[Mosaud1998]

So, I just sold my 2009 328 with 77k miles for $13k to a fellow forum member. Nothing really wrong with the car but it's 13 years old and I kinda want to get into something newer.

I've been looking at 340s but when I think ahead, I think a 5 series would better fit. I mean, I'll be getting married in 2-3 years. Kids and what have you. Fitting a car seat in a 3 series would be somewhat tight.

I know the B58s are pretty reliable. How are the B48 in terms of reliability?

[akuwes710]

I test drove both, B58 goes more effortlessly, but B48 was surprisingly quick for its displacement… i ended up getting B48 and so far its reliable… low key wishing i had gone with B58 though.

[Mosaud1998]

Originally Posted by akuwes710

I test drove both, B58 goes more effortlessly, but B48 was surprisingly quick for its displacement… i ended up getting B48 and so far its reliable… low key wishing i had gone with B58 though.

That's why I'm not driving a 540. I test drove a 21 330 and an 18 340. Can tell the power difference.

I cant afford a 540 right now

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by Mosaud1998

That's why I'm not driving a 540. I test drove a 21 330 and an 18 340. Can tell the power difference.

I cant afford a 540 right now

I just got a 540 and love it. Can't imagine stepping down from the B58, now that I have it.

I don't know your budget but I got a 2018 CPO with low miles for the price I wanted. With the CPO it still had two years of warranty left and I can add more if I want to before the CPO runs out.

Also, I have a kid that's still in a child seat. It fits better than I expected and the trunk is plenty big. We will probably take it on vacation this summer instead of my wife's SUV. It drives like a dream and can easily fit all of our stuff.

My biased recommendation is to consider getting a CPO 540 if it works for the budget. You won't regret it. I've had it two months and been on two 500 mile road trips and I'm still excited to drive it every day. Have another road trip planned this month and can't wait to get it on the highway again.

[Mosaud1998]

Originally Posted by NGT2

I just got a 540 and love it. Can't imagine stepping down from the B58, now that I have it.

I don't know your budget but I got a 2018 CPO with low miles for the price I wanted. With the CPO it still had two years of warranty left and I can add more if I want to before the CPO runs out.

Also, I have a kid that's still in a child seat. It fits better than I expected and the trunk is plenty big. We will probably take it on vacation this summer instead of my wife's SUV. It drives like a dream and can easily fit all of our stuff.

My biased recommendation is to consider getting a CPO 540 if it works for the budget. You won't regret it. I've had it two months and been on two 500 mile road trips and I'm still excited to drive it every day. Have another road trip planned this month and can't wait to get it on the highway again.

My budgets around 45k. I've found a few CPO 530s. But, a 540 is closer to that 50k range.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by Mosaud1998

My budgets around 45k. I've found a few CPO 530s. But, a 540 is closer to that 50k range.

I got mine in the low 40's. 2018 540i with 30k miles on it. Not M Sport, but good options - driver assistance, heated steering wheel, 19 inch wheels, etc.

My advice is to do a national search to wrap your arms around the market within your parameters. Then shrink it to a regional search.

I'm in TN and bought mine from a dealer in Alabama. Did it all over the phone and they were very helpful. Sent all the pictures and videos that I asked for and did my trade the same way.

I found the certified search tool on the BMW USA website to be super helpful.

I absolutely think you can find a 540 in your range if you're okay with maybe 3 years old and around 30k miles. If you want xDrive then it might be a little over 45k but I still think under 50k

[Mosaud1998]

Originally Posted by NGT2

I got mine in the low 40's. 2018 540i with 30k miles on it. Not M Sport, but good options - driver assistance, heated steering wheel, 19 inch wheels, etc.

My advice is to do a national search to wrap your arms around the market within your parameters. Then shrink it to a regional search.

I'm in TN and bought mine from a dealer in Alabama. Did it all over the phone and they were very helpful. Sent all the pictures and videos that I asked for and did my trade the same way.

I found the certified search tool on the BMW USA website to be super helpful.

I absolutely think you can find a 540 in your range if you're okay with maybe 3 years old and around 30k miles. If you want xDrive then it might be a little over 45k but I still think under 50k

You drove out there to pick it up or?

[Joe-BMW33]

I had a G20 loaner with 4k miles on it with the B48 in it. It's a plenty capable engine, I was actually surprised. But it has to noticeably work harder than the B58 when you step on it. No surprise being a 4 banger. Seamless pull from zero is not in the DNA.

I'd say it is a coin toss in terms of reliability. Both very well engineered engines that will run a long time. I'd personally say get a 540/B58, but this is coming from someone who has an M550 who's philosophy is always go with the biggest bad ass engine in a model line.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by Mosaud1998

You drove out there to pick it up or?

It was the week before Christmas and I couldn't get away from work. I liked the deal, so I actually ended up paying the dealer $250 and the salesman drove it to Memphis and took my trade in back to Huntsville.

