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pma1ums 
Really Senior Member II
Joined: 12-October-2004
Location: central uk
Status: Offline
Points: 1148
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 Topic: 3 series to 5 series
Posted: 04-April-2005 at 09:00 |
hi there guys .iam usealy hiding in the 3 series forum .but ive ventured out in to this big world .iam serouisly thinking of getting rid of my mint 98 323ise and going up a size to a five .the reason being is 1000 miles aweek .and a bit more refinement is needed .
the question being .is what choice of 5 do i go for ???
i need something that is as fun to drive as my 3....or faster would be nice ...i will want to turn the asc off so ican i have fun in the wet.and thats about it really
as it is a work car iam not looking at spending much money ..about the value of mine or there abouts
what would you guys recomend???and is there anything to watch out for
ps
fuel economy and insurance group are not an issue
any help guys ..much appreciated
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its a dogs world out there
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Andrew Rolland
Moderator Group
Go away rain
Joined: 19-August-2004
Location: Scotland
Status: Offline
Points: 6579
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Posted: 04-April-2005 at 12:41 |
Try a bigger engine like a 525i - 190 bhp (not sure when they dropped the 523 and replaced it with the 525) or a 528i - 193 bhp or if I was you doing that mileage I'd get myself a nice 530d - 190 bhp and as much torque as a lorry!
My 523i is a bit light in the power dept, I used to have a 204 bhp Vauxhall and I notice a big difference except the BMW goes round bends a lot better!
Your car is worth about £5-5.5k, that might just get you a 97R 528i SEA. (According to Parkers guide)
Mind and watch out for the dreaded Nikasil if you go older than 1998 for a 6 pot 5 series. Cut off date is March 1998 so try and buy after that.
You could go for a 535i or 540i if you are prepared to take one of the first E39s. Loads of fun but more expensive to run.
Andrew
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Be exclusive and drive a Petrol 5 Series!
Current
'13 62 F10 535i MSport Auto
Previous
'04 04 E60 545i SE Auto
'03 53 E60 545i SE Auto (Stolen)
'98 S E39 523i SE Auto
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Dergside
Really Senior Member II
Joined: 16-May-2004
Location: Mid West, Ireland
Status: Offline
Points: 4000
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Posted: 04-April-2005 at 13:29 |
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Definitely go for the 525i/528i, depending on budget. The slightly heavier weight of the 5 needs the extra power, and can easily handle it. Entertainment factor should be at least as good as your 3. The e39 is an immensely capable car.
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Now: BMW 523i SE '00, 318i SE - e91 '07, 325i Coupe '93.
Prev:
e46 328i SE Touring, 330Ci, 318Ci.
e39 523i SE.
e36 325i Coupe *2, 323i SE, 316iSE.
e30 325iSE 2dr, 320i Conv, 320i 2dr, 316i.
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jamie (e39)528i
Really Senior Member II
Joined: 03-January-2005
Location: chafford hundred essex
Status: Offline
Points: 1093
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Posted: 04-April-2005 at 15:38 |
I agree with Dergside buy a 525i/528i as the 523i is a little underpowered for the bulk of the e39.
I had a 24v 525i e34 which was fairly rapid with 192 bhp but the 528i is in a different league even though it only has 1 bhp more!!
The 528i has alot more torque low down and will easily flash up the asc light if driven with a bit of verve .
I might be biased but buy a 1998 on 528ise-you know it makes sense!!
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pma1ums
Really Senior Member II
Joined: 12-October-2004
Location: central uk
Status: Offline
Points: 1148
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Posted: 04-April-2005 at 16:17 |
 jamie (e39)528i wrote:
I might be biased but buy a 1998 on 528ise-you know it makes sense!!
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i was actually thinking of the 528 ise [around a 97 or 98 plated one].because of the slightly bigger engine to compensate for that little extra weight in a 5 compared to a 3 ... but what is the next size up i could opt for???
thanks chaps for your replies so far ..
Edited by pma1ums
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its a dogs world out there
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jamie (e39)528i
Really Senior Member II
Joined: 03-January-2005
Location: chafford hundred essex
Status: Offline
Points: 1093
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Posted: 04-April-2005 at 16:30 |
I believe the only other choices you have on an early e39 is a 535i or a 540i both v8's, mmm nice noise but depending on your use very thirsty and costly to run ie petrol insurance etc....
For your budget you could get an early 535/540i but they would probably be a bit miley,not normally a problem though on a BMW.
I considered a 535i when buying my e39 but read great things about the 528i so decided that was the best comprimise between running costs and performance.It was considered the best buy before the 530i came along in 2000.
However i have driven a 540i and the performance will blow you away the only critiscism i have would be it felt really heavy on the front end,i didnt think the steering felt much different to the six pots as is widely spoken about.But that is only my opinion which is worth about £0.001p!!!
Whatever 5 you choose you will be surprised how such a big car shrink's around you.
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spokey
Bavarian-Board Contributor
Offensive and obnoxious tub of lard
Joined: 02-March-2004
Location: United Kingdom
Status: Offline
Points: 1948
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Posted: 04-April-2005 at 19:41 |
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In my youth, when I was untramelled with the onerous financial worries of parenthood, I had the option of buying a 528i or a 540i. I actually found very little usable difference between the two, and I can't for the life of me think why that should be. I'd rather have a well-kitted-out 528i than a bare bones 540i. That's what I bought when I had the money to buy either one.
Bizarre, I know, but there you go.
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Ciao,
Spokey
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3 series to 5 series