535i ~ 540i Thoughts?

Z

ZeeFore

Active member
 Miyagi Pref., Japan
Since this post is likely to elicit a torrent of boos and hisses if made without explanation, I'll preface it by saying that I still love my Zed and plan to keep it.

However ... I'm thinking about another Bimmer that'll seat more than two people when the need arises, and be comfortable for long distances while having the power to make expressway trips smooth and easy. I'm considering a second-hand 535i or 540i, or something in that vicinity.

Does anyone who has had experience with these models have any thoughts they could share? Pros and cons?

Many thanks.
 
Lovely engine in the 540, I had the 740 before my first Z and I bought that instead of the 540 as I found the 5 series very cramped in the back.

If it is big enough for you ...
 
Thanks pvr, that's the kind of thing I wanted to know.

I have heard good things about the engine, which is one of the reasons I'm looking at these cars. My experience with the Z4 has made me a bit of a BMW engine fan.

I was asking my dealer about equivalent Mercedes Benz models, and his response was that they're comfy and nice to drive, but there are more engine problems. Oil leaks in particular. On the plus side changing a Mercedes oil gasket is trivial compared to BMW, which apparently is labor intensive and expensive. But in BMW's favor ... they rarely leak.

Cramped back-seat space is a small concern too. Probably just shove small people in the back. :P

The 740 is a nice looking motor, but it is quite big overall, and the consensus around here seems to be that it has way too many sensors that are prone to failure. I don't know how true that is though, so feedback from people with experience is most appreciated.
 
The 540 is effectively the same as i had in 645Ci & although producing slightly less BHP (30 less) it is epic to drive .
V8 torque & noise is like nothing else :evil: as is the MPG :cry: 16/20 town/ 25/28 cruising if careful :P
Beware leaky chain cover gaskets which can be pricey to fix :thumbsup:
 
My brother's got an Alpina 5 series. I can recommend it ( especially if you own a petrol station). It's an epic motor!
 
Love the interior on the 6 series. Nice looking rear end too.

They're quite rare here, and for that reason the prices are eye-popping even in the used market.

Definitely a good looker though.
 
MMMmmmm ? just reread your OP & have to wince slightly at your faith in the V8 block :cry:
"I was asking my dealer about equivalent Mercedes Benz models, and his response was that they're comfy and nice to drive, but there are more engine problems. Oil leaks in particular. On the plus side changing a Mercedes oil gasket is trivial compared to BMW, which apparently is labor intensive and expensive. But in BMW's favor ... they rarely leak."

i appreciate its a totally different vehicle but go in with eyes open . They perform like little else you will drive but are not without their foibles :wink:

here's my parting post after the 645 threatened me with bankruptcy :oops:
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=622914&highlight=sleeping+fox
 
And hmmm again ... perhaps the straight-sixer in the 535 is a better bet for reliability.
 
I had a 540 for around 5 years, I've had V8s for over a decade too.... not one has ever broke down or caused me any major hassle.

they are the most bullet proof engines I've had the pleasure of owning.... if looked after correctly.

straight 6 is nothing compared to them. ;)
 
740i but previous model .... Lovely car, great cruiser. Never any engine issues , but high servicing costs.


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