For about two months now I have been looking to buy an e39. My price range started off at about 13k and I was planning on purchasing a 528, but then I drove one. The car felt way too sluggish. I then decided to look for a 540. I still would really like a 540 and I have been trying to find a 97 with around 60k miles for about 20 grand. I am only 16 and this will be my first car. My dad will let me get a 540, but both he and my godfather would prefer that I got a slower car. The only other 5 series I would consider is a 530, but the 530 did not come out until 2001 and I highly doubt I would be able to get one for under 25k. I believe that my godfather might cover the difference between an older 540 and a newer 530. My godfather is a very wealthy and generous man, but i really hate to impose on him. What have you heard about the 530 compared to an older 540 all around? The 530 would come with some kind of a warranty and would obviously be newer, but is it worth the extra money? Thanks in advance for any advice you guys have to offer.


-Eric

If I were to get another 5er, it'd be a 540. 530 is only 0.2 liters bigger than the 528's 2.8. Isn't the output 225HP versus 193? Eh. Kind of blanches against the 540's near-300 HP :)

If I were to get another 5er, it'd be a 540. 530 is only 0.2 liters bigger than the 528's 2.8. Isn't the output 225HP versus 193? Eh. Kind of blanches against the 540's near-300 HP :)
Exactly what i was thinking. But then again, that is exactly what i dont want my dad to know ;) The only thing that is really tempting me is the warranty and the new lighting and newer interior.

Unless you get a 5er with Nav, I don't think the interior would be that much different, would it? Lighting... eh... I have nono-AE xenons... would it look cooler with AE? Sure. Are you going to notice it while driving? Nope. The way I look at it... you could get a newer 530 and pay in the mid to high twenties, and, yes, have a warranty. Or, you can look at a 540 for high teens, low twenties, buy AEs for a grand, and put the money you saved into a bank account for future repairs, if needed (assuming the 540 wasn't run without coolant, and preferably has the radiator work done already).

I think both cars are very nice, and I'd be happy to have either one. The 530 will be a bit better on gas, if that plays any role, but the 540 will outrun it. I'm happy with my 528, it has enough get up and go for right now (I'll buy a Z4 or something later to have more fun).

Exactly what i was thinking. But then again, that is exactly what i dont want my dad to know ;) The only thing that is really tempting me is the warranty and the new lighting and newer interior.

If you land up getting a 528 or 530 make sure it is a stick. The autos suck all the power from the car. If you get a 540 if doesn't make too much of a differnce between an auto or stick, there is plenty of power.

An about the warranty you can always get a third party warranty like mine. Bumper to bumper I paid about $1500 for 4 years of coverage.

Mario

Given your current age and lack of experience, I would say the 528/30 would be a better choice. I've never been a huge proponent of inexperienced drivers having 'fast' cars. Not a flame, just a little reality.

KUDO, nice ride u got there. I'm just curious did your car come with a CD changer or did u install one to it?

KUDO, nice ride u got there. I'm just curious did your car come with a CD changer or did u install one to it?

Mine came stanard but my buddies 97 528i5 didn't. He bought one off Ebay for about $275 with the brackets, it was plug and play. It seems to work great.