BMW 530i or 540i

[adsvx220]

Hi ime looking to buy a 2002 52 BMW 530I or go a bit silly and buy the 540i V8 estate. I dont realy do many miles thru the year so petrol isnt a problem for me realy.

What sort of common faults do both models have and all in all what are they like to live with and drive.

Thanks

Adam

[sparkythecat]

you'll find all the answers on the 5 series forum.

start here http://forum.bmw5.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=2...

[dcb]

adsvx220 said:

Hi ime looking to buy a 2002 52 BMW 530I or go a bit silly and buy the 540i V8 estate. I dont realy do many miles thru the year so petrol isnt a problem for me realy.

What sort of common faults do both models have and all in all what are they like to live with and drive.

This topic has been discussed many times here.

The search button is helpful.

[Hammerhead]

Get the 540 Touring - job done! (I am slightly biased )

Oh, and ignore any pillock that slates the V8's steering - there's nowt wrong with it.

[Jw Vw]

dcb said:

adsvx220 said:

Hi ime looking to buy a 2002 52 BMW 530I or go a bit silly and buy the 540i V8 estate. I dont realy do many miles thru the year so petrol isnt a problem for me realy.

What sort of common faults do both models have and all in all what are they like to live with and drive.

This topic has been discussed many times here.

The search button is helpful.

The search button is helpful.

How helpful of you!

[gizlaroc]

E39 530i sport is probably the best all round car ever made, I had two and adored them.

The 540i is a very different beast, much heavier and the steering is no where near as good, but has that waft along with endless power feel to it.

I would take either.


I would always go with estate over saloon though, so that would push me towards the 540i in this instance.

[smack]

Get the V8. You know you want to.

[adsvx220]

The V8 is very very very tempting but weirdly I am more steering towards the 3.0litre. I looked at a 530i sport estate yesterday and it was lovely and even the sound from that BM straight 6 nearly sold it to me there and then lol.

The missus is trying to make me go diesel but I am not going to let her. I know they are brilliant engines but I just want a petrol.

Edited by adsvx220 on Friday 31st December 11:57

[gizlaroc]

The diesel really isn't worth bothering with, it is a great engine, but the 3,0 straight six petrol i a pearl and only around 4mpg behind, plus the 3.0i is bullet proof which is not something that can be said of the 3.0d.

[dcb]

Jw Vw said:

The search button is helpful.

How helpful of you!

Dearie me !

One clueless newbie who can't find the search button
and another who is scornful of simple advice.

In the words of the old guard, "Is it September again ?"

Back on topic, the 530i is a very fine car. I've had
one for seven years and I find it to be the best thing
since sliced bread.

Known weak spots include the cooling system - radiators and
expansion tanks can fail after about ten years.

Steering geometry setup can be another problem. Get
it wrong and they will wear tyres in strange ways.

Suspension gubbins can also be an issue. The 530 is
designed and built to run all day every day flat out
over the autobahn, so your average British back roads,
with their full complement of patches, holes and ditches
can wear components more than expected.

If the 231 BHP 530 simply isn't enough and you want the extra
55 BHP, and you don't mind the extra costs, extra
weight and the slightly less good recirculating ball steering,
then get the 540 V8.

You'll be best mates with all the local petrol stations
and the Chancellor if you do ;->

[sprouting]

You really need to try both, you wont be disappointed either way. I have a 540it and my dad has a 525it both se spec and fuel wise there's barely a difference. Noise wise the V8 only make itself known when the revs rise whereas the i6's seems to have a sweet sound all the way through the rev range.

[skeeterm5]

I used to run a 2002 e39 540 sport and I have to say it was one of the best looking cars I have ever owned.

Weaknesses;
- The radiator can split where the top/bottom hose joins. I got the dealer to fit a new rad as a precaution when I picked it up

- The steering isnt pin sharp, but to be honest I am not the stig so it didnt bother me

- The leather seat bolster were a bit squeaky!

- The exhaust note doesnt sound as good as I had hoped

If you can afford the fuel and insurance I would go for the 540 anyday.

S