View Poll Results: 2002-2003 E39 vs E46

Voters
94. You may not vote on this poll
  • E39 5-Series

    65 69.15%
  • E46 3-Series

    29 30.85%
Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast
Results 1 to 25 of 61

Thread: E39 vs E46: Which one would you buy, and why?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    Buffalo NY
    Posts
    17
    My Cars
    540 Wanted

    E39 vs E46: Which one would you buy, and why?

    I am looking to buy a used 2002-2003 BMW. Initially I thought an E39 all the way assuming the back seat and such would be much larger. However, theres only about 1.5 inch difference in rear shoulder room and virtually no difference in leg room. So now I don't know what to do.

    I'm looking for non-biased opinions based on an 80,000 mile car, initial costs, repair/maintenance costs, resale value ect.

    Thanks for the time.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    May 2008
    Location
    Huntsville, AL
    Posts
    1,966
    My Cars
    2000 Ford Ranger
    Pretty sure the 3 will be cheaper to maintain.
    Quote Originally Posted by baykid View Post
    Can't we all just agree to hate New Jersey?
    Quote Originally Posted by synn21588 View Post
    This is inherently inherent.

    PSN ID: e30bmw

    Steam ID: e30Doug


  3. #3
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Glendale,CA
    Posts
    364
    My Cars
    E39 540i
    3 is cheaper hes right. But, the 5 is obv better. If youu're getting a 5 get ready to spend a bit to maintain it. The 5 is very spacious man. I say go with the 5 or mod the hell out of the 3.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    Buffalo NY
    Posts
    17
    My Cars
    540 Wanted
    Quote Originally Posted by 5seriesguy View Post
    3 is cheaper hes right. But, the 5 is obv better. If youu're getting a 5 get ready to spend a bit to maintain it. The 5 is very spacious man. I say go with the 5 or mod the hell out of the 3.

    Obviously better how?

    I have 2 kids under 3, I won't be modding it.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    New York
    Posts
    1,401
    My Cars
    E46 M3
    well if its just for you and another (and if youre a smaller guy under 5'9 go with the 3")
    If your Taller then the 5 or if you have people to put in the back
    And if the 3 is sedan then just go with the 5

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Hemet, CA
    Posts
    1,838
    My Cars
    2001 330i, 2011 Z435i
    I would guess that maintenance costs should be fairly similar if you're comparing a 330i with a 530i. If you step up to a 540i it will definitely be higher. With no mod plans and the size difference not mattering, your driving style and which you think looks better will be the deciding factors. The E46 will be a bit more nimble than an E39 when comparing like-for-like (both sport package or not, etc) and the E39 will be a bit more comfy. The E39 will likely come with a few more features not standard or not even available on the E46 such as dual zone climate control. It will probably be easier to find an E46 with a manual trans if that's important to you. An E39 will probably resale for more, but you'll pay for it more when you buy it so that's kind of a wash.

    I enjoy more spirited driving so I bought an E46. If I just wanted a nice daily driver I'd probably go with an E39 since it'll be more comfy and I think a sport package E39 is the best looking modern BMW.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    Houston Texas
    Posts
    190
    My Cars
    2003 530i 1998 740i
    i would say go with a 5. its much more roomier you'll be more comfortable

  8. #8
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Location
    CA
    Posts
    596
    My Cars
    2001 e39 530i
    I've never driven a e46 3 series, but I have sat in one and it just doesn't feel as nice as a 5 series. My 530i is comfy, roomy, classy, sport pkge, blk/blk, great look and feel all around. Gas milage isn't too bad either. I can make it from San Diego to Phoenix Arizona on 1 tank (easily). And, as for what's under the hood, it can get up when you want it to for some spirited driving. There's always possibilities of moding it whenever you're ready. One of the smoothest rides I've ever owned! I gotta say go with 5 series.... Yea, some parts can be pricey, but it's BMW.... Duh.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Dec 2006
    Location
    San Rafael, CA
    Posts
    3,287
    My Cars
    1995 AlpineWeiß 525i
    The 5s maintenance would be similar to the e46 if you get an I6. The V8 will require more $$ though.

    My M50 e34 has been crazy reliable.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Location
    Medford, MA
    Posts
    292
    My Cars
    95 530i (M62B44)
    I went from an E46 ZHP car to an E39 M5, back to an E46 ZHP… The M5 was obviously at the absolute height of operational expense, but a 530 or the like would be much closer to the 3 series in operation cost. Most notable if you are talking about a bone stock unit that you are simply trying to maintain. The E39 is NOT “much more roomy” than the E46. There isn’t much at all in the way of more room in the drivers seat, and out rear isn’t a monster difference either… Three kids will be happy in the back seat of either, just as three adults will be disgruntled in the back seat of either (two fit in either just lovely). As the driver you simply notice the additional weight in the 3 more so than the 5. I did find tossing two golf bags and other items in the trunk of the E39 a good deal easier as well. In the end, the 3 series is more a sporty drive with fewer creature comforts for your dollar. The five is a more comfortable drive and comes with more niceties for your pleasure.

