E39 5-Series
E46 3-Series
I know the price points are extreme, but that's what I was quoted and subsequently why I chose to trade the e39 and why I went to an indy shop to change the sensors on the e46.
Mind you, my dealer gives a 10% discount on labor and a 10% discount on parts to BMW CCA Members, and these were the quoted prices before that discount applied.
Considering the problems I've had with the e46, I really wish I would have kept the e39 and went to an indy shop to have its sensors replaced
As of right now, the only things I go to the dealer for are things too complex for an indy shop to handle or diagnose.
E46 all the way. there awsome
there kinda half and half. theyv got good preformance and semi lux
Last edited by connerray2010; 02-27-2010 at 09:58 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
Having owned both, i can agree that the E39 is more of a tourer to eat up the miles, but when you find a nice windy road, its the E46 that you want to be in. But for the everyday, the E39 is far more comfortable, smooth and generally a nicer place to be. and if you do find that road, don't doubt an E39
I have 2 E39s, have not felt compelled to get an E46 yet.
I read your post and yeah it sucks for sure. We had a family friend who bought an e46 from one of those used car dealerships. She was just a mom so she knew little about cars. What do you know after buying it, overtime she spent thousands on maintenance at the stealership and sometimes indy mechanics because literally everything was shitting on her. The previous owner basically just neglected it and drove it almost into the ground before trading it in. Eventually she just gave up and traded it in (although I wouldn't have, given how many things she paid to have replaced)
Cars owned:
- 2012 BMW X5 5.0i (current)
Cars previously owned:
- 2019 Mercedes C63S AMG
- 2015 BMW M4 Cabriolet
- 2008 BMW 335i Cabriolet, special edition
- 2012 Toyota Tundra SR5
- 1997 BMW 328i M-sport
3 year old thread bumped up...... '12's gonna 12
'02 BMW X5 (wife's) - Steel Grey w/Black Leather - Auto
'04 Harley Davidson RoadKing Classic
Depends on your age.
If older than 30, go for the E39.
E39 DIYs done: Wipers, O2 sensors , MAF , Upper/Lower Intake Boots , FSU , ABS module fix , Power Steering Reservoir , Changed Rear Differential Oil , DISA , SAP, Vacuum lines , Radar Detector Hardwire , Fuel Filter , LED Angel Eyes , Headlight Adjusters--> [1],[2], [3] , Headlight Polishing, Punted: Fan Clutch/Tensioner/Pulleys , Oil cap O-rings , Window regulator ,Crumbling Cowl
e39 - I love mine. They are a little roomier and look awesome.
2001 BMW 530i e39 / Automatic / Orient on Dove
This thread needs an update. Currently have a 530i sport and a 330i ZHP, trying to decide which to keep and which to sell.
The 530i only has 119k miles and the ZHP has 224k miles. They both drive great, the ZHP is stiffer and more sporty but not as quiet inside the cabin and refined as the E39. I've owned 4 E39's and this is my first E46 so I'm biased towards the E39 clearly.
I'd keep the E39 for certain.
ASE and BMW Master Certified Technician
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