I currently have an 91' 535i Auto with a JC chip, cold air intake, suspension and wheel upgrades. I'm considering a E39 528 or 530. My question is this! Is this a good performance upgrade, I mean, is it faster, better handling, etc. I dont wanna go backwards, you know? :help

I'm sure it is better, especially if you get a 5spd(I wouldn't want my bimmer any other way)

You'll be a little down in HP and TQ with the 2.8. I'm not sure about the 3.0, but I suspect the same. They are very different cars. I have an E39 540 and a E34 525iT and drive the E34 most of the time as it is more nimble. The 540 is a beast as it has a lot of hp and tq and it just boogies.

Assuming your car is stick and the 528i or 530i are stick also, then I bet the difference is negligable. Why not try an E34 540/6 or just save up for the E39 540/6. If you seek performance than this is the only way to be satisfied. I bet you pretty much knew this.

Good luck.

The E39 has less chassis flex
The E34 weighs less

E39 530 should be faster than an E34 535

I just switched from a E34/535 to a E39. DO IT. You'll love it. Oh, and just splurge for the 540/6, you deserve it! (i think, have no idea who you are). :eyecrazy

HEY THANKS YOU GUYS. All of your advice was very much appreciated. Its seems I'll be making the switch/(upgrade). No 528 though, probably the 530 or 540. Manual trans either way. :redspot

ok i'm not going to make this very long because i just typed out a whole shit load of crap and not really in the typing mood. Anyways I have a 95 530i lowered, 17"s. We also have right now both a 2000 528 and a 2002 530i. I have driven both. I like my 530 alot better than the 528. Ehh the e39 530 feels only a hair quicker. Much more body roll, not as nimble, nicer i guess in the inside. I like the old style alot. It doen't really feel as driver oriented as does the e34. The e34 handles better IMO, looks better, and to an extent the quality feels better. Feel free to ask w/ any more questions.