E39 540i

[speedmachine]

I've started a few topics asking about e39 530i and 530d's. But now,I'm warming to the idea of getting a 540i sport. The plan is that it won't be used for commuting and on most weeks it probably won't even do more than 100 miles so fuel consumption should hopefully not be an issue. I've been watching clips of 540i's with aftermarket exhausts and they really bring out the V8 sound.

So is it worth getting a 540i with with it's 4.4V8 over a 530i. I've read that the handling on the 530i is much better due to lighter engine different steering system to the 540i. Is this really true and would you notice it when wafting around? I've always wanted an e39. I always thought it would be a 530i sport but the prices of the 540i are too tempting!

[WeirdNeville]

The 530's use rack and pinion steering, the 540i's and M5's use recirculating ball steering due to space constraints in the engine bay IIRC. Yes, there is a big difference in steering feel, but if you'll notice/miss what you never had in a 100k mile example is another question.

If you really are only doing limited milage then why not have the V8? The price differential will buy you a lot of fuel! Just do your homework, IIRC VANOS and head gasket problems can be car killers on the 4.4 V8.

[Liokault]

I had a e39 540. The steering was not great, it did feel heavy, but it was a great great car for the month or so that I had it before the wife wrapped it around a lamp post.

Would have another tomorrow!

Edited by Liokault on Monday 6th February 17:42

[J4CKO]

E34 is where its at, currently I think decent ones go for about a grand to perhaps twice that, fair propertion of M5-ness at bargain money, not even that bad on fuel by all accounts and a lot simpler than the E39.

[speedmachine]

J4CKO said:

E34 is where its at, currently I think decent ones go for about a grand to perhaps twice that, fair propertion of M5-ness at bargain money, not even that bad on fuel by all accounts and a lot simpler than the E39.

I've also kept my eye out for e39 540i sports but not seen any manual examples recently. I do think the e34 is a lot cooler than than the e39 but it's finding a nice one that is difficult

[J4CKO]

speedmachine said:

J4CKO said:

E34 is where its at, currently I think decent ones go for about a grand to perhaps twice that, fair propertion of M5-ness at bargain money, not even that bad on fuel by all accounts and a lot simpler than the E39.

I've also kept my eye out for e39 540i sports but not seen any manual examples recently. I do think the e34 is a lot cooler than than the e39 but it's finding a nice one that is difficult

I was looking last year at the whole 5 series V8 thing an a couple of really nice looking E34s came up, they are out there, one was on the PH classifieds, was tempted but wasnt really in aposition to change, have ended up with a 944 in the end, suspect the E34 would be quicker though,

[Jw Vw]

J4CKO said:

E34 is where its at, currently I think decent ones go for about a grand to perhaps twice that, fair propertion of M5-ness at bargain money, not even that bad on fuel by all accounts and a lot simpler than the E39.

And, IMO, better build quality than an E39.

[dcb]

GetSerious said:

From all accounts, the MPG difference between the 530 and 540 isn't all that much in reality anyway

BMW's official numbers are

530 petrol auto combined 26 mpg urban 18 mpg extra-urban 36 mpg
540 petrol auto combined 23 mpg urban 16 mpg extra-urban 32 mpg

530 petrol manual combined 30 mpg urban 22 mpg extra-urban 38 mpg
540 petrol manual combined 23 mpg urban 15 mpg extra-urban 32 mpg

so 3 mpg on the auto and 7 mpg on the manual.

Of course, your numbers will be different to BMW official numbers
and the vast majority of 530s and 540s are auto anyway.

[mondeoman]

Go on, you know you want to! Get the manual if you can , otherwise the auto does make a nice cruiser. Its a comfortable wafter rather than a barnstormer, but with a bit of kickdown they can lift their skirts when you want them to.

Change the thermostat though, the original plastic ones are a known weak spot.

[speedmachine]

mondeoman said:

Go on, you know you want to! Get the manual if you can , otherwise the auto does make a nice cruiser. Its a comfortable wafter rather than a barnstormer, but with a bit of kickdown they can lift their skirts when you want them to.

Change the thermostat though, the original plastic ones are a known weak spot.

I'm definately keeping my eyes peeled for the right car at the right price. Gonna keep an eye out for both e39s and e34s now

[louiebaby]

I very recently picked up a metallic Black 80k mile 2002 E39 540i Auto Sport Tourer for £5k. Black leather and walnut.

It's my first "proper" car, and it cruises nicely, and can pick up it's skirts when you ask it. Good luck finding a manual one if that is your desire though.

I'm a novice, but feel free to ask. Caruso got a similar one about the same time as me...

[balls-out]

J4CKO said:

E34 is where its at, currently I think decent ones go for about a grand to perhaps twice that, fair propertion of M5-ness at bargain money, not even that bad on fuel by all accounts and a lot simpler than the E39.

I have one of these (4 litre e34). Didn't think much of the steering feel - again rec-ball. and the 4.0 litre was surpringly gutless for a V8, the fact that the 4.4 litre replacement had the same bhp suggest BMW thought so too. Sill a good cars in many ways, but manuals rare now
I mate had a 530 e34, which gave used more petrol and was slower - go figure.

Edited by balls-out on Tuesday 7th February 11:53