G30 540i

[Mr Ben]

I imagine I'm not alone amongst those who browse pages when, everytime I (frequently) change vehicle I convince myself that 'this time' its a keeper, well at least for a few years!

My latest 'keeper', follows 5 changes in as many years.

2013 e92 335i
2017 XFS
2017 440i
2017 Touareg
2019 Velar D300

There's definitely a pattern, and as I just read on another readers cars thread, I keep finding myself reverting back to my comfort zone, 6cyl petrol BMW's, prior to that list owning a string of E46 and E92/3 models.

I'd always wanted a 5 series. Since my boss took delivery of his E39 530i back in 2003 I've admired their understaded yet (in the right spec) purposeful aesthetics. As the generations came and went I almost decided on an F10 535i at the time of purchasing both the E92 335i and again at the 440i, only wavering as at the time with no kids, I thought it best to enjoy coupes for as long as possible.

Fast forward to 3 weeks ago, and the realisation that my Velar was worth more that what I owed, coupled with a dark cloud looming in the shape of my company increasing the narrative around senior staff going electric, I thought it prudent to straddle the line perhaps one last time between conflicting requirements,

Petrol, 6cyl, 5 doors, effortless motorway cruiser, fast (enough), fun (ish), practical. The missus has an X3 so need for 2 SUV's any longer. Now in my early 40's it was time for a 5 series.

July 2020 540i
Sophisto Grey
M Sport Pro Pack
Tecghnology Pack
Comfort Pack

Build quality, refinement, performance, all as i'd hoped. Now, should I fit the Remus Axle back?










[url]

|https://thumbsnap.com/DoDWSeEr[/url]

Edited by Mr Ben on Monday 30th May 09:09

[d_a_n1979]

That's a lovely looking motor; I do like these, a lot!

[MrBen1]

Very nice, I can see myself in one of these when I finally move on my ageing 435i - how does it compare to your 440?

[Mr Ben]

MrBen1 said:

Very nice, I can see myself in one of these when I finally move on my ageing 435i - how does it compare to your 440?

Your username freaked me out

The 440i was a manual Coupe with MPPSK so more 'in yer face' and brutal...

This being an auto is a more relaxed drive for sure. The interior quality is a huge step forward.

X-drive, that gearbox and the B58 make it missile like.

[MrBen1]

Mr Ben said:

Your username freaked me out

Haha, I only noticed yours after posting, excellent choice! You must be why I couldn't have my usual username when I joined PH!

Thanks, I think I'll be trying one of these when I find a reason to change from mine.

[roadie]

I think the 5er is the most handsome of the current BMW lineup and yours looks like a great example, enjoy!

The wheels don't especially do it for me, but I know wheel choice is very subjective!

[Mr Ben]

roadie said:

The wheels don't especially do it for me, but I know wheel choice is very subjective!

Never a truer word spoken... It had to be those wheels for me, the standard 19's not cutting it.

[147lusso]

Relate a lot to your opening paragraph.. I always try something new, and revert back to my comfort-zone (6 Cylinder BMWs!)

Great shout on the 540i. I've had a couple of G3x's and find they're the consummate allrounder.. although I've never tried a 40i. Must stop thoughts of Single-Turbo'ing a 540i touring

Out of interest, how does it compare the Velar? Been looking at one for my wife (D300) and I love the look of them, but don't see much about them on here.

[Got4wheels]

I really like these and especially in 40i guise! My favourite generation of 5er since the E39. The estate must be a brilliant all rounder. I like the wheels personally, but I'm interested as to what you'll do OP.

Michael

[Pistonheader101]

how do these compare to the m340i

[Huskyman]

I’m currently in a G30 520i hire car and I’ve been looking at these seriously. I like the interior and find it a big step on from the F11. That’s a lovely motor, I hope you enjoy it!

[AlpinaB5]

Good luck with yours! I bought a 2017 540i x-drive last year. It was fully loaded with TV night vision and everything. Was very happy to get rid of it a few weeks ago. Every time I drove it something new went wrong. It had only covered 35,000 miles when I bought it and had premium BMW warranty ( what a joke that is ). So I swapped it for a new Hyundai I30N and am loving it.

I have had 14 BMW's spanning 35 years and was always a big fan of the marque. Will never buy another though. They are so complex the dealers have no clue how to fix them.

[anonymous-user]

She’s stunning.

[AB]

I like the wheels, like the colour and like the interior.

As for fitting a Remus, from what I've seen they do sound nice, but IMO a car like that should stay understated and not too shouty.

[DaveH23]

I've been looking at these approved used.

I'd appreciate you to keep this thread updated with running costs etc.

[Paracetamol]

I own an almost identical non X drive variant. Its an epic powertain..the engine and box are sharp and powerful. The interior is lovely (though mine creaks alot from the wood veneer area when it hot). Its overall a very refined and effortless package. Its also been very reliable.

The only thing I do not like is that the turn in is not great. I always feel like I am fighting the car into slow turns. I see that the car runs virtually no camber on the front suspension and I wonder if that's the issue. The Alpina version is set up with camber so maybe they figured it out.

I did change out my tyres (also 20inch) to regular Michelin Pilots. Improved the ride significantly and less noisy too. Run Flats are the work of the devil..

[richatnort]

I’m really fancy one of these in touring form but the jay em review recently left me a bit flat mainly around the noise. I had the F31 340i and that was cracking and sounded great so I was hoping the 540 would but you can hardly hear it. Would be really interested if you do anything to the exhaust to jazz it up

[okenemem]

do these feel fast when you put your foot down

[b14]

Lovely car. Only here to say - don’t put a Remus back box on it. They don’t change anything really, despite the marketing. Instead get the standard exhaust modified at PCW Exhausts (or similar) - you get the same result but 10x cheaper…

[cerb4.5lee]

That is a lovely rare motor.

Enjoy it.