540i or M4

[matt21]

I appreciate they are not direct comparisons, but interested on peoples views.

Come from a 330d with high spec. Thinking M4 but not sure I would appreciate the performance as a daily and be congested roads. Plus, it’s the same inside as my 330d pretty much and expensive. Also have a weekend car.

So thinking a nice spec 540i x drive for £10k less. I know it won’t be as much fun, but has anyone got any experience of the two?

[breadvan]

Both very spec sensitive.

I had the same dilemma but only drove the M3 and was hooked with its performance. I find it a great daily driver, the only issue for some is the suspension but I’m 5k miles in and have forgotten about it already. The various settings mean it really is 2 cars in one and is happy playing both. Lots of start/stop traffic can sometimes make the gearbox feel jerky and rear passengers would def prefer the 540i.

I’m averaging 26mpg which I think is excellent for 450bhp.

You must have full leather imho, it’ll feel much posher than the 330d.

HTH.

[George Smiley]

After taking out an M3 comp pack, and experiencing my friends M4 I can only summise that modern M cars are as much fun to drive as having root canal work - dead, lifeless and uninvolving. From the stupid fake exhaust note from 0db to 200db at X revs, through to the woeful traction added to the zero feedback from the electronic power steering coupled with too many gears - I'd suggest the 540i would not be any less of an involving car to drive. In fact, it would probably make a perfect option to go for.

[Pioneer]

As a dd I'd personally go for the 5. We have various BMWs including a M4CP and a 5 series. The M4 very rarely gets used, occasionally at the weekends. Very low rent inside compared to a 5 upwards, suspension even in the softest mode is harsh. Doesn't feel that special which would not improve if it were a daily. Noise is 'odd' but doesn't really bother me, the performance is good fun and great for what it is. The creaks, odd mechanical noises etc that are inherent to a M would bug me day to day. If you already have a fun car for the weekends the M4 seems a pointless purchase as a dd especially if the other option is a 540i. Refined, plenty of performance, a bit more grown-up and you'd arrive a little more relaxed. Or you could go for a 7

Edited by Pioneer on Thursday 23 August 07:12

[Smuler]

matt21 said:

I appreciate they are not direct comparisons, but interested on peoples views.

Come from a 330d with high spec. Thinking M4 but not sure I would appreciate the performance as a daily and be congested roads. Plus, it’s the same inside as my 330d pretty much and expensive. Also have a weekend car.

So thinking a nice spec 540i x drive for £10k less. I know it won’t be as much fun, but has anyone got any experience of the two?

My view would be neither and, unless it needs replacing, stick with 330d as it's surely plenty quick for commuting.
Either of these cars would seem a lot of money to sink into a commute, which I assume is not that much fun.
Save some towards the 330d's eventual replacement and maybe spend some on adding to your weekend fleet / improving weekend car.

Alternatively, if you want a fast commuting vehicle go for one of these performance SUVs.
I have a M3, but although it's only an ordinary SUV still enjoy my X1 as a commuting car. Nice high driving position, relaxing to drive, AWD in bad weather, a performance one (e.g X340iM) will have a nicer interior and (particularly debadged) could be a relatively Q car and then, even if like me you don't have kids/dogs, you could still be future proofing yourself for any more practical needs that come along.

[gizlaroc]

matt21 said:

I appreciate they are not direct comparisons, but interested on peoples views.

Come from a 330d with high spec. Thinking M4 but not sure I would appreciate the performance as a daily and be congested roads. Plus, it’s the same inside as my 330d pretty much and expensive. Also have a weekend car.

So thinking a nice spec 540i x drive for £10k less. I know it won’t be as much fun, but has anyone got any experience of the two?

One thing I will say is, I bet the 540i loses more than the £10k price difference over the period it is owned then the M4.

[Eddieslofart]

I have a late 330d Touring, and a near new M4 Vert.

I prefer driving the touring most of the time, as has been said by others, the M4 is an uncomfortable daily.

Nice on the odd weekend when i can actually find a clear bit of road.

I’ve also spent some time in a 540. That would be my choice, after an X5M.