nytoy

Just curious if anyone has owned a 1999-2008 3-series or 1997-2008 5-series BMW and a 2nd gen GS. I'm considering switching to the dark side and dealing with the less relability for a little more sportiness. I do love my lexus, but I often find myself wondering. Another problem is the lack of power except for the 540 with the V8 in it. The grass always looks greener on the other side I guess...

Aristo300

Isn't the Z06 sport enough?

Oleg400

iTrader: (7)

There is a very very big diffrence from 1997-2008 models.



Edit: I dont know why you would consider anything below 2005 in the BMW area.

nytoy

Obviously, but I am still on the fence to buy a E46/E39 vs. the newer E90/E60 BMW's. I'm refering to those years as the start of the older E46/E39 series. I would be keeping it similar to my Lexus, near the 2000ish area, or leasing an '08, which is why I want input on both models.

Yes the Z06 is a rocket and amazing, but a wise man once said you can never have enough toys! I need something with 4drs that's comfy and fast!

Jedidiah

iTrader: (1)

I have, and yes you will be trading reliability for a lil more sportiness.

Hope you have a BMW dealer near you, or else I would get another Lexus.


By the way- I loved my BMW.

lexxo

iTrader: (2)

I too tried out a 3 series for a month but hated that thing. Reliability was not good!!!!! Within a month the tranny was making noises, one of the HID ignitors went bad, speed sensor went bad too, and to top it off a whisiling sound was coming from the engine bay and the dealer could not find out what it was. I took it back in and got a brand new VW for the wife and kept the GS for myself. I think it's more of a status brand more than anything else. If you do get a BMW get a new one. By the way my 3 series was an 04.

ReLexin

Don't switch.... You'll regret it.

werewolf

Try a 2001-03 540i sport (stick). Preferrably a 2003 (better suspension than 2001-02). Very nice car.
Pluses
1) Great engine
2) Great balance and stiffer suspension, stable at very high speeds
3) Great brakes
Minuses
1) MPG
2) Design weakness in the coolant system (radiator, expansion tank, connector hoses, water pump) can create "I will strand you somewhere" kind of breakdowns
3) Few people want to owe these out of warranty (affects resale market). If you like to tinker, could be a great car. If you like to use the dealer, will be an expensive car

Good luck

lolololol

I have E46 cic(convertible) now. i wanna to change to GS400/430 this spring. honestly, because i need some extra $$$ i like bmw( more feature, bluetooth, muti function steer wheel) also better MPG

the reason i choose GS cuz for that price range(10k) it is the best? don't u agree?

Aristo300

E55

/end thread

werewolf

Couldn't agree more. A used 98-00 GS is the best bang for buck in the market. Great build quality

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

nytoy, I'm on the same boat with you. I can't stand the GS's chassis when it comes to handling and driving experience. Everytime I drive my GS, I get the itch to buy the BMW 540. I'm sure it's less reliable, but I would use the BMW as my weekend car only. I can find an older cheaper civic that would be even more reliable than my GS, while costing a lot less to maintain.

I say do it!!

bee0818

iTrader: (4)

I've had an e46 M3 and my wife currently has an e46 325i. She complains about the handling and brakes everytime she drives my car even though I have the l-tuned suspension. In the handling arena, there is no comparison, unless you do quite a bit of suspension work to the GS.
Between the 3 and the 5, I would go with an e60. Maybe the 545 or 550 if you can swing it. You already have the vette, so no point in going with a smaller car

Solo_D33A

Our 330xi 06 went through many problems, but most were electronic (airbag lights, seatbelt lights, computer programming, angel eyes out, etc...), but recently, it developed squeaking, changed the front brake pads and rotors, and it still squeaks... back's changed like half a year ago or something... and there's also suspension squeaks lately, tire pressure monitor's always showing up despite pumped to same pressure, hood locks on one side, and have to press the hood very hard or something to lock it... nothing that major yet (knock on wood). (thus putting the car in dealer twice within 4 months)

UDel

I was heavily considering a used E39 5 series when I was in the market for a car a couple of years ago and kind of wanted one more then the GS after driving one which was my other choice. I kept looking at the BMW boards and saw that there was alot of costly issues with the BMW and that many issues can leave you stranded like its notorious cooling systems. After seeing that I kind of stopped wanting a used 5 series especially since they were typically 5-10K more then the GS models with similiar features mileage, and powertrains. I talked to someone in our neighborhood who had a 5 series and he pretty much said what I was expecting that it had its share of problems that were really expensive to fix and it cost alot more in upkeep then a GS. I still like the 5 series and love how they drive and it has a nicer interior but I was not in the position to even consider a expensive car with expensive reliability problems. If you have extra disposible income and a back up car then a used E39 5 series would be very nice, you may get lucky and get one that is trouble free, not all of them are alrealible but on average much more unreliable and more expensive to maintain then say a Lexus or Acura.