325 or 525

jocamryn · 06-19-2006, 03:35 PM

Should I buy a 525 w/NAVI, Xenons, and PDC(free 2500 in options) or a 325i w/NAVI, PDC, Xenons,and CA? I like them both!!

BMW F22 · 06-19-2006, 03:45 PM

it's up to your preferences. 325 is more nimble and is the sports sedan icon while the 5 series is a midsize luxury sedan.

Jch330 · 06-19-2006, 03:48 PM

How close are they on price? If they are similar i would go with the 525, if the 5 is more, 330/wait for the 335.

Fenianz · 06-19-2006, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jocamryn

Should I buy a 525 w/NAVI, Xenons, and PDC(free 2500 in options) or a 325i w/NAVI, PDC, Xenons,and CA? I like them both!!

325 and 525 have the same engines right?

ages944 · 06-19-2006, 09:54 PM

i drove the 5 as a loaner once. The 3's much lighter on its feet.

And yes, I believe they both share the same N52 engine, though I'm sure E90fleet will correct me if I'm wrong.

zamboni · 06-19-2006, 10:31 PM

Performance wise the 3 will be a bit quicker due to smaller frame & body, if you need the room then go with 525i.

tturedraider · 06-19-2006, 10:33 PM

3........3.........3.........3.........3!!!!!!!!!! !!

Asiann · 06-19-2006, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jocamryn

Should I buy a 525 w/NAVI, Xenons, and PDC(free 2500 in options) or a 325i w/NAVI, PDC, Xenons,and CA? I like them both!!

I hope you are using the military discount to buy either!

SP330 · 06-19-2006, 10:37 PM

525 is more close to the 330i price wise, your comparison confuses me.

Well the 3 series is a nice, fun car, a bit smallish but its forgivable.

If you're more into longer commutes and need more room 525i seems fine.

Performance wise the 3 takes it hands down (obviously)

So basically:

525= more room, more practical, higher series (if that matters to you)

325=nimble, very fun, a little tight but not really small

So if you really like driving you'd like the 325.

David328M-Sport · 06-19-2006, 10:59 PM

N52 in both cars
Me, I prefer the smaller 325 as the 5 series needs a more powerful engine, like the V8 at least.

codylcast · 06-19-2006, 11:44 PM

If I understand the scenario correctly and you are getting the options listed for the 525 for free vs having to pay for them on the 3, I'd get the 525 - as long as performance isn't near the top of your priority list for a new car.

jocamryn · 06-20-2006, 01:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Asiann

I hope you are using the military discount to buy either!

The discount only applies to the X5 and 5er (any one).

And no, performance isn't a a priority, I've wanted a bimmer since I was 13, I just love the look and feel of both of these cars. Test drove both in entry level trim and I loved them, The 5 is bigger, so more room for the kids, but as you all say the 3 is nimbler

off topic (sry)
By the way I just test drove a C70 Cnvt, just for shi@ts and giggles... My NEON gives more roadfeedback than the C70 cnvt. Nice car but just so...disconnected.The top is choice, it's pretty cool watching it go up and down.

shackwee23 · 06-20-2006, 05:24 AM

You might also consider the body style of the 3s vs the 5s. In my opinion, the 5s is a nice car, but the style is somewhat frozen in time / dated what with these somewhat flat side panels. The 3s has this creased side panels, giving it a dynamic look which I feel is going to be a "classic" for a long while yet. Hope this helps.

KennyVendetta · 06-20-2006, 06:24 AM

Most people here are leaning towards the 3 for its quickness but I prefer the big body cars thus....I say go with the 5.

Greeney · 06-20-2006, 07:36 AM

thats a tough one... I do love the 5 series. But after driving both the 530Xi and the 330Xi, to me its 3 all the way. the 5 felt like it was lacking engine power.

rotts4u · 06-20-2006, 07:42 AM

I went to the local BMW dealer wanting to like the 525 as I wanted the extra space. After having 2 three series cars already I wanted to move up.

However after driving the 525 I must say it left me feeling like I was driving something other than a BMW. It felt very isolated to me and not sporty at all compared to the 325.

My wife already prefered the 325 and after the drive I did too. So we ended up getting a 325 and am very happy with it. We dont have kids in the back seat or anything so space is not a big problem.

So I am now on my third -3 series and quite happy.

