E39 530i

>>14291779
I can only think of IS300 that could be compared to that

>>14291779
The E39 540i is a better value, the M62 it feels just as smooth as any I6 I've driven.

Besides you'll be spending as much money keeping it running and modding it to make more power.

File: bmwn.jpg (129KB, 900x506px) Image search: [Google]

129KB, 900x506px

520 IA reporting in, comfyest car ever

>>14291779
I'll own the M5 some day

>>14292753
Where can I get these rims?

>>14292753
These rims yes what are they, what size?

>>14291779
Just be sure to get the sporty suspension.

>inb4 davis comes and gets butthurt when people talk bad about bmw

>>14292961
OP didn't put BMW in his post anywhere, he won't be able to find it via a catalog search.

>>14291779
What kind've fucking faggot buys an I6 E39

540i or kill yourself

>>14291779
15.5lbs per horsee

I'd feel pretty limited.

>>14292921
BMW Style 65, 18 inch, E39 M5 exclusive.

They usually run $1,500+ used on BMWs forums when they pop up, a new set is is like ~$2,400

>>14292711
Why do you assume that everyone always wants to mod every car they get their hands on?

>>14292988
It's sufficient for an executive barge. It's not a fucking sports car. Torque is more important in those anyway, and both the I6 and the V8 have plenty.

>>14293066
Oh I thought all BMWs were sports cars.

File: 1453016109281.png (911KB, 782x935px) Image search: [Google]

911KB, 782x935px

>>14291779
How big the BMW meme on durability when it comes to the e39? Everyone in my family believes all used BMW's are shit no matter how many times I try to explain Bangle era retarded calls. I need a simple DD and so far I've strictly been looking at Lexus because they seem comfy and they have the reliability meme attached.

>>14293124
>Everyone in my family believes all used BMW's are shit
Standard BMW dadvice.

If all you want is a reliable DD then just get a jap car.

>>14293124
They're not too bad, just make sure to do proper maintenance. German cars can't take neglect.
E39s are pretty good as far as BMWs go though, and unlike the new ones they're no complete nightmare to work on.
Parts are relatively expensive, like with all German "premium" brands.

>>14292969
>>14292961
lol im here
i generally dont care but i got too much free time

>>14293124
Used E39 are really bad mate. There were bad even as 5-10yo cars, but now it's just a junk on wheels

>>14293234
Nice bait.

Hmm very nice but what do you think about BMW M4 F80?

>>14293036
The wheels on the photo aren't M5 wheels. They look aftermarket actually.

File: image.jpg (417KB, 1024x680px) Image search: [Google]

417KB, 1024x680px

Op I'm sorry but I'd rather have the zhp 3 series

same engine but more hp

Lighter

Interior is about the same

Looks are about the same. I'd argue the three series looks better in sport trim than the 5 series.

Limited slip dif. You'd be hard pressed to find a 530 with one

Lots of manuals to choose from. 5 series were owned by older men that like auto

i really like the 530i ,it feels like the optimal non-m5 e39 configuration in some ways

also the m54b30 takes to supercharging really well, and you get the reliability of the engine combined with more power from the supercharger, win win

>>14292979
>What kind've fucking faggot buys an I6 BMW
well I wonder

>>14293875
>ZHP 3 series
>under $5k

>>14294759
Oh. Then any 330i then.

>>14294770
Dunno where you live but 330i-s with decent milage are ~$8k-$9k in Texaw

>>14293036

Those aren't style 65s. They look like VMR 703s

I own a 2002 E39 540i and i have to say it is pretty easy to work on. For example, its way easier to change out the oil pan gasket because the engine mount is out of the way. For an I6 E39 (525i, 528i, 530i) you have to use a support brace and remove the engine support to get to it.

Also way easier to change out the alternator/belt tensioner since the 540i's engine is shorter than the 530i. Gas mileage is about 16 city and 25 highway.

only thing about the 540i is that there is no rack and pinion steering because the engine is mounted so low, need to resort to recirculating ball which makes the wheel feel a little heavier.

Biggest benefit, 540i is a quick car even by todays standards.

>>14294960
the steering isn't an issue, do a m5 steering box swap (including wiring and coding servotronic) and you'll never complain about it

http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?2076423-Wiring-Servotronic-in-540-for-M5-steering-box-retrofit

one big problem of the m62 engine is it seems like it's always leaking from somwhere, but perhaps now that the OEM gaskets are switching from buna to Viton they'll last way longer and not plasticize from the engine heat

>>14294979
I'm not saying the steering is a bad thing, it actually fits the personality of the car since it is not a full-on sports car. just a fast luxury saloon.

Yea, leaks are a problem. Had to replace the valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, vanos solenoid gaskets, upper timing cover gaskets. But, i love this car.

OP, if you do the work yourself, the E39 platform is a great car, lots of DIYs out there but if you have the work done in a shop it will hurt the wallet a bit.

>>14291779
man
>one e39 530i wagon for sale near me
>costs about 5k too much with 75kkm too much

>>14295037
>there are 530i manual sport package tourings RIGHT NOW but not in the usa
suffering

>>14293066
Because in the case of BMW's Modding them can make them more reliable given the right parts?


