Importing a 530i M-Sport from Canada to US?

[JimLev]

540/6 for the win, you won't regret it.
If you don't have a set of metric tools get some. We can help you fix just about any problem you may have.

[cpf9]

The OP seems very grounded. I think he should get a 530 sport without the M bumper.

I am pretty grounded. Until I start browsing craigslist, and reason starts to fly out the window!

It's true that I am trying to make this a sensible, future-proof purchase. Like a lot of us, I have a passion for older german cars but only limited means (champagne tastes on a beer budget!). I live in the city without off street parking, so the car would be a daily and my only car. My wife and I are thinking of starting a family soon, so it would have to baby. And my job is weird: sometimes I rarely commute, other times I might have a very long commute. So gas consumption is a factor.

Here are some of the cars I've been looking at. This is a really nice looking 540 in NY:

https://newyork.craigslist.org/wch/cto/6718723940.html

Love the look of it. But it doesn't have xenons, heated seats or ISOFIX anchors in the rear for a baby seat, features I hope to have. Also, seller's comments in an email imply it might need a clutch in the near future.

Here's a Canadian 530 M-sport:

https://www.kijiji.ca/v-autos-camion...ationFlag=true

It's pricey, but low mileage (92k km ~ 52k miles) and comes with a spare set of winters.

[JimLev]

If this is going to be your only car you may be better off buying one that never lived in any rust belt states. Try to avoid the rust monster. The jack pad steel on both sides tends to rust out. Not uncommon for rust belt cars to have them completely rust out to the point you can't jack the car up.

[TerraPhantm]

I live in the city without off street parking, so the car would be a daily and my only car. My wife and I are thinking of starting a family soon, so it would have to baby. And my job is weird: sometimes I rarely commute, other times I might have a very long commute. So gas consumption is a factor.

Man, you might not like hearing this, but I would say given your circumstances, you're better off looking at something newer and lower mileage, probably a Japanese family sedan.

[cpf9]

Man, you might not like hearing this, but I would say given your circumstances, you're better off looking at something newer and lower mileage, probably a Japanese family sedan.

That would be the sensible option! Because, let’s face it, dailying a 15-year old German luxury car is not exactly the most rational choice.

On the other hand, I’ve had fairly good luck so far (knock on wood). I used my e34 for a mega commute when I had it, putting about 24k miles on it in a year. And it was the most reliable car I’ve ever owned. It never skipped a beat and never failed to start.

I think driving these cars, particularly on a relative budget, is all about buying sensibly, hanging out on forums like these to learn as much as you can, watching YouTube videos to learn how to DIY what you can, and finding a trusted indie when you can’t. At least, that’s how I’ve managed so far.


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[Joe///540i]

Man, you might not like hearing this, but I would say given your circumstances, you're better off looking at something newer and lower mileage, probably a Japanese family sedan.

Actually we all are . No fun though.


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[computiNATEor]

I've been driving 530is for 4 years now, and I average somewhere in the low 20 mpg territory for mostly city driving. Highway driving I get up to 25mpg.

I've driven a few steering box equipped cars briefly; I think the difference between the steering box and steering rack is the level of feedback from the road that reaches your fingertips. IMO, the racks just feel better. There's more info transmitted to your fingertips. When a tire hits a cat's eye, you know which side it was on. With the steering box cars, which I did not drive for a long time or long distance, I didn't feel that level of communication.

However, neither keeps me from buying what I want If things work out, I may be buying an M5 next month, and I'll (briefly) own both a steering rack and steering box equipped E39 with similar levels of suspension upgrades on similar rubber.

[cpf9]

Much obliged for all the helpful commentary. The more I think about my needs and constraints, the more it seems that a 530 makes the most sense.


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[dannyzabolotny]

I've been driving 530is for 4 years now, and I average somewhere in the low 20 mpg territory for mostly city driving. Highway driving I get up to 25mpg.

I've driven a few steering box equipped cars briefly; I think the difference between the steering box and steering rack is the level of feedback from the road that reaches your fingertips. IMO, the racks just feel better. There's more info transmitted to your fingertips. When a tire hits a cat's eye, you know which side it was on. With the steering box cars, which I did not drive for a long time or long distance, I didn't feel that level of communication.

However, neither keeps me from buying what I want If things work out, I may be buying an M5 next month, and I'll (briefly) own both a steering rack and steering box equipped E39 with similar levels of suspension upgrades on similar rubber.

You must have driven a car with a worn-out suspension... my 540it with coilovers, 18” wheels, and all new bushings + center link is extremely sensitive. I feel every pebble and crack in the road.

[Joe///540i]

I've been driving 530is for 4 years now, and I average somewhere in the low 20 mpg territory for mostly city driving. Highway driving I get up to 25mpg.

