Confused Newbie looking at 3s and 5s

[Doctor Zaius]

Apologies for the dumbness.

I've admired BMWs from a distance for some time and now am in the market for a mid to late 90s era BMW. I've done research and have seen all the tech specs but one thing still puzzles me:

Driving differences between the 318i, the 325(8)i, and 525(8)i models. Specifically:

1) 3 Series: Is the "entire driving experience" significantly different between the 318i and 325i(or 328i)? (I notice the cylinders, Liters, and 0-to-60 are all significantly different).

2) 3 vs 5 Series: Even more confusing. I see Very similar tech specs between the 325i (or 328i) and the 525i (or 528i). At the risk of sounding like a tootal idiot - what's the "driving experience" difference between them when the specs are so close???

Thanks,

 

[selavia]

Differences between 318 and 325/328:
You've pretty much hit the nail on the head, it's a performance difference; a significant performance difference; other than that they are very similar. Still a 318 is all right, it just doesn't deliver the same accelleration as the larger engine. Handling and other features such as aesthetics and options are pretty much the same.

Differences between 325/328 and 525/528:
1. Weight difference with same engine: These 3 and 5 series share the same engine, but the 5 series is considerably more heavier due to the size and the luxury features. The weight difference does make the 3 series quicker, however, the 5 series is stull sufficiently quick.

2. Luxury: The 5 series is much more comfortable to drive than the 3 Series; the seats wrap around you better, the suspension is more of a luxury car than a sports car. The road noise is absolutely non-existent. It's got a bunch of nifty feature that are fun to play with when stuck in traffic.

3. Handling: The handling of the 5 series is superb. I have driven a 528i many times and I it has awesome handling, however, I think my 3 series has better handling capabilities because it is smaller, less weight, etc.

In truth, the best way to answer your questions is to go for a test drive in a 3 and a 5 series; I think by actually having the "driving experience" will help you judge what is better for you.

Good Luck and welcome!

 

[Kirby]

Great description, about the only thing to add is that if you see any "is" models (328is, etc.) the "s" means "sport" suspension. The handling and ride is a little more "sporty" - firmer, stiffer, etc.

 

[E30m42cab]

I can tell you (as Kirby and selvia have) that there is a huge difference between a 318 and a 525, as I now have both (both are manual tranny). The 318i is fun and kinda quick especially off the line, but does not cruise on the highway well with regards to noise and comfort, but the handling is great. The car would be useless without a manual transmission though. My E34 525i (M50) seems just as fast off the line, but is a very smooth and quiet car on the highway, the handling is great, but the engine just seems to be trying too hard to push all that weight around... a 535 (3.5L) or 540 (4.4L is probably a better suited engine for that model, but a waste of gas. I've driven a late '90's E36 (I think it was a 1998) 328i, and it seemed like the perfect match of car and engine. It was my friends mom's car, and she loved it (she was about 55years old) and my friend (about 19 years old) loved it. It was great around the city, fast as all hell on the highway, the breaks were crazy, and the handling was superb. all the luxury crap you actually need, power everything, and in my opinion; a perfect all around car. (why don't I own one? hmmm)

basically, you can't go wrong with a late 90's E36 328i.

 

[Doctor Zaius]

Well, thank you all for the replies. I took my maiden BMW voyage yesterday in a '98 328i and I must say it was impressive. I planned on a 5 min test drive but couldn't bear returning for another 30 mins.

The car is quicker than I thought. I see now it's listed @ 0-60 in 6.4 sec. Funny, the 1995 325i, for comparision, is rated @ 7.8 sec. Same engine, no?

The car "felt" larger than it really was somehow. Perhaps this was because I didn't push it hard enough in my very first time out in one; maybe it was because it was an automatic transmission, I dunno. I've always kinda felt that the driver is in command of the car in a manual while it's more of a 'negotiation' in an automatic.

I own a 1989 911 5-speed and while both cars are excellent drives, they are really quite different. I think I'd prefer the 911 for mountain curves, and the 328 for most all other types of trips. Except city driving, that is. Seems a dang shame to confine either vehichle to the city.

 

[selavia]

328i has a 2.8L engine, whereas the 325 has a 2.5L engine.

 

[codex57]

The changes may seem minor, but BMW does a lot with those changes.

 

[Doctor Zaius]

I drove a 540i for the first time today, and I must say it was a strange experience. The car is a beast.

I'm not sure anyone will agree but IMO there Does come a point where an automobile body just has too much engine in it. I'm not sure the 540 has reached that point, but dang, it must be close.

I guess if you were driving around 3 or 4 other 200lb dudes that engine would come in handy, but with only a single driver the 540 is a rocket.

I find it hard to believe that the 540i gets almost the same gas mileage as the 525i. Supposedly 25/17 vs 25/18. Hard to believe.

Anyway, hats off to the rocketship pilots on this board.