Looking to Upgrade

[MEbimmerboy]

Hello, I've had my 528i for a little over a year and maintained it myself. I'm getting tired of the constant work because of the car's weak performance. It's a non-sport with Eibach bars front and rear. I love BMW and really want an E46 M3. I like working on my car but as a 19 year old mechanical engineering student who just got an internship and will soon start my hard courses in the upcoming year. I like STis and Evos but they are pricey. I don't want to spend a dime over 20k. 350Zs only have 2 seats so my only other considerations are a 6 speed Infiniti G35 coupe or sedan, updated 300hp engine of course. I like the fact that they will be less maintenance and the sedan will be quite a bit cheaper on initial price and insurance, not to mention they are tunable. I wanted to ask you e39 guys because I thought you would be less biased than other groups. So what do you think?

[Der Krieger]

First, let me ask you what your driving experience is if you think of the E39 six as "weak". Have you ever taken a BMW CCA driver school? Autocrossed? Licensed to road race? You strike me as more obsessed with the hardware than the software. I'd generally tell you to spend a grand on getting your skills to equal or exceed what your car can do. You might also consider driving what you have until you get through school.

[Spirit Force]

Seems like the BMW 5 series isin't for you. You want speed not luxury, so get a 3 series or change to something like EVO/STI. E39 is large heavy luxury sedan not fast & nimble car, not even the M5.

[540-S3]

E39's are getting old and unless you are working on them yourself they can be quite expensive and time consuming. You can't go wrong with Infiniti G35. Nice looking sport sedan with good reliability and performance. Great choice for a college student!

[newton22]

E36 m3.

[TriniSpeC]

your 19 and you have $20k to spend on a car? nice. gold spoon life much? yeah.

- - - Updated - - -


Seems like the BMW 5 series isin't for you. You want speed not luxury, so get a 3 series or change to something like EVO/STI. E39 is large heavy luxury sedan not fast & nimble car, not even the M5.

I have to say, this is wrong.

[mathaiser]

Man, I know you want to drive something sweet, but my immaculate 96 maxima was a crumpled beer can after living in a college town for 5 years.

Buying something nice right now might make your heart break when a hit and run slides into it, and the next week your side mirror is kicked off by some drunk kid (parked and mirror was facing sidewalk).


E39 540i here. I love this thing, it does what I need it to, and even though its a 98 it looks great still.

Buy a 540 for what 6 or 7, put 3k into it in work that prob needs done and have a nice set up for yourself.

But yeah, hopefully you do your own work on it. Otherwise go newer and Japanese imo

[forthewinwin]

Damn... jealous... I'm 19, University Student, and I can barely afford to keep my e36....


Ever thought of just settling for an e36 m3?

[shortedaman]

Buy a yugo.

[Only1Balto]

What exactly are you trying to accomplish with your car? This should have been the first thing you told to us. I'm assuming you want something for auto-x / track day events judging by your list of cars and the mods you listed on your 5 series. The 03 G35/6speed sedan does the slalom about a mile per hour quicker than the E39 540/M5. Not that much of a difference. If you want to throw in something to compare it to- the "Neon" SRT and the Evo 8 does it at about 69 mph- 4 more miles per hour quicker than the G35.

And you mentioned the G35 being tunable- as in gaping spark plugs? Because the VQ's don't enjoy boost past 400hp before problems start occurring.

[manticore33]

^^Agreed, we need to know your intent. And, you must consider that cars always fall apart and degrade no matter the quality of the car. If time is an issue, I suggest sticking with a simple commuter. If it is money, again, a simple commuter and have most of your money go to your education; student loans are satan. My young do-over, would have been to pour more money into paying my education as I went instead of cars. For me, the college cars are all gone, but the student loans remain. Fortunately, I have two degrees and a stable job with great potential. A lesson learned for me, which I always have to learn the hard way, not complaining; just perspective.

[Spirit Force]

I have to say, this is wrong.

How is that? e39 weighs ~4000 lbs so it is heavy and it ain't nimble if you compare it to something like m3/EVO/STI etc. Sure it's a sweet on highway, but take it to a track against cars like m3 etc. and you'll know it's a heavy luxury sedan not fast & nimble car.

[bullard123]

Op is your 528 auto? You just need to get a 540i sport 6 speed. The preface lift ones are pretty affordable and even a nice post facelift one is within the 20K range

[TriniSpeC]

How is that? e39 weighs ~4000 lbs so it is heavy and it ain't nimble if you compare it to something like m3/EVO/STI etc. Sure it's a sweet on highway, but take it to a track against cars like m3 etc. and you'll know it's a heavy luxury sedan not fast & nimble car.

Its a 3700lb ship, nothing stopping the e39 platform from being competitive on the weekends, the low end power makes it a 2nd-3rd gear autocross killer. All you need is a LSD like said by other members.



Damn... jealous... I'm 19, University Student, and I can barely afford to keep my e36....


Ever thought of just settling for an e36 m3?

Word. Same age here, my e39 is draining me, but I love every minute of it.

[Spirit Force]

Its a 3700lb ship, nothing stopping the e39 platform from being competitive on the weekends, the low end power makes it a 2nd-3rd gear autocross killer. All you need is a LSD like said by other members.



Go to a scale and you'll be suprised how much your car weights. 540i6 is 3748 lbs without options. That means no electric seats etc. Those all easily add up to 200 lbs. If you install LSD means you can't go to stock class. To make E39 competitive in other classes you'll need to a lot more than just LSD. Just google around and you'll see that e39 is a poor choice for autocross, if it isin't heavily modified.

[Silverlight]

your 19 and you have $20k to spend on a car? nice. gold spoon life much? yeah.

- - - Updated - - -



I have to say, this is wrong.

I would have to agree on both things you have said.

[MEbimmerboy]

[QUOTE="TriniSpeC;26119263"]your 19 and you have $20k to spend on a car? nice. gold spoon life much? yeah.

Not really. I'm going to put about 15k into it myself. I have a full ride scholarship. I've looked into an S60R 6-speed because they are about 12-13k for an 05 with 50k miles. I like the G35 sedan and as much as I want an M3 its insurance and maintenance will be a little too much. I like the limited slip and looks of the G more than the Volvo but I could be more than happy with a blue or red S60R with the much nicer orange interior.

[MEbimmerboy]

I recently looked into getting an S60R. I should be able to find a 2005 6 speed with 50k miles close to $13k. Although I really want an M3 it's probably not what I need at this time.




And you mentioned the G35 being tunable- as in gaping spark plugs? Because the VQ's don't enjoy boost past 400hp before problems start occurring.

I was referring to a plenum spacer and the little bit of power from intake and exhaust. Not much, but a little more mod-friendly than an M3.


your 19 and you have $20k to spend on a car? nice. gold spoon life much? yeah.

I have a full ride and will spend about 15k. My parents will help me a little but 20k was my limit, not exactly what I want spend.


Ever thought of just settling for an e36 m3?

I would definitely go for it America had the Euro engines.


First, let me ask you what your driving experience is if you think of the E39 six as "weak". Have you ever taken a BMW CCA driver school? Autocrossed? Licensed to road race? You strike me as more obsessed with the hardware than the software. I'd generally tell you to spend a grand on getting your skills to equal or exceed what your car can do. You might also consider driving what you have until you get through school.

I'm sure I could learn to drive quite a bit better. I'm looking to get rid of my e39 because of the constant work it requires and I want to get something a little more reliable and faster.


Seems like the BMW 5 series isin't for you. You want speed not luxury, so get a 3 series or change to something like EVO/STI. E39 is large heavy luxury sedan not fast & nimble car, not even the M5.

I do want speed but I want to have a decent amount of comfort and a good interior. The Evos/STis are pretty cool, not gonna lie, but they are pretty obnoxious and the interiors are just atrocious. Not to mention they hold their value really well, which makes overcoming the cons that much harder.

[TriniSpeC]

I would have to agree on both things you have said.

thank you, at the end of the day, everyone on here is a enthusiast and you know what the e39 is capable of, for those that dont think the e39 can do work in turns, then slow down.


Go to a scale and you'll be suprised how much your car weights. 540i6 is 3748 lbs without options. That means no electric seats etc. Those all easily add up to 200 lbs. If you install LSD means you can't go to stock class. To make E39 competitive in other classes you'll need to a lot more than just LSD. Just google around and you'll see that e39 is a poor choice for autocross, if it isin't heavily modified.

