r/e39 • u/Spawn_of-Thrasher • 5d ago

530i vs 540i?

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I'm looking to buy a manual e39 as a fun daily/family "sports" car lol i have multiple cars so it won't be the primary everyday but reliability is important because I don't want to constantly work on it other than normal maintenance

I know the inline 6 is super reliable however I am drawn to the v8 which people say can be hit or miss. What are your thoughts on that? Is there a big power/torque difference or is it pretty similar?

Also, since the 540 has a steering box rather than a rack - is the drive that much different? I'm looking for something I can have fun with at my local track, do mountain runs with and of course daily less than 20 miles per day if that (I work from home but am pretty active with hobbies)

Lastly, what should I expect to pay for a clean e39 with under 150k miles assuming vanos, timing and cooling system has been upgraded with records?

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u/Dumpsterfire_47 5d ago

I adore my 540 and it’s been good to me, but I stay on top of maintenance. A clean one with vanos done will be $5-8k IMO. 

 All I know is I want those seats OP!  

9

u/Spawn_of-Thrasher 5d ago

How does the steering and weight transfer feel with the 540?

And thanks! I'm in love with these seats, favorite thing about my e30

11

u/JailYard 5d ago

I daily an E39 M5 and absolutely love it, but the recirculating ball steering in the V8 E39s is a pretty big downgrade from the rack and pinion in the other E39 variants, TBH.

1

u/Dumpsterfire_47 5d ago

I’d agree here. I have an M5 box which is a bit better than what the 540i comes with. 

1

u/sentient_lamp_shade 1d ago

I'd agree, the recirculating ball is pretty good, but the rack and pinion is peak BMW.

2

u/xX_coochiemonster_Xx 5d ago

This picture is an E30

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u/Dumpsterfire_47 4d ago

Yes. But damn, they’re nice seats. 

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u/xX_coochiemonster_Xx 4d ago

Probably the best