E39 535/540 any good?
Discussion
as per title 
i came across these by chance (not really what i was looking for) on autotrader today as i'm currently looking for a new car and couldnt believe how cheap they are now (i rang about one of them this afternoon as it was very local to me but sold already) fuel economy isnt a worry as i only do about 5000miles per year in my car
all replys and owners opinions greatfully recieved as always
i came across these by chance (not really what i was looking for) on autotrader today as i'm currently looking for a new car and couldnt believe how cheap they are now (i rang about one of them this afternoon as it was very local to me but sold already) fuel economy isnt a worry as i only do about 5000miles per year in my car
all replys and owners opinions greatfully recieved as always
'ello Chris 
Steering is a different on system on the V8s and not as good as the 530i set up. More barge than 'sports saloon' I thought. As Fox has said, 535i is unloved.
Unless your heart is set on a V8 I'd say try a 530i as well and see what you think. Loads about and reasonable running costs.
Cheers,
Matt
Steering is a different on system on the V8s and not as good as the 530i set up. More barge than 'sports saloon' I thought. As Fox has said, 535i is unloved.
Unless your heart is set on a V8 I'd say try a 530i as well and see what you think. Loads about and reasonable running costs.
Cheers,
Matt
Edited by matt uk on Thursday 6th November 00:34
Fox- said:
535 bad, 540 good.
535 = all the downsides of the 540 with none of the good bits.
Get the 540.
Absolutely. The 535i is hardly any quicker than the 528i, but hardly more economical than the 540i. The engine is flexible and refined, and you can get the 535i without the sports suspension if you want a more comfortable ride. But if all thats your thing, then you ought to get a 735i instead. 535 = all the downsides of the 540 with none of the good bits.
Get the 540.
Nick
Five-forty = "Sporty and naughty."
Five-thirty-five = "Quick! Run and Hide!"
Seriously, you're better off with a six cylinder 528i or 530i in preference to the 535 (unless you find a free one in your weetabix). That car was yet another uncharactersitic aberration in the BMW model lineup (the E34 530i V8 was another good but similarly pointless exercise in "less performance than the 4.0/4.4, same thirst").
You know what to do, even it it means listing to all us intarweb armchair experts
Five-thirty-five = "Quick! Run and Hide!"
Seriously, you're better off with a six cylinder 528i or 530i in preference to the 535 (unless you find a free one in your weetabix). That car was yet another uncharactersitic aberration in the BMW model lineup (the E34 530i V8 was another good but similarly pointless exercise in "less performance than the 4.0/4.4, same thirst").
You know what to do, even it it means listing to all us intarweb armchair experts
Edited by Diesel Meister on Thursday 6th November 17:50
stone-islandV8 said:
Went from an E39 535 to an E46 328 and just got shot of that for a 540 touring and LOVING IT. Doesn't feel like a barge to me (got sport suspension) and whilst the recirculating ball steering is a bit detached compared to 6cyl steering I reckon the 286bhp more than makes up for it.
And thats the point. Every time the 540i's steernig annoys you, you can stamp on the throttle and instantly be reminded why in other ways its a superior car to the 530i. Whereas with the 535i you can't.Fox- said:
stone-islandV8 said:
Went from an E39 535 to an E46 328 and just got shot of that for a 540 touring and LOVING IT. Doesn't feel like a barge to me (got sport suspension) and whilst the recirculating ball steering is a bit detached compared to 6cyl steering I reckon the 286bhp more than makes up for it.
And thats the point. Every time the 540i's steernig annoys you, you can stamp on the throttle and instantly be reminded why in other ways its a superior car to the 530i. Whereas with the 535i you can't.
thanks the 540i is looking very favourable to me y2blade said:
Fox- said:
And thats the point. Every time the 540i's steernig annoys you, you can stamp on the throttle and instantly be reminded why in other ways its a superior car to the 530i. Whereas with the 535i you can't.
thanks the 540i is looking very favourable to me I have V8 #125 and I love it.
fluffnik said:
Keep an eye open for ALPINA B10s too - 3.2/3.3 I6 or V8 4.6 - same running costs as the 530i or 540i on which they're based but with more grunt (260/340bhp), better ride and handling and (most 3.x, all V8) the superb Switchtronic gearbox.
And the Alpinas have no 250 kph / 155 mph limiter like the plainBMWs on which they are based.
Which is handy when you want to get there sooner.
the 540 is marvellous. had mine for 2 years, been utterly reliable, now done 150k with FSH and still runs like a dream. the noise from the V8 when you get a heavy right foot is really lovely... the comfort on a long run is brilliant... when i get the car serviced it usually requires a small suspension part, an arm or some such, not expensive. but other than that ive found it reasonable to run cost wise...
you really should....
you really should....
Digger. said:
My 540i Sport is a wonderful car. Unfortunately i will be getting shot of it soon. Hope to advertise it in the next few days. Some pics in the Show your BMW thread very recently. Let me know if you want any more info?
thankyou for the PM, i have been watching the classified section (and autotrader) let me know once you advertise it! i have looked at a E39 5 series this afternoon as it was local to me , not a 540 though just went to get a feel for it. its the first 5 series ive sat inside in a long while. i love the interior and liked the over all feel inside the cabinthey also have a 1999 E38 740 for sale too
the salesman coundnt stop singing the praises of the M62 4.4 V8 engine, he said in his opinion "its one of the best engines BMW have ever made"
y2blade said:
the salesman coundnt stop singing the praises of the M62 4.4 V8 engine, he said in his opinion "its one of the best engines BMW have ever made"
I went to look at a Yugo at his place last week, he said the Zastava he wanted to flog me had one of the 'best engines Yugo had ever made'.Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff