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      05-04-2009, 09:09 AM   #1
dcinscc
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Considering a 540i or M5

I am considering selling my 80 911sc and going to a 1999 to 2004 540i or M5.

The mileage in the range I am looking into is from 75-80k up to 110k. I am not that concerned with the mileage if the BMW will go to 300k with proper maintenance like the Porsche.

I would prefer a manual but an automatic is OK.

What are some of the important issues I need to consider and what kind of longevity could I expect?

Thanks in advance,

David

Last edited by dcinscc; 05-04-2009 at 09:11 AM.. Reason: Correct spelling.
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      05-07-2009, 09:29 AM   #2
dcinscc
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No one out there has an opinion.
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      05-12-2009, 01:41 PM   #3
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I just registered on this forum, but thought I would post for you....I am on the bimmer forums and have been working on and driving the 5 series BMW for sometime.....Serious Porsche guy as well, but not currently in the budget with a growing family....anyway, buy as new as you can. I highly suggest and 01 or newer, due to updated VANOS system and less likely to be suffering a lack of maintenance. Usually in the 70K range you need to service the cooling system completely...radiator, t-stat housing (t-stat built in), fan clutch. OEM parts are reasonable, but suspect after 70K. They can have valley pan issue and valve cover gaskets will leak in higher mileage. Of course 6-speed is more fun (540's are 6's) but auto is pretty reliable. The later version is a 5 speed auto and that is much better. Better headlights and lighting in 01 and later. Get sport package: shocks, wheels, interior, a lot nicer for very little money. That is the quick points. If I find some links to buying tips I will shoot them back here. Lots are available and you can find plenty of 01's.....I bought a 6 with an auto just to save on repair cost relative to v8 and my wife can not drive a stick. Next time I will by a 6 speed and tell her to buy her own sedan if she wants to stop driving the burban'.
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      05-13-2009, 11:06 AM   #4
dcinscc
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Thanks for the info. I'll do my best to look at '01 and later. But this series, E39, are the last body style I like.

I am hoping the BMW oners are a bit like the Porsche owners- you can tell right away if they have been taking care of the car.

Again, thanks and I would appreciate any links you may find.
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      05-13-2009, 01:39 PM   #5
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By the way...made the decision to sell my car today....I will send links as soon as I get a chance. I hate to sell mine, but I am not going to be in a financial bind over a car. I will by another one someday. I love my car, oh well.....
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      05-19-2009, 09:37 PM   #6
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1999 528/5  [0.00]
540's come in both Auto and Manual. They were produced until 2003.

M5 is Manual only and was produced 2000-2003. They do require expensive maintenance, so it's important to have all the details about the used one you're buying. CarFax and PPI is essential.

If you have a choice and the $$, don't settle for the 540. The M5 is the ultimate Super Saloon.
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      08-12-2009, 10:25 AM   #7
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Drive the 540i then drive the M5. The M5 is a completely different animal and is a better deal.
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      10-20-2009, 12:33 PM   #8
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Just to throw this on, I am in a similar boat, but i'm not looking at a 540 at all, I drove one last year, and it felt like it was going to fall apart. I dont know if that was just the particular car, but I was very disappointed. On the reliability note, one of my buddies has an 01 530 with 295000 miles on it and is still in pristine condition. So if you can find one that has been taken care of and preferably not modded toooo much you should be in for a great buy.
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      02-05-2010, 12:56 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by b_ View Post
Drive the 540i then drive the M5. The M5 is a completely different animal and is a better deal.
The M5 may be a different animal but to say its an across the board "better deal" ignores the higher costs if something major goes wrong.

IMO the 2003 540i M-Sport is a great compromise between looks/performance/cost of ownership. No BMW is "cheap" to run but M5's can really attack the wallet.

To the OP, there is quite a bit of info floating around on these issues, Google is your friend. Start w/ searches like "E39 reliability" or "E39 M5 Problems" and I'm sure you'll find some good info.

Good luck!
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      02-20-2010, 02:13 PM   #10
Remonster
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jarlaxle View Post
The M5 may be a different animal but to say its an across the board "better deal" ignores the higher costs if something major goes wrong.

IMO the 2003 540i M-Sport is a great compromise between looks/performance/cost of ownership. No BMW is "cheap" to run but M5's can really attack the wallet.

To the OP, there is quite a bit of info floating around on these issues, Google is your friend. Start w/ searches like "E39 reliability" or "E39 M5 Problems" and I'm sure you'll find some good info.

Good luck!
No I think he meant that it's a better deal because the extra driving pleasure is worth the higher costs and I agree with him, the E39 M5 is one of the most amazing cars I've ever driven. I couldn't stop thinking about it for weeks after my first drive in one, the E60 M5 never left a similar impression on me.
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      04-27-2010, 10:16 AM   #11
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I like both cars but like as ex M3 onwer get the M5 bro M POWER!!!!
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      04-30-2010, 07:05 PM   #12
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I own a 2003 540i m-sport and have driven a 2002 M5. The M5 is better at handling and performance, but if you are looking for a daily driver go with the 540i (2003 msport if you can find it) It has great acceleration and wont hit you up tooooo bad if something goes wrong, just do your homework and get the car history as best you can. Just something to keep in mind the average per hour labor cost at a dealership is around 110
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      06-22-2010, 04:53 PM   #13
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in 2004, i was in the market for a 5. i went to the dealer, and low and behold, they had a sapphire black 2003 540i M-sport 6speed , and a carbon black 2003 M5. they both had about 10k-11k miles. the difference was $20k. 6 years later, i realize i made the right choice with the 540i... couldnt justify $20k more for a car that i will not be able to take advantage of its " -M- Power ".
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