Nobody expects it to be the fastest car through the cones, but you dont have to be such a pessimist about it, the 540i is a capable machine. The open diff is the main thing that throws down the 540 because it can't put down the power without a one tire fire.

[Spirit Force]

Nobody expects it to be the fastest car through the cones, but you dont have to be such a pessimist about it, the 540i is a capable machine. The open diff is the main thing that throws down the 540 because it can't put down the power without a one tire fire.

You can call it what you like, but I'm just being realistic here. The e39 is a great chasis, but it has too much luxury inside to be a competitive autocross car.

[volodka1985]

Tell me who's paying for the car so we can hate some more.

If serious, e39 with right suspension is actually not that bad, try driving a mercedes or lexus.
If you don't want to work on your car anymore look for a CPO G35 IMO.

[Only1Balto]

Your cats funny.

[MEbimmerboy]

Tell me who's paying for the car so we can hate some more.

If serious, e39 with right suspension is actually not that bad, try driving a mercedes or lexus.
If you don't want to work on your car anymore look for a CPO G35 IMO.

I'm paying 15k like I said and my parents will help me out if I need some extra. I'll end up paying almost, if not all back with my 528i. I'm going car shopping this week and I'll hopefully get a good idea of what I want. I have a felling a manual G35 sedan and a S60R will be hard to find though. I drove my uncle's 2008 CLS 550 AMG and though I know it's not a 55 or 63 I wasn't very impressed. It was pretty quiet for having upgraded AMG optioned exhaust too.

[jguns60]

I'm paying 15k like I said and my parents will help me out if I need some extra. I'll end up paying almost, if not all back with my 528i. I'm going car shopping this week and I'll hopefully get a good idea of what I want. I have a felling a manual G35 sedan and a S60R will be hard to find though. I drove my uncle's 2008 CLS 550 AMG and though I know it's not a 55 or 63 I wasn't very impressed. It was pretty quiet for having upgraded AMG optioned exhaust too.

From my experience working at a dealership, I would advise against S60R and CLS, the Merc is not a very reliable car, and neither is the Volvo. The S60R is so expensive to maintain it makes the E39 look like a corolla. And they don't seem to be as well made, lots of rattles, leather wears easy, and the adjustable suspension is a nightmare.

G35 is a good option, or even a G37 if you search around for a deal. Maybe an Audi? Not super reliable but it's an option,

[volodka1985]

I'm paying 15k like I said and my parents will help me out if I need some extra. I'll end up paying almost, if not all back with my 528i.


Good luck to you in your search then.

[MEbimmerboy]

From my experience working at a dealership, I would advise against S60R and CLS, the Merc is not a very reliable car, and neither is the Volvo. The S60R is so expensive to maintain it makes the E39 look like a corolla. And they don't seem to be as well made, lots of rattles, leather wears easy, and the adjustable suspension is a nightmare.

G35 is a good option, or even a G37 if you search around for a deal. Maybe an Audi? Not super reliable but it's an option,

I was just telling volodka that I have driven a Benz. Thanks for telling me about the Volvo. I'm not too happy about it's front drive bias and a lack of steering feel from what I've heard. My mom has a 2008 XC90 and it hasn't had trouble yet but it isn't quite as sophisticated as the R. I haven't found one low mileage, manual G sedan but I may look into an 07 sedan as they refreshed it. The older interior makes me sick. I also like the rear steering of the 2007+ Gs.

[jguns60]

I was just telling volodka that I have driven a Benz. Thanks for telling me about the Volvo. I'm not too happy about it's front drive bias and a lack of steering feel from what I've heard. My mom has a 2008 XC90 and it hasn't had trouble yet but it isn't quite as sophisticated as the R. I haven't found one low mileage, manual G sedan but I may look into an 07 sedan as they refreshed it. The older interior makes me sick. I also like the rear steering of the 2007+ Gs.

Yea we put at least $6k into a used S60R trying to fix it and still didnt get it to 100%, and it has 0 steering feel it's like steering a toy and the turning radius is awful. I drove it for a week while my car was in the shop and couldn't wait to get my 525i Sport back. Did you ever consider like a C320 Sport? They're hard to find in a manual but they look good and they're quick.