>>14293124
Are you looking for durability or reliability becuase those things are exclusive at times.

You can beat on a BMW but you can't neglect it.

Every BMW after the E30 is straight up garbage, there's a reason they sell for next to nothing. Every BMW enthusiast is the same "oh just do this mod I read about on the forums it's easy" then their car breaks and they get someone else to fix it or give up.

>>14295098
What fascinating opinions you have thanks for sharing

>>14291779

You could get a Mercedes S Class and have a better (but softer) car

the only problem with a 5 series is that they don't take shit from bad ownership. they'll break down if the transmission fluid wasn't changed or the coolant is starting to chew up the water pump.

but they're super comfortable and very nice to drive, well worth it. especially for the price.

>>14295098
I'd E36, but otherwise keep the same wording. The 3 Series reached its pinnacle that generation, before complicated electronics killed garage mechanics.

I've thought about selling my 95 Dinan M3 for the downpayment on something like the new M235i but the 95 is just too damn fun.

>>14295207
>I'd say*

Opps.

>>14293240
I'm serious as fuck here. I owned one, my friend owned one and we both had pretty similar experience with reliability and maintenance. There were good cars when they were brand new, that's for sure.
And it was one of six BMWs I had so I know what I'm talking about.

>>14295207
The E46 is still very easy to work on as well, even the electronics. It did become worse at around 2002-2003 for the e65 and e60 because they were the first cars to feature many gadgets. The e65 7 seriescan be really bad at times. I know a guy who tinted his windows on his e65 and the window motors stopped working becsause of the increased window thickness.
>>14295239
I got 3 friends with e39s, all of them are 525 or 530 diesels, no major faults in the last 1-2 years.

>>14295284
>The E46 is still very easy to work on as well, even the electronics. It did become worse at around 2002-2003 for the e65 and e60 because they were the first cars to feature many gadgets. The e65 7 seriescan be really bad at times. I know a guy who tinted his windows on his e65 and the window motors stopped working becsause of the increased window thickness.

I was just reiterating what the BMW shop I take mine to if I get stumped/lazy said about the E46. My only direct experience is with the E36 M3. Phenomenal car, bit of a pain to work on (replaced my cabin filter, required taking off half the dash!) but overall easy with internet tutorials and common sense.

>>14295334
I fixed the window regulators on my e36 coupe, didnt even need new parts, was a 30minute fix. Changed the thermostats on my e36 and e46, replaced some hoses and some stuff like that, and I have literally no mechanical knowledge. Yeah, basically you need common sense, but I still wouldnt be able to replace a head gasket or something

File: 1452277198106.jpg (49KB, 851x501px) Image search: [Google]

49KB, 851x501px

>>14291779
>conservative styling
>comfy interior with lots of legroom
>lots of driver comfort adjustments and accommodations for tall people
>inline 4, best engine for economy and low maintenance
>easy to work on
>comes in RWD, AWD and FWD
>comes in wagon, coupe, sedan, hatch
>112HP to 160hp, enough power that you'll never feel limited by the car
>can easily be found under $1k
Corolla confirmed better than bmw

File: 1453164514171.jpg (25KB, 500x378px) Image search: [Google]

25KB, 500x378px

>>14295518

>>14295334
>(replaced my cabin filter, required taking off half the dash!)
Holy shit you do not have to do this. I did mine with out removing anything except for the dash undercover and filter box cover.

>>14291779
Enjoy the non stop electrical problems, I know I did. On the plus side I sold it for the same price a year later...

>>14295518
>112HP to 160hp, enough power that you'll never feel limited by the car
lel, even my mates 230hp fully stripped e46 330ci starts to feel limiting after some time. He is turbocharging it soon

>>14295548
Um, we're not talking about the same car.

http://chrisparente.com/2013/09/28/replacing-cabin-microfilter-bmw-e36-m3/

>>14295584
Because it's pigfat!!!!!

>>14295598
Yeah we are. I have an E36 M3. I know how they say to do it but you do not have to do it that way.

>>14295060
Well my guess is that beamers are reliable but not durable in the sense that if you do X and Y to it, it will predictably do Z almost every time, which is reliability. Durability meaning it can handle any shitjob that comes its way and keeps on trucking. I want reliability but I don't think I can be autistic about it and I need this to be a daily driver since I commute to my campus

>>14295607
Well that's how I did it, so it doesn't change what I said.

I've seen some forum posts describing ways to not remove the glovebox but it seems more complicated than the glove box method.

http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?1010453-DIY-Cabin-Air-Filter-Without-Removing-The-Glove-Box-Part-1

>>14295686
>http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?1010453-DIY-Cabin-Air-Filter-Without-Removing-The-Glove-Box-Part-1
Yup that is how I did it. I forgot about the airducts.

Doing it that was is ezpz, took like 10 minutes.

