[anonymousmoose]

I popped into Chellingworth Porsche/Bentley yesterday, which is 2 mins from my office, to have some fun looking at their large verity of pre-owned BMWs.

I had a quick chat with one of their salespeople about warranty options but didn't get anywhere (another story) and made it clear I wasn't buying right now, researching for future a purchase.

Anyways; so I sat in of of the sports pack 320i BMWs just to get a feel for the cabin. I'm not super tall yet taller then average I guess. I found the leg room was a tiny bit short and I like to have my steering wheel a bit further away too (unless I didn't figure out how to push the seat back further, but I'm sure it was push as far as it could go). I then sat in the 530i and found it better for my height. The seats were also softer in the 5.

Now I only was in them shortly as I had to meet a friend in the area so I didn't get a chance to try the E90 without the sports pack. Maybe the seats would have been a bit softer also. When I get another chance I'll take a look a another E90 without sports pack and play with the seats a bit more. The E90 wasn't uncomfortable or too short, it's just that I'm used to a Caprice.

Just one thing that surprised me was that the 320i didn't have electric seats. Even entry level commodores now have electric seats (not very functional though). I'm not complaining just a bit surprised that's all.

P.S
I also had a look at a 7 series. Oh goodness me it was nice. I've seen them many times before and love them. Thing is, I've seen some with around 100,000 km go for around $35-40k. A lot of car for the money. Only thing I'd be worried about is ongoing maintenance, its such a big car with so many gadgets. I do like big cars and that's another reason why the 5 is more appealing to me then the 3. But I also understand you gotta start somewhere and driving a 3 would be a very nice start

These were the exact ones I sat in:

320i Was a bit over my budget, but they had some less expensive ones there.

530i

BTW; I'm in no hurry to buy. Probably in the first half of next year. I just like German cars so doing this research early may sound a bit excessive but its fun for me.

[johnnydad]

Sport seats are similar in softness in the middle to the standard seats but with better lateral support and a more cossetting feel. Yes, standard E60 seats are a bit bigger and more enveloping than standard E90 ones.

I can drive SYD-ADL in one stretch without the seats being an issue in mine - I haven't found a better car seat anywhere actually.

How tall/heavy are you? The side bolsters adjust out giving more room. Did you adjust the steering wheel at all?

[anonymousmoose]

Originally Posted by johnnydad

How tall/heavy are you? The side bolsters adjust out giving more room. Did you adjust the steering wheel at all?

Slim build about 186cm

[VGR00]

For what it's worth ..... I had my car in for an oil service yesterday and was given a fully loaded X5 3L deisal. Didn't have the sports seats that I am accoustomed to and the hour long drive to get to my office (peak hour / bumper to bumper all the way) I had a massive back ache. The sports seats is what convinced me to go M-Sport package on my first E90, and it was a no brainer for the second and subsequent I'm sure.

[anonymousmoose]

Originally Posted by johnnydad

I can drive SYD-ADL in one stretch without the seats being an issue in mine - I haven't found a better car seat anywhere actually.

Your probably right. My caprice seats are pretty firm too and very very comfortable. I actually site very upright when I drive, not slouching down. I find I can drive for hours in an upright position where as when I angle the seat back, its not as good.

[Ninjaoz]

wait till you try the comfort seats, it is a whole new level.....so comfy that you wouldn't wanna get out, it has 13 adjustments!

[E90 QLD]

Originally Posted by anonymousmoose

I'm not super tall yet taller then average I guess. I found the leg room was a tiny bit short

I also had a look at a 7 series. Oh goodness me it was nice.

I'm about 188cm and if I max out the seat settings on a 3 series... I cant reach the steering or the pedals ! almost

And I know what you mean about the 7 !!! I get side tracked every time I see one for around the same price as a new 3 with low k's ! Prices REALLY crash on those.

Originally Posted by Ninja333

wait till you try the comfort seats, it is a whole new level.....so comfy that you wouldn't wanna get out, it has 13 adjustments!

What are these ? Can you get them on the 3's ? I haven't seen any... but then, I haven't seen much.

