New Bimmer Memberr

[anGuz]

Hey, bought my first e36 a while back but never got into the forums, which i now intent to change! Had my little 3er for nearly 6 months now and getting pretty tempted for an upgrade already, thoughts on moving up to an e39 540i? Thanks

[Butters Stoch]

Hey, bought my first e36 a while back but never got into the forums, which i now intent to change! Had my little 3er for nearly 6 months now and getting pretty tempted for an upgrade already, thoughts on moving up to an e39 540i? Thanks

Welcome,
Y change cars already?
Make your car you own. There are an unbelievable amount of upgrades to can do. You can create your own car to how you drive, power you would like to have, and steering that will out handle Porsches

[anGuz]

Not to say i dont love the old girl, its just shes bit little for me, 6-5 ft tall and not loving the low roof, plus a mates got a 5 series and i feel like the 325 just isnt on the same level

[motion]

Welcome here, enjoy the ride no matter which series you decide on. Prices on 3's, 5's and 7's are relatively inexpensive. Pending available funds get one of each.

[Gareth7015]

I'm 6"4 and I have plenty of room in my E36 Compact... that said my last car was a Pug106 lol.
IMHO, its always cooler to make the car the best it can be, and altered to fit your tastes, rather than simply trade in for a newer one. Plus the age of the E36 being what it is, there are a staggering number of mods you can do with the guidance of the forums, etc. Some people on here have done some pretty amazing things with that chassis.
I myself get lost and confused trying to decide what to do next :L. Will subscribe to find out how you get on!

[xlDooM]

I suppose it depends on what you want. The 540i isn't a sports car. The 325 is pretty close in terms of handling.

Then again you yanks have no idea what handling is anyway, since your roads have no bends ;P

[jeffkniseley]

Come drive in wi, we have awsome hills and curvy roads here

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I love the 3 series there is tons of upgrades prices vary depending on where you go and what your doing to it handed better than 5 and 7 series in my opinion

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[kalinrs]

If you want, I can give you some feedback since I have both - a 3 and a 5 series.

5 series v.s. 3 series

Pros:
- Comfortable ride, going 65-70 on the highway and I can't tell I am moving
- A lot of space and I really mean a lot. The trunk is "ridiculously" big.
- It will still keep somewhat of a sporty feel as long as suspension is in great shape.
- Air conditioner is ice cold (when it is serviced properly).

Cons:
- Will consume more gas than a 6 cylinder.
- You don't get the nice, sporty stiffness of a 3 series.
- It is bulky and it doesn't look as good as a 3 series (personal opinion).
- It has the play in the steering wheel (few degrees where you turn and nothing happens). Not sure if it is just mine, but I have heard of a few more with the same problem.

If you have ever driven a Crown Vic - that's what the 5 series is like, it just has more sport feel of a BMW.

Reason I keep both - when I want to do some spirited driving or just run errands around town - 3 series is so much more fun. When I am taking a long trip and/or I want to move some belongings - 5 series is perfect for that.

Btw, I am 6'1 and I swapped E46 seats in the 3 series. I still have about 6-8 inches till I touch the roof.