I've driven a few steering box equipped cars briefly; I think the difference between the steering box and steering rack is the level of feedback from the road that reaches your fingertips. IMO, the racks just feel better. There's more info transmitted to your fingertips. When a tire hits a cat's eye, you know which side it was on. With the steering box cars, which I did not drive for a long time or long distance, I didn't feel that level of communication.

However, neither keeps me from buying what I want If things work out, I may be buying an M5 next month, and I'll (briefly) own both a steering rack and steering box equipped E39 with similar levels of suspension upgrades on similar rubber.

I will be interested to see what you think Nate after you get the M5. I also had a 2001 530! Non sport and I remember the steering feel just being different than my 2003 M-Tech 540. Of course I have the Mii sport suspension and it’s a steering box, but I remember the 530 as being more of a softer and more comfortable steer. At times I still wish I had this or could flip a switch and alternate. My steering is incredible tight and there is zero play. Touch it and it moves. I couldn’t say the same for the 530. The negative is that with my 540 I constantly am holding the steering wheel gripped tight because the slightest movement move the car left or right on the road. It’s a workout driving it. I definitely can feel every dimple in the road and which wheel it’s coming from. You’ll see hopefully.

[Joe///540i]

Much obliged for all the helpful commentary. The more I think about my needs and constraints, the more it seems that a 530 makes the most sense.


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Best of luck and apologies for high jacking your thread with a 530 vs 540 debate. You seem to be at the same place I was in May. I got the bug to get an E39 after just missing out on a low mile non sport 2001 530 for 4 grand. That where is all started. I posted threads for opinions on 530 bs 540. The more I looked and learned the tighter my list of requirements got. Had to get a sport as I hate chrome and wanted Shadowline trim. Then the audio and NAV components came into play and a 2002+ was a prerequisite. Then the staggered wheels and the 2003 only Mii suspension. I ended up spending double. I’m not a DIY and have no interest in changing bumpers, blacking out trim or upgrading the suspension (which I would be open to now in hindsight)

In the end I went for muscle and stance. Again, good luck. You can’t go wrong with either. If you aren’t the type to have buyers remorse then it’s all good. If you are a little, get as much of what you want out of the box and enjoy it.


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[blarf]

My two cents:

I haven't spent a ton of time behind the wheel of a six cylinder E39, but the steering is not remarkable on the 540. When I get into the 540 there are basically two things that go through my head: it sounds really nice, damn I'm going to have to fix this next thing with the suspension or steering. For the same amount of effort I've gotten my E46s to the point where I get in and just enjoy them. Even the beater sedan. I've replaced the steering bits on the 540 (steering link, tie rods, control arms) and it sticks to the road just fine, but it's just not a particularly nimble car -- the steering ratio is slow and the heated wheel belongs on a school bus. Don't get me started on that Getrag six speed box. The power and speed are nice though.

The E46 with a ZHP rack is just night and day compared to a V8 E39. The ZHP rack is weighted perfectly. It's fast but not tiresome on a long trip. The wheel is right sized -- that non-MFL, non-sport wheel is my favorite of the two stage airbag wheels.

The negative is that with my 540 I constantly am holding the steering wheel right because the slightest movement move the car left or right on the road. It’s a workout driving it. I definitely can feel every dimple in the road and which wheel it’s coming from. You’ll see hopefully.

Sounds more like you need an alignment or different tires.

[Joe///540i]

My two cents:

I haven't spent a ton of time behind the wheel of a six cylinder E39, but the steering is not remarkable on the 540. When I get into the 540 there are basically two things that go through my head: it sounds really nice, damn I'm going to have to fix this next thing with the suspension or steering. For the same amount of effort I've gotten my E46s to the point where I get in and just enjoy them. Even the beater sedan. I've replaced the steering bits on the 540 (steering link, tie rods, control arms) and it sticks to the road just fine, but it's just not a particularly nimble car -- the steering ratio is slow and the heated wheel belongs on a school bus. Don't get me started on that Getrag six speed box. The power and speed are nice though.

The E46 with a ZHP rack is just night and day compared to a V8 E39. The ZHP rack is weighted perfectly. It's fast but not tiresome on a long trip. The wheel is right sized -- that non-MFL, non-sport wheel is my favorite of the two stage airbag wheels.



Sounds more like you need an alignment or different tires.

Nah, it’s true and straight. I’m not gripping it because it pulls or drifts, it’s just incredible sensitive. My suspension, tie rods and center link was just done. Including an alignment. I do need tires so I’ll report back in the spring. Winter setup was supposed to go on today but they couldn’t get me in, so next Saturday. Curious to see how the “17 style 42’s feel with Michelin snows.

I’m guessing your 540 is not a 2003 M-Tech which is the only 540 with the M5 suspension AFAIK. I don’t think you can compare yours to it.




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[blarf]

Nah, it’s true and straight. I’m not gripping it because it pulls or drifts, it’s just incredible sensitive. My suspension, tie rods and center link was just done. Including an alignment. I do need tires so I’ll report back in the spring. Winter setup was supposed to go on today but they couldn’t get me in, so next Saturday. Curious to see how the “17 style 42’s feel with Michelin snows.

