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Thread: 540 vs. 528

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jun 2012
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    Tennessee
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    99-2002 540

    540 vs. 528

    Hey, it's the new guy. Just had a quick question, as I stated in the General section, I am considering buying an E39 model 540. I have noticed alot of you guys own the 528. I have looked through all the FAQ and the buyers guide and see that the major difference is HP and that the V8 transmission is very costly to replace and the 528 has a more nimble suspension. Is the 528 a better car? And is it as quick on the street?
    Last edited by PlayGun; 06-20-2012 at 07:16 PM.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
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    East Coast
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    Pull n Release
    Test drive them both and make the decision. Only you can decide.

    Another FP5241 Creation
    Parting out M54 Engine. Intake and all. Cats avail as well. PM ME!

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jun 2012
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    Tennessee
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    99-2002 540
    You sir have a sweet Bimmer, I love the stance,is your car a 528?

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Location
    Boston, MA
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    2000 540/6, 2000 Z3M
    +1 and no the 528 is not as quick
    Own:
    2000 540/6 Speed Sport//
    '10 C350 AMG Benz Hong Kong

    History:
    '95 525I BMW Green USA SOLD
    '94 911T Gifted to Brother
    '94 530/5 Black Sold


  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jun 2012
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    Tennessee
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    99-2002 540
    I will be using the car for grocery gitting and the occasional valley drive. I am just looking for a really nice car that has some gusto. I won't be racing it, or driving it hard.

    Let me also add the 525, I wasn't very thorough, you guys also drive the 525, after inspecting I see it is the newer model. I would also like to add the 530 into the equation.
    Last edited by PlayGun; 06-20-2012 at 07:18 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2012
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    houston
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    2001 bmw 525i
    I love my 525i 5 speed. But it is not fast, or shall I say quick. But once you get there she purrs away. Drives excellent. Ive never been in a car so driveable. One day our cars will be classics.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jun 2012
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    Tennessee
    Posts
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    My Cars
    99-2002 540
    Quote Originally Posted by shortedaman View Post
    I love my 525i 5 speed. But it is not fast, or shall I say quick. But once you get there she purrs away. Drives excellent. Ive never been in a car so driveable. One day our cars will be classics.
    When you say 5 speed I would think you are referring to the 5 speed automatic? I am also going to buy an automatic. This will be the wife's car, but I will be in it frequintly I have a 97 2500 Dodge Cummins with a few performance upgrades that is our towing and farm truck.

    Since I am just going to be grocery gitting and daily driving this car, do you guys think I would just as well be suited with the 740i they are comparable in pricing, and the kids would probably have a better time in the back. I may just do that and then buy a 5 series once the kids are off on their own.
    Last edited by PlayGun; 06-20-2012 at 08:02 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost

  8. #8
    Join Date
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    2001 bmw 525i
    Lol. No mines a stick. Bmw should always be stick.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Location
    Tampa,FL
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    97 528IA
    Quote Originally Posted by shortedaman
    Lol. No mines a stick. Bmw should always be stick.
    I disagree. live in a place where there is lots of traffic and you might change your mind.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jul 2007
    Location
    Costa Rica
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    Blown 528i, KE30, Pathy
    I'm gonna keep it simple for you:

    525i-528i-530i:
    - Adequate to weak power.
    - Average to good fuel economy.
    - Lighter, better steering.
    - Few extras, depending on model.

    540i:
    - Loads of power and torque.
    - Average to poor fuel economy.
    - Heavier, slightly sedated steering.
    - Most come well optioned.


    As Gumbi said, drive both. There is no point asking this question here.
    Resident Third World Country Advisor

  11. #11
    Join Date
    May 2005
    Location
    Meriden, CT
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    4,040
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    '03 540i/6 M-tech
    If you don't need V8 power, look for the newest 530i/5 you can find with the most service records you can afford.
    Last edited by Justin517; 06-20-2012 at 09:43 PM.

    2001 330Cic/A in the same color combo is "Her" ride.

