[G03RT2]

I am looking into a used 540i currently, and debating on several factors. The 540i seems to be a very good value in the market right now. I've been driving a Cayenne Turbo for the past few years and even though I love it, and I still find it to be the perfect vehicle, it's extremely expensive to run. (12MPG and very expensive consumables). With that being said, as I look for a 540i I'm torn between buying cheap and less desirable vs. more expensive and loaded up. Here are some of the questions I'm asking:

RWD vs. Xdrive: I live in Wisconsin. I don't feel I need Xdrive since I have a Toyota Land cruiser I can drive during the worst of winter days. Xdrive adds weight. Xdrive is worse MPG. Xdrive adds complexity (I wrench on my own cars, and after the cayenne, I feel like I can tackle anything, but would prefer simple). The only positive I can see with xdrive is the added performance when the concrete is cold in Wisconsin 60% of the time.

M Sport vs Non M sport: The M sport obviously looks better, but demands a price premium. M Sport also has the 704 suspension which seems like a better package. I look at the Alpina G30's and they don't use the M sport bumper and look pretty good. Is the M sport worth the premium or is the suspension that much better?

2020 vs 2017-2019: I like the way the LCI looks, but I don't want the added complexity of the mild hybrid. So 2020 has the updated iDrive and the updated B58. I'm not sure if ID7 matters to me THAT much, but it sure does look cool.... So it really comes down to the updated B58. Does it offer that much more performance potential?

After that it really comes down to comfort vs sport seats and tech features. All of which I can give or take and doesn't matter much to me I feel.

I appreciate any input.

[BMW012]

i believe the m brakes are noticeably better. if that matters to you.

[Neusser]

Originally Posted by G03RT2

I am looking into a used 540i currently, and debating on several factors. The 540i seems to be a very good value in the market right now. I've been driving a Cayenne Turbo for the past few years and even though I love it, and I still find it to be the perfect vehicle, it's extremely expensive to run. (12MPG and very expensive consumables). With that being said, as I look for a 540i I'm torn between buying cheap and less desirable vs. more expensive and loaded up. Here are some of the questions I'm asking:

RWD vs. Xdrive: I live in Wisconsin. I don't feel I need Xdrive since I have a Toyota Land cruiser I can drive during the worst of winter days. Xdrive adds weight. Xdrive is worse MPG. Xdrive adds complexity (I wrench on my own cars, and after the cayenne, I feel like I can tackle anything, but would prefer simple). The only positive I can see with xdrive is the added performance when the concrete is cold in Wisconsin 60% of the time.

M Sport vs Non M sport: The M sport obviously looks better, but demands a price premium. M Sport also has the 704 suspension which seems like a better package. I look at the Alpina G30's and they don't use the M sport bumper and look pretty good. Is the M sport worth the premium or is the suspension that much better?

2020 vs 2017-2019: I like the way the LCI looks, but I don't want the added complexity of the mild hybrid. So 2020 has the updated iDrive and the updated B58. I'm not sure if ID7 matters to me THAT much, but it sure does look cool.... So it really comes down to the updated B58. Does it offer that much more performance potential?

After that it really comes down to comfort vs sport seats and tech features. All of which I can give or take and doesn't matter much to me I feel.

I appreciate any input.

The M-Sport pack is very worthwhile. I find it a cut above what AMG or Audi does (though Audi chassis aren't sporty anyways), as BMW doesn't truly have a model between the M5 and 540 in terms of suspension upgrades. If you buy an AMG-lite like the C43, you get the C63 front axle, if you buy an M550, you get the M-Sport setup that is optional across the line (aside from some silliness like electronic sways).

The 704 handles very well--road biased but corners flat and manages the 5er's weight well in transitions. The blue M brakes are nice, too. Good pedal feel, not too much initial bite. The fronts are made by Brembo and finished quite nicely.

