E39 523i vs. E39 540i - BMW Forum

hugzybear · 01-29-2010, 04:09 PM

Hi guys! first post for me, happy to be here!

I'm buying a 540i soon but i want to know one thing:
The 523i that i have now which has been lowered and is on sports suspension is one of the best handling cars i have driven, its like its on rails! I'm wondering whether a 540i will handle as well as this does with the right mods?

drz · 01-29-2010, 05:12 PM

Yes, it should.

And, welcome!

Kai · 01-29-2010, 05:23 PM

It is the same car more or less minus the engine, so it should be able to handle the same with the same mods. Good to have you here. Good luck with the purchase!

witeshark · 01-29-2010, 06:03 PM

brettski · 01-29-2010, 08:24 PM

Welcome to the Werkz from a fellow Mexican. Good luck with the acquisition, and post some photos when you have a chance.

hugzybear · 01-29-2010, 08:42 PM

Thanks for the advice!

But what about the fact that the 523i has a much lighter front end and also rack and pinion steering as opposed to the 540i with just recirculating ball? I've heard the heavier V8 isn't as responsive and lively in the front end.
I'll post some pictures of my 523i soon.

witeshark · 01-29-2010, 09:00 PM

You'll likely feel the additional weight, but that should be offset by bigger tires.

hugzybear · 01-29-2010, 09:15 PM

Good! It makes my decision all the easier!

denyo77 · 01-30-2010, 05:26 PM

I like the fact that you're actually concerned about this, because most people just want bigger engines and don't consider the weight distribution and other things which impact handeling

brettski · 01-30-2010, 08:48 PM

What suburb you from Hugzybear?
I have a Carsoft setup if you want to run a diagnostics sweep of the 540i before you commit to it.

hugzybear · 01-30-2010, 10:07 PM

I'm in eltham

marti5 · 01-31-2010, 04:19 AM

Go for the 540i, much better car...

brettski · 01-31-2010, 04:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hugzybear

I'm in eltham

I am in Burwood East, so if you want to check it out, let me know.

hugzybear · 01-31-2010, 05:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brettski

I am in Burwood East, so if you want to check it out, let me know.

Thanks for the offer brettski! i'll let you know when i'm ready.

hugzybear · 01-31-2010, 06:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by denyo77

I like the fact that you're actually concerned about this, because most people just want bigger engines and don't consider the weight distribution and other things which impact handeling

I love my cars and i drive them for the pleasure of it (often quite hard) so the handling plays a huge part in my car buying decision hence my questioning the 540i's handling.