"SLGreg" <SLGreg@yahoo.com> wrote in message

Are you in the US?  If so, there was no 530i in 2000.  They started
arriving here as a 2001 model year.

As for the 530i vs 540i... well, you already have a fun to drive car
(Z3), and I don't think either of these e39 models will be as fun.  The
530i is slightly lighter/nimble and has a more responsive steering (R&P
vs. the recirculating ball on the 540i).  The 540i will obviously be
quicker though.  As for mpg, if you take it easy on the hwy, both will
deliver about the same fuel economy.  Around town, the 540i will be
worse though.

In terms of maintenance, the 540i will be slightly more expensive to
maintain - more sparkplugs to replace for example, more engine oil, etc.
But the difference is not big enough to base your purchase decision on
it.  The cooling system on the 540i is more prone to failure, but again,
the 530i isn't immune from such failures either and should be replaced
every 60-80k miles regardless.

Pete

Well get a 535i V8 then (if it was sold in the USA).

530, and 540 e39? Good question... 2 entirely different animals.  The
540 is definitely a beast, thought does not have the beautifully
precise steering as the Rack-and-Pinion setup 530.

I have owned a '99 528iA, and currently an '03 model 530iA.  Again,
the 530 drives excellent, and has excellent body composure through
different driving conditions.

I will say this though, I have driven many 540, both auto. trans., and
my friend's 2 different 540i 6-speed manual, and the difference for me
at least, is somewhat difficult to describe even.  You must test
drive, it's the only way!

I have also drive a manual 530 w/ Sport package, brand new at the
dealer, and it was definitely what I thought to be one of the best
all-round cars ever built.

Performance.  The 540 has significantly more grunt (1/4 mile around 14.0
versus 15.2, 0-60 in 6 seconds vice 7).  Do you exercise your right foot
often?  Doesn't make much sense if you spend most days in urban gridlock.
The 530 is the more nimble of the two, the 540 is a couple hundred pounds
heavier (guess where the weight is concentrated).

Cost of ownership.  The V-8 tends to go through its "consumables" a bit
faster.  More early cooling system failures (the I-6 is not immune), extra
weight will require brake work a bit more frequently.  Fuel costs will vary.
The V-8 gets surprisingly good mileage in freeway cruising ... figure 28-30
mpg in either car at "10 over" which is about it if you want to avoid a
collection of speeding tickets (Virginia is particularly draconian in their
pursuit of revenue at the expense of those of us who prefer pace and
mobility over PC).  Around town, the V-8 is mid-teens vice mid-twenties.

Just finished a 2,000 mile road trip in my 530i SP/5sp.  Almost exactly
30mpg on freeways, 27mpg in urban/suburban/gridlock environment of
Washington DC.  Never encountered a driving situation that inspired V-8
envy; though when I was moving down I-95 at a stop/roll/stop crawl, I had a
bit of auto trans envy.

Drive 'em both.  Blue books are similar.  In a seven-year-old car, I'd be
more interested in its maintenance history.  I'd look for an enthusiast's
car that was maintained in excess of the BMW schedule (in which maintenance
schedules were doubled to minimize the cost of "free" maintenance for 3
years/36,000 miles on the 2001's.  4/50K for 2002/3).  A recent,
preventative radiator/thermostat R&R would be a plus.  A recent Inspection 1
or 2 would be a plus (expensive unless you DIY).  New brakes a plus ($400+
for parts, labor at prevailing rate).  Fluid changes a plus (particularly
the auto trans ... it was called "lifetime" in 2001, now 100K change
interval, should be 50K).

Have fun!

R / John