X-drive is performance oriented. The front end is less feelsome, but if you need AWD, it is, IMO, the best system on the market for road-biased performance driving. Be aware that the LCI has a bit less power than the pre-LCI (at least here in Germany).

[G03RT2]

Well, those responses definitely make it feel like the M sport package is worth the premium. I was trying to talk myself out of it and be cheap, but it sounds like it changes the car. Still hesitant on Xdrive.

[Warp Ten]

If you can find the options, 540 xi (AWD), M Sport, RPO 456 Multi-Contour seats are the most important in my opinion. I sold BMWs for seven years in my early retirement and have owned 10. For my current 2019 540xi, I also got the M Sport (blue caliper) brakes and they are good, but I stuck with the stock 19" stock wheels (not larger ones) to avoid issues with tires and potholes. As to your question about should you go cheap or go for options, whenever I had customers posing that question, I always noted that if you don't get the colors and options you really want, you will open the garage door every day and say, "I wish I bought the other one". Pick the car with options and colors you want then negotiate the price if you can. I would suggest listening to some of the thoughts here and when you look at cars, get the sales person to provide a Vehicle Inquiry to detail options the car has. While the 540xi will not be quite as fast as your Porsche, it is more than adequate with 0-60 in 4.8 secs. And while BMw service costs are not inexpensive, I would bet maintenance costs on a 540xi will be quite a bit less than for a Cayenne Turbo. Both my 2010 535xi (owned 9 years) and my 2019 540xi have been very trouble free cars. Good luck with your search. --Bob

[Neusser]

Originally Posted by Warp Ten

If you can find the options, 540 xi (AWD), M Sport, RPO 456 Multi-Contour seats are the most important in my opinion. I sold BMWs for seven years in my early retirement and have owned 10. For my current 2019 540xi, I also got the M Sport (blue caliper) brakes and they are good, but I stuck with the stock 19" stock wheels (not larger ones) to avoid issues with tires and potholes. As to your question about should you go cheap or go for options, whenever I had customers posing that question, I always noted that if you don't get the colors and options you really want, you will open the garage door every day and say, "I wish I bought the other one". Pick the car with options and colors you want then negotiate the price if you can. I would suggest listening to some of the thoughts here and when you look at cars, get the sales person to provide a Vehicle Inquiry to detail options the car has. While the 540xi will not be quite as fast as your Porsche, it is more than adequate with 0-60 in 4.8 secs. And while BMw service costs are not inexpensive, I would bet maintenance costs on a 540xi will be quite a bit less than for a Cayenne Turbo. Both my 2010 535xi (owned 9 years) and my 2019 540xi have been very trouble free cars. Good luck with your search. --Bob

One small note: 0-60 for the X-drive model is 4.6 secs. 4.8 is 0-100 km/h (62mph).

Also for the OP: the B58 is generally accepted to be underrated in stock form. Usually dynos around 365-370 (over here at least).

The car is quick and has an excellent weight balance, the latter being arguably the most-important criterion to anyone who likes sporty driving.

[AP]

Echo about getting one with plenty of options

Head up display is very worth while and not a gimmick. Once you’ve had one , you wonder why every car doesn’t have one

+1 about the comfort seats, very comfortable but argaubaly not geared up for sporty driving , the sport seats may be more appropriate in that case. If you can try the seats to be sure what works for you

I don’t think there is much of a hit as regards fuel consumption of and verses rwd and if fuel economy is critical to your decision , maybe the 540 is a question al choice?
It is however very economical if you want it to be , I could get over 40mpg (U.K.) on motorways if not in a rush. At the other end it has decent performance and the engine is very smooth

The icon lights look better and give you the adaptive high beams (except inthink in the US unless you resort to coding . uS folks here can co firm that either way)

All in all a very nice car and in my opinion shares the sweet spot of the 5 series range along with the 530d

[tsbrown]

Lots of good recommendations already provided here. The M Sport package is cosmetic except for the 704 m sport suspension. It’s very compliant and good balance between sporty and comfortable for a passive suspension. I wouldn’t own a 5er without it. Alpina used the non-M sport as their base and added great looking aero bits that are very pricey to add separately.

