[Sb32]

Had my heart set on purchasing a 540i although I've not test driven one yet. I cant find the interior colour or the spec that I want, and am kind of put off with reviews saying throttle isn't that punchy aswell as the lack of noise. I know the two cars are quite different but I'm torn between both as they both have pros and cons. I've just test driven a E43 and its very good, instant punchy throttle response, very sporty, similar size to a 5 Series

After watching this video it seems on flooring the 540i that there is some lag

The interior, exterior and sound of the E43 really appeals to me

how much faster will the E43 be off the spot up to 70/80mph? Does the 540i throw you back into the seat the same as the E43?

reliability is with the 540i as I read there are many issues with the E43 transmission

thanks

[Gautam]

First off, I adore the G30.

That said, I had an absolute blast test driving an E43 and cross shopped it against the M550i a few years ago. On paper, the 540i isn’t far off in straight line performance, but in terms of driving experience, the E43 is superior.

The throttle response is fantastic as you noted. I’ve always felt BMWs are weak in this regard. My brother, who has an M4, accompanied me for the test drive, and even he was impressed…we both felt the MB fully deserved the AMG badge in a way that the BMW m-lites do not. The car comes with a ton of drama for an “AMG lite.” It’s an underrated car imho, it surprises me that it isn’t more popular.

And yet while the Benz was a treat to drive, the BMW is what I took home, and it wasn’t even close. While the E43 is a lot punchier, the M550i still blows it away. Phoning both home in sport+, it’s not even close. With the 540i, that equation will be flipped.

But what really did it is that the BMW feels like a significantly better place to be. The seats were on a different level of comfort, it’s noticeably more spacious, especially in the rear, trunk is bigger, and I frankly hated MB’s infotainment enough for it to become a real factor.

Reliability wise, the 540i (and even the M550i frankly) have a much, much better track record.

But if you end up picking the MB, I wouldn’t blame you.

Though, do consider the M550i if you can- I suspect that could be the ticket.

[ppointer]

I cannot compare and contrast. But I am definitely very happy with our G30 540i. I run out of road way too quickly to know how fast it actually is, so the m550 must be a real rocket. No problems with ours after 20 months and 8.5k miles.

Now, if they would just give us a G61, I would add one of those to the fleet with a stroke of the pen.

[Chappers 71]

You can’t really compare an E43 AMG performance wise to a stock G30 540i but a 540i with a performance exhaust and a good remap is a wholly different proposition

[Chappers 71]

Originally Posted by ppointer

I cannot compare and contrast. But I am definitely very happy with our G30 540i. I run out of road way too quickly to know how fast it actually is, so the m550 must be a real rocket. No problems with ours after 20 months and 8.5k miles.

Now, if they would just give us a G61, I would add one of those to the fleet with a stroke of the pen.

BMW won’t give you guys a wagon because Y’All go slapping fake wood down the side panels

[ppointer]

Originally Posted by Chappers 71

BMW won’t give you guys a wagon because Y’All go slapping fake wood down the side panels

Oh, that is cruel. Making us accountable for something our ancestors did!! At least we drive on the correct side of the road!

[Chappers 71]

Originally Posted by ppointer

Oh, that is cruel. Making us accountable for something our ancestors did!! At least we drive on the correct side of the road!

The urge will still be in the genes

But you don’t though, that’s why my steering wheel is on the RIGHT side

[Gautam]

Originally Posted by Chappers 71

BMW won’t give you guys a wagon because Y’All go slapping fake wood down the side panels

Correction, nowadays we’d slap plastic across the side panels.

[Neusser]

Originally Posted by Chappers 71

You can’t really compare an E43 AMG performance wise to a stock G30 540i but a 540i with a performance exhaust and a good remap is a wholly different proposition

I'll have to be the turd of reality in your punch bowl again, but yes you can.

In fact, they are neck and neck performance-wise, because the E43 is heavier, and the B58 usually dynos at around 365 hp at the crank rather than the quoted 340.

[Neusser]

Originally Posted by Sb32

Had my heart set on purchasing a 540i although I've not test driven one yet. I cant find the interior colour or the spec that I want, and am kind of put off with reviews saying throttle isn't that punchy aswell as the lack of noise. I know the two cars are quite different but I'm torn between both as they both have pros and cons. I've just test driven a E43 and its very good, instant punchy throttle response, very sporty, similar size to a 5 Series

After watching this video it seems on flooring the 540i that there is some lag
s

There is a small bit of lag in comfort mode and sport mode that is somewhat dependent on atmospheric conditions, but if you have the sport plus tranny, there is no lag whatsoever. Sport plus is quite aggressive.

About that video: transmission in the video didn't appear to have sport plus mode (which is optional), and the car doesn't seem to have the full M-Sport pack, only the optics. The full M-Sport pack also gets you the blue Brembo brakes and 275 tires in the rear (reviewer says 245 all around).

For accelleration vs. the E43 see my post above. The 540 is a direct competitor for the E43. The M550 competes more directly with the E53.

[Chappers 71]

Originally Posted by Neusser

I'll have to be the turd of reality in your punch bowl again, but yes you can.

In fact, they are neck and neck performance-wise, because the E43 is heavier, and the B58 usually dynos at around 365 hp at the crank rather than the quoted 340.

Yeah ok you can compare them

[Gautam]

Originally Posted by Neusser

There is a small bit of lag in comfort mode and sport mode that is somewhat dependent on atmospheric conditions, but if you have the sport plus tranny, there is no lag whatsoever. Sport plus is quite aggressive.

About that video: transmission in the video didn't appear to have sport plus mode (which is optional), and the car doesn't seem to have the full M-Sport pack, only the optics. The full M-Sport pack also gets you the blue Brembo brakes and 275 tires in the rear (reviewer says 245 all around).

