Discussion
Has anyone owned both? Im looking at M5s but with my budget I dont think I can get a mint one but I have seen some stunning low mileage 540i Sport models available within my budget (with room to stick a warranty on it too).
As far as I can see they offer decent performance, all the toys and less of an expense if it goes wrong. I could also get a Auto which will suit my daily hack and the Mrs could drive it.
As much as I would love an M5 Im starting to think that a 540i might fit the bill. What do people think? (and has anyone stuck a performance exhaust on one?)
As far as I can see they offer decent performance, all the toys and less of an expense if it goes wrong. I could also get a Auto which will suit my daily hack and the Mrs could drive it.
As much as I would love an M5 Im starting to think that a 540i might fit the bill. What do people think? (and has anyone stuck a performance exhaust on one?)
540i is fun and can easily smoke the wheels away from the line if that's your thing. And I get an average of 24mpg from it. Have done since I bought it. In a types of driving, slow and fast, town and Mway.
Howeevr, the M5 has, I think 100bhp more then the 540 and qwill be a totally different dricing experience.
If it was me, I'd find an Alpina B10. As much power as the M5, but an auto and softer suspension. I have an Autocar test of the M5 v Alpina and they found the latter to be the nicer to drive.
Howeevr, the M5 has, I think 100bhp more then the 540 and qwill be a totally different dricing experience.
If it was me, I'd find an Alpina B10. As much power as the M5, but an auto and softer suspension. I have an Autocar test of the M5 v Alpina and they found the latter to be the nicer to drive.
I'd seriously back the Alpina option. If you'd prefer an auto then the Alpina box is heads above the 540s Steptronic offering. The additional grunt is definitely noticeable, as is its more free revving character. Depending on which one you buy you may not be far off M5 power levels anyway.
I've had a 540 as well as the Alpina so I speak from experience.
Best of luck with the search.
I've had a 540 as well as the Alpina so I speak from experience.
Best of luck with the search.
WEHGuy said:
Yeah seen that, looks almost too cheap doesnt it but worth a look once the RX8 is sold. 4.6 V8 - Correct. £6k would give you a high miler 97 - 2000 B10 V8, but many Alpina's come with no expense spared service histories which would be well worth seeking out.
Having had both I can say there's no comparison. Sure you could kind get a late model 540 Sport for the same money, but that's a different proposition entirely.
Try them and see, just make sure any one you look at is pristine.
Having had both I can say there's no comparison. Sure you could kind get a late model 540 Sport for the same money, but that's a different proposition entirely.
Try them and see, just make sure any one you look at is pristine.
WEHGuy said:
No mention of service history in that add though.Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff