My first BMW

[fogcity]

A quick question, hoping to get an honest answer: Soon I'll be giving up my '84 Carrera and am deciding between the 3 and 5 BMW, probably a '01-'03 model. I like the size of the 5 but worry about it not being nearly as sporty as the 3. I won't be AutoXing or anytrhing but I do like a quick, stiff ride. What's your opinion?
Thanks (will also be posting in the 3 series forum)

[x_atlas0]

The threes are smaller, and therefore a lot easier to move, in terms of physics, so they will be *slightly* sportier in stock form. However, if a solid, stiff ride is your goal, then you will probably want to replace the OEM suspension with something more to you liking anyway. The only reason I'd say the 5 is less sporty than a 3 is beacause of the increased dimensions and weight. This is mitigated somewhat if you get a nice, big engine, as it makes the power/weight ratio look much better, which translates into more ready power. The 5 does have one thing that the 3 doesn't, though: balance. My e39 540i is superbly balanced, as the center of gravity is exactly where it should be, depending on how much gas you've got.

Of course, only you can be the real judge, so go and take a test drive or two; that will answer your questions far better than anyone here.

To give you an idea about how sporty a 5 can be, I also have an e34 540i which regularly smokes vettes, and it grips the road like there are spikes on the tires. 5s are plenty sporty, and have little or no trouble going faster than just about anything else around Atlanta.

[fogcity]

Thanks for the info. In regards to 5's, can you tell me the usual suspects for what I want to pay attention to when I buy a used one?