Alex B Posted July 1, 2015 Report Share Posted July 1, 2015 (edited) I've recently bought a 2003 330d touring manual M Sport after giving up looking for a 530d manual M Sport, but I've got the option of a 2002 530d Manual M Sport now. Anyone owned both and able to give me feedback? I really like the 3 series and it seems fairly economical but I like the rarity and extra size of the 5 series. I've also read the 5 series is more comfortable/softer. Thanks Alex B Edited July 1, 2015 by Alex B Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Salim Posted July 1, 2015 Report Share Posted July 1, 2015 Can't comment on the engines as I've never owned the 3.0d in any bmw but I've owned a fair few e46's and a couple of e39's. In terms of comfort the e39 is in another league. It was like driving around in your living room. Saying all that the e39 was auto whereas the e46s were manual. Rich_D 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich_D Posted July 2, 2015 Report Share Posted July 2, 2015 Echo the comments above, E39's are uber, but the E46 is smaller & lighter so a little better on fuel Both will be the earlier 2.9 engine, which I had in my first 330d, loads of low end punch, but not as revvy as the later 3.0 and not quite as good on fuel, but still good. E39 330d's in manual are very rare though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob- Posted July 2, 2015 Report Share Posted July 2, 2015 I believe the e39 530d (in facelift guise at least) has 192bhp rather than the 184 in the 330d. Not sure what the differences between the two are. Rich_D 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich_D Posted July 2, 2015 Report Share Posted July 2, 2015 Correct, the E39 has slightly more power, I believe it is just mapping Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex B Posted July 2, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 2, 2015 My 330 is the 204bhp 6 speed one, full black leather heated seats, 120k miles, pretty tidy, nice to drive, averaged 38mpg on a recent holiday to cornwall, (genuine, not from the display). The 530 I'm looking at is alcantara, (so probably not heated), probably in the region of 180k miles at a guess, (was at 160k a year ago), needs a few jobs doing but price reflects it. On paper the E39 is only 1mpg lower round town but now sure in real terms. Alex B Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob- Posted July 2, 2015 Report Share Posted July 2, 2015 The e39 is the best car I've ever driven, or even been in for that matter. I know I'm like a broken record but they really are that good. Rich_D 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich_D Posted July 2, 2015 Report Share Posted July 2, 2015 My 330 is the 204bhp 6 speed one, full black leather heated seats, 120k miles, pretty tidy, nice to drive, averaged 38mpg on a recent holiday to cornwall, (genuine, not from the display). The 530 I'm looking at is alcantara, (so probably not heated), probably in the region of 180k miles at a guess, (was at 160k a year ago), needs a few jobs doing but price reflects it. On paper the E39 is only 1mpg lower round town but now sure in real terms. Alex B As much as the E39 is a great car, the later 3.0 D engine with a 6 speed manual box in an E46 Sport Touring is rare, yours also a lot less miles and if it were me I'd keep the E46 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob- Posted July 2, 2015 Report Share Posted July 2, 2015 Get both! Saloon e39 and a touring e46 would be a nice fleet. Rich_D 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich_D Posted July 3, 2015 Report Share Posted July 3, 2015 Get both! Saloon e39 and a touring e46 would be a nice fleet. Damn straight it would Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex B Posted July 3, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 3, 2015 I was tempted but already have a '92 GMC suburban, R32 GTR, Marcos V6, 200sx S14a, I'd get hung if I bought another car without getting rid of one! I am leaning towards keeping the E46 for the reasons Rich D says, along with the fact I already have it! Alex B Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DEVIL 666 Posted July 3, 2015 Report Share Posted July 3, 2015 I prefer the e46 , IMO 1 of the best BMW ever. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich_D Posted July 4, 2015 Report Share Posted July 4, 2015 (edited) I prefer the e46 , IMO 1 of the best BMW ever. You've clearly never owned an E39, it's like an E46, very similar in some respects, but even better Both cars are superb though Edited July 4, 2015 by Rich_D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
black7 Posted July 4, 2015 Report Share Posted July 4, 2015 i have had few bmw in my time. if you really want to feel e39 entry is 540i then b10 / M5 i'm working on 2003 330d 6 speed. it's so much fun to drive and suspension parts was much cheaper than e39 ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
