally Posted by Arby 330

basicly the entire front end of the 5 is made up of lightweight materials. I understand this can be expensive, but why wouldnt bmw use the same thing on the 3??? i dont really understand, maybe someone can shed some light.

Because the 3 series is cheaper...

[CnoteMD]

I agree, I think it is mostly cost related. My wife and I test drove a 530i and I was very surprised by the acceleration. Even though it had a steptronic, it felt almost as fast as my 330i with a manual transmission.

There is probably more of a weight difference comparing a 325i vs 330i than a 330i vs 530i. But the 5 series is about $10k more than a comparable 3 series. I noticed a few other price differences between the two models. Logic7 costs about $1600 on the 5 series, but this is standard on the 330i (though this upgraded stereo on the 5 series also includes a 6 disk changer in the glove compartment). Also, the $500 comfort access from the 3 series costs $1000 on the 5 series.

I think BMW would have a more difficult time selling these cars if they were to charge us the extra money it would take to cut another 150-200 lbs from the 3 series' weight.

Michael