far4ngn 14 Report post Posted March 3, 2014 Guys Looking for your views on the E46 330ci and E39 540i, I'm wanting something to enjoy as a second car probably only used on weekends. Plus something that I can modify when cash allows, ie suspension, wheels etc etc Any views on Alcantara vs Leather? Cheers Paul Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lord_jagganath 421 Report post Posted March 3, 2014 leather is better than alcantara. e39 for cruising e46 ci is great as a modification tool. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BreakMyWindow 1870 Report post Posted March 3, 2014 imo both will leave you wishing that you got the M version. Unless you've got cash to improve on them. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
liyi_92 37 Report post Posted March 3, 2014 I had this choice a while ago, got the 540i and never looked back Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Eagle 1528 Report post Posted March 3, 2014 Considering the M versions are 3x the price your bank account might be wishing you hadn't bought one. They both got their advantages but a manual transmission would be at the top of my list regardless. In my experience its always auto's that have always left me wishing, hence ive never kept one for very long. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MISS BM 712 Report post Posted March 3, 2014 I love them both.. But all depends on what you are after - Big V8 that can up and go when it wants, or a sporty sort 6cylinder that can also boogie when it wants to. Having a small family myself, E39 540i - big, but got the grunt to take you on a bit of fun buzz when you want to open her up. E46 330i is a super nice shape, with a decent size engine to compliment the fair figure. However I do personally think what it does lack in 'space' it makes up for in the comfort of travelling in such a smaller car. You can't really go wrong with either, E39 is convenient in a few more ways (for me anyway)Mods wise, well they both look amazing when 'done up'.. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
far4ngn 14 Report post Posted March 3, 2014 Thanks all, plenty of auto choices (as manuals are quite rare at present), so probably edging towards the smaller 330ci, although I do like the idea of a V8. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MISS BM 712 Report post Posted March 3, 2014 Thanks all, plenty of auto choices (as manuals are quite rare at present), so probably edging towards the smaller 330ci, although I do like the idea of a V8. Just drop a V8 into the E46ci Body - sorted Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gaz 1042 Report post Posted March 3, 2014 Last year i was in a simular position, e39 or e46 and went with 330. I found the e39 a bit to big for what I wanted and got a sweet price on the e46. I think theres more aftermarket support in NZ for the e46 but could be wrong. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
far4ngn 14 Report post Posted March 3, 2014 May need to save up for a manual conversion... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
yng_750 247 Report post Posted March 3, 2014 Ive got an 540i. Would get a 330ci. If i could but would pay for a manual personally Sent from my GT-I8160L using Tapatalk 2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
elmarco 56 Report post Posted March 3, 2014 330ci every day of the week. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hybrid 1039 Report post Posted March 3, 2014 Owed both .. 330i is a lot more sporty in the twistys and you can really through them around. However the 540 has the power over the 330. Get a true motorsport in either model if your wanting it for a fun car. 330 for twisties. 540 for open road. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
