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Message: <blockquote data-quote="bakuda" data-source="post: 395984" data-attributes="member: 19158">I own both, so i guess i can give a non-biased opinion. I purchased a E39 528i 4 years ago and just recently bought a E46 323i. Both cars have the same engine block, but you'd be surprised at how different they are actually are.Noise, Vibration, Handling: The E39 wins in all aspects except handling. You cannot hear the engine cruising at high speeds and it will stay at speed effortlessly, while you relax in complete comfort at 1500rpm on the open road. The steering is also precise and you always remain in control even with road imperfections that are faced such as potholes, bumps etc. The suspension rides a little firm, but is still supple enough. Potholes, bumps and other imperfections are handled with confidence and do not disturb steering.Road and wind noise is non-existent at speed.The E46 on the other hand lacks any steering feel and you are basically isolated from the road leaving you  with no feedback. Not only that, at high speeds it feels very insecure and you have to grip the steering wheel with both hands otherwise bumps and uneven surfaces can upset the steering which leads to the steering wheel leaving the centre and requiring continuous corrections. It just doesn't have the 'tank' like glued to the road feeling. With the E46, wind noise is evident, although minor. Engine noise is also constant and not quiet as the E39.The E46's suspension is also on the hard side and you will feel every bump, imperfection, ant etc. It also can become unpleasant at times, but i have 17" wheels on mine. I'll give the E46 one thing: it's more nimble and you can take corners faster.Comfort and trim - E39 wins in both aspects. Both my cars have leather trim as standard. I find the bigger chairs in the E39 to be more supportive and supple. The rear bench in the E39 also provides ample room and is extremely comfortable. I'll go on a long road trip with the E39 no problems but the E46 feels cramped in comparison.Fuel consumption - E39 again. Despite being a heavy car, you'd be surprised. I get near 600km out of every tank . That's not too bad considering the gross vehicle mass. The E46 on the hand has a hard throttle which requires it to be pushed down a fair bit to get it to move and doing so throws fuel consumption through the roof. I need to get the thermostat checked on mine because it is stuck open and in cold weather the temp gauge goes down. This could explain the extra fuel consumption, in saying so both would be about the same.Safety - Both essentially have the same safety features such as numerous air bags and electrical aids: abs, ASC+T. The braking capabilities on the E39 are far more superior, just a slight tap on the brake pedal and the car slows down.Luggage space - E39!!! It has a bigger boot. Although our E46 comes with fold down seats. Still, in standard form the E39 boot is bigger.Maintenance cost - Both are about the same. After 4 years of owning the E39 i have only had to do regulating servcing and replacing wear and tear items.resale value - E46, simply because it is more sought after for.Finally: My E46 sits in the garage and doesn't get any attention. I'll always take the E39 over the E46. The only exception would be an M model. But then again, I would take an E39 M5 over a E46 M3.I love my E39 :love: and wouldn't take any other car.</blockquote>

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