[XDewa2008]

Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4!
It's an AWD twin turbo V-6 coupe... the older models even have an automatic spoiler that increases downforce at higher speeds.
It's also really tune-able, and you could do a lot of stuff to it with 20k including the price of the car.

[jguns60]

I know you wanted a rear wheel drive car, and I'm sure on this forum I'll get crap for it, but what about a TL Type S manual?

[Only1Balto]

Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4!
It's an AWD twin turbo V-6 coupe... the older models even have an automatic spoiler that increases downforce at higher speeds.
It's also really tune-able, and you could do a lot of stuff to it with 20k including the price of the car.


Love the VR-4's and the the Dodge Stealth... Would LOVE to build one up!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2146/2428103855_388ff49d55_o.jpg
http://blog.ameereehal.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/VR4-1.jpg


But...

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m144/dirtyrice_2006/crankwalk.jpg

[XDewa2008]

I thought crankwalk was only on the 4G63 motors? Also, crankwalk isn't terribly common..

[MEbimmerboy]

Yea we put at least $6k into a used S60R trying to fix it and still didnt get it to 100%, and it has 0 steering feel it's like steering a toy and the turning radius is awful. I drove it for a week while my car was in the shop and couldn't wait to get my 525i Sport back. Did you ever consider like a C320 Sport? They're hard to find in a manual but they look good and they're quick.

Wow, if the maintenance is that bad I would rather get an M3. Same kind of deal with the C320. I have always liked the looks of the hatchback though. I think I'll go to Hell and back before I find a manual G35 sedan but it's probably the route I'll take.


Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4!
It's an AWD twin turbo V-6 coupe... the older models even have an automatic spoiler that increases downforce at higher speeds.
It's also really tune-able, and you could do a lot of stuff to it with 20k including the price of the car.

I'm not gonna lie, it's tempting, but I don't really need a super fast project car right now, just something to keep me entertained.


I know you wanted a rear wheel drive car, and I'm sure on this forum I'll get crap for it, but what about a TL Type S manual?

I my have watched too much Top Gear, but I just can't get a front-wheel drive car. I really wish Honda made a good rear drive car though. I can't imagine what insurance would be on an S-2000 for a 19 year old male.

[tuanies]

If he thinks an I6 E39 is too much upkeep, I doubt he would enjoy a Stealth or 3000GT :p

[manticore33]

Crankwalk is more of a late (2g) 7 bolt 4g63T issue. The common one is to swap in a 6 bolt (lower comp) engine from the earlier DSMs. However, if you are swapping engines because one might break, why not run it until it breaks, then swap in the replacement? In regards to the 3000GT/Stealth, they are different animals with another set of headaches. The biggest of PITA is the V6 in a transverse front wheel drive style configuration which means you have a whole bank of cylinders against the firewall. Plus, the leather in DSMs/3Ss is plasticy, shiny, and terrible compared to a BMW.

Actually, a nice Mitsubishi compromise is the limited imported Galant VR4s with the 4g63T engine, FMIC, AWD, and a 5 speed, but has 4-doors and nice leather. The car is boxy, but can look nice with clean paint and good wheels. That said, most are beat and overprice. The other interesting issue is gas economy. The early 4g63T engines paired with AWD do not get that great of gas economy out of the 2.0l engine. My 530i/5 is much, much easier on fuel. However, boost is terrible fun.

And to OP, if you have all of this cash to spend, why not invest it? Or save it for future you's need for housing?

[shaqdeez]

I agree on the TL Type S manual. That thing hauls @$$ and reliable and good looking.

[d1984]

c5 z06

[Only1Balto]

Evo X FQ-400

[TriniSpeC]

just get a evo.................. call it a day or a used but somewhat reliable e46 m3.

[jguns60]

OP, ultimately you just need to find what car suits your needs and wants, otherwise we're just gonna keep shouting off our wish lists :)

[LaLaRay]

This...
http://i49.tinypic.com/9saz5i.jpg
can find em pretty cheap..
wouldnt call them anything close to fast though... Just an opinion from a Fellow 19 year old ;)

[OnTheFence]

You have your whole life to wrench, but only do college once.
Focus on your studies, not wrenching.
Sell the E39 and get a Honda.

