Should I?

"Aloha Milkyway" (alohamilkyway)
08/28/2013 at 04:54 • Filed to: BMW

I've had my E39 for a while now and I love it. Thing is, I have perhaps become too familiar with its powertrain. The question is, should I sell my 523i for...

One of these? The 325i/328i has loads more power, more tossable and more fun. The idea of "stepping down" to a 3 series is odd for some but the allure of more power is there. Cheaper too. If I sell my E39, I'll still have money to fool around the E36. That said, I'll miss the size and presence of the 523i. What's your say Oppo?

DISCUSSION (14)

Shady Balkan Subject, Drives an Alfa > Aloha Milkyway
08/28/2013 at 05:10

It depends. If you need the four doors I will stay with the E39. The 4-door E36 has dated pretty badly. Go for the coupe. The E36 has a very decent ride, we use one with my friends for a lot of travelling and we don't have problems, other than that putting 3 people in the back is not very nice, but it can be done. Something that the E39 does perfectly. Also the E39 can be very tossable, but not with your 523i and AT. I would say that you go for the 328i if you want E36, the others are not worth it anymore. Based on price here in Europe you can get a decent early 00s E46 325i for the money of a good E36 328i.

Alex87f > Aloha Milkyway
08/28/2013 at 06:57

I don't know how things are in the US, but here in Europe, most of the 6 cyl. E36's for sale are completely knackered.

I never tried an E36, but I remember being slightly disappointed by the E46's lack of driving enthusiasm. Yes, it's a RWD L6 manual car, but suspensions are soft, the cabin is very quiet and overall driving feedback is rather limited.

That being said I drive a 2 500lbs hot hatch so what I call chassis feedback is what most people call "stupidly harsh ride".

Z_Stig > Aloha Milkyway
08/28/2013 at 07:29

It's definitely a very fun chassis to drive; relatively light and very tossable. But it will feel much cheaper and flimsy than your e39.

If you can keep both, then great; if not, then you will have decide what's more important in a car to you: the relative comfort and luxury of the 5 series, or the fun factor of the 3er.

nlzmo400r > Aloha Milkyway
08/28/2013 at 08:18

E36 will seem far too dated after leaving the E39. Why not jump ship to an E39 530i?

Aloha Milkyway > nlzmo400r
08/28/2013 at 08:23

I live in the Philippines and the 530i is still out of my budget. Next best thing would be a facelifted 525i

PardonMyFlemish16 > Aloha Milkyway
08/28/2013 at 08:31

I would push for the newest + most powerful 3er you can get.

Bob Loblaw Made Me Make a Phoney Phone Call to Edward Rooney > Shady Balkan Subject, Drives an Alfa
08/28/2013 at 09:37

"The 4-door E36 has dated pretty badly."

Heretic!

Shady Balkan Subject, Drives an Alfa > Bob Loblaw Made Me Make a Phoney Phone Call to Edward Rooney
08/28/2013 at 09:38

Yeah I hate it, I also hate the E46 4-door.

Bob Loblaw Made Me Make a Phoney Phone Call to Edward Rooney > Shady Balkan Subject, Drives an Alfa
08/28/2013 at 09:39

That's interesting, as I hate the E46 coupe. Don't particularly like the 4-door, but I hate the coupe.

Checkin' Pockets > Aloha Milkyway
08/28/2013 at 10:29

I actually prefer the 4 door e36. Ive got a 4 dr 328 and it is great though im getting rid of it as I've got the m3. I kinda wish I had a 4 dr m3 and disagree with them aging badlyml. The e39 is a nice ride but definitely not sporty enough with that drivetrain. 328 is quick and roomy and handles great so I say go for it if u can find a well sorted one with all the power parts working inside

BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires > Aloha Milkyway
08/28/2013 at 11:01

From my experience of my 170k mile E36 325i, I'd be tempted. The chassis is really rather good, great grip and very balanced. That's the dominant thing aobut this car, although the steering and gearbox are great too. Both feel very direct.

The engine's really rather good too. Although mine's only a non-VANOS 2.5l, it pushes like a wave. I think I've been spoilt by the Alfa and its utterly fantastic engine, as it doesn't feel like a 10/10 engine. With the BMW, you suddenly realise that you're travelling very fast when you plant it. With the Alfa, it roars and bellows and zips towards the redline. The Alfa seems to be more flexible low-down as well. Pulls right from idle, whereas the BMW is happiest above 1500rpm.

The chassis stands out on the BMW, the engine on Alfa, but I wouldn't say either is lacking in the other department.

Also, I don't think the BMW feels cheap. The interior has some old plastics in places, but the panels have extra sound-deadening so close wit ha very satisfying and solid-feeling thump.

Aloha Milkyway > Z_Stig
08/28/2013 at 12:48

Kinja'd!!!

How I wish I could keep both.

153624 - Straight Six > Bob Loblaw Made Me Make a Phoney Phone Call to Edward Rooney
08/28/2013 at 13:13

Interesting. I personally love the look of the 4dr E36 M3.

Z_Stig > Aloha Milkyway
08/28/2013 at 13:23

Man, from that angle, that face-lifted e39 with M-Parallels has all my attention.