Which new car to buy??

[z0mb13]

Hi guys, my company is giving a car ownership program and I get to choose which car I want. Since I used to own a 330ci (E46 model) I am thinking of getting another BMW.

The options that fall into the budget: BMW 328i or 520d

I test drove both yesterday and frankly I am torn. The 328 is DAMN fast and nimble.. much faster than my old 330ci and it just keeps on pulling. The 328 by far has the best driving feel of the two.

However I also like the 520d due to the high torque (the 520i feels slower due to less torque) and also the diesel fuel economy. The inside is also much more luxurious and comfy compared to the 3 series. The 520d definitely looks more like the "adult" car while the 3 series is more sporty or young executive type (I am mid 30s)

Also I plan to get a driver soon (I live in a country where labor is cheap) and it will be paid by the company as well. The 5 series would be much better for that purpose. But on weekends I will still drive the car on my own to my golf trips (like 1 hour trip each way) and the 3 series definitely will be better suited for me (but the 5 series has more space for golf clubs). Arghhh I am torn.. Please help!! (WITH POLL)

 

[Sho'Nuff]

None of the reasons you gave for the 5 series really resonate with me. Seems you like the 328 better, but are fighting with some notion that you should get the 5 series because it is more of an "adult" car. Dude you are 35, not 55. You can still have fun and not be apologetic about it. Get the car that feels the best to you, not the one you think others expect you to have.

As for more room for golf clubs, how many clubs are you carrying around?

 

[z0mb13]

None of the reasons you gave for the 5 series really resonate with me. Seems you like the 328 better, but are fighting with some notion that you should get the 5 series because it is more of an "adult" car. Dude you are 35, not 55. You can still have fun and not be apologetic about it. Get the car that feels the best to you, not the one you think others expect you to have.

As for more room for golf clubs, how many clubs are you carrying around?

Good point. I really think the 520d is a compromise. If I were to get a 5 series I will get a 528 at least.

Just one set hahaha... hopefully it fits.

 

[Kaido]

If you're going to get a driver, I'd say buy the fun car. My buddy is in the same situation - he has a long commute & has a driver so he can work on the road, so he bought a V8 Mustang as his weekend toy.

 

[_Rick_]

I'd get the 5 series. Better to have something comfy for longer drives, with some space.
The 3 series is quicker, but it's a four door boring car, just like the 5 series, only less refined.
Take the 5 series, and get something fun on the side instead.

 

[monkeydelmagico]

If you are going to be in the back alot take the 5 series. 3 series is not very comfy in back. Really neither one is that great for back seat..... but if you only have those two choices..... 520d

 

[z0mb13]

If you're going to get a driver, I'd say buy the fun car. My buddy is in the same situation - he has a long commute & has a driver so he can work on the road, so he bought a V8 Mustang as his weekend toy.

This is what I was thinking as well. I will still keep my mazda SUV so can drive the 328 on the weekends.

 

[z0mb13]

I'd get the 5 series. Better to have something comfy for longer drives, with some space.
The 3 series is quicker, but it's a four door boring car, just like the 5 series, only less refined.
Take the 5 series, and get something fun on the side instead.

Unfortunately I already have a mazda CX-5 that I intend to keep (love the car). So having 3 cars is not really an option (and out of budget as well) for me.

The 5 series is damn nice and the interior is definitely more comfy than the 3, but the 3 now is slightly bigger as well compared to the previous generations. The only downside if I get 520d is I might regret it in the future (should have gotten the 528)

 

[soccerballtux]

get a used 335d. It's faster 60-100 than the M3, has fluid power steering (better, not electrical) and gets 33mpg, or 38MPG if you remove the DPF and DEF system

 

[smackababy]

I'd go with the 5 series, because I think they look better as a sedan than any 3 series. Looks mean a lot in terms of what to purchase with me, though. I also wouldn't buy a BMW though, so there's that.

 

[exar333]

get a used 335d. It's faster 60-100 than the M3, has fluid power steering (better, not electrical) and gets 33mpg, or 38MPG if you remove the DPF and DEF system

This.