[XDewa2008]

"Sell the E39 and get a Honda."

Nooooooooooooooooooo!

449377

[mitche39]

This...

can find em pretty cheap..
wouldnt call them anything close to fast though... Just an opinion from a Fellow 19 year old ;)

Yea, an M3 CSL is a pretty slow car...

[LaLaRay]

Yea, an M3 CSL is a pretty slow car...

how ya figure its a csl.. cause it has a csl trunk ? :shifty

[mitche39]

how ya figure its a csl.. cause it has a csl trunk ? :shifty
That and also the front bumper duct, and the CSL wheels. i suppose someone could always go to the trouble of retrofitting these things, but they don't look out of place.

[guttershark]

and the CSL wheels.

Not CSL wheels btw

[jguns60]

I my have watched too much Top Gear, but I just can't get a front-wheel drive car. I really wish Honda made a good rear drive car though. I can't imagine what insurance would be on an S-2000 for a 19 year old male.

You'll really only know what you think of it once you drive it for yourself. Honestly I'd take a TL-S over my e39, or even a current generation TSX,

[Camarok]

Back the the root of things.... College student with ~ 15-20k to spend on a car.... living in said college town?
Don't get anything nice, if it's a true college town, expect drunk drivers and other shenanigans.

Get something sudo fun, stick, something that won't make you cry when it's ruined. Try really hard to save half to 3/4 of that cash for when you are done with school and get something REALLY fun, or build a track car after school.

e36's are getting really affordable, heck e30's... then again they can be a super handful. There's always the VW Diesel route, the torque is super fun.

BUT AGAIN, what are you ultimately looking in a car, you've mentioned cars you like specifically, but what are you trying to get out? Gas mileage? Power? Nimble? Small? Big? Luxury? Utility?

Any or all of these can really help, the e39 5xx can fill many of these credentials, but not all or all combinations... or stick the 15k into the 525, super/turbo charge, put uber suspension on it, put a nice system in it and be a baller

[MEbimmerboy]

I agree on the TL Type S manual. That thing hauls @$$ and reliable and good looking.

I don't want a front drive car but if I find one, I'll drive it and take it into consideration

[MEbimmerboy]

Back the the root of things.... College student with ~ 15-20k to spend on a car.... living in said college town?
Don't get anything nice, if it's a true college town, expect drunk drivers and other shenanigans.

Get something sudo fun, stick, something that won't make you cry when it's ruined. Try really hard to save half to 3/4 of that cash for when you are done with school and get something REALLY fun, or build a track car after school.

e36's are getting really affordable, heck e30's... then again they can be a super handful. There's always the VW Diesel route, the torque is super fun.

BUT AGAIN, what are you ultimately looking in a car, you've mentioned cars you like specifically, but what are you trying to get out? Gas mileage? Power? Nimble? Small? Big? Luxury? Utility?

Any or all of these can really help, the e39 5xx can fill many of these credentials, but not all or all combinations... or stick the 15k into the 525, super/turbo charge, put uber suspension on it, put a nice system in it and be a baller

I go to Arkansas State University and it really isn't that bad, except for the cops and parking police. My friend's 45th Anniversary Camaro did get hit by a door though, but it's not as bad as I pictured it to be. There's quite a few Boxters there, probably the best cars on campus. It's nothing like the University of Arkansas though, people there have Astons, GT-Rs, Vettes, and all kinds of dream cars.

My main reason for upgrading is that I want a stick, and I would try to find a good 540i if they had LSDs. I like to mod but I don't really want to mess with giving my DD FI. I really do like diesels but my only con is that the only cars they're on over here are economy cars and trucks. I really wish I could find a good 520d or something of the sort.

I like to hypermile when I go on long trips but mileage won't be a big concern until this summer when I have to drive 1.5-2 hours to work everyday. If VW diesels are cheap, my dad might buy one to replace his company car; he runs his own business so I could drive it this summer. I want something practical but at the same time RWD, decent power, a LSD, and a stick. Luxury wise, all I need is heated seats and a good interior. I don't really want to put a bunch of money into my 528i, sway bars and exhaust is what I've done and about as far as I want to go.

