EDIT - XJR and a6 removed. So it's down to the e-class v 540.

First post in this Forum, so take it easy.

Baby on way, so wife wants sedan/wagon and must be an auto (so m5's are out :( ).

A little about me:
I like tuning my own cars and participated in making OBD1 DIY tuning available for the e36 (see FI forums). I can burn my own maps for the obd1 m50 and will be turbocharging my vert.

Here are my thoughts: I want good power, good handling, and plenty of bolt-on aftermarket performance. I also want a good value for performance. Over time, the car will become a seriously powerful beast, so the auto transmission will be a limiting factor. If you know the limits of any of these trannys, I would like to hear about it.

Other than that, first-hand opinions on the overall character of the cars would be appreciated.

(BTW - I did not do a search. I am hoping for a few well-reasoned responses from fellow enthusiasts.)

Thanks

As far as the 540 goes, there isn't much of an "effective" after market for the M62. The most worthwhile thing you can do to the engine is supercharge it. Intake/exhaust/software/your everyday bolt-on mods help it a little bit, but you won't notice huge gains. If you said you were going for a 6-speed, then I've heard a ltw flywheel and 3.15 LSD help immensely (stock gearing is only 2.81 and flywheel weighs 40lbs). But sounds like you're going for auto, so I guess that rules out the flywheel upgrades, and you have a 3.15 rear end in the auto (granted, it is open), so I guess a switch to a higher ratio LSD would yield nice results for you as well.

Then, of course you have all your suspension possibilities. The e39's handle quite well to begin with and are even better with some upgrades. I have Koni SA's on h&r springs with eibach sway bars (f&r) and it handles great.

I've heard when getting into higher power, the auto trannies can't take too much...Of course, I'm not really sure what too much is, but I think adding a supercharger might be pushing the limits.

Good luck with your decision though. Hopefully we can get some others to chime in.

I'd rather have the 540i or 528 naturally aspirated than anything on your list. good day.

I would say boosted 540, or maybe look a little more into the A6 2.7t. They've gotten some pretty powerful B5 S4's out from the Audi camp using that engine, would be a pretty sweet sleeper.

I drove the A6 2.7t quattro. I liked it, but the looks of the thing put me to sleep. I am going to troll an audi forum and see what I can learn.

So the 540 auto tranny can take a little boost? That might be worth it.

This e36 with bilsteins and 17" m wheels feels like an extension of myself. So if a 540 sport is similar, I will be hard pressed to leave the roundel.

I read somewhere that the 540's had problems with the nikasil cylinders. Any truth to it? It would be ironic since most of us MotoGuzzi enthusiast replace the chrome lined cylinders with nikasil for better longevity.

I have read reviews of Audi's and they seem to have electrical problems that plague all models. Stick with bimmer it is the way to go!!!!

I drove the A6 2.7t quattro. I liked it, but the looks of the thing put me to sleep. I am going to troll an audi forum and see what I can learn.

So the 540 auto tranny can take a little boost? That might be worth it.

This e36 with bilsteins and 17" m wheels feels like an extension of myself. So if a 540 sport is similar, I will be hard pressed to leave the roundel.

I read somewhere that the 540's had problems with the nikasil cylinders. Any truth to it? It would be ironic since most of us MotoGuzzi enthusiast replace the chrome lined cylinders with nikasil for better longevity.
I believe the Nikasil problem was an issue with the M60 V8's (e34 chassis) and the problems were resolved with the M62.

I've heard about electrical issues with some VW's and understand they share some components with audi.

I have read reviews of Audi's and they seem to have electrical problems that plague all models. Stick with bimmer it is the way to go!!!!

I agree. I was looking into Audi as well, then I saw they have 16 control arms that tend to go out randomly at $200 a piece. Other than that, they are very nice cars.:stickoutt

I believe the Nikasil problem was an issue with the M60 V8's (e34 chassis) and the problems were resolved with the M62.
That's reassuring. Are there any significant differences across 1996-2003?

i think the 97-98's had 282hp and 310ft lb of torque while the 99-03's had 282hp(same) with 324 ft lbs @3600 rpm. 540i of course. 01+ were available with a m tech sport package for that m5 look.

i think the 97-98's had 282hp and 310ft lb of torque while the 99-03's had 282hp(same) with 324 ft lbs @3600 rpm. 540i of course. 01+ were available with a m tech sport package for that m5 look.
Was that the torque increase the introduction of dual vanos? It's about the same result in the m50-m52 6 cyls.

I did more reasearch on Audi, it's now off my list and the xjr too.

So e-class vs. e39. hmm...

the audi is boring and problematic, a lot of fixes (but then again a 540 has its fixes too). The Benz is very boring to look at, sit in, and drive in my opinion. Honestly Id take a 2nd look at the XJR. I used to have one, and if you get the 98+ (s/c dohc v8) its the closest thing to an auto E39 M5. It is a bit of a boat, but man they scream with power. You can upgrade the pulley exhaust etc too. They also have something none of the other cars do, a ton of character. All the cars listed have their share of problems, Id run from the Audi for expensive turbos, timing belts, gaskets and seals fixes. Id run from the Jag if your not keeping the car for long (they depreciate very quickly). This also means they're pretty cheap to buy. 1 car you should consider though would be the A6 4.2. They have a timing belt too however, and still pretty bland..

the audi is boring and problematic, a lot of fixes (but then again a 540 has its fixes too). The Benz is very boring to look at, sit in, and drive in my opinion. Honestly Id take a 2nd look at the XJR. I used to have one, and if you get the 98+ (s/c dohc v8) its the closest thing to an auto E39 M5. It is a bit of a boat, but man they scream with power. You can upgrade the pulley exhaust etc too. They also have something none of the other cars do, a ton of character. All the cars listed have their share of problems, Id run from the Audi for expensive turbos, timing belts, gaskets and seals fixes. Id run from the Jag if your not keeping the car for long (they depreciate very quickly). This also means they're pretty cheap to buy. 1 car you should consider though would be the A6 4.2. They have a timing belt too however, and still pretty bland..
I drove an xKr from Nashville to Columbus, GA and back. It had nice power, was a bit soft-edged for the amount of power (esp next to an e36 handling), and was uncomfortable in the footwells/headroom.
I think they are nice looking cars with excellents interior materials. I'll check prices and see where it lands.

I would only consider the pre-2003 e55 AMG (post is too much $$$), but the 540 beats it in value.

i used to LOVE mercedes-benz. i mean LOVED them to death. i disliked BMW because of my love for the benz's. then one day, when i was car shopping, i test drove a 2003 E500 Sport. never again will i sit in a mercedes. all the electronics and CRAP just take away from the driving experience. yeah its comfortable as hell, but it rates ZERO on the fun factor