BMW 540 touring 97-04 model

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y2blade
08/10/2007 at 14:17
following on from me getting steered away from the big Merc V8's

BMW 540 touring owners?
anyone got one? what are they like day to day?

all feedback and info greatfully recieved as always








http://tickers.tickerfactory.com/ezt/d/4;10752;417/st/20100529/e/isle+of+man+TT/dt/6/k/b8a2/event.png
08/10/2007 at 14:38
I'm not going to be much help because I've never owned one, but I did spend a loong time looking into these recently. Only didn't buy when one I had my heart on fell through and I lost the will for a bit. Then bought a new bike

I still want one though... not an estate, mind.
mr tack
08/10/2007 at 14:47
ive been wondering what engine i could slot into my 5 series
I'm leaving on the five train
Don't ask me when I'm coming back again
I reckon it's only a matter of time
Before the law kick in the door
Mother I'm running out of change,
but I had to phone to let you know

They'll never take me alive....
Phantom Pieman
08/10/2007 at 14:56
Great cars ...
But you do know the current cost of fuel?
08/10/2007 at 15:00
Phantom Pieman wrote
Great cars ...
But you do know the current cost of fuel?


That is one downside, yes. Low 20s to the gallon. But that's the tradeoff for a 4.4L V8 Seems fair...
Mikey
08/10/2007 at 15:00
I've no experience of the 4.0, nor of the touring, but the '99 5 series I owned was the best car I've ever had. When the new model came out alot of the motoring press reckoned it was a step backward compared with the older model.

Just make sure all the electric toys work as they can be v expensive to sort.

If I were you, I'd go for it. You won't get a better car for the money.
08/10/2007 at 15:06
Mikey wrote
I've no experience of the 4.0

4.4 in the E39.
Foxy
08/10/2007 at 15:06
Mikey wrote
When the new model came out alot of the motoring press reckoned it was a step backward compared with the older model.


Really? They seem faster, better handling, less body roll, superior traction control, more leg room, more reliable, more comfortable, better payload. In fact, appear to be better all round than the old 5 series. No idea about economy of course, and the twiddly thing on the centre console seems a bit strange at first.
Mikey
08/10/2007 at 15:11
Slenver wrote
4.4 in the E39.


Ooops, there you go, shows you how much I know Surely it should have been called the 544?

Foxy wrote
Really? They seem faster, better handling, less body roll, superior traction control, more leg room, more reliable, more comfortable, better payload. In fact, appear to be better all round than the old 5 series. No idea about economy of course, and the twiddly thing on the centre console seems a bit strange at first.


I've not driven a new one, so see my above comment....

Actually you're right, the traction control on mine was shite, but at least you could turn it off.....
08/10/2007 at 15:14
Mikey wrote
Ooops, there you go, shows you how much I know Surely it should have been called the 544?

That's BMW for you. They're quite odd like that, they have a straightforward and very precise naming method and then break their own rules all the time. You don't really know what they have any more, the model numbers seem to be less and less relevant.


Mikey wrote

I've not driven a new one, so see my above comment....

Actually you're right, the traction control on mine was shite, but at least you could turn it off.....

Surely the E39 was supposed to be 'the best car in the world'? They even said that on Top Gear (I was trawling old 540 videos... )
Eff Bee
08/10/2007 at 15:29
The E39 model 540 we have (non estate) is actually quite reasonable on fuel - for the engine size. Lowest so far has been 24mpg on a flat tank blat home one night - the on board computer tells you this

Around 25-28 on motorway journeys and thats not taking it easy.

Ride in ours is superb, it does have the M suspension though which gives firm responsive yet comfortable handling. The traction control is perfect and a godsend when its wet and you want to put your foot down whilst remaining in chill out mode!. Turn it off if you want to have proper fun. The gearbox is spot on too. Just get it derestricted...!

The engine is totally stonking and is doing about 2900rpm at a ton. Will pull away in 4th too right upto 120mph in one gear. Wanted something with punch but more discreet after the Skyline. Its done the job superbly so far.

Well worth an ask on www.bmwland.co.uk/ they have proven to be a useful source of info when ours threw up a fault code.

If the car is advertised as a sport, make sure it really is a sport and not just a car with extras added last year off ebay - plenty of those around!.

All sorts of specs out there on the 5 series. Get as high a spec as you can, i understand they hold their money well.
AJB
08/10/2007 at 17:14
Prefer the pre 04 to post 04. Even the diesels are rubbish for fuel economy. But you've got to boot it if you buy one.
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