E39 530i to E60 530i - will it feel faster?

[da_murphster]

It seems the book speed for the E39 530i (231 bhp) I currently own are very similar to the E60 530i (272bhp) I am looking at.

I was hoping for a slight performance increase - anyone made the same move?

Finding it difficult to confirm the weight and 0-60?

E39:

According to BMW:
0-60 in seconds - 6.8 for manual trans. / 7.5 for automatic
kerb is 1605 kg


E60:

Kerb Weight 1565 kg
Gross Weight 2090 kg

Edited by da_murphster on Wednesday 25th February 22:25

[da_murphster]

I really like my e39 but I could do with an estate and my budget does not run to a f10.

Might hang out for a 550i instead but getting bored of waiting!

[da_murphster]

KiwiBMW said:

Hmmm. You found a plonker E60 driver and this proves which is the better car??? Lot of laughs. I think it comes down to these factors (and the question is 530i: E39 or E60?). First, the E60 is a lighter car and with a better 6-spd box over the E39's 5-spd. That, with fractionally better torque, makes the E60 distinctly quicker in a straight line. But the E60 has awful, and I mean truly awful steering, compared with the E39's absolutely beautiful, perfectly weighted rack 'n pinion steering (which is not fitted to the V8). It is this, and the wonderful chassis, that makes the E39 the clear driver's choice. It is interesting to see in our market (New Zealand, where the country roads just BEG you to go for it) that the last of the good E39s are level or higher priced than the early E60s, with like miles and like condition. The E39 has 'elegant classic' written all over it. Can we imagine collectors in 10 years time getting all excited about an E60?

But, Stiglet, coming back to your point, I'm with you here in that you don't really expect an E60 driver to be an enthusiast (M5s sort of excepted). If it's a well kept E39, esp in Sport config. like yours, there's an automatic respect. You assume he's a 'driver'.

I really think my E39 is one of the best cars I have owned and I still really enjoy a decent road in it.

But I need an estate.

What makes it worse is that I will almost definitely have to get an E61 auto as the manuals are never for sale.

Slightly depressing knowing that £10k+ of upgrade will probably end up with a car that is not as good to drive and probably be harder to maintain!