Also recommend the blue M sport brakes. They were a stand alone option pre LCI.

The 456 multi contour comfort seats with nappa leather are great. I was able to get my 2019 without ventilation and without massaging function. Some say the massaging doesn’t work great and makes the seat bottom harder, less comfortable.

RWD vs xdrive…I’ve always had RWD only but like you we have an awd option in the garage. I’ve always believed it starts with proper tires for the conditions anyway, then xdrive is a bonus in winter.

I recommend getting the options you want, don’t cheap out because it’ll be more expensive later to add something.

[Chappers 71]

I’d add adaptive LED headlights to the list, I also like having massage seats. I would also suggest that you at least try one with adaptive suspension, my G31 has it & I think it’s great, comfortable in comfort & sporty in sport Pan roof is also nice to have

[Warp Ten]

Originally Posted by Neusser

One small note: 0-60 for the X-drive model is 4.6 secs. 4.8 is 0-100 km/h (62mph).

Also for the OP: the B58 is generally accepted to be underrated in stock form. Usually dynos around 365-370 (over here at least).

The car is quick and has an excellent weight balance, the latter being arguably the most-important criterion to anyone who likes sporty driving.

You are undoubtedly right; I have seen 0-60 times reported from reliable sources as between 4.6 and 4.8. But regardless, that is pretty quick for an engine with a displacement of 189 cubic inches. Think back in history. I owned two C4 Corvette ZR-1s (a '93 & a '95) which were then some of the quickest cars of the era. In stock form they also posted 0-60 times of 4.8 seconds, but with their stock 350 cubic inch engines. And even farther back, I owned a stock '68 Hemi Roadrunner. It also posted a 4.8 time according to Car & Driver, but it took the 426 cubic inch "Elephant Engine" to do it. The smooth and reliable BMW B58 engine is a example of great engineering and development over time. --Bob

[Neusser]

Originally Posted by Warp Ten

You are undoubtedly right; I have seen 0-60 times reported from reliable sources as between 4.6 and 4.8. But regardless, that is pretty quick for an engine with a displacement of 189 cubic inches. Think back in history. I owned two C4 Corvette ZR-1s (a '93 & a '95) which were then some of the quickest cars of the era. In stock form they also posted 0-60 times of 4.8 seconds, but with their stock 350 cubic inch engines. And even farther back, I owned a stock '68 Hemi Roadrunner. It also posted a 4.8 time according to Car & Driver, but it took the 426 cubic inch "Elephant Engine" to do it. The smooth and reliable BMW B58 engine is a example of great engineering and development over time. --Bob

Yeah. 4.8 is the official time over here in the Vaterland, which ofc is 0-62.

Stock performance, reliability, easy and low-cost tuning to 500 hp. The B58 is a beast.

[Warp Ten]

Originally Posted by Neusser

Yeah. 4.8 is the official time over here in the Vaterland, which ofc is 0-62.

Stock performance, reliability, easy and low-cost tuning to 500 hp. The B58 is a beast.

Yes indeed. There are videos of a tuner building a B58 (from a Supra) to 1000 hp. --Bob

[G03RT2]

Thank you for the replies and input everyone. A few responses to the comments:

I can agree with all the comments about getting what you want and not skimping on the things I find valuable. I did that with my first Cayenne and bought a loaded up S when I really wanted a GTS. I always regretted not getting the GTS.

After some of the comments here, and doing some more reading... I think the comfort seats made it onto my "must-have" list.

Still up in the air on Xdrive. I like fast cars, but I don't find myself in too many situations where a 0.5 Sec difference in acceleration is going to matter to me. The benefit to Xdrive in my opinion is consistent performance. If it's 30°F or 85°F, the car will accelerate the same. (Ignoring IAT)

Currently the hierarchy is something like this:
M Sport, RWD/Xdrive, Comfort Seats, Any color besides black or white (except Carbon Black)
M Sport, RWD/Xdrive, comfort seats, white or black
Non-Msport, Xdrive, comfort seats, and a "luxury color"

We will see what comes up in the next few months.