  11. #11
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Location
    CA
    Posts
    596
    My Cars
    2001 e39 530i
    From a factory stand point the ZHP is not much faster than a 530i.

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Jun 2009
    Location
    McKean township Pennsylva
    Posts
    10,542
    My Cars
    1999 M3 , 1999 328is
    I have always been disappointed with the leg room in the rear of the 5, I figured if the car were as big as it is, it would have enough leg room to comfortably fit a 6ft person in the back with a 6ft person in the drivers seat. That is one of the reasons I am on my second e38 rather getting a brand new e60.

    E39 vs e46 though, I would go for the e39 because it is the best looking BMW after the e38. Also if I am correct wouldn't the e39 have larger rear doors which are easier to get in and out of or especially for you helping 3 year olds in and out of the rear.
    Current fleet:
    1999 BMW e36 M3
    1999 BMW e36 328is with rotary valve engine head
    1999 Oldsmobile Eighty Eight
    1990 Jeep Comanche Eliminator
    1962 Austin Healey Sprite

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
    Location
    Longwood, FL
    Posts
    5,884
    My Cars
    '93 E30, '01 E46 Mtec I
    You can get the same engine in both vehicle, so depending on which model you buy, the 5 may be more expensive, or it may still be able the same.

    As far as which one would i buy, that would depend on color and options/package list of each one. I would rather have a sport e46 rather than a base model e39. Or the other way around. It would just depend on the particular car.
    IF MY CAPS OFFEND YOU, BLOCK ME.
    AND IF YOU NOTICE THE FIRST LETTER OF EACH WORD CAP'ED...... IT'S DONE AUTOMATICALLY BY THE FORUM BECAUSE I TYPE IN ALL CAPS.BUT IT DOESN'T ALWAYS DO THIS, LIKE WHEN I QUOTE OTHER POSTS.AND IF YOU DON'T LIKE THAT, REFER TO FIRST SENTENCE IN MY SIG.







  14. #14
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    Portland, Oregon
    Posts
    1,139
    My Cars
    1984 318i, 1998 M3
    If you haven't already, take a test ride in both, check out the room, sit in every seat etc. The 3 series value is going to be better at resale as the E39s are getting lower and lower in value from what I see on craigslist anyways. Think about that in case you plan to resell. The 5 series is a really nice looking car, if I had a choice between an E46 sedan or a E39, i'd take the 5er. Looks classier IMO and less of them around then the 3's.

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Location
    MA
    Posts
    1,602
    My Cars
    '03 330i6, '08 E92 M3
    I've only sat in an E46 but I am going to guess that the big difference in size is front shoulder room. Only a couple of inches on paper seems to translate to a lot of extra space. It's nice to not constantly bump elbows with your front seat passenger. The backseat of the E39 is tight for a car its size, but it is just enough to make it usable for a road trip, as long as the driver doesn't need the seat pushed all the way back. I wouldn't want to sit in the back of an E46 for longer than 30-45 minutes.

    Maintenance should be similar for the I6 models. Don't listen to the knee jerk reaction from I6 owners saying the 540 will bankrupt you. There is certainly a difference, but I don't think it should sway your decision.

    Basically, the E39 is a highway cruiser and the E46 is better suited for suburban driving. The E39 (especially a 530i5) is getting tough to find with the sport package and a manual transmission. The E46 also holds its value better.

  16. #16
    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Location
    Baltimore, MD
    Posts
    1,739
    My Cars
    E91 328iX, 1995 540i/6
    It's up to you. I'd get the three because I'm young and want a more sporty (and cheaper) car. But I did a lot of driving, especially on the highway, I'd spring for the 5. Also, if I could afford it I'd take a 540i/6 over an E46.



  17. #17
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    Boston MA/Southern NH
    Posts
    939
    My Cars
    '99 528i
    That is such a tough question. Before getting a BMW, I was stuck between an E39 and E46.
    Originally, I had liked the E46. It was smaller, I could see better out of it (I'm only 5' 1"), it was lighter on its feet, and handled better than the E39. At the time, the E39 felt clunky, not as lively, and it was a little big for me. However, my father claimed the E46 to be a "feminine" car, so we went with the E39 instead.
    It's been a year since I've had my E39 and I absolutely love it. I guess before I never knew what a true, beautiful performing BMW was like.
    For me, I have no say which model I like better. I'm still torn apart between the two.
    For you OP, try both of them out. That will get you to make the right decision for yourself. Good luck!

  18. #18
    Join Date
    Oct 2007
    Location
    Northern Virginia
    Posts
    1,997
    My Cars
    2020 Mercedes S560
    I bought my 330i zhp after looking at 5's.

