Is there a better handling exec saloon than an e39 sport?

[jboy72]

This is a genuine question - I realise that posting it in the BMW section of Pistonheads may draw slightly skewed responses, but having been parted from my 530i sport for several weeks recently (and driving a mixed bag of other vehicles) I was in absolute awe from the moment I turned the key to drive it home to the moment I left the car. I have driven cars with 1000s spent on suspension and they dont feel as good as that. I have also driven respected 4wd Subarus and they left me cold.

Like I say, it is a genuine question from one car nut to many others - it might inform my next car choice!

EDIT: Of course, thinking about it the e60 may have raised the game.... Dont know as Ive never driven one!

Edited by jboy72 on Wednesday 12th August 12:23

[Dr mojo]

drove a 540i for 3 years. best all round car I have ever owned including M3's, mercs, porsche cayennes and current 6 series.
Did everything really well.
only car in which I got speeding tickets however as with double glazing and smooth V8 it was deceptively quick. I think 530i is even better due to rack and pinion steering compared to recirculating ball in 540i.

Still miss mine even though sold it 6 years ago

[CarZee]

I'm running an e39/m62 540i.

Fantastic car, that has coped brilliantly with my total lack of respect for it.. lol

Utter and total shame about the recirculating ball steering system, though. The 530i's rack and pinion is miles better, but that V8... mmmmmm.

All that said, I'm currently mulling over chopping it in for a 135i coupé. I've never really wanted a 3 and I don't really need a car as big as the 5.

[GMACWARP]

I think the E39 530i sport is just awesome. I have had a E39 525 and now own a E38 728 (see show me your car thread) My wife sold her E39 523SE and bought the 530i sport. I don't think I've ever had as much fun in a car and that includes doing 140 on the autobahn between Munich and Buchloe.

never part with it. I have driven a E60 525d which feels too big and too slow to compare with the 530.

I wish you all the best for continuing with what I think is the best car in the world.

I would like to drive a 540 old steering system or not. I have driven a 840 which was just staggering but that was a couple of years ago.

Big G

[RDMcG]

I had three of them,,a 528i,540i and an M5. Wonderful ,wonderful cars, all of them

I changed the M5 for 645ci which I did not like at all, and finally for an M6 which is fine. Yet, perhaps the most pleasant car of all of them to drive on a daily basis was the 6-speed 540i. Not the fastest ,but fast enough, and just a delightful car. I ran 36000 miles in it , and it was superb.

[StuB]

You already took the words out of my mouth, try an E60!

Mine has the clever steering ratio and also the adaptive ride, so corners flat.

I've also ditched the RFT's at the rear and will do so with the fronts when they're finished.

Edited by StuB on Friday 14th August 13:07

[dave_s13]

I anyone is in the market for a 540 touring I'm selling mine!!

Anyone??

[gizlaroc]

E39 530i M-Sport is the best all round BMW every built, it works in both manual and in auto. The handling and weight balance is almost perfect for a saloon. The car returns 25mpg round town and 32mpg on a run.
There is very little that goes wrong with them and the things that do a small change to sort.
It also looks great, still, and the interior is very driver focused which has a real feel good factor.


I had a 535d sport after the 530i and it is no where near as nice imho, even when you ditch the run flats it just misses out somehow.

Funnily enough my second favourite BMW is the 130i, and for the same reasons. Don't get me wrong I loved my CSL but it is limited, I also love my current M3 as well, but there are times when I wish I was in the E39 530i sport auto.


All in all the best all round car BMW have ever built imho.

[*Al*]

I have the M5 E39 and i'm amazed that such a large car handles so well.

[jamoor]

Better handling saloon? Yes
Better handling exec saloon? No