[jguns60]

Cadillac CTS?

[jguns60]

Cadillac CTS?

V that is, you can get a decent one for under 20k

[TriniSpeC]

Yea, an M3 CSL is a pretty slow car...


CSL doesn't have a sunroof. so :nono

[mitche39]

Ok then in obviously not the E46 guru haha, clone car fooled me

[LaLaRay]

^^ but tried to make me look dumb.... tisk tisk:nono

[mitche39]

^^ but tried to make me look dumb.... tisk tisk:nono

Haha never ray, I have been keeping an eye on your build thread and respect the hell outta that M5... And that flat beaver. Car is looking awesome

[013137]

Haha never ray, I have been keeping an eye on your build thread and respect the hell outta that M5... And that flat beaver. Car is looking awesome
:bj

































lol jk

[Camarok]

I go to Arkansas State University and it really isn't that bad, except for the cops and parking police. My friend's 45th Anniversary Camaro did get hit by a door though, but it's not as bad as I pictured it to be. There's quite a few Boxters there, probably the best cars on campus. It's nothing like the University of Arkansas though, people there have Astons, GT-Rs, Vettes, and all kinds of dream cars.

My main reason for upgrading is that I want a stick, and I would try to find a good 540i if they had LSDs. I like to mod but I don't really want to mess with giving my DD FI. I really do like diesels but my only con is that the only cars they're on over here are economy cars and trucks. I really wish I could find a good 520d or something of the sort.

I like to hypermile when I go on long trips but mileage won't be a big concern until this summer when I have to drive 1.5-2 hours to work everyday. If VW diesels are cheap, my dad might buy one to replace his company car; he runs his own business so I could drive it this summer. I want something practical but at the same time RWD, decent power, a LSD, and a stick. Luxury wise, all I need is heated seats and a good interior. I don't really want to put a bunch of money into my 528i, sway bars and exhaust is what I've done and about as far as I want to go.


m5 seems to fit the bill, or caddy was mentioned.

RWD, Decent Power, LSD, Stick, Practical..... with the price range you want.... slim pickins, otherwise the 530's are a nice step up in power from the 528's there at least you have the option to get lsd aftermarket

[LaLaRay]

Haha never ray, I have been keeping an eye on your build thread and respect the hell outta that M5... And that flat beaver. Car is looking awesome

Lol my man :alright

[MEbimmerboy]

I would definitely be down if I could find a deal on an M5. That's what I wanted until I got on the better handling M3's side. Even though they're ugly, I would be more than happy with a CTS-V. I will go car shopping either tomorrow or Friday but I doubt I find any of the above. I've seen quite a few Ms on eBay and I would be willing to drive 4-5 hours to get a good one. How accurate is KBB's value btw? I still think the G is going to be more realistic but we'll see what the insurance company has to say. To them, my dad drives my 528i and I drive a 2000 Toyota Sienna. That will help quite a bit but they pay my insurance and I'd like to keep it that way.

I'm pretty jealous of you Ray, not gonna lie.

[LaLaRay]

I'm pretty jealous of you Ray, not gonna lie.


awww thanks man :kiss:werd: but i dont feel to tight, now if it was supercharged i would feel like yeaaa :buttrock lol

[Cyrix2k]

For you OP, if you want to stay with BMW go with an M3 or an M5. In terms of road feel, running costs, and mods, the e36 M3 is the best in that group. I haven't driven a G35, but I hear they do not have the road feel of a BMW. Aside from that, I hear only good things.

Also, I agree that the e39, in every form, is not a true sports car. They are all heavy and large, and most are slow.

[jguns60]

Also to answer your question KBB isn't accurate, use NADA. That's more accurate to what banks and dealerships use to appraise cars.

[rao]

OP: 05-09 - Subaru Legacy GT

[LaLaRay]

Also, I agree that the e39, in every form, is not a true sports car. They are all heavy and large, and most are slow.

Indeed.

[larrym3711]

I have driven a G45 recently...it has plenty of power, similar to my 540. I did not like the heavy steering, but it is solid and feels confident in nearly any maneuver.

larry3711
2001 540iA Sport

[TriniSpeC]

I have driven a G45 recently...it has plenty of power, similar to my 540. I did not like the heavy steering, but it is solid and feels confident in nearly any maneuver.

larry3711
2001 540iA Sport

oh yea? a g45? they made that especially for you or something?

