G31 540i from 530d
Discussion
I have a now oldish G31 530d x drive on 82000 miles. I do like it - it is fast (having been re mapped) and a great long distance and winter spacious hack. More than anything I’ve got itchy feet and am wondering about a change more for the sake of mitt ham anything else and at the back of my mind is that I should have bought a 540i instead as it might have been a little less boring. I hate the new 5 series. So my question is (again!) is that will a change to a late model g31 540i be a huge improvement in driving pleasure? I’ve had a b58 before in an M140i before I had an M2C and an X3M. I have a 981 Spyder for summer and a late model (2015) ‘classic’ defender 110 for hauling stuff (bikes, kids, too, trailers) around. So - will I love the 540i x drive touring in a way that I just ‘appreciate’ the 530d?
Watching this thread with interest, I just bought a used G31 530d, have to say in terms of performance a big step up from 520d I had before (and a good match for the 530e, I also had before).
As you suggested they are a bit dull, but that's kind of the point....hours driven in comfort with no drama.
As you suggested they are a bit dull, but that's kind of the point....hours driven in comfort with no drama.
Do u need to love it? You have a fun car, so appreciate it for what it is. 540i quite rare so will be relatively pricey, 82k your is too high for a premium value but not really run in yet. So cost to change will be a lot for what I presume is marginal gains???
I love my pauper g31 520d on 160k now, it does what it says on the tin. Great cruiser, great at family duties and surprisingly chuckable on a b road. I agree the newer one is a bit too big and techy so I think the g31 is one of the last great cars. Mines departing next year and I'll miss it.....
530e are surprisingly good value for a late model one
I love my pauper g31 520d on 160k now, it does what it says on the tin. Great cruiser, great at family duties and surprisingly chuckable on a b road. I agree the newer one is a bit too big and techy so I think the g31 is one of the last great cars. Mines departing next year and I'll miss it.....
530e are surprisingly good value for a late model one
I have one of the very last F11 530d's (Feb 2017) which is now on 85k miles and considering changing in the next year, it's such a great workhorse though.
I guess the question is do you still need a 5 series sized car, it's never going to be that entertaining regardless of the engine (and I've owned a 540i V8 and 550i V8).
B58 is of course a great engine, but it won't offer much difference in performance with the drop in torque.
Can you downsize to a M340i/d? Would imagine that's a more enjoyable driving package.
I guess the question is do you still need a 5 series sized car, it's never going to be that entertaining regardless of the engine (and I've owned a 540i V8 and 550i V8).
B58 is of course a great engine, but it won't offer much difference in performance with the drop in torque.
Can you downsize to a M340i/d? Would imagine that's a more enjoyable driving package.
Billy_Whizzzz said:
So - will I love the 540i x drive touring in a way that I just appreciate the 530d?
Whilst getting the new car would be exciting, I think you'd miss the 530d competence in a short space of time.Not quite the same but we have a 640d GC and an M240i and i've recently tested an X5 30d v a 50e. Whilst the B58 petrol is a superb engine, for application in bigger cars I personally prefer the B57 diesel. Low down torque, easier to waft around in, performance not too far apart and the economy benefit. This was particularly prevelant in the X5 where the B58 felt it needed a bit more effort to get going.
You've got other cars to love. A 530d is perfect as a brilliant everyday tool. Get a newer one of those.
I had a similar dilemma to you with a 435d I owned, but the key difference was that was my only car. As a second car with a fun weekend car I think it would be just about perfect.
I can't see the benefit of a 540i engine when the 30d engines are so competent and frugal for what they are. If anything I think you'd start to resent the extra running costs of a 540i and regret the change.
I can't see the benefit of a 540i engine when the 30d engines are so competent and frugal for what they are. If anything I think you'd start to resent the extra running costs of a 540i and regret the change.
Thanks all. I think I’d get £15k for my 530d and it could cost say another £20k (35k) for a late low mileage 540i. So marginal gains for quite a lot more. Will probably keep the 530 for another decade but every few years have a wobble and think I should go for something shinier! The reason I got it in the first place was that running the X3M alongside the 981 spyder felt too extravagant. And yes, I do like the 530d a lot. It’s like an old friend! 
As I mentioned above, I have 2017 F11 530d and have the same from wobble time to time.
Problem is to move to a 2019 or2020 540i I'd need to put £15k to 20k in, just doesn't make financial sense. Rather buy another MX-5.
I've done 55k miles in 6 years and it's been absolutely fantastic. In that time, other than consumables it's only needed two rear air bags, TPMS sensors replaced and just last week a wheel bearing.
Don't need to worry about chucking the bikes in the back, runs to the tip etc. It's got a tow bar, I have set of winter wheels, those would be another £2k.
Problem is to move to a 2019 or2020 540i I'd need to put £15k to 20k in, just doesn't make financial sense. Rather buy another MX-5.
I've done 55k miles in 6 years and it's been absolutely fantastic. In that time, other than consumables it's only needed two rear air bags, TPMS sensors replaced and just last week a wheel bearing.
Don't need to worry about chucking the bikes in the back, runs to the tip etc. It's got a tow bar, I have set of winter wheels, those would be another £2k.
scz4 said:
As I mentioned above, I have 2017 F11 530d and have the same from wobble time to time.
Problem is to move to a 2019 or2020 540i I'd need to put £15k to 20k in, just doesn't make financial sense. Rather buy another MX-5.
I've done 55k miles in 6 years and it's been absolutely fantastic. In that time, other than consumables it's only needed two rear air bags, TPMS sensors replaced and just last week a wheel bearing.
Don't need to worry about chucking the bikes in the back, runs to the tip etc. It's got a tow bar, I have set of winter wheels, those would be another £2k.
F11 is peak 5 series for me - better looking than G31Problem is to move to a 2019 or2020 540i I'd need to put £15k to 20k in, just doesn't make financial sense. Rather buy another MX-5.
I've done 55k miles in 6 years and it's been absolutely fantastic. In that time, other than consumables it's only needed two rear air bags, TPMS sensors replaced and just last week a wheel bearing.
Don't need to worry about chucking the bikes in the back, runs to the tip etc. It's got a tow bar, I have set of winter wheels, those would be another £2k.
I've briefly driven a 540i G31 and the B58 carries the weight well. As a long term keeper I prefer RWD over xDrive. It's simpler, less to go wrong, less hassle with tyres and you really don't need it. A set of CrossClimates and you're far more capable in inclement conditions than xDrive on summer tyres.
I really wanted a 540i but at the time I was buying they were a bit much. Ended up with a super rare manual 535i. I've been through the whole thing replacing virtually everything. It owes me way too much money, so I'll just keep it. And it's my favourite looking one too.
I really wanted a 540i but at the time I was buying they were a bit much. Ended up with a super rare manual 535i. I've been through the whole thing replacing virtually everything. It owes me way too much money, so I'll just keep it. And it's my favourite looking one too.
steve_n said:
I've briefly driven a 540i G31 and the B58 carries the weight well. As a long term keeper I prefer RWD over xDrive. It's simpler, less to go wrong, less hassle with tyres and you really don't need it. A set of CrossClimates and you're far more capable in inclement conditions than xDrive on summer tyres.
I really wanted a 540i but at the time I was buying they were a bit much. Ended up with a super rare manual 535i. I've been through the whole thing replacing virtually everything. It owes me way too much money, so I'll just keep it. And it's my favourite looking one too.
Wow lovely with the manual. Let me know if you want to sell!I really wanted a 540i but at the time I was buying they were a bit much. Ended up with a super rare manual 535i. I've been through the whole thing replacing virtually everything. It owes me way too much money, so I'll just keep it. And it's my favourite looking one too.
I have a g31 540i.
It s a quick and comfortable car but you really feel the weight and size. If you are looking for a fun car it isn t really it. It s more of a cruiser.
I had a w205 c63 before and that car feels agile, this one with the four wheel drive and size feels more like a fast comfy sofa.
It would probably be cheaper to keep what you have and buy something like a Cayman for pleasure.
The g31 are quite hard to find and good specced ones will be high 20s I think.
It s a quick and comfortable car but you really feel the weight and size. If you are looking for a fun car it isn t really it. It s more of a cruiser.
I had a w205 c63 before and that car feels agile, this one with the four wheel drive and size feels more like a fast comfy sofa.
It would probably be cheaper to keep what you have and buy something like a Cayman for pleasure.
The g31 are quite hard to find and good specced ones will be high 20s I think.
hungry_hog said:
I have a g31 540i.
It s a quick and comfortable car but you really feel the weight and size. If you are looking for a fun car it isn t really it. It s more of a cruiser.
I had a w205 c63 before and that car feels agile, this one with the four wheel drive and size feels more like a fast comfy sofa.
It would probably be cheaper to keep what you have and buy something like a Cayman for pleasure.
The g31 are quite hard to find and good specced ones will be high 20s I think.
thanks. Good advice. I have a Boxster Spyder for pleasure. So think I’m staying with what I have It s a quick and comfortable car but you really feel the weight and size. If you are looking for a fun car it isn t really it. It s more of a cruiser.
I had a w205 c63 before and that car feels agile, this one with the four wheel drive and size feels more like a fast comfy sofa.
It would probably be cheaper to keep what you have and buy something like a Cayman for pleasure.
The g31 are quite hard to find and good specced ones will be high 20s I think.
Forums | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff