Re: 528i vs 328i Dilemma (long) (archive)

Hi Andy,
I have a 97M3 and my wife has a 99 528iA with sport package. I would go for the 5 series simply for all the amenities it has to offer. Alot of the 7-series technology has worked its way down to the E39 cars.
In terms of handling you will have a hard time comparing handling of the 5-series to the M3. But I actually like driving my wife cars because it is less harsh and comfortable. I think it makes a better daily driver, and the handling is still very good.
If you get a 528, go for a 99 or 2000 model due to dual Vanos. I think you can get a 99 for around 35-36K. Prices have really dropped since the 530 came out. As others have said, a 540i might be an option also.
Alex

I'm in the market for a used, low miles, Bimmer and I am trying to decide between '00 328i 5-spd w/sport suspension, and '00 528i 5-spd with sport suspension (my other car, which I love and am keeping, is a '98 E36 M3/2). Unfortunately, I live in an area where arranging for a simple test drive of each car is an all-day affair. If the 528i is slow and wallows, I don't wish to drive 200 miles to test one. Good advice from the forum can save me time and aggravation.

My question is this: Does the 2.8 in the 528i have enough grunt for spirited driving, as opposed to the smaller and lighter 328i? Can the E-39 sport suspension chassis hold its own against the E46 sport suspension? The car will see duty as a family hauler (wife and kid both of whom will fit into either car comfortably).

In a perfect world, I'd prefer to have either a 540i/6-spd, or a 330i, but money is a limiting factor. I found (on the net) a low miles 528i w/5spd, sport susp.,heated seats, and xenon for approx. $39K. I also found a '00 328i, very low miles, w/5spd, leather, HK audio, sport susp for $34K. The smaller size performance gains that I might get with the 328i are probably offset by the heavier E46 body (when compared to the E-36). Is it worth the extra bucks to go with the 528i? Is the trip from 'near' luxury to 'luxury' worth the extra money?

I know that this comparison isn't exactly apples to apples, but your comments will be appreciated. By the way, is the stock sound system (non-DSP) in the 528i any good?

Please respond in peace--I wish to offend no one, especially 528 and 328 pilots.

Thanks.

Andy (Alpine White '98 M3 Coupe)

Follow Ups:

Go for the '98 john 11:15 2/05/2001 (0)

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