Keep the 540 or move on?

[00bm00]

Well since i had big plans for my 95 240sx SE a while back with a rb25 waiting on the back burner and goodies waiting to go on any minute, i had a small crash with the car and bent part of the frame and sold the car. I finally gave into my dads suggestions about getting a bimmer and bought a 528i. Yea it was a great first bmw but the power just wasnt there that i wanted so soon after i sold that and picked up the 540i i own now. I've done a few things to it here and there and i love the car to death but once again it just doesnt have in it what i wanted. Ive looked down the s/c road but its just not practicle with 104k on the clock and building a motor would murder my wallet for years. The car has basically two back seats for nothing since i never use them and never will so the room isnt an issue. So im asking should i just keep the car and appreciate it for what it is or go down the FI route and build a mild m3? Would just like some advice.. thanks guys!

[njmax]

I say keep the car. everyone now has a m3, but the 540i is pretty rare.

[psychocandy]

Sell the 540 and go the M3 route since you have no need for luxury. If your goal is performance then the M3 would clearly be a better fit/platform. In addition you would be improving handling and braking which would allow for progression in tuning without creating safety issues (to the same degree as a 540).

[Dan]

of all the cars i've owned and driven, i think the 540 is the most balanced for both performance and comfort with a bonus of luxury.

the back is good to practice making babies foo!

[HammerG26]

+1 on the backseat. :)

[00bm00]

anyone else?

[El Kabong]

Keep the 5er! njmax is totally right. M3's are a dime a dozen (no offense M3 guys) and they're great cars, but to me the 5ers have more character, and from what I've seen here on the boards the 540i6 is one of the most desireable, and can be made really fast. If you really want to get rid of it, I'm sure you'll have no problem selling it, but I'd keep a hold of it myself.

[fkong777]

so you went from OPTION to GENROQ.. Maybe you will be more happy with a porsche.. Seem like you are the sports car type.

I suggest maybe you go VIP with the 540i. S/C and Coilover should cure you of most need for performance. However if you need a light weight to toss around you should just get a cheap second car like a miata with a greddy turbo kit.

[prash]

I'd keep the 540. I like the extra space even if I only use it occasionally. A 3-series is just too small for me, but this probably doesn't matter to you much.

[00bm00]

Thanks for the comments guys, would love to hear more.

[MartinV]

I think the 540's are not very common, there are very few in the meets. The cars are fast and are torque monsters. I would keep the car. They have a very classic look to them.

The M3 is nice but there are too many already out there.

Adding power to the 540 is expensive but for cheap and fast you can get a mustang!

[legenesepimp]

keep the 540... i think its the best body out of all the bmw... and i mean 3 series and 7 series...

3 series is too small, 7 series is too big.. 5 series is just right... perfect...

sporty looking if you supped it up, and luxury... u get two in one car.. so keep it man..

[hwl328is]

One of the things I love about the 540i is there aren't that many out there, especially the 6 speeds. It is something exclusive, and people who know cars get excited when you tell them you have a 540i 6 speed.

It's a lethal car that carries out daily duties with class and ease. I can carry friends/golf clubs/luggage during the day, then when I get an itch to drive I can take it out on back roads and shred tires and rip through the gears - that is very appealing to me.

[scyrusurcys]

I would have to agree with all the other guys who vote to keep it.

Owning an M3 is getting just about as common as owning a torqued-up mustang. It's just another brick in the wall. (No offense, M3'ers)

But to anyone who knows their Bimmers, a 540i/6 is something that anyone wouldn't mind showing off - beit as a sports car or a luxury sedan.

But if you're looking for a newer model, I would test drive an '05 545i if I were you.

[Goat128]

With the m3 the only thing that scares me is the maintenance and repair costs? I would say if safety is concerned, the 5er is much safer car.

[Dementor]

^^^AGREEE!!!!! Keep the 540.... It's a great effin car :)
If you do really need more power, fi 4 the win....

IMO the E39 540 is the best looking bimmer ever, except for that tricked out Z8 I saw the other day.

[atl540i]

I think you should keep the E39. I agree it is one of the best looking cars BMW ever built. Don't like back seats? Get a 645, or, better yet, an M6!!!!! If the budget is a little smaller than that then you can't beat an M3 for upgradeability/aftermarket support but you will miss the power unless you go with FI.

[legenesepimp]

man keep the 540.. its a damn nice car... luxury and sporty..

if u want a fast cheap car, buy an integra for your commuter and add some nos or turbo in it.. and you can do some racing.. heheh...

so keep the 540 for your luxury.

[zlh]

You know, you could always get a Z4...

[540i6sport]

Stick with the Beast Jr. !! As with some of the other responses, I too, agree that M3's seem to be far more common now than ever before. Atleast in my neck of the woods.

[00bm00]

ok ok i'll keep it. Now time for mods!!

Just gotta fix the damn rad. hose first. POS!

[planetkyle]

Keep it. It is rare these days. Envious 528 and 530 drivers look at me ( or the dudes who rip the numbers off their trunk ) and know that my 540i is a luxury rocket. It drives like a luxury car with a touch of sport, and if you are going to drive it everyday, it will be more comfortable than an M. Good luck!


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