Re: 330is vs used 540is (archive)

: : any advice about buying a new 330is vs. a 1997 540is?
: That's a tough question. Of course your budget is first milestone, I say you might even be talking '98 540i if you bargain hard enough, versus buying a new 330i.
: Second is size, the space within an E39 is just enough larger than an E46 to make it more comfortable, the appointments are nicer, trunk larger.
: Finally, the new 225 horsepower 3.0 M54B30 engine will make the E46 a much stronger car, but there is no substitute for cubic inches, and no sound quite like a V8 at full tilt boogie.
:
: Pat

Pat,

I January I purchased a '99 328I with 8K miles for 35K. I love it, it has spunk. It's really solid and smooth at the same time. Steel Blue/sand turn heads. After becoming adicted to Bimmers, I bought a "cherry" '97 White/sand 540I with 50K miles for 37K. So now I have both and I can tell you like most people on this board will tell you, they are completely different cars. The 540 feels heavier and glides along. It's not as peppy but most certainly has more overall power. On the freeway, let me tell you, it MOVES! So now I have both (of course I can't afford two cars but who cares). I like to drive one for a few days and then switch. That way I really appreciate the attributes of the two.

In short, try to make price secondary (I know it's hard) but make sure you buy the car you're going to be most happy with.

Good luck,

Norman

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