E39 540i 6MT vs E46 330i 5MT

Simple question: which pulls better at stock?

I have the choice to get one or the other for approximately the same price. I like both cars very much, and I can't seem to decide. For example, I like the luxury that the 540i offers, but the 330i is smaller and sportier, so in the end performance is the deciding factor for me.

I have the 540 and before that i had a E46 (320 Diesel), i like the E46 more. The 540 is a effin boat to drive.

54o dude, that's a V8; better low-end torque, but I wouldn't trade my car for it!

So general 330i consensus on performance?

depends on year, color, interior. tranny...,
I would take the e39 if it was manual, sports pkg...

540 dude, that car is a beast

ZHP>540i w/ sport package >330i

That E39 540 6MT will blow the doors off of that E46 330i.

depends on what windshield fluids they both running.

^ what he said.

Originally Posted by GRIDLOCK

That E39 540 6MT will blow the doors off of that E46 330i.

+1, with this being said if you dont need/want the extra room 330i > 540i

Originally Posted by GRIDLOCK

That E39 540 6MT will blow the doors off of that E46 330i.

this is true. According th dragtimes.com, the stock e39 540s are running in the low 14s, trapping mid-upper 90s. A well-driven stock 330 should do a 14.4@95. But a 330 can be made to run with a 540 NA, and can be made to destroy it with almost any level of boost, as long as it isn't an auto. The auto 330 is a failure of a car, with boost it is made tolerable, but the detriments to performance from the auto in the 330 are staggering.

A schricked+hedders+tune+3.46 diff 330 manual should eat most mild mod 540s.

Originally Posted by bluejeansonfire

this is true. According th dragtimes.com, the stock e39 540s are running in the low 14s, trapping mid-upper 90s. A well-driven stock 330 should do a 14.4@95. But a 330 can be made to run with a 540 NA, and can be made to destroy it with almost any level of boost, as long as it isn't an auto. The auto 330 is a failure of a car, with boost it is made tolerable, but the detriments to performance from the auto in the 330 are staggering.

A schricked+hedders+tune+3.46 diff 330 manual should eat most mild mod 540s.

Mods this, and mods that...any car can pretty much be made to take off like a rocket, but for simple sanity, we're talking bone-stock here.

^ totally agree.
As if a 540 can't be supercharged, cammed up, stroked out, diff swap, exhaust, headers or whatever....

I'd honestly take a 540i 6sp over a 330 ZHP. No lie, those E39s are solid, timeless beaties that shrink around you for such a large car, and the 540 is just a nasty torque monster.

I'm torn right now as I think I want a different BMW next year and I'm undecided between the E39 and E46 chassis.

Well, it looks like I just have to drive both again and decide for myself, because everyone is voicing exactly what I have been thinking! I won't have time to do so for another few weeks, I'll respond with my results.

EDIT: To all those speculating about what if I get auto, I know what an atrocious fail it is to drive a BMW without really driving it, and shifting is the one thing I will never give up in a car.

I test drove a 540 before I bought my 530. The car was too much of a boat, very front heavy with that V8. The 530 offers the best of everything IMHO.

If I HAD to keep one, it would be the 530i Sport........with or without the supercharger from my 330cic since it's interchangeable

Originally Posted by snikwad

^ totally agree.
As if a 540 can't be supercharged, cammed up, stroked out, diff swap, exhaust, headers or whatever....

I'd honestly take a 540i 6sp over a 330 ZHP. No lie, those E39s are solid, timeless beaties that shrink around you for such a large car, and the 540 is just a nasty torque monster.

I'm torn right now as I think I want a different BMW next year and I'm undecided between the E39 and E46 chassis.

Originally Posted by GRIDLOCK

Mods this, and mods that...any car can pretty much be made to take off like a rocket, but for simple sanity, we're talking bone-stock here.

absolutely true

I'm talking about the possibilities in ownership. My car went through everything I listed and a whole lot more.

To me modding BMWs is a lot of fun. And you become a pioneer, a record breaker. Why so easy? most people dont go to the track or do any quantitative comparisons.

I'm not sure I could deal with either car in NA form.

Originally Posted by jkomets

Well, it looks like I just have to drive both again and decide for myself, because everyone is voicing exactly what I have been thinking! I won't have time to do so for another few weeks, I'll respond with my results.

EDIT: To all those speculating about what if I get auto, I know what an atrocious fail it is to drive a BMW without really driving it, and shifting is the one thing I will never give up in a car.

540 sport package all the way

i regret buyin my 330 every time i sit and drive a 540 manual

540 is faster in a straight line, the 330 is more fun to drive. Realistically they're both pretty slow, so get the one that's more fun to drive and handles better.