540i and Lexus GS400 my debate

[Sal329]

Well first let me say VERY nice site, I spent a few days surfing and gathering some info. I have a 00 Mustang with some work soon more will be a 10.8-10.9 car by summer. I now need, well want a nice Luxury car. I can not seem to steer away from POWER and PERFORMANCE. So I narrowed it down to a 98+ GS400 or 01+BMW 540i. I worked for BMW for last 3 years so I started really liking 540 and M5. I am looking for Luxury with power. I really dont care to much bout 1/4 mile. My friend had a 98 Lexus GS400 we did some work and the car handled great, nice power and SMOOTH ride. I want nice highyway get up and go. Would you trade your 540i for anything else, if you could? Whats so good bout the 540i that you chose it over any other car you were looking at?
Thanks people....

[525iT_Feen]

I Believe:
This has been gone over before. Try doing a search.

[525iT_Feen]

http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=87016&highlight=gs400

[shmoo]

540i great car for performance and comfort. 6 speed haul ass!!! :D

[crete]

I test drove both the 2003 540 and the 2003 GS400 as well as many others. I also drove the 2003 SC430. I narrowed down my choices to the 540 and the SC430.

I thought the GS400 had good power, but soft handling.
I thought the SC430 had good power but a little tight in the cabin, but nice for a 2-seater convertible hardtop.

Then I got in the 540 and within a few minutes around the block I knew this was the one. Great handling, good power and all the luxury features I would ever need.

I don't regret my choice at all.

[rph74]

As a Lexus and BMW owner, I'd vote for the BMW if you're looking for spirited performance and "personality" and are willing to put up with a few minor problems. The Lexus will be more likely to be problem free, but may seem a bit bland compared to the Bimmer.

[AlpneM3]

BMW