Thinking of buying an E39 5 series - which engine?
Discussion
Hi All,
I'm toying with the idea of buying a 5 series to replace the Golf GTi, as I simply want more power to play with.
I'm split between a Subaru Impreza (standard turbo) or a 5 series, question is, which engine do I start with?
I certainly think I want to start with a 528 - after all I wouldn't want to go backwards from the 16v GTi (8.1 sec 0-60), but then I see 530, 535 and every so often a 540 crops up!
Which does everyone think would be best?
I like to hustle quickly along the B roads (something the Golf is superb at) and want a car that pulls like a train (the Golf is crap - its all power and no torque) - so would I want to go big engine, and suffer the heavy engine, or shall I go smaller, and get the trade off for nimbleness?
I'm toying with the idea of buying a 5 series to replace the Golf GTi, as I simply want more power to play with.
I'm split between a Subaru Impreza (standard turbo) or a 5 series, question is, which engine do I start with?
I certainly think I want to start with a 528 - after all I wouldn't want to go backwards from the 16v GTi (8.1 sec 0-60), but then I see 530, 535 and every so often a 540 crops up!
Which does everyone think would be best?
I like to hustle quickly along the B roads (something the Golf is superb at) and want a car that pulls like a train (the Golf is crap - its all power and no torque) - so would I want to go big engine, and suffer the heavy engine, or shall I go smaller, and get the trade off for nimbleness?
Try them out, I wouldn't go below a 523(2.5) myself. If you want out and out performance seek out a manual as the auto really can sap the power. Also for the handling get one with the sport pack too. Personally I prefer the steptronic auto, but it is just an every day lugger/hack for me 
.
.neil_cardiff said:
...I like to hustle quickly along the B roads ... and want a car that pulls like a train ...
For hustling through the twisties you'd enjoy the rack & pinion steering of a 530i.
The V8's have more torque, but the front-end will be heavier and the recirculating ball steering less involving.
Certainly consider the 530d. Although the diesel engine is heavy it'll have plenty of torque and can be chipped if you're into that sort of thing. Not sure of the steering set up on the diesels, though...
neil_cardiff said:
I'm split between a Subaru Impreza (standard turbo) or a 5 series,
question is, which engine do I start with?
How deep are your pockets ?
525 for cheapies, 530 about as far as you need to go in the UK,
540 if you own your own oil well, M5 for extremists.
I'm happy with my 530, might consider a 530D or 535D in future.
Try them and see.
I got a 540 sport auto, nice. Fuel consumption around town is about 18mpg, on a run about 24mpg. Missus has got an old e36 325 and fuel consumption is nearly identical. mine's got 286 bhp - and tons of torque. You wont be able to throw it around like a golf though - it's a saloon not a hot hatch. Test drive one.
Picture:
www.mez.co.uk/dcam/DSCF0319.JPG
>> Edited by eliot on Wednesday 4th January 09:20
>> Edited by eliot on Wednesday 4th January 09:22
Picture:
www.mez.co.uk/dcam/DSCF0319.JPG
>> Edited by eliot on Wednesday 4th January 09:20
>> Edited by eliot on Wednesday 4th January 09:22
numbnuts said:
I would go for the 540 manual, but there again i am biased
As would I. The 540 has "only" got around 260bhp, so anythign smaller won't be much faster than your golf. Plus the 540 is more likely to be loaded with the extras.
Numbnuts, you'll have to take me for a spin when I bring mine in next month!
neil_cardiff said:That might be a bit difficult now mate...I have just sold it
I would go for the 540 manual, but there again i am biased
As would I. The 540 has "only" got around 260bhp, so anythign smaller won't be much faster than your golf. Plus the 540 is more likely to be loaded with the extras.
Numbnuts, you'll have to take me for a spin when I bring mine in next month!
Got a lovelly little alfa 156 though , check out the alfa forumI had a similar choice to make last year, but went for an 1995 E34 540 manual saloon in the end. I drove it back to back with an auto version and '92 M5. I agree that the rack and pinion steering of the M5 was better, but it was older, more expensive, higher mileage and more frantic to drive. The E39s I drove had no performance advantage and cost nearly three times as much (same spec, same mileage). They question boiled down to how much the newer interior (without proper armrests) was worth to me.
Incidentally, I average about 22mpg, with generally enthusiastic driving, 28mpg on the motorway.
Incidentally, I average about 22mpg, with generally enthusiastic driving, 28mpg on the motorway.
I used to run a E39 540 manual, had it chipped and the speed limiter removed, off the clock in 4th!! was about the best car I have ever had, they come with all the toys and have M spec suspension set up, if you can find a late Sport model with the better bumpers etc they are wonderful. If not then i would go for the 530d Sport and chip it for better performance.
bmwdrivernigel said:
I used to run a E39 540 manual, had it chipped and the speed limiter removed, off the clock in 4th!! was about the best car I have ever had, they come with all the toys and have M spec suspension set up, if you can find a late Sport model with the better bumpers etc they are wonderful. If not then i would go for the 530d Sport and chip it for better performance.
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