Is the 540i better than the 530i?
Emma Horne
Published Mar 14, 2026
Is the 540i better than the 530i?
While both trims come with a highly powerful engine, the one in the 540i trim offers a bit more energy with its 335-horsepower engine. The 530i, on the other hand, comes standard with a 248-horsepower engine. Still, you’ll get an 8-speed Sport Automatic transmission with either trim.
Is the E39 540i reliable?
E39 body is known as the last mechanical 5 series. The 1998 540i engine (code name M62B44) is really easy to care and very reliable because this model does not have vanos, also related things such as timing chain, oil separator are more reliable than later version V8 (M62TUB44).
Is E39 best 5 series ever?
Being that E39’s are over a decade old now, they can be had second (or third or fourth) hand for remarkably cheap. The E39 BMW 5 Series is largely considered the best 5 Series ever made, a claim that we make ourselves. It is the last mechanical-feeling 5 Series and, in our opinion, is the pinnacle of the model.
Will the BMW E39 become a classic?
We all recognize the E39 as a classic BMW. Its looks, its performance, the way it drives…it has all of the hallmarks of a modern classic. Recently, BMW made the E39’s status official by relocating the E39 chassis from the ‘Current’ parts catalog to the ‘Classic’ or ‘Heritage’ catalog.
Does BMW 530i have enough power?
While the 530i’s engine doesn’t deliver explosive power, there’s more than enough oomph on hand for effortlessly merging, passing, and hill climbing. It shoots the 530i to 60 mph in just over seven seconds.
What is the difference between BMW 540i and 540i xDrive?
Compare the 2020 BMW 5-Series 540i vs 540i xDrive. What is the difference? With these two trims, the difference is that the 540i xDrive comes with BMW’s all-wheel drive system. Having xDrive can make a difference when the conditions are less than ideal.
How long do BMW 540i last?
You want your BMW 540i xDrive to last as long as possible. With the right maintenance at the right time, you could hit 200,000 miles (or beyond!) in your 540i xDrive.
How reliable are BMW 540i?
They gave it a 4.5 out of 5 for a reliability rating and an overall score of 8.9 of 10. U.S. News explains the undeniable quality of the BMW 5 Series as an upscale performance sedan earned it the top spot. They loved its excellent handling and the wealth of cargo space it offers.
Is E39 best BMW?
The chassis could be a little stiffer, but it still is a comfy daily car at the end of the day. With a timeless design, a wide selection of different power units and sophisticated engineering the E39 generation of the 5 series was perhaps the best BMW ever made.
Are BMW E39 going up in value?
BMW E39 (1996-2003) Values have been on the up since 2015 at least, although it’s interesting to note that for once the M5 hasn’t been leading the charge.
Are E39 appreciating?
Unsurprisingly, there is a lag period before the newer cars started appreciating. What is surprising, however, is that the newer E46/E39 generation started appreciating earlier and at a faster rate than the older and rarer E36/E34 generation. Production numbers – E36: 29042 | E34: 12254 | E46: 84383 | E39: 20482.
Is a 530i fast?
It’s capable of getting to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.2 seconds, which makes it barely quicker than an old E60 530i. Not at all, according to The Fast Lane Car, who took on the challenge of hitting 60 mph (96 km/h) as fast as possible with the 530i, at high altitude.
Should you buy an E39 BMW 540i for its power?
But, honestly, you don’t buy an E39 540i for its power, you buy it for its noise. The 540i was basically the baby-M5 and its exhaust note was evident of that. With an exotic burble at low rpm and an intoxicating roar at high-rpm, the E39 BMW 540i genuinely felt like a special car and still does even all these years later.
What is the difference between a 540i and a 530i?
For example the E39 540i has a ~4-liter, 8 cylinder, V8 configuration engine while the 530i has a ~3-liter, 6 cylinder inline configuration engine. What is the difference between a BMW 528i and the 530i?
What is the best E39 BMW to look for?
In our opinion, there are two E39s to look for, as they’re the best of the bunch that aren’t M5s. Those two are the 530i and the 540i. BMW 530i – The E39 BMW 530i replaced the 528i in 2001 and ran until the end of the E39’s life cycle.
What is a good price range for a BMW 530i?
So the 530i and 540i are the ones to get and those can get pricier. For a BMW 530i, a good price range is anywhere between $4,000 and $8,000. For that much money, you can get a decent example, with good mileage in good shape and with no major issues. Obviously, you can spend more and get a pristine model or spend less and get a sketchier model.