BMW 3 & 5 Series

Hi there,

I cant seem to get my head around this. Whats the point in buying second hand 2 liter 3 Series ie 318 Coupe when you can get a 5 Series 2 liter for approx the same price.

Is there a reason for this?

A coupe is more sporty? I would go for the new 5 Series over pretty much any new 3 Series, but I do like the old (still on sale) 3 Series coupe. Horses for courses etc.

Also, many used 5 Series would have higher mileage and depreciation (in general) than a 3 Series coupe.

are you for real????

The 5 series is a large executive 4 door saloon

The coupe is a 2 door, well , coupe.

\completely different looks and the drive would be very different for many reasons not least seating position. You are also likely to experience more beautiful engine noise in the less insulated coupe and more comfort in the softer suspension of the 5.

At the end of the day its the look and functionality that it boils down to for most.
I have the coupe and love it but would go for a 5 as I get older I think. the new couoe in the way for the record looks awsome. Changed all that was hideous about the new 3 saloons.

coupe fun and sporty, has 2(3) decent back seats but not really for shipping around 4/5 regularly

5 great for families longer drives maybe, larger boot.

Its like compariing a Hyundai coupe to a mondeo...why? 2 completely different cars to satisfy 2 diefferent drivers requirements.

Yeh they are totally different cars. I would definitely go for a 318ci Sport over a 520i anyday. The 5series is really an executive saloon or large family car. 3series coupe looks cooler, is more fun to drive and has more street cred imo.

Going back to my first question, what I meant was, why would you consider buying a 3 Series 2 litre when you can buy a 5 Series 2 litre. Honestly, the 5 series is and looks a much better car then the 3 Series Coupe plus it has a much better resale value.

It's all a matter of opinion.

I would go for a new model 5 Series over any of the new 3 Series models.

If you prefer the 5 Series-buy it. Unless you are asking about reliablity or cost of running, who cares what others think?

contemporary said:

insurance and tax is lower on the 1.8 for a start, of course there is a reason that BMW 3 Series are called clitoris cars...

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Well the smallest engine in the current 3 series coupe is a 2litre and as I say I would definitely go for a 3series coupe over a 5series. I've driven both and much prefer the coupe. Plus I think its looks a lot sportier and less grown up. They are both great looking cars though. The 3series coupe is one of a very few coupes which aren't driven primarily by women. Loads of (generally younger) men drive them. I suppose the 5series would appeal to an older executive driver or someone with kids. Its the type of car that you see a lot of yummy mummies driving outside the private schools. I think BMW got it badly wrong with the styling of the new 3series saloon and obviously the 5series would win hands down compared to it. But the new 3series coupe due later this year looks very nice so it should sell very well.

The new 5 is pretty good looking, not to mention the 6

Pexus1976 said:

Going back to my first question, what I meant was, why would you consider buying a 3 Series 2 litre when you can buy a 5 Series 2 litre. Honestly, the 5 series is and looks a much better car then the 3 Series Coupe plus it has a much better resale value.

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Its a daft question! Its purely a matter of taste.....they are 2 differetn cars for 2 diferent drivers!
Onbe is not better than the other they are both excellent, you can buy the coupe with probably as many extras as the 5 so the only differecne is the styling and the extra doors.

Monkeyboy thats a daft name

Yes your right "Onbe is not better than the other" ???

Anyway thanks for all your comments and opinions. The 5 Series it is.

Thanks again!