Time to jump into a BMW

[Gazho]

Greetings,

It's been a long time coming but I have finally arrived at the point that I can actually afford a BMW Oh, not actually a NEW BMW mind you a good used one is just what I want. The question is which one? I am leaning towards a 5 series probably a late '90's model.
Question is which one? The 528i or the 540i. I'm just starting my research on these vehicles after having narrowed the field a bit to this model and years. I am interested in ANY information/opinion that people might offer on either of these vehicles. So if you have an opinion or experiance, good or bad, that you'd like to share I would very much like to hear it.

Thanks in advance,
Dave

[SRR2]

Visit the E39 board on Roadfly: http://bimmer.roadfly.com/bmw/forums/e39/ There are very few E39 owners here, so your time will be much better spent there. The first thing you should do is read the extensive post on double vanos.

Here are some other resources for you to visit:

http://540i6.com/probsfixes.html
http://www.bmwdiy.info/index.html
http://www.unofficialbmw.com/e39.html
http://bmwtips.com/

[mholbrook]

My recommendation would be a 90 - 93 535 - 5speed manual car. A lot less complicated and if you can find a good low-mileage example, it will be a very nice first BMW. The 525 5 speed manual with the newer DOHC M50 motor would be my second choice. I'm not a big fan of the v8 cars because of increased maintenance costs. I'll probably get hammered for that comment however.

Second option might be an E30 / E36 with manual trans of course. Smaller car, more nimble, but not as beautiful as an E34.

[Russell]

It has an e39 buyers guide. You may already have it. If not, check your local library. Or perhaps someone on a e39 board may have it scanned.

I would consider, as the magazine stated, a late 2000 528i with the 5-speed automatic or the best 2001 and up 530i you can find. In my opinion, the V8s are a bit more expensive to maintan.

Greetings,

It's been a long time coming but I have finally arrived at the point that I can actually afford a BMW Oh, not actually a NEW BMW mind you a good used one is just what I want. The question is which one? I am leaning towards a 5 series probably a late '90's model.
Question is which one? The 528i or the 540i. I'm just starting my research on these vehicles after having narrowed the field a bit to this model and years. I am interested in ANY information/opinion that people might offer on either of these vehicles. So if you have an opinion or experiance, good or bad, that you'd like to share I would very much like to hear it.

Thanks in advance,
Dave