Need some HELP and QUICK!!!
 

Okay, so my 2003 Imola Red X5 4.6is is off and gone to Denver, Colorado. This might have been the first time I've been on the verge of tears to see a car go, it was surprisingly hard.

I've been trying to figure out which car to get now and I've run out of time. I have to give my answer before tomorrow morning on either a 2001 540i Sport or a 2003 330Ci. I want a car I'll have the ability to do more modifications on, these are the two I've narrowed it down to. Here are the specs on both:

The 2001 540i Sport, with 62,379 miles. It has a red exterior and black/gray interior. It's a six speed manual tranny, has the M Sport Package including the rims, GPS, great sound system, wood trim interior, sunroof, power seats and power everything else. 282 HP. There are some pictures at the end of this as well.

The 2003 330Ci has 53,511 miles, black on black exterior. It's a 5-speed manual, heated seats, harmon kardon sound system, no sunroof, but power everything else. Also has 225 HP.

I know the 330Ci was listed as a better car to mod, plus it's a two seater as opposed to the four seater 540i. I only have pictures of the interior for the 330Ci, but the exterior is flawless. Any opinions would be helpful, I'm running out of time!

that is one gorgeous 540i, I think I would lean towards that

I'd go with the 540i!!

You'll miss the sport seats if you go with the 330......and the rumble and thrust of the V8. but didn't you sell your 4.6 because it comsumed too much gas?

and the you'll be familar with the equipment in the 540 considering it shares many of them with the X.

My X5 was getting anywhere from 11-13 miles to the gallon according to the on board computer.

I'm not worried when it comes to the gas the 540i will consume, more interested in having a fun ride that I can play around with.

Personally, the 540i. I LOVE E39s. I had a 528i, and it was great. I also LOVE the styling. Probably one of the best looking BMWs, behind maybe the E38.
Coming from an X, you'll probably appreciate the 5's more spacious interior.
Good Luck!

330ci is more tossable but realistically, why going after cars with such high mileage? is price a reason?

Price is a small factor in this, but I mostly just want a car to screw around with. I'm only 23 so at some point I'm going to need to start paying for my own insurance, bills, that sort of thing, so I want something that's not like the 4.6is as far as price goes. I'm actually leaning more towards the 330Ci just because of the list of mods I can do.

try to find an 04 3-coupe. it's updated with the LED tail-lights which, i don't know why, everybody likes.

I am not liking the 540i and I am not liking it in red.

Mostly though the inside looks tired.

Though 540's are nice, I hate red on that car so if it were me...330. That black interior is simply gorgeous.

I'd go for the 540 - gotta have a V8! Did you drive both of them? I suspect driving them will play a big role in helping you to make your decision... GL!

If you want to go for the most moddable, go for the e46...I agree with X5Jay, drive them both!!! Best of luck :thumbup:

540 all the way!! How much price difference between the two?

Between the space you'lll get in the 540 and the V8 power, I would go with the 540. There are plenty of mods for the 540 and it would be a fun car as a daily driver

Two completely different beasts......depend very much on your needs and expectations.

I had a 2003 33Ci so I am biased :thumbup: but for what is's worth....The E46 engine is reliable, proven, and easily moddable. Its more fun to throw into corners. You are 23...do you ned the extra room that the 540 family sedan gives?
The 540 looks dated both inside and out. The E46 coupe was replaced just recently so the old style will look less dated thatn the 540.

Do you have a good independant mechanic - a 6 yr old 540 may get expensive to maintain otherwise.

Just my thoughts and preferences...either way both great cars:thumbup:

How about a 1993 850 CSI with 60,000 for $39,000. I found this last night and I am going to take a look today. I won't be able to buy it but I can dream.

i find the steering wheel hi-larious :rofl:

Actually, the steering wheel on the 540i is the only thing I don't really like so far. I'm going to have to look into a replacement for that.

But I actually ended up choosing the 540i. The 330Ci had a history of electrical issues and in the end, I didn't think I'd be able to go without the V8.

The car's going to be delivered to me sometime early next week...all the while I get to keep my X5 until that time. So I'm going to be spending some quality time with her before I have to let her go.

The price difference between the two wasn't anything too substantial, only a few thousand. I wanted to save money in the end so I would be able to do more mods in the end. I know this isn't going to be my last car, just my first after college.

I've been dreaming about having an 8 series for pretty much my entire life, I'm just going to keep dreaming on that. Any idea if there's a future 8 series in the works? Or is that out of the way with the 6 series?

Good choice, Matzo. If you don't already know, replace the radiator around 80-90k miles, as this is almost guarenteed to go south and cause lots of damage if you have a catastrophic radiator failure while driving.

I actually like that steering wheel in the 540 :)