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
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    e39 540i/6, e36 318i
    528i is ok if you don't mind driving a slow car.
    1985 325 - 5 speed - LSD - M50NV - MS2/extra - AEM UEGO - TiAL MV-R - 750cc injectors - HX35 - Blunttech Manifold - 3" exhaust
    1991 318i - 5 speed - M50NV - e36 rack - Smileys

  13. #13
    Join Date
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    2003 530i/5 2008 Hemi WK
    Another V8 versus Inline 6 thread?

    I'd rather watch an episode of Jersey Shore.

  14. #14
    Join Date
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    15 650ix GC & 14 X5 50i
    Last edited by Qsilver7; 06-21-2012 at 03:06 PM.
    Become a BMW CCA member! Click HERE to join and feel free to use my BMW CCA member #191509 as a referral.

    2015 650ix GC (Moonstone/Cohiba Brown) <<~>> 2014 X5 50i (Space Gray/Mocha)

  15. #15
    Join Date
    May 2005
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    '03 540i/6 M-tech
    Lol I hate phone posting but I was bored between truck assessments.

    Yes, 530i/5

    2001 330Cic/A in the same color combo is "Her" ride.

  16. #16
    Join Date
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    houston
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    2001 bmw 525i
    He doesnt want a manual shift though.

  17. #17
    Join Date
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    commack, NY
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    01 540i6/JCW-Mc40/06LR3
    Quote Originally Posted by AnotherGeezer View Post
    Another V8 versus Inline 6 thread?

    I'd rather watch an episode of Jersey Shore.
    ^^^^^+infiniti
    Working to Live; not Living to Work.

  18. #18
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
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    burnaby, bc, canada
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    bmw 528i,
    528i is a better car I HAVE ONE FOR THE LAST 9 YEARS WITH NO PROBLEMS
    Last edited by gurmukhbhogal; 06-21-2012 at 12:53 AM.

  19. #19
    Join Date
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    00 M_Coupe 10 335i
    I drove a 540 first and bought it, knowing I wouldn't be happy with any less power. Coming from a 350z, I ignored rational thought haha. I do regret not driving a V6 though. Friends don't let friends make snap car decisions.

  20. #20
    Join Date
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    Quote Originally Posted by AnotherGeezer View Post
    Another V8 versus Inline 6 thread?

    I'd rather watch an episode of Jersey Shore.
    .....or worse, a season of Doogie Howser M.D. reruns.





  21. #21
    Join Date
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    Quote Originally Posted by AnotherGeezer View Post
    Another V8 versus Inline 6 thread?

    I'd rather watch an episode of Jersey Shore.
    This *is* an episode of Jersey Shore... brah.

  22. #22
    Join Date
    Feb 2012
    Location
    Glendora, CA
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    1999 BMW 528i
    I find my 528 to be quick enough for me, but it makes me wonder why I didn't purchase a 540..

  23. #23
    Join Date
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    e39 540i/6, e36 318i
    Quote Originally Posted by willie498 View Post
    I find my 528 to be quick enough for me, but it makes me wonder why I didn't purchase a 540..
    It's a catch-22. The 540 has so much torque, it is geared towards highway use and easy to drive without shifting much. That makes it a GREAT DD that returns good mileage on the highway, and also gives it real passing power when needed. For city use, an I6 is probably better - everything else, 540 all the way.
    1985 325 - 5 speed - LSD - M50NV - MS2/extra - AEM UEGO - TiAL MV-R - 750cc injectors - HX35 - Blunttech Manifold - 3" exhaust
    1991 318i - 5 speed - M50NV - e36 rack - Smileys

  24. #24
    Join Date
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    Quote Originally Posted by antsE39 View Post
    I disagree. live in a place where there is lots of traffic and you might change your mind.
    I disagree with your disagreement. I live in the worst traffic known to man kind, moving both feet vs only one does not bother me.

  25. #25
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
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    2001 530i (E39) 128k
    You don't need a V8.

    It sucks gas bigtime, and has much more complex repairs.
    (Valley pan, timing chain guides, etc)

    It's like having 2 engines for certain repairs (2 valve cover gaskets, etc)

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