    I decided I did not need the "extra" room at the expnse of a larger car and less gas mileage

  19. #19
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Location
    Lawrenceville, GA
    Posts
    11,857
    My Cars
    4 BMWs.
    I have both, but if I had to choose between the two, I'd def pick the e39.
    2001 Z3 3.0i -Oxford Green/Sandbeige
    2016 428xi -Estoril Blue II/Black
    2018 430iC- Estoril Blue II/Black
    2018 330it - Melbourne Red/Venetian Beige/Black

  20. #20
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Location
    Clemson, SC
    Posts
    45
    My Cars
    2001 BMW 530i
    My wife and I considered an E46 330i and E39 530i. Needless to say we picked the E39. It's roomier and it easily fits our son's car seat. We intend to have more kids and preferred the extra space in the back. With that said, the E39 touring is also a great option.

    2001 BMW 530iA

  21. #21
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Hemet, CA
    Posts
    1,838
    My Cars
    2001 330i, 2011 Z435i
    Quote Originally Posted by AlpineBmwM3 View Post
    ... my father claimed the E46 to be a "feminine" car, ...

  22. #22
    Join Date
    Oct 2005
    Location
    Old Bridge NJ
    Posts
    3,609
    My Cars
    2001 Z3
    Both the E39 and E46 are great cars. Cost of maintenance and ownership is about the same since they share the same engine (2.5/3.0) They both get about the same gas mileage with each other. When I drive my fathers 330 feels al ot like my 540 (only with out as much power). They handle the bumps about the same, interior design in both are similar to each other. Looking at the specs on paper seems like almost nothing, but it makes a big difference in the real world. I would suggest to test drive each one and see what you feel fits your needs best in a car.


    Past: 1995 325i, 1999 328ic, 1997 540i, 2006 330i

  23. #23
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Location
    Frederick, MD
    Posts
    9,693
    My Cars
    e39 540i/6, e36 318i
    Quote Originally Posted by AshamedGorilla View Post
    It's up to you. I'd get the three because I'm young and want a more sporty (and cheaper) car. But I did a lot of driving, especially on the highway, I'd spring for the 5. Also, if I could afford it I'd take a 540i/6 over an E46.
    this is exactly why I have 540i/6. It's just a nicer car to be in than the e46, but the e46 is certainly sportier. The e39s actually aren't that much larger as other people have noted, but they do *feel* larger. That could be good or bad depending on your personal preference.
    1985 325 - 5 speed - LSD - M50NV - MS2/extra - AEM UEGO - TiAL MV-R - 750cc injectors - HX35 - Blunttech Manifold - 3" exhaust
    1991 318i - 5 speed - M50NV - e36 rack - Smileys

  24. #24
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Location
    Medford, MA
    Posts
    292
    My Cars
    95 530i (M62B44)
    Quote Originally Posted by tiger5 View Post
    From a factory stand point the ZHP is not much faster than a 530i.
    Correct. The point is the 3 series simply feels more sporty to drive. It's more sharp and deliberate in direction changes and more responsive to throttle input. A great deal of that probably has to do with the weight/size difference. In any event, there isn't a huge difference between the 3 & 5, so long as you are speaking I6 non M. Whichever one you like more is the better car.

  25. #25
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    Maine
    Posts
    2,100
    My Cars
    M3|X5|M Roadster|Tundra
    I dont want to be biased because I own an E46, but I had to choose and I went with the E46. They are both amazing vehicles and honestly I have to say the E39 is one of BMWs classiest designs. I love how the 530i Sport looks with the BBS wheels, and pretty much every other E39 as well

    That being said, before I bought my ZHP, I was going to buy an 03 540i-6 M-tecnic itwa mazing and I had gotten attached to my friends 01 540i-6 and loved it. But the E46 has a sportier feel, it isnt really much smaller at all, interior or exterior, maintenance costs will be cheaper, of course if comparing V8 to I-6, but even 530i compared to 330i. So I felt the E46 was better for me, as I am still young, but that doesnt mean the E39 is for old people either. Really the cars arent way different and either one will be great. Its not like we are comparing E39 with E38, the E38 is a totally different car.


    Quote Originally Posted by tiger5 View Post
    From a factory stand point the ZHP is not much faster than a 530i.
    Idk where you get that from, Car and Driver found the ZHP to do 0-60 in 5.6 seconds, the E39 530i does it in 6.7 and the E60 in 6.9. Quarter mile for the ZHP is 14.3 @97mph and 15.3 @93mph for the E39 530i. I think thats a bit of a difference.
    Last edited by GR330ZHP; 02-23-2010 at 02:02 PM.
    2012 BMW M3 Coupe, 6MT (summer fun)|2017 Toyota Tundra 1794 MGM (DAILY)
    2015 BMW X5 35i, M Sport, AW/Mocha (Family hauler)
    2006 BMW Z4 M Roadster, Silver Grey Metallic/Black

Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •