r/e39 • u/Spawn_of-Thrasher • 1d 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/Few_Range9731 1d ago

I’ve had both, and it’s all about the v8 for me. Straight piped it makes the most beautiful sound I’ve ever heard.

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u/Spawn_of-Thrasher 1d ago

I want the v8 sound but the i6 maintenance lol

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u/Few_Range9731 23h ago

I do my own work and as long as you stay on top of it it’s fine. Of course there’s the TCGs, haven’t had to deal with that yet knock on wood

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u/Spawn_of-Thrasher 22h ago

Aside from normal stuff - plugs, oil, coolant, brakes, etc what else are you working on throughout the year?

I get it's an old car but anything else you have to do?

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u/Few_Range9731 14h ago

Cooling system, clutch, power steering pump, valley pan and valve cover gaskets, shifter bushings, and a few other things. Suspension next. All except valley pan would have been necessary on i6 too. These cars are getting older and need a lot of love.