Pulling isn't the only symptom of a bad alignment -- resistance to changing direction (or lack thereof) is largely a consequence of your alignment. With an alignment to factory specs the 540 shouldn't be twitchy, although it will lack the on-center feel that you get from a rack and pinion setup.

I’m guessing your 540 is not a 2003 M-Tech which is the only 540 with the M5 suspension AFAIK. I don’t think you can compare yours to it.

lol

[Joe///540i]

[QUOTE=blarf;30124769]

Nah, it’s true and straight. I’m not gripping it because it pulls or drifts, it’s just incredible sensitive. My suspension, tie rods and center link was just done. Including an alignment. I do need tires so I’ll report back in the spring. Winter setup was supposed to go on today but they couldn’t get me in, so next Saturday. Curious to see how the “17 style 42’s feel with Michelin snows.

Pulling isn't the only symptom of a bad alignment -- resistance to changing direction (or lack thereof) is largely a consequence of your alignment. With an alignment to factory specs the 540 shouldn't be twitchy, although it will lack the on-center feel that you get from a rack and pinion setup.



lol

Yeah that’s what I thought. All good, we are talking apples and oranges.

As I said a few times, alignment just done two weeks ago with the tie rods and center link. For the record, I didn’t do this work to solve a problem, my shop recommended it and I honestly can tell a difference.


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[computiNATEor]

You must have driven a car with a worn-out suspension... my 540it with coilovers, 18” wheels, and all new bushings + center link is extremely sensitive. I feel every pebble and crack in the road.

Nope, I drove Ryan from E39Source's E39 M5. Fully stock suspension, all refreshed with OE parts within the last ~4 years/~25k miles.

I've also driven a 97 540i6; that was not fully refreshed and had the big 4 spoke wheel, but felt more or less the same.

[geargrinder]

Gah. This old topic.

I BTB a totally done up suspension E46 M3 (come to think of it all my mods aren't even in my sig..) w a well done M5 boxed moderate-aftermarket suspension 540.

Have BTB'd them whole time by the way, for years, from both stock to the present.

In zero way is the steering box a big deal. I6 fanboiz claiming otherwise are “confirmation biasing” out the ass. If there’s a difference it’s very minor. No you can’t feel a pea under a mattress w the R&P and no the box isn’t like drivng a 1979 Buick Electra 225.

The biggest difference is the 540 vs M5 ratio. Yes the stock 540 ratio is a bit housewife slow. That makes people think it’s worse than it is.

Maybe a tiny red C hair less feedback but lord people if you were blind stuck back to back in different cars with your loved ones life on the line for you to get it right 7 out of 10 times, Grammy and Mommy and Wifey would have a bullet in the head before you were half way through.

[cpf9]

Gah. This old topic.

I BTB a totally done up suspension E46 M3 (come to think of it all my mods aren't even in my sig..) w a well done M5 boxed moderate-aftermarket suspension 540.

Have BTB'd them whole time by the way, for years, from both stock to the present.

In zero way is the steering box a big deal. I6 fanboiz claiming otherwise are “confirmation biasing” out the ass. If there’s a difference it’s very minor. No you can’t feel a pea under a mattress w the R&P and no the box isn’t like drivng a 1979 Buick Electra 225.

The biggest difference is the 540 vs M5 ratio. Yes the stock 540 ratio is a bit housewife slow. That makes people think it’s worse than it is.

Maybe a tiny red C hair less feedback but lord people if you were blind stuck back to back in different cars with your loved ones life on the line for you to get it right 7 out of 10 times, Grammy and Mommy and Wifey would have a bullet in the head before you were half way through.

Lol this is gold.


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[Joe///540i]

540/6 for the win, you won't regret it.
If you don't have a set of metric tools get some. We can help you fix just about any problem you may have.

Now that's the best advice yet!!

[geargrinder]

Lol this is gold.

We try to amuse.

(BTW - hey Joe// - FWIW - that IS what a rant should look like... )

[Joe///540i]

We try to amuse.

(BTW - hey Joe// - FWIW - that IS what a rant should look like... )

Noted! Your sharp wit throws me off sometimes!

[AnotherGeezer]

It's always nice to see that after being out of production for 15 years, the old I6 versus V8 debate still rattles on.

[Joe///540i]

So I think I finally get what you guys are talking about on steering ratio which is not so much the “tightness”. It takes more “turns” for lack of better words to makes a turn or say a u turn for example than my 530. I do wish this was better.

[geargrinder]

Exactly. And naturally the more turns it is the numb-er the steering precision as well as feedback, so for what case there is to be made it's related to the 540 box... The M5 box is a nice mod for your 540. Not easiest install but doable.

[Joe///540i]

Yeah, makes sense. Not a big deal, when I swap in the M5 (S62) motor, I'll do the steering box swap.