Differences 540i pre/post sept 98

[OctaneV8]

Hi I'd like to know if it's worth holding out for a VANOS motor on an E39 540i.
With ref to the below, has anyone tried driving both M62B44 and M62TUB44 ?

Excerpt from http://www.e39.co.uk/index2.php?option=com_content...

Quote:
In September of 1998, the 540i received the further upgraded M62TUB44, which was also seen in the E38 (7 Series) and in
the BMW E53 (X5). This engine supported a VANOS variable valve timing system, and had electronic throttle
control.

In September 1998, the 540i's M62B44 was updated to the
M62TUB44, adding 15 ft·lbf (20 N·m) of torque.



I am wondering about tuneability/ reliability and of course the power difference...
and also features, for example I understand that PDC is only on the rear on pre-facelift (2001) models.

Cheers

OctaneV8

Edited by OctaneV8 on Tuesday 6th October 10:25

[SJobson]

There's no power difference. I tried a couple of pre-VANOS 540is before buying my 2000 car. The biggest difference is that the earlier ones don't feel quite so effortless from very low revs, but I'd choose a car based on condition rather than whether or not it has VANOS; it's really not that big a deal.

PDC is indeed on the rear only on pre-facelift cars. But since I can see the front end I don't mind that.

Wouldn't get too worked up about what came as standard in which year either; most will be optioned up to a certain extent so every car is different.