[LaLaRay]

oh yea? A g45? They made that especially for you or something?

lol :rofl

[jguns60]

oh yea? a g45? they made that especially for you or something?

Was thinking the same thing.

[TriniSpeC]

That will help quite a bit but they pay my insurance and I'd like to keep it that way.


So what are you paying for?

[fragzem]

Diesel Benz, Diesel Jetta, Diesel Passat... these are not economy cars. (at least, not in the sense you're talking - such as the Chevy Aveo)

They have something called LSD in the M5, and you put that into your 540i.

You just don't know what you want. Why do you need 4 seats, btw? I loved my 300ZX in college, - it kept everyone (and the mess they bring) the hell out of it..

[LaLaRay]

You just don't know what you want. Why do you need 4 seats, btw? I loved my 300ZX in college, - it kept everyone (and the mess they bring) the hell out of it..

Two door Coupe for the win

[TriniSpeC]

Two door Coupe for the win

exactly....... one of the reasons I want out of the e39. too big, its just me. I dont have to put in a back seat of trunk.

[LaLaRay]

exactly....... one of the reasons I want out of the e39. too big, its just me. I dont have to put in a back seat of trunk.

Hey im with you, i would trade my car for a E92 M3 in a heart beat

[Only1Balto]

Wow u guys.... the truth finally comes out.


E39 baby, ride or die. Ride or dieeee............

[LaLaRay]

Wow u guys.... the truth finally comes out.


E39 baby, ride or die. Ride or dieeee............

:rofl :rofl

[MEbimmerboy]

I've given it some thought and got some insurance quotes, they need to get a quote from the bigger guys for M's. Out of the Evo, G35, STi, and Volvo, the Evo was actually the cheapest with the Volvo at the top. I was expecting the exact opposite. Anyhow, if I'm going to spend all my money, I'd want to get what I really wanted, an E46 M3. I don't really want to spend all my money though. If I save a little I should be able to get my Master's degree debt free with some help from my parents. I'll definitely buy an M when I get out of college but right now I want to spend about $10k. So what I'm thinking about now is an E36 M3 and a post face-lift E39 540i6. I think the power of both would keep me satisfied while I'm in college. I really hate the look and interior of the E36 M3 but I would definitely pick it if it had the Euro S52. I like the 540i because it'll have everything I want and while it's not an M, it's not bad for about $10k either. I'm sure the handling of the E36 will be better but the 540i will surely be the better daily driver. What do you guys think?

[RocketSurgeon]

The 540i is a great daily driver, plenty of power to keep me happy without getting me into trouble. My mileage is actually decent too, 19 city, 28 highway with an automatic. They have refinement and performance in a nice package.

[LaLaRay]

I've given it some thought and got some insurance quotes, they need to get a quote from the bigger guys for M's. Out of the Evo, G35, STi, and Volvo, the Evo was actually the cheapest with the Volvo at the top. I was expecting the exact opposite. Anyhow, if I'm going to spend all my money, I'd want to get what I really wanted, an E46 M3. I don't really want to spend all my money though. If I save a little I should be able to get my Master's degree debt free with some help from my parents. I'll definitely buy an M when I get out of college but right now I want to spend about $10k. So what I'm thinking about now is an E36 M3 and a post face-lift E39 540i6. I think the power of both would keep me satisfied while I'm in college. I really hate the look and interior of the E36 M3 but I would definitely pick it if it had the Euro S52. I like the 540i because it'll have everything I want and while it's not an M, it's not bad for about $10k either. I'm sure the handling of the E36 will be better but the 540i will surely be the better daily driver. What do you guys think?

Get a 03 msport joint 540

[MEbimmerboy]

The 540i is a great daily driver, plenty of power to keep me happy without getting me into trouble. My mileage is actually decent too, 19 city, 28 highway with an automatic. They have refinement and performance in a nice package.

Wow, I only get 16/27.




Get a 03 msport joint 540

Thought about it and I like it except for the black trim and the wheels. I like the Style 66 M-parallels a lot better. What models do they come on? Sport 540i's?