[Jeef Beef]

Originally Posted by E90 QLD

What are these ? Can you get them on the 3's ? I haven't seen any... but then, I haven't seen much.

http://www.bmw.com/com/en/insights/t...ort_seats.html

I don't think they are offered on the 3 series but I do know that there's a HEFTY premium for them. Sport seats with adjustable side bolsters are what do it for me.

Who needs comfort when the sports seats are holding you in snugly through a serious of sweepers?

[kaishang]

No comfort seats on 3-ers. 5 and 7 yes.

[Scooterman]

I went from an E60 530 M-Sport to my current E90 335 M Sport. Comments:

- I liked the sport seats in the 5 better. I am a slim guy 5' 11' and 75kg and I find the side bolsters on the 3 too narrow and have them on max at all times. The 5 was wider but still supportive;
- Overall I also liked the interior of the 5 better. More spacious and as a result felt more lux without feeling too big;
- Unlike some I liked the active steering on the 5 also, in some ways that made the 5 feel more responsive around town to turning;
- The 3 corners marginally better, not as big a difference as I expected. No LSD in the 335 is a big limitation

Overall as a car I preferred the 5 and would prefer a 535i M Sport over a 335but it was not available. Engine for engine the 5 is pretty much as quick in a straight line as the 3 as there is little difference in weight.

I would not buy an E60 now though. With the new model out and more akin to later 3 series lines the E60 looks dated.

[johnnydad]

The rear seat in the E60 is great too - probably where you notice the size most as well as being a terrific shape. I find the E9x rear seat a bit less luxurious, a touch firm.

[anonymousmoose]

Originally Posted by Scooterman

I would not buy an E60 now though. With the new model out and more akin to later 3 series lines the E60 looks dated.

Beggars cant be choosers Seriously, the only E60 in my budget would be an 04/05. If I went 320i 4 cylinder, I could get something newer. One has to start somewhere. Where as of couse an 04 E60 would be more 'bang for my buck', I'm just a little worried about getting a car that old with about 100000km. Where as if I got an E90 320i, there are some in my budget with only 50-60,000km.

[anonymousmoose]

Originally Posted by johnnydad

The rear seat in the E60 is great too - probably where you notice the size most as well as being a terrific shape. I find the E9x rear seat a bit less luxurious, a touch firm.

Good thing is I wouldn't ever sit in the rear. Have you seen the rear seats of my Caprice? Fit for a king... but I never sit in them.

[kaishang]

What is your budget? Have you looked at private sales?

Originally Posted by anonymousmoose

Beggars cant be choosers Seriously, the only E60 in my budget would be an 04/05.

[anonymousmoose]

Originally Posted by kaishang

What is your budget? Have you looked at private sales?

Max $35k.

[cruvon]

just came across an article that reckons the 7 series is among one of the best used car buys, see
http://news.drive.com.au/drive/motor...820-136c2.html

Out of curiosity, just checked some websites like carsales et al if the price drops on 7's are real, saw some real bargains there if looking for luxury, power, size and price all in one package

[anonymousmoose]

Originally Posted by cruvon

just came across an article that reckons the 7 series is among one of the best used car buys, see
http://news.drive.com.au/drive/motor...820-136c2.html

Out of curiosity, just checked some websites like carsales et al if the price drops on 7's are real, saw some real bargains there if looking for luxury, power, size and price all in one package

Downside is they would be expensive to run. Min is an 8 cylinder and I can bet if anything goes wrong, its gonna cost big time.

[cruvon]

Originally Posted by anonymousmoose

Downside is they would be expensive to run. Min is an 8 cylinder and I can bet if anything goes wrong, its gonna cost big time.

saw one with 42k on clock for $50K that even has a 10 year Australia wide warranty, not sure how they manage that

See

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/...s=47&silo=1011

[johnnydad]

Originally Posted by cruvon

saw one with 42k on clock for $50K that even has a 10 year Australia wide warranty, not sure how they manage that

See

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/...s=47&silo=1011

That driver's seat looks very tired for 42,000km. Lovely car otherwise.

[kaishang]

I'm thinking you should get the first of the E90 325i models as a private sale for that price.

Originally Posted by anonymousmoose

Max $35k.