540i

[monterey]

How are these cars compare to a M3 in fun factor? I hear it's extremely torquey. Is this true? does a 540 compare to a M3 at all?

[humanoid]

They're both fun cars, but the M3 is a true sports car out of the box.

The 540 is a beast and can be modifed to be more of a sports car. Nothing like riding in a 4 door sedan that will make you crap your pants:)

[Glenn 328is]

I have never driven a 540 before, but I have riden in my boss' and it seems to be quick. Ilike the nimbleness of mine though.

Humanoid - that is a swet car you have. Nice pics....

[NickG]

Back in March I bought a 99 540iA Sport to replace my 95 M3 5-speed (which I just sold last week). The 540 is definately torquier (sp?). You hit the gas and it just goes. Even at high speeds on the highway, it just feels more powerful.

The M3 feels like a true sports car though. It's MUCH more nimble and lighter feeling. The seat position and interior is tighter/smaller, which makes the car feel smaller (which obviously it is). But the tighter fitting interior gives you more of a sense of control.

Overall, they're totally different driving experiences. The M3 is a nimble, sporty car that you actually DRIVE. The 540 is a powerful sedan that you just get in, relax, and mash the pedal when you want to GO!.

[DIPLOMATIC-M5]

I am in the same boat as you. Here is my problem i have a 540i sport back in france which i shipped from th eus. I also have here in the states a 97 M#. I want to go back to the 540i sport. Decisions decisions?????
Can you guys convince me to gte back in teh 540i sport.
Also i have been looking at prices and the 99's are getting affordable. About 35k for a really nice one WOW. What do you gys think???

[Dark Helmet]

to me they are different approaches to the same end... the M3 is a civilized racecar, where the 540 is a sedan with an ass-load of :sport" heaped on top. I personally like the 540, but if i could choose, I'd take an M Coupe. (no, that is not a typo).

to me the ultimate garage would be a 540i/6 (or iA if you live in a hell-traffic locale) Sport and an M Coupe.... then my life would be complete. the M3 is a car that attempts to address both needs in one vehicle, making it a "compromise" which is why it has never endeared itself to me.

[daanesh]

not a big fan of wither car; the M3 because the upcoming M1 is more my style (as is my 95 3.0 ; ), the 540 because it lacks rack and pinion steering and has too much weight over the nose.

if you like torque, you'll like the 540i. if you like handling too you'll prefer a 530i. if you like the sound of an inline six, the M3 is your only choice.

oversimplification, but worth a thought...
daanesh
www.carcounsel.com

[slemmer]

After driving my '99 E46 323i I've decided to now consider the 540i/6. I find the E46 is a 'personal' car while the E39 is more roomier, more power, and can carry two sets of golf clubs with pull carts effortlessly.

The only thing that saddens me is that on the E46, I've upgraded the suspension, exhaust, lights and stereo. Oh well, guess I'll have to do it to this one too!

Does anyone know of a website that can point out the differences on the 540i from '99 to '02?

Thanks

[Dark Helmet]

heh heh... the LAST thing I have ever thought of when buying a car is golf.... but to each his own i guess!

great call on the 540i/6 i finally got 20 minutes alone with a 540i/6 sport the other day... Holy CRAP! I left some serious rubber and that thing just PULLED, in 6th at 70, it PULLED, and 1-4th are just damn FUN!

the car is very well sorted and I would place it ahead of an E36 M3 on any list, and the E46 330i/Ci as well. Its just MEAN! I am now officially torn between a 540 and a /8 (Z3 coupe).... maybe I'll just getthe wife a 540i touring in a few years to feed that addiction. :D