Which 5 series for me? Advice please
Discussion
Hi all - first post on beemer forum.
Am replacing my wife's Alfa 156 V6 - decent engine, atrocious handling. Although the steering is quite sharp, I hate its nose-heavy understeer and need something slightly bigger to accommodate second baby seat plus one (small) adult at the back.
Since the wife is driving it, my first choice, M5, is out of the question (no auto box - also, early ones will still be out of my price range), hence have been seriously considering '99-00 model 540 or Alpina B10 (if I can find one at the right price which is unlikely).
Only problem is - will I get the same nose heavy understeer that plagues the Alfa, or can I expect a more neutral stance? Should I consider a 530 or 535 instead and compromise on power? Will steering feedback and agility be noticeably better?
Thanks for any advice.
Am replacing my wife's Alfa 156 V6 - decent engine, atrocious handling. Although the steering is quite sharp, I hate its nose-heavy understeer and need something slightly bigger to accommodate second baby seat plus one (small) adult at the back.
Since the wife is driving it, my first choice, M5, is out of the question (no auto box - also, early ones will still be out of my price range), hence have been seriously considering '99-00 model 540 or Alpina B10 (if I can find one at the right price which is unlikely).
Only problem is - will I get the same nose heavy understeer that plagues the Alfa, or can I expect a more neutral stance? Should I consider a 530 or 535 instead and compromise on power? Will steering feedback and agility be noticeably better?
Thanks for any advice.
Im here never fear... 
LN is right 530Sport all day long. Got enough punch and not as cumbersome to drive as the V8's. B10's are ok but hard work to sell on and being hand finished inside tend to rattle and drop bits off. Difficult to replace any internal parts for due to wacky colours.
530 Sport probably most sort after of the range and due to the release of the new one sensible money too.
Just sold a 2002 "02" In black, Black leather, comms pack and 18" wheels, 40 grand new 9000 miles 1 year later sold for 26000. Bargain.
Make sure yet get auto.
>> Edited by ScoobyZoom on Sunday 7th September 16:05
LN is right 530Sport all day long. Got enough punch and not as cumbersome to drive as the V8's. B10's are ok but hard work to sell on and being hand finished inside tend to rattle and drop bits off. Difficult to replace any internal parts for due to wacky colours.
530 Sport probably most sort after of the range and due to the release of the new one sensible money too.
Just sold a 2002 "02" In black, Black leather, comms pack and 18" wheels, 40 grand new 9000 miles 1 year later sold for 26000. Bargain.
Make sure yet get auto.
>> Edited by ScoobyZoom on Sunday 7th September 16:05
Thanks for the advice.
530d not on my shortlist (can't get them out here). I assume "Sport" means sports suspension, bigger wheels and aluminium interior?
Edited to add: if you had the choice of a 540 and a 530 of roughly the same age, at roughly the same price, would you still go for the 530? (Fuel economy not a consideration).
>> Edited by Harris_I on Monday 8th September 07:36
530d not on my shortlist (can't get them out here). I assume "Sport" means sports suspension, bigger wheels and aluminium interior?
Edited to add: if you had the choice of a 540 and a 530 of roughly the same age, at roughly the same price, would you still go for the 530? (Fuel economy not a consideration).
>> Edited by Harris_I on Monday 8th September 07:36
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