For accelleration vs. the E43 see my post above. The 540 is a direct competitor for the E43. The M550 competes more directly with the E53.

The autotopnl video you post seems a little out of line with what other magazines got. i.e. C&D has 0-60 4.2, 1/4 mi 12.8 for the E43 and 0-60 4.5, 1/4 mi 13.1 for the 540i xDrive.

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...c-test-review/
https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...e-test-review/

But either way, on paper the E43 and E53 are closer to the 540i than the M550i. I'd argue though that the numbers are close enough that it comes down to personal preference.

[Neusser]

Originally Posted by Gautam

The autotopnl video you post seems a little out of line with what other magazines got. i.e. C&D has 0-60 4.2, 1/4 mi 12.8 for the E43 and 0-60 4.5, 1/4 mi 13.1 for the 540i xDrive.

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...c-test-review/
https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...e-test-review/

But either way, on paper the E43 and E53 are closer to the 540i than the M550i. I'd argue though that the numbers are close enough that it comes down to personal preference.

Yes, but I think the E53 is a clear notch up. Would still take the 540 over it though; the Mercs are great cruisers, but too heavy.

There is a video of an E class vs a G30 doing the famous "Elchtest" and the Merc is just all over the road, while the 5 is quite composed.

[Chappers 71]

I didn’t know that the e43 is only the semi skimmed version until I did a little Googling, every days a school day

[AntF32]

I had a C43 for a while and absolutely loved it BUT the interior build quality sucked. When compared to my 540i which I have just sold, the C43 wins hands down on driving experience (less interior noises) and engine noise / Smiles per mile.

[overcooked]

Mercedes’ transmission is dogshit. I had both 7sp and 9sp before. The shift experience is nowhere close to zf 8sp. Engine wise an I6 is always going to be smoother than a V6, and BMW makes the best I6.
Build quality wise I’d say Mercedes is probably a bit better. My previous W212 gave me a more solid feeling than my current G30.

[HerkHealer]

I'd look at a used 545e since you're in the UK.
Almost as powerful as the M550, and with a simple tune, as fast.
Grab a used one still under warranty would be my suggestion.

[BMW012]

please drive both and come back and report. if the e43 has the performance exhaust it will sound awesome and the 540 will seem dull even though its an excellent all around car. all comes down to what you prioritize. overall the e43 amg will be a bit more special and definitely less common wherever you go. the ride itself will be a bit harsher but all comes down to you.

[Sb32]

Originally Posted by Neusser

There is a small bit of lag in comfort mode and sport mode that is somewhat dependent on atmospheric conditions, but if you have the sport plus tranny, there is no lag whatsoever. Sport plus is quite aggressive.

About that video: transmission in the video didn't appear to have sport plus mode (which is optional), and the car doesn't seem to have the full M-Sport pack, only the optics. The full M-Sport pack also gets you the blue Brembo brakes and 275 tires in the rear (reviewer says 245 all around).

For accelleration vs. the E43 see my post above. The 540 is a direct competitor for the E43. The M550 competes more directly with the E53.

If you watch the first video above at 14:00 you'll see what I mean. From that dead start there is lag even if the transmission is in sport?

I need to make sure I test drive a 540i with the sport plus transmission and 275 rear tyres to see full potential?

[Sb32]

Originally Posted by Gautam

First off, I adore the G30.

That said, I had an absolute blast test driving an E43 and cross shopped it against the M550i a few years ago. On paper, the 540i isn’t far off in straight line performance, but in terms of driving experience, the E43 is superior.

The throttle response is fantastic as you noted. I’ve always felt BMWs are weak in this regard. My brother, who has an M4, accompanied me for the test drive, and even he was impressed…we both felt the MB fully deserved the AMG badge in a way that the BMW m-lites do not. The car comes with a ton of drama for an “AMG lite.” It’s an underrated car imho, it surprises me that it isn’t more popular.

And yet while the Benz was a treat to drive, the BMW is what I took home, and it wasn’t even close. While the E43 is a lot punchier, the M550i still blows it away. Phoning both home in sport+, it’s not even close. With the 540i, that equation will be flipped.

But what really did it is that the BMW feels like a significantly better place to be. The seats were on a different level of comfort, it’s noticeably more spacious, especially in the rear, trunk is bigger, and I frankly hated MB’s infotainment enough for it to become a real factor.

Reliability wise, the 540i (and even the M550i frankly) have a much, much better track record.

But if you end up picking the MB, I wouldn’t blame you.

Though, do consider the M550i if you can- I suspect that could be the ticket.

550i way out of my budget plus I still need an "everyday car" but the only thing putting me off the MB is reliability issues. The 540i seems to be very car specific. I mean look at the lag in the first video I posted at 14:00

[Sb32]

Originally Posted by AntF32

I had a C43 for a while and absolutely loved it BUT the interior build quality sucked. When compared to my 540i which I have just sold, the C43 wins hands down on driving experience (less interior noises) and engine noise / Smiles per mile.

Was acceleration noticeably different? Flooring it and with a smooth pedal

[Sb32]

Originally Posted by Gautam

The autotopnl video you post seems a little out of line with what other magazines got. i.e. C&D has 0-60 4.2, 1/4 mi 12.8 for the E43 and 0-60 4.5, 1/4 mi 13.1 for the 540i xDrive.

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...c-test-review/
https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...e-test-review/

But either way, on paper the E43 and E53 are closer to the 540i than the M550i. I'd argue though that the numbers are close enough that it comes down to personal preference.

There is nothing in those numbers that would make me choose the E43 over the 540i