E39 or E46 for a daily?

[justin_l_]

What should I get and why do you think that? Thinking E39 due to the fact I have two kids and the wife, the extra room is nice.

[shameson]

I have an e39 sport wagon. Perfect for hauling my bikes and gear around and all the boxes from occasional Ikea trips fits. Spacious with room for all my friends. And I get decent mpg. I was playing with the idea of downsizing in the future to an e46 xi touring but I like mine too much atm. Looks really clean with a set of styles 5's

With having a family I definitely say e39

[Herr Faust Schinken]

e39 i think they look nicer than the e46 too

[Stephen]

Another vote for e39. Great car.

[F34R]

e39 is much better looking.

[e30Villain]

E46 zhp. Dont see a better dd, which is why im in the market for one.

[Chessmaster]

From my experience from my bros, one drives a 05 e46 m3 the other 01 e39 540I "dinan". I say the e39, get good mpg highway and nice comfort with space for unexpeced ppl or stuff. The e46 m3 has more useless backseat then the e30.

[Ray Smoodiver]

E39 530i all day long.

[justin_l_]

I'm staying away from the 540i, I don't want to deal with cam chain guides.

[Chessmaster]

Just saw the mention of kids, yeah the e39 platform is pretty much your choice. Bro also had a e46 sedan and it was still uncomfortable in the back seat (im 6'2) and the e39 ample space. But with kids you might be able to pull of a e46.

[einhander]

Get a Lamborghini Aventador.

This way you only have to haul around one person at a time.

[kway]

I voted e46 mainly because I hate doing suspension work, and the e39 has a fair amount more links, bushings, and balljoints going on in that area. Some of those links are getting expensive these days, too. Overall, the e46 should be cheaper to run, but maybe not by much.

Either one is a good choice though. You're definitely on the right track with 6cyl e39. The kids consideration may give the nudge to the e39, I have to admit, but that would probably be the only reason for me.

[reelizmpro]

e39 because they look great, inexpensive, more robust and if you are looking at 4 door sedans you mind as well go with a full sized sedan.

[justin_l_]

Get a Lamborghini Aventador.

This way you only have to haul around one person at a time.

I already have my caged talon, I don't need another one passenger car...

[TSI]

I DD a 540i, couldn't be happier. Plenty of space, ridiculous comfort and awesome features (the auto-stop windows are great for kids with a propensity to stick appendages out the window). Mileage is fantastic on the highway, and of course, plenty of power under my right foot.

Parts are not difficult to come by, and surprisingly cheap! I'm redoing control arms, sway bar and thrust arms next week for under $200. Oil changes are probably the priciest regular item ($120 on full synthetic). Any dead pixels are quite easy and cheap to fix, despite what you may read elsewhere.

Definitely get a 2001-2003, get a 530i Msport if you can, or at least one with sport seats. Stay away from the 525/528. 540 is nice, but the power is excessive.