jz4203

My wife has a 2006 325ix (e90). She likes it a lot, but I don't care for it. It's okay to drive but I hate the passenger side (cupholders are poorly positioned - keep banging my knees). If you're looking at it for 4 doors and comfort, then then there's no comparison to a GS (which I drive).

The BMW is sporty, by there is too much in terms of electronics that I find frustrating and I worry about the electronics reliability (she only has 30k miles so far and no issues). I think if it was my everyday car and got used to it, I'd probably like it but still not as much as my GS400.

I did test drove an older 5 series with a stick and it was comfortable and a lot of fun. My concern there is that the car wanted to be pushed and I could see mysef easily getting into trouble with it (speeding tickets mainly).

So bottom line is that I think they're all different cars and you have to see which fits best for your lifestyle. Me? I'll stick with what I've got and sacrifice some sportiness (handling) for comfort and reliability.

L3XOTIC

ive had a:

1995 325i
1995 M3
1999 M3

currently have my Lexus GS300 AND 2005 325CI

nytoy

thanks for all the responses, I think I may look at the e39 540, I do all my own work so the rad stuff doesn't bother me

CK6Speed

iTrader: (1)

Don't have a GS, but I do have an LS400 and a 2002 330i. So far I have nothing wrong with my E46 330i, but it only has 24K miles on it. Actually, there are a few common problems that I do have. My sunroof window shade clips are broken so the sunroof shade comes off the tracks. While I haven't had a problem yet, I do know the window regulator clip tends to break so I'm expecting that sometime in the future. Mechanically though I had no trouble at all. I know the GS is more sporty than my 99 LS, but that BMW is way more fun to drive than the LS in terms of driver feedback, feel and fun. The Lexus soaks up the road a lot better, but more in an isolation from the road kind of way.

TAMR_GUS98

My wife had a 2002 330i prior. It suppose to have been a certified pre-owned BMW. We found out, because of its reliability issues, that they have one of the worst service facilities when it comes to customer service. The 330i with a manual trans was fun to drive when it did run. But it was a pain when we tried to get warranty work done. We even tried to take it to 3 different dealerships with the same results. They would not even give us a loaner car. The one and only time I did mangage to get them to give us a loaner car, they gave us a Ford Focus.
Good luck with your decision,
-Will

Wald GS

iTrader: (1)

I don't have a 2nd gen but I have a 1st gen gs and 2002 3 series. The bmw problems are minor, such as final stage resister( you know it's out when the air doesn't come out of the vents), and window regulators. As for the engine itself, it is good, just make sure you don't follow the dealer recommended oil change of 15,000 miles. The ride is definitely alot more sporty and is night/day vs. the lexus.

Shawnmack

I had a 2000 328 coupe. I loved that car only problem I had was Pass. window quit working after 2 years.
But the 545i I had loved the way it drove after 6 months of owning it I was at a stoplight during rush hour it just cut off with no warning. Did it again 1 month later. Also my AC had a mind of it's own Got rid of it quickly.

Kbueno

Why not have both like me! 07 335i! Best of both worlds. You'll have to pry the GS out of dead cold hands.

DASHOCKER

iTrader: (2)

Well, I have 600hp of fun in the car category. The GS400 & 335i





Let me tell you that the 335 is much more of a blast to drive! Happy to report that there are no problems with the 335 or my X3. Heck, BMW gives you 4/50k free scheduled maintainence and warranty. Don't believe the hype about these cars falling apart. If I were to do it again, I would get another BMW.

Consumer Reports just gave BMW 3 series all red marks Red means excellent

ZFORCE

I've had so many BMWs (3 series, 5 series, and 7series) that I've lost count. They handle great, run great, and have consistently produced the same problems. The power windows will fail, front end bushings will fail, the automatic transmission will fail, electronics will fail, the radiator will fail, and you will experience many more failures...after too many years sticking with BMWs, I finally tried my first Lexus, a 2000 GS300, albeit handling is nowhere near a BMW, I wouldn't trade it for a 2008 BMW. When you trade in reliability, you must remember, a car that doesn't run, does not a car make.

blacksc400

iTrader: (4)

I had, I love how it drives, but I sold it since I like my GS4 more and I know I can trust my GS better even with more miles ( GS4 have 60K and my Bimmer was 29K miles )

blacksc400

iTrader: (4)

ohh, yeh, it is a 03 5...

dentpusher

I had a M3 and a Audi A6 2.7t stage 3 before my GS. The BMW never gave me problems but was a POS from a german car stand point. Just a cheap car that was fun to drive. The Audi was much nicer and a better built car. I was reluctant to get the GS but pulled the trigger since it was a smoking deal and the car had half the miles it should have. After having it for a few months I was hooked. Not as fun to drive as the german cars but a much better car in build quality and comfort. The only thing I would replace it with would be a Benz.

VipDout

iTrader: (4)

Well Having 4 cars currently ... I can honestly say ... that the Gs By car is very comfortable (by far one of my FAVs).. and had alot Of No Issues ... little things but Mostly because I have been modding the hell out of it ...


the 5 series has always been something I wanted .. and I just got one on Saturday( last week) ... a 528i bmw with sports package ... this is a great deal .. as far as power as a daily driver cant own 2 V8s and expect to see me talking about saving gas .. the 6 is slower but picks up fast ...

I LOVE It ... with the sport package .. lowered already with 17in wheels .. It handles very well .. and the price is just about the same as a GS now a days ... If not cheaper ...


Until you test drive you ... you wont know ...


I know for a fact that the 528i has way more options than my GS , But the over all comfort is in my Gs i love this car ... but gotta have both .. not one or the other !

and adding the BMW to the insurance hurt alot but switching companies you'll see me on the Geico commercials saying i saved over 1300 a year !

a Sneak peak of my garage ... And the Best stays in the garage ... away from the rain ... pics taken last night




further shot




+ added black housings angel eyes with projectors and 6 k hids asap ! (thanks Boaser) !!!!!

DoWnAqT

i had a 97 e39....it was a decent car. alot of problems but it rode nice....also the stereo completely sucks in the 5 series, that was everyones complaint about the car. i personally think the gs4 is a much better car. my 2 cents