Time for something newer. Help me understand all the different bmw's.

[Wallknight96]

Ye old 97 540i has been fun for me, and surprisingly useful for the wife. But after leaving me on the side of the interstate this summer (worn out fuel pump wire), I don't trust it for long hauls. So, time to upgrade to something newer/less miles. I live in an area where BMW's are everywhere, with tons to choose from.

I'd be happy to stay with a 5. I'd love a big ol 7. Good friend recommended an x5. And I don't understand just what I'd be giving up to 'downgrade' to a 3.

Here's what we need:
I want the power and performance that 97 540 offers! C'mon; it's gotta be fun to drive.
She wants a) trunk space. the 540 is cavernous. b) room for the kids including a baby seat. Do the 3's shrink the interiors vs 5s?

Educate me. All I know is this 540.

Paul

[dannyzabolotny]

Sorry to disappoint but any BMW newer than an E39 will most likely be a downgrade in reliability, as they all got much more complicated. The newer 3 series like the E90 still aren't as big as the E39 in terms of rear seat room and trunk space... the F30's aren't much better in that aspect (and are far worse in terms of reliability).

The X5's are a mechanical nightmare— I say this as somebody that runs a BMW shop where around 20% of all the work is done on X5's... they make up a disproportionate amount of our customer base. Aside from the usual engine/transmission issues, they have transfer case issues and all sorts of finicky little stuff fails quite often, like door handles, window regulators, rear hatches, etc.

Honestly, if you liked your E39, your best bet might be a newer E39, like a 2001-2003 540i. It'll be a little newer with a few niceties like proper child seat anchors, automatic headlights, more low end torque (thanks to Vanos), and various cosmetic improvements. You can still find them with reasonably low mileage too. Take care of it and it won't leave you stranded— I've put 45k miles on my 2000 540it over the past two years, and it's still going strong with 217k miles.

[Wallknight96]

Thanks Danny!