[Neusser]

Originally Posted by G03RT2

Thank you for the replies and input everyone. A few responses to the comments:

I can agree with all the comments about getting what you want and not skimping on the things I find valuable. I did that with my first Cayenne and bought a loaded up S when I really wanted a GTS. I always regretted not getting the GTS.

After some of the comments here, and doing some more reading... I think the comfort seats made it onto my "must-have" list.

Still up in the air on Xdrive. I like fast cars, but I don't find myself in too many situations where a 0.5 Sec difference in acceleration is going to matter to me. The benefit to Xdrive in my opinion is consistent performance. If it's 30°F or 85°F, the car will accelerate the same. (Ignoring IAT)

Currently the hierarchy is something like this:
M Sport, RWD/Xdrive, Comfort Seats, Any color besides black or white (except Carbon Black)
M Sport, RWD/Xdrive, comfort seats, white or black
Non-Msport, Xdrive, comfort seats, and a "luxury color"

We will see what comes up in the next few months.

The proper M-sport interior is only available with sport seats, if that matters to you.

[Warp Ten]

Based on comments above I will add two things. One, I agree that the Head Up display is great and I would not have a car without it. Have had it on two BMW 5 series and my 2016 Corvette Z06. Also, since you live in Wisconsin, I can't imagine not having all wheel drive there. I live about 20 minutes from the Illinois/Wisconsin border and wouldn't be without it. While you don't need it often, when you do it is a godsend. In fact, I haven't owned a rear wheel drive daily driver for more than 20 years. --Bob

[eric_gm]

My take is somewhat different and having just recently bought my 540i here is what I think:

It all depends on what other cars you have and what's your use case for the G30. I own what's arguably a classic car (if you can call a 50 year old Japanese econobox "classic"), a BMW E39 which in 2024 feels like a small car, it's a manual, has sport suspension and is supercharged so it's the closest thing I have to a sports car and a Nissan Pathfinder for all SUV duties.

My G30 540i is a non-sport and initially I thought of it as a downside but now that I've driven it a bit I came to appreciate how different it is to the E39. It glides over irregularities, it's not constantly rubbing it's belly or bumpers on ramps, parking lots, speed bumps, etc.

So TL;DR: think of what you need, don't focus simply on the most optioned G30 out there. Some options may end up being downsides or things you'll never use. Me? the stock non-sport brakes seem good enough. A G30 is not a canyon carving Miata. The only thing I like from the sports package is the bumpers.

[Baylor2000]

Take your time and you’ll find it! It took me 6 months to find my unicorn; 2021 LCI 530e with every possible option. Why 2021 only? Because 22-23 lost options with chip shortage/supply chain issues, namely the surround view 360 camera (outside of the m550).

[Neusser]

Originally Posted by eric_gm

My take is somewhat different and having just recently bought my 540i here is what I think:

It all depends on what other cars you have and what's your use case for the G30. I own what's arguably a classic car (if you can call a 50 year old Japanese econobox "classic"), a BMW E39 which in 2024 feels like a small car, it's a manual, has sport suspension and is supercharged so it's the closest thing I have to a sports car and a Nissan Pathfinder for all SUV duties.

My G30 540i is a non-sport and initially I thought of it as a downside but now that I've driven it a bit I came to appreciate how different it is to the E39. It glides over irregularities, it's not constantly rubbing it's belly or bumpers on ramps, parking lots, speed bumps, etc.

So TL;DR: think of what you need, don't focus simply on the most optioned G30 out there. Some options may end up being downsides or things you'll never use. Me? the stock non-sport brakes seem good enough. A G30 is not a canyon carving Miata. The only thing I like from the sports package is the bumpers.

