I just test drove a 2002 540i...

[Viewtiful Sight]

OK, so this car was absolutely amazing. Like it was PERFECTION. It was quite a thrill to try something different from my '92 525...

Anyway, I'm thinking about trying to go after a 1997/1998 540. Are these cars even more costly to maintain?

I mean, I'm planning on getting one sometime around the start of summer so that I can enjoy it for the summer. And then I'll be going to college far from home during the fall. They have a really good free bus system that runs all through the town so I'd prolly take advantage of it. So I'd probably on drive it maybe a few times a week, and to go home every so often.

Would it be that expensive of a car to maintain with light usage? Man... I hope to join the ranks of the 540 owners...

[Viewtiful Sight]

Also: I haven't driven a 528i, but I notice they are kinda cheap in my area. What are they like? Is it really similar to my 525? I've kinda already dismissed them because of that possibility---- I want more power :stickoutt

[Dwayne]

Also: I haven't driven a 528i, but I notice they are kinda cheap in my area. What are they like? Is it really similar to my 525? I've kinda already dismissed them because of that possibility---- I want more power :stickouttAny plans on showing up to the BMW meet in Philly next weekend? You can take a look at my 528. Not as much oomph as a 540, but still a fine car. I doubt you'll be interested after actually driving a 540 though.

[k5r]

Yes 540i is very expensive. Gas and parts and maintenance. Unless you are mechanically inclined or have a knowledgable and trustworthy mechanic. But it is an amazing car.

[Hypr5]

the e39 and 528 and 540 are VERY similar with the exception of the power.

[sirtiger]

the e39 and 528 and 540 are VERY similar with the exception of the power.

the 540 has recirc ball & 530/528/525 has rack & pinion I believe. Some may claim there is a very minor diff. in handling... but prolly not too noticeable.

[Alan]

528i drives and handles better, the 540 is faster. The 528 will likely be easier on the wallet as you will be able to get a newer/better cared for example for the money. The 528 will be much more fun to drive than your 525i from a power perspective.

[sirtiger]

^^ how is a 528 better cared?

oh yea.... if u can afford a 98 540... consider the 99+ 530 with the updated goodies.

[Phat Ham]

^^ how is a 528 better cared? he means for the same amount of money you can get a 528 that's in better shape than a 540.

Does a 528 really handle better than a 540? The 528 has the old iron block 6, which IIRC actually weighs more than the aluminum V8 in the 540. Either way, I doubt the difference in handling between the two cars is very significant. I test drove a 528 before I bought my 540, and while I never really pushed either car they felt pretty much the same in terms of handling. Once I drove a 540 though any inkling of buying a 528 went out the window. Good thing I didn't test drove an m5, because then I'd be up to my neck in debt.

[Gunslinger]

. Good thing I didn't test drove an m5, because then I'd be up to my neck in debt.

Funny you should say that. I'll be looking at an M5 and 540i on Monday.

[Dwayne]

oh yea.... if u can afford a 98 540... consider the 99+ 530 with the updated goodies.530s started in 2001, 528 went until 2000

[Alan]

The 528i rack and pinion is much better than the 540's (and my car's) recirculating ball. I thought (might be wrong) that the 540 overall is considerably heavier than the 528i? I'm almost certain this is the case with the E34. No doubt the 540 is more fun to drive because of the big power difference. My personal choice would be a loaded 530i.

[sirtiger]

530s started in 2001, 528 went until 2000

oops... my bad... posted w/o thinking. :embarrasm