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Thread: 535iM Vs 540iA...

  1. #11
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
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    8

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    You're nuts to let it go... after all that work? and 9/10 mechanical, 9/10 interior, 9/10 paint? Keep it!

  2. #12
    Join Date
    Mar 2006
    Location
    Great Britain
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    446

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    +1

  3. #13
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
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    I went through exactly the same dilemma as you and finally decided to go for the 540i from my 535i sport but my reasons were different. I needed an estate so this was the natural choice for me and I had owned one briefly and loved it. Its true what everyone is saying about DIY on the M60, its a pain, half the engine disappears into the bulk head and there is NO room in the engine bay so it makes things a nightmare. This is why maintenance is more expensive, I don't find that parts are that much more and a few teething problems aside its pretty reliable but the labour is more for things and its harder to do yourself. In terms of the autobox I haven't had any problems with mine although I think my torque converter is on the way out. Engine wise I've had the usual problems - PCV Plate, rocker cover gaskets, radiator but thats it (touch wood!)

    In terms of driving though they are a completely different animal. I found the 535i really chuckable and very satisfying on the twisty stuff but the engine (as reliable as it is and as easy to work on as it is) was lacking for such a big size (due to its old design I would imagine - exactly what makes it easy to work on) so there were flat spots and it wasn't as responsive, other 535s I drove were the same so it wasn't just mine. The 540i is quick in a straight line and it is good round the bends but not as satisfying as the 535iS which is one thing you are overlooking, the 'Sport' bit makes a big difference in terms of handling, its much better and much nicer to drive. But then when you floor the 540i in sport mode its just superb, no flat spots, as smooth as you like and it wipes the floor with most cars. With the 535i you need to decide what kind of day it is before you 'challenge' someone, with the 540 you just plant your foot and you know you're gonna have a big smile on your face. Around town its really relaxed and really smooth, in Adaptive mode it looks after itself and is so smooth.

    So I guess if you like throwing the car around I would keep the 535i sport, also when I picked up my 540i I got a sinking feeling on the way home that I had just plunged the best part of 2k into a car that was almost the same as the old one! But I don't get a chance to throw cars around much these days - I'm too busy looking for speed cameras and looking at the MPG Gauge. And my commute doesn't allow me to and they don't do a 535i touring it so for me the 540i is superb, I don't regret it one bit, there are things I would like to carry over like the suspension and *possibly* the manual box (most of the time I love the auto, sometimes I hate it) but for me the 540i is the best. Fuel wise its actually more economical but thats like saying Cameron Diaz is better looking than Penelope Cruz, she is but you wouldn't say either was ugly, just like neither of these cars are frugal. How about this?

    http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BMW-540-6-SPEE...QQcmdZViewItem

    I know its got more miles but maintained properly it might be alright. £3500 is very high, it would need to be REALLY special for that, £2500 is more realistic, maybe even less. Again, its not a sport though.

    Something else you may want to investigate - if the engine is Nikasil, I've heard that BMW replace the engine for free if its got less that 100k, even now so this may be worth looking into.

    If I was you and you don't NEED to upgrade, I wouldn't bother, especially if money is a concern and you've already done all the maintenance on yours.

    **I've just read the add again, it says MTech suspension so the same as yours which is great! But I would get it confirmed first, a lot of people say this thinking nobody will check or know any better.
    UK 1997 e34 540iA Touring, 1989 535i Sport - now sold, 1998 Mercedes CLK 200 Coupe


  4. #14
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Posts
    618

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    Quote Originally Posted by pingu
    According to the advert, it's had a new windscreen. Unless a proper main dealer BMW bodyshop replaced the windscreen, I'd walk away straight away.

    In my experience, the standard glass windscreen bodgers scratch everything to **** and you won't see the rust until it eats away, from underneath the windscreen rubber, a year or two (if you're lucky?) later.

    When I bought my 540 this happened to me (alas the rust only appeared a short time after I'd bought the car). Next time, if it's not got BMW glass then I'll run away.
    I had a new windscreen in my old 535 fitted by autoglass and it leaked if I got it jet washed and I could hear the wind through the gap on the motorway. Autoglass replaced with a new one for free, I never had any problems after that.
    UK 1997 e34 540iA Touring, 1989 535i Sport - now sold, 1998 Mercedes CLK 200 Coupe


  5. #15
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Location
    Wellington,New Zealand
    Posts
    3,868

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    Quote Originally Posted by leicesterboy15
    but the engine (as reliable as it is and as easy to work on as it is) was lacking for such a big size (due to its old design I would imagine - exactly what makes it easy to work on) so there were flat spots and it wasn't as responsive, other 535s I drove were the same so it wasn't just mine
    well i say NOT..the 535 doesnt have the torque of the 540 without a doubt,and it is a little soft just of idle but apart from that the power and torque on mine is very linear ,with a noticeable lunge at 3500rpm.
    Gone but not forgotten

  6. #16
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Liverpool UK
    Posts
    1,536

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    Quote Originally Posted by leicesterboy15
    In terms of driving though they are a completely different animal. I found the 535i really chuckable and very satisfying on the twisty stuff but the engine (as reliable as it is and as easy to work on as it is) was lacking for such a big size (due to its old design I would imagine - exactly what makes it easy to work on) so there were flat spots and it wasn't as responsive, other 535s I drove were the same so it wasn't just mine. The 540i is quick in a straight line and it is good round the bends but not as satisfying as the 535iS which is one thing you are overlooking, the 'Sport' bit makes a big difference in terms of handling, its much better and much nicer to drive. But then when you floor the 540i in sport mode its just superb, no flat spots, as smooth as you like and it wipes the floor with most cars. With the 535i you need to decide what kind of day it is before you 'challenge' someone, with the 540 you just plant your foot and you know you're gonna have a big smile on your face. Around town its really relaxed and really smooth, in Adaptive mode it looks after itself and is so smooth.
    You took the words right out of my mouth! That is exactly what I'm talking about, its just that straight line speed that amazes me... The auto just makes it seem so effortless too thats what I like about it. I'm not into throwing the car around corners (memories of being underneath changing various bushes kills the moment for me!)... I prefer speed in a straight line. I know people will argue get a different car then, but that's not going to happen. The e34 is the best looking car ever built if you ask me, it can't be beat.

    After the other day's little episode I am seriously tempted to start looking. Seems like a sign, I don't know.

    That car on the link looks like something I could live with, but that price is ridiculous. I'll wait, and if the right one comes up I'll take it.
    1995 XJR: 4.0L S/charged straight 6 Auto

    What... It's not broken??? I can still fix it

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