3 or 5 Series?

colino

Have you actually priced specific insurance for you and specific models of the cars? Placing insurance groups on one side, 5s often come out cheaper because they are driven by a different set of owners. I've frequently came across owners graduating from a 3 to a 5 and paying the same, or less, in insurance for bigger engined cars.

MentalMinnie

colino wrote: »

Have you actually priced specific insurance for you and specific models of the cars? Placing insurance groups on one side, 5s often come out cheaper because they are driven by a different set of owners. I've frequently came across owners graduating from a 3 to a 5 and paying the same, or less, in insurance for bigger engined cars.

Well, I found a 3 series we really liked so we used the registration number to generate insurance quotes. And then did the same for the 5 series.

caleyles

sunshinetours wrote: »

5 series much nicer overall car and much better value second hand. A well specced 5 series touring would have been £35k+ when new generally. As above larger 6/8 cylinder engone (diesel and petrol) will cost more to run but are "real" BMW's IMO. However this is MSE so go for a 520 or 318 / 320

As a town car then 3 series petrol best if that is what you are fixed on. persoannly I would say there are much better town cars in general

Consider a set of winter wheels/tyres for colder months also

FYI I have an E46 320i and it is a 6 cylinder 2.2l engine so by your logic mine must be a "REAL" BMW I can only assume by your post you assume 320 s are all 4 cyl engines

Totally agree about the winter wheels and tyres as they make an incredible difference, certainly on the back roads up here with a few inches of snow they drive well.

MentalMinnie

The one thing I will say is that people have commented about the 5 being more luxury etc. thing is, we drive an old Vectra, so anything is gonna be a step up for us!!!

I think the main reason we want a BMW is because we're finally in a position to afford a decent car, and we both feel the the BMW touring still look good without it being a 'grandad' type car. We also want something that will last a fair while as well, something I've been told that if we maintain them correctly, then the BMW fits the bill

caleyles

IMHO I don't think you will be dissappointed with either a 3 series or a 5 series as they are both quality cars, the 3 series was voted best saloon in this weeks Sunday times list of top 100 cars but it is all a matter of opinions. Obviously cost is a factor in any car and I must admit it was one of the things that concerned me most but for me personally it has been the most reliable car i have had and in the last two years has only cost me for servicing and tyres. One thing I will say with the wide wheels and low profile tyres on my model you can feel every bump and pothole but with the softer winter tyres on it gives a more comfortable ride. Also its important to have good quality tyres even in the summer as cheap tyres and the rear wheel drive don't mix too well in the wet, I ended up with Goodyear F1 assymetrics and they work really well in the rain - Sounds like a lot to think about but well worth taking the plunge

caleyles

This link should take you to the Sunday Times Lists of top 100 cars by type of car etc - might help in your decision

http://www.driving.co.uk/features/4582

prowla

I've got a 525i and 320ci, both '51, both in the 90k range.

(In case you are thinking that two is a bit greedy, the 320 was bought as a stop-gap for a couple of months, and needed some work on it, but then the only offers I got when I went to sell it weren't good enough, so I'm keeping it as a runaround.)

They are both very good cars and I've no plans to replace them.

They are recognizably the same brand, and the main difference is that the 3 is much lighter on the steering than the 5.

The only thing I could improve on with the 5 would be to fit a Bluetooth and Sat Nav, and to replace the radio/cassette with a CD & USB unit (it does have a CD autochanger though). As I say, it's in the 90s and I'm hoping it will last years.

MentalMinnie

Out of curiosity, can you connect an iPod to the music system to play music off the iPod on some models? Can you even do that with car stereo's ??

neilmcl

MentalMinnie wrote: »

Out of curiosity, can you connect an iPod to the music system to play music off the iPod on some models? Can you even do that with car stereo's ??

Depends on the model year and the type of stereo installed, but yes, generally it'll be an aftermarket upgrade if it doesn't already have it. However it isn't cheap.

MentalMinnie

neilmcl wrote: »

Depends on the model year and the type of stereo installed, but yes, generally it'll be an aftermarket upgrade if it doesn't already have it. However it isn't cheap.

Roughly how much? Any ideas?