Looking at a couple 5 series today... - BMW Forum

infinityevo · 08-02-2004, 01:19 PM

I'm going to look at a 1997 540i and a 1998 528i, both manual. Both are around 17-19k, tired of typing out numbers. The only BMWs I've driven have been 2003 330i and 325i. I liked both very much, but at the time were too expensive at around $32 and $36k respectively.

I'm curious about the performance and handling of the 5 series. They are BMWs so I assume some level of sportyness is a given, but just how nimble are they? Do they hug the corners and have enough power to make you smile when you're banging the gears? Or are they more of a luxury sedan? The competition is a 1999 Audi A4 1.8T Quattro that I'm going to look at as well. Which should handle better?

I'm leaving for the test drives in a few, but I'd like to get some commentary from you people first, as I'm sure you know about 100x more than anyone at this dealer.

Brandon

dy540i · 08-02-2004, 04:42 PM

Forget the 528i. Opt for the 540i, 6-speed manual and you'll be smiling everytime you fire it up!

infinityevo · 08-02-2004, 05:23 PM

I'd like to, but it's out of my price range. He had a 540i, but it was an auto, for $20k. The 528i w/ 5 speed and performance package is more in my price range. They want $16700 for it. The buyer there who goes to the auctions says you won't find a 540i in good condition for under $20k.

What do you guys think?

I'm also curious, where can I find new headlight covers, the ones on most of the used BMWs I saw were yellowed and faded. I want some nice new clear ones. Any sites?

One last thing: Does a 540i with 6 speed automatically have the sport package with upgraded suspension or are they independent of each other?

mrogers · 08-02-2004, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by infinityevo@Aug 2 2004, 06:03 PM
The buyer there who goes to the auctions says you won't find a 540i in good condition for under $20k.

That's bullshit. I bought my 1997 540i a few months ago for under $16k and it's in great condition. 81k miles, but great condition. When I was shopping I found tons of 540i's under $20k. I think you just need to shop around some more.

And yes, go for the 540i--the 528i is a very nice car, but just can't compare to the 540 in terms of power. My dad's had a 528i for a couple years, but once he drove my 540i, he said to me, "I'm gettin' one of those!"

DreamWiZ · 08-03-2004, 03:33 AM

BMW 5-series handling is so far the best I've met

Steering is responsive in a perfect way and acceleration is just fine. Suspension is smooth and nice.

I currently have 525 tds from 98, with reprogrammed engine that gives + 40 hp, so you dont necessary need to buy 540 if you wanna go fast. I would say that 5series is sporty luxury sedan.

What I have learned about new Audi's, at least their interior material quality is bad, an example the cockpit is so bad material that you cant really wash it (it has been made so that you can eat it for breakfast if you get lost in the wilderness).

You should also consider how big engine do you _really_ need, since in many countries the engine says matters to insurance costs. Also, the faster you go, more fuel it will eat

sp0rky · 08-03-2004, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DreamWiZ@Aug 3 2004, 04:13 AM
(it has been made so that you can eat it for breakfast if you get lost in the wilderness)

I dont get it... ??

DreamWiZ · 08-03-2004, 05:44 PM

Just a joke I heard in the carwash. What they mean with that is that Audi's interior material is so good for the nature, that you can even eat it, no poisonous stuff anywhere

Also there where I heard the complaints about bad materials - almost impossible to clean properly.

BeelZibub · 08-04-2004, 04:57 AM

Audi 1.8 t is the bottom of the range audi and not that quick (I think a shade slower than the 528) both 5 series are fantastic cars. If you can afford to buy and run a 540 then go for it, they're fantastic motors (not that I've ever owned one) but I don't think you'd be pissed off with the 528.

I think all 540's come with the upgraded suspension (At least in the UK) but can't remember if it is the comfort rear suspension or the m-tec lowered suspension.

The Audi will stick to the road like shit until such a point, then they will just "let go", the 5er's will stick like shit until all of a sudden "it's fun time" and you will find your self in a (very controllable) drift.

Luxury levels in both Beamers will far exceed the Audi and Personally I think Audi's interior build quality leaves a lot to be desired these days.

infinityevo · 08-04-2004, 02:29 PM

I'm so sick of seeing 540s with automatics. I haven't found one 540 in my color of choice (silver) with a 6 speed and black interior. They are all automatics. So lame.

turboshot · 08-05-2004, 11:00 PM

Well, I guess I'm a lamo because I just bought a '97 540i with an automatic. But it has only 73,000 miles. Paid $14,500 and it is in great shape. A big V-8 that sucks gas bigtime, but purrs like a kitten. I would not call the car nimble, by any means. I am coming from a SAAB 9.3 turbo, and I would definitely call that car nimble. The 540i is very heavy compared to the SAAB, a big piece of German machinery. The optimum gas mileage seems to be at 85 mph. A real autobahn car.

But, I love it. There are a few glitches which I posted on the instrument panel FAQ, and hope someone can help me with those. But performance wise, it is sweet.

I did price the same car on CARMAX and several other sites, and it seems that $18-20 K is not unusual at all. Mine was a re-po, possible why I got the good deal. Check the classifieds in your paper, that's where I found mine.

mrogers · 08-06-2004, 07:12 PM

Don't feel bad, mine's an auto too. I kind of wanted a stick, but mine was a great deal too and I just couldn't pass it up. Plus my fiance can't really drive stick, and frankly I didn't want her first stick car to be my BMW

. Hey, at least it's a good automatic--it shifts fast and smooth, and the sport mode is pretty cool.

BeelZibub · 08-08-2004, 11:22 AM

I tested a 523 with the auto box and quite simply it is the best auto I've ever driven - although I must say the Audi tiptronic is fun.

rjr · 08-20-2004, 04:20 PM

A 540 with the sport pkg and a six speed will definitely make you smile. Although, its not a happy car when stuck in traffic.

rjr

1BADRIDE · 08-23-2004, 11:07 AM

He's right. It makes me smile all the time!

Why wouldn't the car be happy in traffic? I get to enjoy the luxury and soon I will be able to enjoy some new electronics too!

You will NOT regret a 540i 6-Speed. The autos (sorry folks, no offense intended) feel MUCH weaker. I suppose an aftermarket torque convertor could resolve that, but I have not seen any BMW applications from the typical suppliers and I don't even want to think about the cost...