Survey for a Friend: E36 vs E39

[rwh11385]

One of my friends at school is going to buy a car at the beginning of summer. He had to sell his Acura at the end of the summer post-graduation and now will have a parking spot at school and will also need a car this coming summer. He definitely enjoys BMWs and would enjoy one, especially the feel and rwd. He is not really interested in tracking, so just general practicality and comfort and daily driving... but fun to drive is a plus of course. He likes to golf, so trunk space for bags, and a sedan is a must as well for passengers. Not really looking to mod much, but he would like some torque for getting around while still having decent gas mileage.

He has been looking into an E39 528 or E36 325/328. He hopes to get something for $7k or less (preferably).

What are the pros/cons of each, and what about maintenance, etc? Experience in either or both would be helpful.

I'd really enjoy rollin' Bimmers with him, and also because I can catch rides to and from home during holidays with him. So make sure I'd be comfy!

thanks!

[B0ND]

I'd go for the E39 in his case. If you need room and don't really want to track it (just drive quickly) the E39 should be great. Granted I've never even driven an E39 (only been a passenger), so I'm by no means a definitive source. The only thing that would keep me from going E39 in his case would be maintenance. I've heard (someone know more?) that they don't have the best service record.

[Purdue89E30]

I have an E39 528i, I got it in September and so far it's a great car. I'm personally not a very big fan of e36's, especially stock ones. The e39 isn't as much fun to drive as the e30 was but I still have fun in it, it doesn't feel slow. It's great for long trips and comfortable for all passengers. It has more nifty features than an e36. I feel pretty baller when I drive it.

[JJe30]

I vote 528i

[blunttech]

get the e36 unless you want a family car. my wife has a 540 sport and its a great car, just kinda heavy and big feeling. i have never connected with it like i do smaller cars

[StereoInstaller1]

now will have a parking spot at school

Lance, the way your first sentance reads is like you are saying that due to the fact that your buddy has (had) a Honda, he could not get a parking space!

I LOLd.

Newer E36, IMO.

Luke

[HST]

I agree with what most have said. I like my E36 for the feel of the road, feel of speed etc. I like my wifes 540i for trips or just a nice smooth ride. Also a big plus with the E39 is the sound system is tons better than the E36. E39 looks better / newer as well, and the M52 version is not any harder to upkeep than the E36. I really don't enjoy maintance on the 540.

[RobertK]

528i for daily driving if you want something with lots of room. Though the E36 is a lot more fun to drive if you don't need all that extra room.

I really don't enjoy maintenance on the 540.

Neither does my driveway.

[kylebes1]

7k will not get a nice e39. it will get decent 328 sedan tho

[bdi_fc]

e36 328 since you're limited on budget.

Otherwise an e39 540 would be the way to go. A 528 is slow and harder to find with a stick shift.

[jimsill]

Your friend can get a much better example e36 than an e39 for that budget. You also have to consider that a 7K e36 will be an end of the run model with fewer bugs and glitches. A 7K e39 will most likely be an early run 97-99 model. My advice to him would be to scrape up 5K more :| and by a manual 540i with under 100K miles (my next car).:D

[PУCCKAЯ_e30ka]

e36 328i/w sport packadge or e34 540

[GaryE30]

528i = Reliable, Somewhat powerful (or powerful enough), and its a sexy e39!