Don

06-19-2006, 03:35 PM	#1
jocamryn Major 145 Rep 1,159 Posts Drives: '23X4 M40i/'24 X2(In Transit) Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: USA, for now iTrader: (0)	325 or 525 Should I buy a 525 w/NAVI, Xenons, and PDC(free 2500 in options) or a 325i w/NAVI, PDC, Xenons,and CA? I like them both!!
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06-19-2006, 03:45 PM	#2
BMW F22 Major General 3566 Rep 9,788 Posts Drives: ///M235i Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (8)	it's up to your preferences. 325 is more nimble and is the sports sedan icon while the 5 series is a midsize luxury sedan.
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06-19-2006, 03:48 PM	#3
Jch330 Second Lieutenant 14 Rep 242 Posts Drives: E92 328, BS CB, CA, Nav, PDC Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Palm Beach/ Bloomfield Hills, MI /Oxford, OH iTrader: (0)	How close are they on price? If they are similar i would go with the 525, if the 5 is more, 330/wait for the 335.
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06-19-2006, 09:54 PM	#5
ages944 Captain 98 Rep 990 Posts Drives: E90 325i Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Chicago 'burbs iTrader: (0)	i drove the 5 as a loaner once. The 3's much lighter on its feet. And yes, I believe they both share the same N52 engine, though I'm sure E90fleet will correct me if I'm wrong.
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06-19-2006, 10:31 PM	#6
zamboni I want to drive a Zamboni 1129 Rep 5,557 Posts Drives: 13 E93 M3 18 F80 M3 16 K71 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Monte Sereno, CA iTrader: (7) Garage List 16 K71 F800GT [10.00] 2018 F80 M3 [10.00] 2013 BMW E93 M3 [10.00]	Performance wise the 3 will be a bit quicker due to smaller frame & body, if you need the room then go with 525i. __________________ 18 F80 Imola Red 6MT 16 K71 F800GT Montego Blue 13 E93 M3 Melbourne Red 2000 E46,2006 E90,09 E82,13 E93 328i,14 F30 335i,18 F80 M3 My next vehicle would be a Zamboni
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06-19-2006, 10:33 PM	#7
tturedraider Major General 4970 Rep 6,233 Posts Drives: 2018 340i M Sport Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Chicago, Edgewater (via Texas & Tennessee) iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 BMW 340i M Sport [9.38] 2020 BMW M340i xDrive [10.00] 2018 BMW 340i M Sport [8.00] 2006 BMW 330i Sport [4.50] 2004 BMW 330i ZHP [7.25] 2000 BMW 328i [6.00]	3........3.........3.........3.........3!!!!!!!!!! !!
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06-19-2006, 10:37 PM	#9
SP330 Lieutenant 18 Rep 569 Posts Drives: 19 M5 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: PA iTrader: (0)	525 is more close to the 330i price wise, your comparison confuses me. Well the 3 series is a nice, fun car, a bit smallish but its forgivable. If you're more into longer commutes and need more room 525i seems fine. Performance wise the 3 takes it hands down (obviously) So basically: 525= more room, more practical, higher series (if that matters to you) 325=nimble, very fun, a little tight but not really small So if you really like driving you'd like the 325.
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06-19-2006, 10:59 PM	#10
David328M-Sport Brigadier General 101 Rep 3,566 Posts Drives: F30 M-Sport 328i Estoril Blue Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Melbourne Australia iTrader: (0)	N52 in both cars Me, I prefer the smaller 325 as the 5 series needs a more powerful engine, like the V8 at least. __________________ 328i M-Sport, Estoril Blue, Carbon XP 35 Tint, front heated seats, black Dakota, Sports Suspension, Anthracite Headliner, HUD, Pro Nav, Sunroof, hk 600w, Bi-Xenon, 19" 403M wheels, Reversing Camera, DAB+, Xenon, BT Ext Connect, MST turbo intake pipe, MST Cold Air Intake, JB4 on Map 2 with Catless DP produces awesome performance in Sport.
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06-19-2006, 11:44 PM	#11
codylcast Private 0 Rep 90 Posts Drives: 2011 E92 335 xdrive M-Sport Join Date: May 2005 Location: NM iTrader: (0)	If I understand the scenario correctly and you are getting the options listed for the 525 for free vs having to pay for them on the 3, I'd get the 525 - as long as performance isn't near the top of your priority list for a new car. __________________ Current: 2011 E92 335 xdrive Space Gray M-SPORT Prm Pckg (black leather, bamboo) Nav Heated seats Comfort Access Steptronic USB PREV: 2008 E90 335I, 2006 E90 330I, 2003 325I, 2000 M-ROADSTER
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06-20-2006, 05:24 AM	#13
shackwee23 New Member 0 Rep 19 Posts Drives: E90 323i Join Date: May 2006 Location: Sydney, Australia iTrader: (0)	You might also consider the body style of the 3s vs the 5s. In my opinion, the 5s is a nice car, but the style is somewhat frozen in time / dated what with these somewhat flat side panels. The 3s has this creased side panels, giving it a dynamic look which I feel is going to be a "classic" for a long while yet. Hope this helps.
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06-20-2006, 06:24 AM	#14
KennyVendetta Salsero 41 Rep 260 Posts Drives: 335 Crimson Red Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: San Diego, CA iTrader: (0)	Most people here are leaning towards the 3 for its quickness but I prefer the big body cars thus....I say go with the 5.
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06-20-2006, 07:36 AM	#15
Greeney Brigadier General 213 Rep 3,835 Posts Drives: Jerez E90 M3 Join Date: May 2006 Location: Westchester, NY / Fort Lauderdale, FL iTrader: (4)	thats a tough one... I do love the 5 series. But after driving both the 530Xi and the 330Xi, to me its 3 all the way. the 5 felt like it was lacking engine power. __________________ 11' E90 M3 6MT \| Jerez Black \| Black Ext./Carbon \| ZCP \| ZCW \| ZPP \| ZTP \| 302 \| 403 \| 507 \| 5AC \| 655 \| 6FL \| 752 \| 15' F80 M3 6MT \| Black Saphire \| Black Full \| ZEC \| ZLP \| 2VF \| 2VZ \| 5DL \| 688 \|
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06-20-2006, 07:42 AM	#16
rotts4u Private First Class 8 Rep 104 Posts Drives: Audi A3 TDI Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: chattanooga, TN iTrader: (0)	I went to the local BMW dealer wanting to like the 525 as I wanted the extra space. After having 2 three series cars already I wanted to move up. However after driving the 525 I must say it left me feeling like I was driving something other than a BMW. It felt very isolated to me and not sporty at all compared to the 325. My wife already prefered the 325 and after the drive I did too. So we ended up getting a 325 and am very happy with it. We dont have kids in the back seat or anything so space is not a big problem. So I am now on my third -3 series and quite happy. Don
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