I'd go with the 5 series, because I think they look better as a sedan than any 3 series. Looks mean a lot in terms of what to purchase with me, though. I also wouldn't buy a BMW though, so there's that.

Opposite of this.

 

[Sho'Nuff]

I drove the 328i yesterday (4 cyl turbo) and friggin LOVED it. Not sure if that helps you or not.

 

[z0mb13]

get a used 335d. It's faster 60-100 than the M3, has fluid power steering (better, not electrical) and gets 33mpg, or 38MPG if you remove the DPF and DEF system

335 here is much more expensive its CBU imported (instead of being assembled here). Moreover the engine on the 328 (twin turbo) is newer and arguably better than the 335 engine (still single turbo). I am sure the 335 engine will be due for a refresh soon (twin turbo like the m3/m4)

 

[z0mb13]

I drove the 328i yesterday (4 cyl turbo) and friggin LOVED it. Not sure if that helps you or not.

I agree... the 328 just pulls.. the engine is so nice and torque is available at any RPM
Its much better than my old 330ci (E46 model)

 

[z0mb13]

Ok I have decided to get the 328 sport version..

I will be getting it in 1 week.. can't wait

Now which 19 inch wheels should I get for the car...

 

[SSSnail]

http://www.velocitymotoring.com/

 

[z0mb13]

Just bought 20 inch bbs wheels in gray with toyo tires.. Cant wait for the car to come next week!!!

 

[z0mb13]

This the exact wheels that i bought

 

[SSSnail]

I hope the country you're living in that allows for cheap labor has decent road infrastructure to support the 20" rims and paint thin tires.

 

[z0mb13]

I hope the country you're living in that allows for cheap labor has decent road infrastructure to support the 20" rims and paint thin tires.

well we have sucky roads.. but I will only gun it in the freeways
Good thing we are tire producers (tires here are cheap). I got the whole set toyo tires for $600

 

[hans007]

335 here is much more expensive its CBU imported (instead of being assembled here). Moreover the engine on the 328 (twin turbo) is newer and arguably better than the 335 engine (still single turbo). I am sure the 335 engine will be due for a refresh soon (twin turbo like the m3/m4)

The 328 engine is also a single turbo.(n20)

Its twin scroll just like the 335(n55) one. The next 335 engine will still also have one turbo (b58). M3 engine is based on the same design with two actual turbos so its called s55.

I have a 328. I might have just gotten used to it but it actually want more power and would love an n55 or higher. You could try a 530d (in US they call it 535d....). I've driven a 335d and the massive torque feels better even if it really is only as fast on paper as the new 328i

 

[z0mb13]

The 328 engine is also a single turbo.(n20)

Its twin scroll just like the 335(n55) one. The next 335 engine will still also have one turbo (b58). M3 engine is based on the same design with two actual turbos so its called s55.

I have a 328. I might have just gotten used to it but it actually want more power and would love an n55 or higher. You could try a 530d (in US they call it 535d....). I've driven a 335d and the massive torque feels better even if it really is only as fast on paper as the new 328i

I thought the new m3 and m4 will be inline six twin turbo (or is it just newer engine?). Was almost sure that both the 320i and 328i are twin turbo inline fours

There is not a 530d here... Actuallly diesel cars dont sell well here (resale value is worse) due to lack of diesel stations and the perceived lesser quality of diesels vs gasonline (although bmw does make excellent diesel engines)

 

[Imported]

The N20 motor is fantastic. When I test drove the 228i/M235i, I didn't really miss the extra power.. just the sound. I went with the 228i in the end.

 

[z0mb13]

The N20 motor is fantastic. When I test drove the 228i/M235i, I didn't really miss the extra power.. just the sound. I went with the 228i in the end.

wow nice pics of the 228i? I love the 2/1 series... would make a perfect track car

Have you modified the exhaust to get the sound that u wanted? I am debating whether I should put in eisenmann or akrapovic exhaust

 

[z0mb13]

Hi guys picked up the car yesterday. Here are some pictures:

It drives very welll... Its like a go cart.. So much power available at any time

Now if i can only keep the car clean