e39 540i vs. e46 m3

[Kruzin E39]

e39 540i 6 speed or an e46 m3... which would u choose? i knoe the usual thread is an m5 or an m3.. i've read all those. i've been wanting an e46 m3 for a long time and im most likely going to get one in 6months-a year. im driving my moms e39 525i right now.. and i've been doing research on the e39s and the 5 series in general. the 540i has completly grown on me. im just in love w/ that car. the 540i and the m3 are very different cars... but theyre both soooooooo incredibly nice and perfect cars. which would u choose and why?? feel free to praise and bag on both cars as much u want, i want to knoe all the pros and cons of both cars... post pics too if u'd like if u have either of these cars.

[MaXX]

Being new to the forum take my input with a "grain of salt". I have driven both, but I went with the 540 i for very personal reasons. For one, I am 6' 5" and the 540 accomodates my frame much better (may not be an issue for you). In addition, IMO, the car meets all my needs from being a very capable commuter, to long distance tourer, to having enough piss and vinegar to do just fine (the car is more capable then I am) in the twisties. I wanted a little more under the hood then the stock 540i provides so I found one with all the Dinan mods I wanted up front, with only 13,000 miles on the clock (mods include: cold air intake, exhaust system, air flow meter, intake manifold, throttle body, light weight flywheel, high performance clutch and pressure plate, high performance rear axle gears and Dinan computer and software. This really woke up the car and makes it just a hoot to drive. Good luck with your decision. The M3 is a rock solid stead as well, just not what I was looking for.

Here's a photo of my stock looking 540i: http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=134011


MaXX

[M-Theory]

You know what, I can't decide. The 5 series is my favorite BMW, but the M3 is just soooo nice. I'd have to say a 540i too. I just like the interior and exterior stlying a lot more and as Maxx said you can always upgrade its performance. But it would have to be a 2003 with the sport pack and 6 speed.

[Kruzin E39]

dinan 5... those two sound soo good together!! whats the difference between the different years of the e39? i knoe the 01-03 had the different headlight assembly w/ the hids and angel eyes.. anything else different? also, some 540s look like urs, and some have the m5 looking bumper.. does that depend on what kind of package u get, or is that an aftermarket bumper?

[MaXX]

Sorry Kruzin, this thread has obsoleted my knowledge with your 2nd round of questions (now, if you asked me something very simple about snow tires and a second set of rims and some simple question about sizes, I maybe able to help you out)!!!! I am not as knowlegeable regarding even the changes in the 5's yet, but I hope to soon.

Regarding the front bumper, I would guess that it is an aftermarket or OEM add on. Mine has the Sport Package (and a 6 speed BTW) and you can see how it was delivered.

Again, good luck. Hopefully someone knows the answers.

MaXX

[M-Theory]

Well, the 03 540i's had an M-body kit. It looks VERY nice. Also I believe the engine in the 540i changed in 2001??? I think. Other than that there are few small changes in the 5 series. Auto head lights, that kinda stuff.

[ken_vs_ryu]

get the m3. these germans take pride in building ///m cars, enjoy it.

[M-Theory]

Im sorry, I have to correct myself. 03 540i 6-speeds or 03 540ia w/sport package have the m body kit and m-suspension. Other things I thought of were the change/addition of Navigation, rainsensing wipers, ummmmm, theres more, the rear lights changed, oh the molding that runs along the out side of the car became the same color as the car in 2001, it was a deletable option...hmmm The engine changes form 00-01. The deletion of the 2.8 and addition of 2.5 and 3.0. Fog lights changed to smaller halogen(?) bulbs. Also on 97-99 I think things like Traction control were option and they were standard on the 01-03. I think thats it.

[M-Theory]

One last not. The auto trans changed, and I think so did the manuals. But I'm not 100% sure about that.

[Kruzin E39]

oh wow, thx for all the help. i was hoping the M body kit would be on 2001 540s, because those cost less used, and w/ my price range, i could only afford a used one. the M kit makes the 5er look incredibly nice, and makes me want to choose a 540i over the M3. just the fact of having a 6 speed V8 in a bimmer sedan is just awesome... man, i dont knoe which i would choose

[extremeM3]

get an M5. Best of both worlds. :)

[MaXX]

I just took a friend for a ride in my 540 and he has been in a number of M3's over the past 2 years (he is from FL). He couldn't believe the performance of my car. You hit the nail on the head though, a V8 with a 6 speed by BMW is something else.

Sounds like you have made up your mind already, just go buy one!!!!!!

MaXX

[mb10175]

Get an M3! NOTHING handles like it. The m3 handles better than my 330ci and I can't get enough of twisties. 540i is a crazy nice car though.. but M3!!

[M-Theory]

You can buy the M-body kit from BMW I'm sure. I love the 5ers. The kit does make the 5 look a lot nicer. Your choice is most definitely a hard one. They are both wonderful cars. There are two major things that you have to think about. Do you want a sedan or coupe, and Do you want M power/handling over luxury/accommodations.

[sirtiger]

yes, get the M5, then u will king!

[dave is cool]

E46 M3

[Oxcart 1]

M3. more power and it will hold its value better

[M-Theory]

I don't know about the M3 holding its value better. 5 series usually do that better. Just go to edmunds or Kbb and look. A 95 M3 or 95 540i, the 540i goes for more.

[mb10175]

Thats because the M3 and 3 series's were not as nice as now. The M3 and 3 coupes hold their value more than any other bmw. Trust me!

[Oxcart 1]

or go farther back and look at E30 vs E28 7-14grand vs ...well not a whole lot. We have an E39 540 and I love it to death...its like a little private jet-car but M cars almost always hold value better than non.

[M-Theory]

okay okay. I just think 5 series tend to be build better. Thats just me. Don't get me wrong I LOVE M cars, wish I had on.

[m_specs]

i went from an e36 m3 to a 540.. the ///M cars are the shit.. theres no doubt about it.. if i could have gotten an M5... damn id get it!! the e46 is a bad ass car too. but i dont think it looks as mean as the e36.. just my opinion.. the M5 though.. drool.......

=)