I have also bought two Lexus SUVs from Dallas (wife's cars) and in both cases paid the dealer to deliver them to me and drive my trades back.

Within a couple of hours, I'd just go pick it up normally. Regardless, all of these dealers are used to dealing with regional customers over the phone. I suspect most would work something out for delivery that is fair to you and to them.

Because I was signing the paperwork upon delivery, I also paid them about $2,000 up front before delivery as a good faith gesture that I was a serious about the deal. But that was after two days and multiple picture and videos and proof of maintenance records.

That's another thing - I'm dealing with regional purchases over the phone and likely putting some good faith money down, I prefer to deal with dealers and by CPO (or new). They can provide all service details and info, especially if it is a lease turn in that they've done all the service on. That's what mine was.

[m7mad]

I would say spend extra and go for B58, reliability engine tunability, sound and power, there will be times where you would say "I wish I have gotten 540i". Having driven both cars myself I would opt for the 540i, I'm lucky to find '18 only 12k miles 540i for mid 40's in these times and to me its well worth the money.

[LogicalApex]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

I had a G20 loaner with 4k miles on it with the B48 in it. It's a plenty capable engine, I was actually surprised. But it has to noticeably work harder than the B58 when you step on it. No surprise being a 4 banger. Seamless pull from zero is not in the DNA.

I'd say it is a coin toss in terms of reliability. Both very well engineered engines that will run a long time. I'd personally say get a 540/B58, but this is coming from someone who has an M550 who's philosophy is always go with the biggest bad ass engine in a model line.

The 530e solves that. I often get 530i cars as loaners and you have that noticeable turbo lag. Once it’s turbo is ready it can push pretty nicely, but getting it ready can often leave you a bit wanting.

On the 530e you get no turbo lag. While it is filling up you get eBoost and it feels very very nice. It is a fast enough and engaging car for me. Anything more and I’d only end up annoyed that I can’t push the car without the risk of losing my license.

I’d suggest OP test drive some 530e cars and see how much they like it.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by LogicalApex

The 530e solves that. I often get 530i cars as loaners and you have that noticeable turbo lag. Once it's turbo is ready it can push pretty nicely, but getting it ready can often leave you a bit wanting.

On the 530e you get no turbo lag. While it is filling up you get eBoost and it feels very very nice. It is a fast enough and engaging car for me. Anything more and I'd only end up annoyed that I can't push the car without the risk of losing my license.

I'd suggest OP test drive some 530e cars and see how much they like it.

Makes total sense given it's supplemented with an electric motor to fill the void for the turbos while they spin up.

[Mosaud1998]

This one is nice one. Offered 38,500+++

https://www.perillobmw.com/inventory...ja7c5xjwc76055

[Bob in IL]

Originally Posted by Mosaud1998

This one is nice one. Offered 38,500+++

https://www.perillobmw.com/inventory...ja7c5xjwc76055

That looks nice. Have you heard back from them on your offer?

[Mosaud1998]

Originally Posted by Bob in IL

That looks nice. Have you heard back from them on your offer?

Nope, we're at $39,588. That's including a $1000 rebate from BMW and $300 off from the dealership.

But, I am not financing the car. Didn't tell them that

[Bob in IL]

Originally Posted by Mosaud1998

Nope, we're at $39,588. That's including a $1000 rebate from BMW and $300 off from the dealership.

But, I am not financing the car. Didn't tell them that

Have you had a chance to check it out in person yet?

[Mosaud1998]

Originally Posted by Bob in IL

Have you had a chance to check it out in person yet?

I want to see if they'll accept that offer before you drive an hour there.

If they accept it, I'll drive there

[Bob in IL]

Originally Posted by Mosaud1998

I want to see if they'll accept that offer before you drive an hour there.

If they accept it, I'll drive there

Did you happen to check Bill Jacobs BMW in Naperville? They usually have a selection of pre-owned 5 series.

[Mosaud1998]

Originally Posted by Bob in IL

Did you happen to check Bill Jacobs BMW in Naperville? They usually have a selection of pre-owned 5 series.

Yup, they've got 540s. Only one 530. I don't like those wheels on the 530 they have in stock

[Cabbage]

I would honestly say go for the B58 540i. I think that the price difference is not that huge, judging the performance gain. If you are in the US, it is about 6K extra for the 540i compared to the 530i.

[Mosaud1998]

Originally Posted by Cabbage

I would honestly say go for the B58 540i. I think that the price difference is not that huge, judging the performance gain. If you are in the US, it is about 6K extra for the 540i compared to the 530i.

It's about a $10k difference from the 530(The one I am looking at is priced at $39,588) A 540 is close to $49k.

In general. It's like a $5k difference between a 530 and 540.

[Bob in IL]

Originally Posted by Mosaud1998

Yup, they've got 540s. Only one 530. I don't like those wheels on the 530 they have in stock

I like the wheels on the Perillo car. They go well with it.