>>14295518
>conservative styling
Conservative doesn't mean bland.
>comfy interior
90's Toyota interiors are actual refined cancer.
>lots of driver comfort adjustments
it has an air conditioner
>accommodations for tall people
the seat moves back
>112HP to 160HP, enough power that you'll never feel limited by the car
I wish. I used to drive a Camry and getting onto the high way was the worst feeling because everybody behind me would always get pissed off that I'm getting onto the highway at like 45MPH.

>>14295603
as I said fully stripped bro. It weighs less than a e36

>>14291824
IS300 is a rival of 3-series tho

these cars were never meant for north american roads. they're comfy on european roads but the suspensions aren't built to last on rough north american ones

>car the size of a 90's accord
>weighs 2 tons
>aluminum suspension

the weight makes them feel planted and vault like, but you don't have the raw sporty feeling that the e34 has. e39 is like sporty mixed with luxury, but luxury comes at a steep price with the repair bills

>>14291824
it would be more reliable. My mom has the is300 and inlaws have a 530i. Everything leaks on that car, multiple check engine light codes, ABS module went out and needs to get rebuilt. My mom's is300 needed an 02 sensor when she bough it and she just had to replace 2 tires because of a vibration.

>>14293124
With my inlaws it seems the e39 has more issues than the e46

>>14298212
>sample size of 2

File: 2003_bmw_5_series_540i-pic-38120.jpg (295KB, 1000x751px) Image search: [Google]

295KB, 1000x751px

>>14291779
540i reporting, I can't imagine not having all the fun I have in that car. Too bad I just shit my expansion tank because I'm a dummy.

e39 is the best bmw platform I've every driven, do want to drive a new m5 tho

>>14298189
How is the E34 because I'm considering one.

>>14293875
ZHP does not have an LSD. No E46 other than the M3 came with an LSD. To my knowledge, after 1996, only M cars got LSDs.

>>14291779
Most your points are shit.

Conservative looks? Not a plus. Lots of interior space? It's a boat. 230hp? In a 4000lbs car zzzz, etc etc fuck off faggot

>>14298822
>540i reporting
Do you regret not going for the E39 M5? How does the 540i work as a DD? (I assume thats what you use it for) Enough torque to pull it along at a good pace?

Weirdly enough in the UK, there are more E39 M5's for sale than 540i's

>>14299037
0-60 in 6.8 seconds is a decent enough pull. It weighs only 3350lbs so its not that much of a boat for its size as well.

>>14298887
awesome, but the rear door cards always peel away

>>14299138
Not one bit, sure the "lack" of potential power is lame. But assuming we're all trying to not spend stupid money on a superfun DD then the 540I is my top pick.

Maintenance is not that bad, just like someone else said tho they will not take neglect. Thinking of doing a supercharger but they are 6k

File: bmw550Msport.jpg (112KB, 1024x768px) Image search: [Google]

112KB, 1024x768px

looking to buy 2008 or 2009 550i M-Sport, am I retarded?

>>14299572
What is the deal with E34s losing their gas cap covers?

>>14298189
The 530i weighs around 1550kg or approx 3350lbs though
not much heavier than an e34 but it does feel more planted because of the more advanced suspension. Love e34's though, the bigger engined ones are mean masculine cars.

File: 1452404103127.jpg (739KB, 1440x810px) Image search: [Google]

739KB, 1440x810px

reporting in with my 540i/6

bmw bump

>>14298224
Thanks for posting with a trip, now I will always know how retarded you are. The E39 and E46 use the exact same engines.

>>14300644
The styling of the E60 is cancer. Waaay too feminine and modern looking. It looks like the Camry of the same era.

>>14301424
I kinda like how it looks, I'm just asking is the maintenance gonna fuck me hard and how it drives and such

>>14300895
Someone please explain to me what the slash 6 means.

>>14301457
6 speed manual. Usually came in the sport packages.

>>14301450
It's still a relatively new car so parts are expensive. If you can find one with low miles the maintenance shouldn't be too bad. It'll sound a bit extreme but if you can't afford the cost of the car and half again don't buy it, anything major can fuck you hard.
The steering and suspension are pretty numb but the car has some serious power so it's still fun to drive.

>>14300692
never seen one that has myself

>>14293875
Hate to break it to you but your car does not have an LSD.

>>14301411
e46 doesn't have any based V8s

>>14301411
Yes i'm sure the only thing on a car to ever break is the engine. And 3 series totally have V8s. Would you mind adopting a trip so I can filter you?

>>14302163
Well just to be that asshole there's the M3 GTR.

And people occasionally put 540 engines in E46es based on what Alpina did with the E36.

>>14302266
I saw an S62 swapped E36 sedan once. It was pretty rad.

>>14302441
Sounds about right.

Alpina's take on the E36 in 1994 used a M60B40 bored out to 4.6L, which has the same exact displacement as the M62B46 Alpina developed in 1999 for their E39 and used in the X5 4.6is.

Which really makes me want to track one down and mate it to a 540i.

Some shifty buy here pay here has what looks to be a clean E46 325i @210k miles for 3,900. Is it even worth a look or should I just keep hunting for clean e36