The G30 is worthy of sporty upgrades. The chassis is balanced and the handling excellent --far better than rivals.

I also think people forget what stock E39s were like--soft, full of body roll, and not any more sporty than any other 5 in aggregate.

What the old cars have is less isolation, but, hydraulic steering aside, I think some of that had to do with the materials available back then.

[Sb32]

How much extra does a 540i weigh with a pan roof vs without?

[Chappers 71]

Originally Posted by Sb32

How much extra does a 540i weigh with a pan roof vs without?

Not enough to make any difference

[Neusser]

Originally Posted by Sb32

How much extra does a 540i weigh with a pan roof vs without?

Don't know the exact weight, but normal sunroofs are quite heavy, and the pano roof is very large.

All of that weight is in the worst possible place on the car as well.

If you care about luxury/wafting, go for it. If you want to prioritize the drive as much as possible, I would leave it out.

The 5er can actually be reasonably light if you spec it right. BMW did a nice job on weight reduction with the G30/31.

[G03RT2]

Thought I would finalize this thread I started, and give a quick overview of what I purchased and thoughts so far.

I purchased 2017 Carbon Black 540i M-Sport RWD about 3 months ago. During my searching and flip flopping on options, I started to feel the BMW purist in me take over and became more obsessed with options that felt special to me. Without getting too lengthy here are my thoughts/rationalizations on each option:

Color: Carbon Black - felt like a "true" BMW color (impossible to keep clean)

Sport Seats vs. Comfort Seats: Sport Seats - I sat in both. I was very set on getting the comfort seats, the one I purchased has the sport seats. I am 100% happy with them. I understand the comfort seats are top notch, but if you go sit in a Honda or Toyota, you'll realize that the sport seats are still miles above other brands offerings.

Technology, Napa Leather, Stereo System: Driving Assistance Plus, 360 camera, Dakota Leather, Harmon Kardon - I didn't really care much on how these options swung either way. I will say the dakota leather is really care free, and as a daily driver, I appreciate that. The driver assistance plus is neat and I like adaptive cruise, but don't really use LCA. 360 cam is the same way. It's neat, but don't need it. I'm also not really an audiophile, so I appreciate the Harmon Kardon system, but I never tested out the standard HiFi system to know the difference.

Xdrive vs. RWD: This and the M sport package were tied together for me. In my messed up logic, if I was going M sport, I was going rear wheel drive. If I go Xdrive, I go luxury line. Going RWD from a numbers perspective is simple to explain as in slightly better MPG, lower curb weight (3,700lbs i think?), and less complexity in the drivetrain. Xdrive launches better. I have a Landcruiser for the crazy winter days, but I fully intend on running this car most of the winter when the roads are clear (with some sort of all weather/winter tire setup). My other concern with Xdrive is that I would get horsepower hungry and keep modifying the B58 for more power. From a non-numbers perspective... RWD and a BMW with an inline 6 just feels right.

M Sport vs Non M Sport: M Sport - The M sport suspension reviews on this forum had me very worried, but I wanted the lower stance from the factory. The car has 19" wheels with non-runflat tires and I can say to anyone debating this.. The M sport suspension is fantastic. I'm incredibly happy with it. It's not abusive and handles so tightly. I live in Wisconsin, the roads are always under construction, and I never feel like the suspension is too firm, and yet when I'm on a back country road, it's planted and ready to turn in fast. Also, the M sport brakes are more than enough brakes. Not sure if they are needed. My Cayenne turbo needed every bit of the big brakes that came with it. The M sport brakes (for spirited driving, not track use) are more than enough.

To sum it up. I have no regrets. It's a great car. I think the 540i is an exceptional value in the market right now. The M340i is 15k to 20k more. The f30 340i/440i for some reason demands a heavy premium and is sometimes 10k more for a car that isn't built as nicely as the G30. I'm getting excellent MPG, it's fast and fun enough to keep me smiling. Couldn't be happier.