for those who have owned or own a 5 series too

[odm4286]

which makes a better DD? Is the 3 series really that much more "aggressive"?

[strad]

My E36 M52 manual is a much faster feeling, more aggressive car than my E34 M30 manual. On the other hand, the E34 is much more solid feeling at 100 mph (or more lol) than the E36. It really depends on what you plan to do with the car imo. You can carry people more comfortably in the fiver, and you can carry a lot more stuff. Whether the five is aggressive or not depends on which engine it has and what suspension. If it's a 540 sport package or an M5, it's a much more aggressive car than if it's an M30 or M50 with standard suspension.

I don't know anything about E39s, and I think they're ugly, so you're on your own there.

[jsmn4vu]

Step back for a moment and consider what differentiates a Z1 from a 7-series. The differences between a three and a five are comparable, but less extreme. The fundamental question is how big a car do you prefer and need.

[AntE36]

m5> my e36 .

plain and simple.
s62:eek:

[odm4286]

well I don't mean M series...but just a stock 3 series vs a stock 5 series which would make the better dd?

[LockDots]

depends on taste. Technically no one car is better than another. a Ford F350 wouldn't be a better DD for someone who drives long distances to work and doesn't need the pickup bed.

Depends on your needs and tastes

[odm4286]

guess ill go test drive one sometime

[jmo69]

A friend had an 89 e34 that was his DD w/200K, he liked it but the handling wasn't as good as my e36. His had the M20, auto and LSD. Too bad he traded it for a DSM with a turbo.

[strad]

guess ill go test drive one sometime

Make sure your test drive subject does not have worn out suspension. Otherwise you'll get the wrong impression! These are heavy duty cars and require infusions of TLC on the suspension about every 100k miles. Many do not get the TLC they require, and as a result handle and ride like crap compared to how they should be.

[AntE36]

well I don't mean M series...but just a stock 3 series vs a stock 5 series which would make the better dd?


Depends what your "definition" of a DD is..

Mine is something fast, fun, yet reliable to drive 60ish miles a day.

so its seems like an e36 might not be that car but for me it is.
since its my DD/project car. :redspot

[bmw440]

I love my 528I as a DD. I drive my e36 convertible on weekends.

[pbonsalb]

An E39 is a lot nicer car than the E36. My 99 528i weighs about 3500 lbs, about 10% more than my 99M3. If the engines were the same, that would mean 10% worse power to weight ratio. Go up to a heavier 540i and the added power of the V8 makes up for the difference though the handling edge goes to the E36. Drive an example of each.

[interbmw]

i have both a 98 328is and a 02 530i... they are both fast. the 3 handles better and is more of a weekend car while the five transports alot of things comfortably. when the 3 is filled w passengers you feel the weight alot, but the five u dont feel much of a difference. both are stick and the 3 has little mods. the five has a sprint booster, it reduces the accelerator lag and makes the throttle much more responsive. i say 5 for DD bc of versatility.