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BMW 5-Series (G30) Forum 2017+ BMW 5 Series (G30) General Discussions thoughts on 540i vs M340i

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      08-07-2020, 09:38 AM   #23
BimmerGuyFL78
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Originally Posted by COBodom View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Alpine535Msport View Post
I cancelled the M340i order. I was torn because I really like the refinement of my 540i, ride quality, handling, steering, quietness.

The M340i I see it as, "WOW great acceleration and handling in high speed corners" etc. there's no way to enjoy that everyday more vs the qualities the 540i posses over the M340i.

My final two prospects are the X5 and the 5 LCI.
Good luck with your choice.

I 100% agree that 540 is more than enough performance for everyday driving. That's why 3 years ago I got well optioned 540 over 550.
Yeah the 540i to me is a very satisfying car. Good size, honestly handles extremely well, rides amazing, it's agile for its size and type of car. Steering is precise without that full amount of feed back that E39's and E60's has that would make you feel tired behind the steering wheel on a long drive or just driving in normal traffic.

I feel the G30 is BMW's best 5-series ever.
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      08-07-2020, 12:28 PM   #24
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Originally Posted by Alpine535Msport View Post
I feel the G30 is BMW's best 5-series ever.
Historically it's been the E39, but I've now had the 540i for a year, and I really have nothing to complain about. And for me, a professional complainer who is never satisfied, that says a lot. I've had 4 E39s. 3 in M format. FYI.

I recently had an X5 4.0 loaner for a week. I hate SUVs. Hate them, hate them, hate them. The X5 won me over.

Given a choice, simply because of ease of entry/exit, the 540i wins for me. If I had more need to haul kids and their crap, or needed the rear cargo space, it would be the X5.

Can't go wrong with either of them.
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      08-07-2020, 07:54 PM   #25
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Originally Posted by LuvMyE92 View Post
Historically it's been the E39, but I've now had the 540i for a year, and I really have nothing to complain about. And for me, a professional complainer who is never satisfied, that says a lot. I've had 4 E39s. 3 in M format.
I agree the e39 was a disruptive new benchmark 25 years back for the entire industry. But when you compare to the G30, it's no match. Still drive my e39 as a daily and it still is a rewarding ride.
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      08-07-2020, 10:56 PM   #26
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Why not try to score a Pre-LCI m550 instead. Can easily get for less then X5 as I cross shopped both and I'm paying $120 less per month on my 2020 M550 lease then I was quoted on an 2020 X5 40i Msport. Unless you're hauling the family around X5 is boring in my opinion as at the end of the day it's just an another SUV. I don't think any BMW interiors are that great honestly throughout any model compared to other brands (quality is good / visually appealing is ehhh boring) so I think that the interiors of X5 and G30 didn't sway me one way or another.
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      08-08-2020, 07:41 AM   #27
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Coming from a 5-series, you really won't be happy going backward to a 3-series unless your end experience with the 5er was - "meh - it's too comfortable, too big" - I want less.

I know the experience well of trying to figure out the next car and bouncing around - but if you were considering/willing to go to 3-series, why would you want an X5? not judging, but curious - that's going to be way more of a tank SUV significantly lower performance. it's very much a family hauler, sure it can be fun compared to mini vans and other SUVs, but it's not a sedan/coupe sports car by any stretch.

based on what you are contemplating - the M550 even used would be your best bet, it's insane. The perfect combo of luxury, size and an enormous boost to speed with the V8 over your 540. granted, I'm biased; having the M550 but I had the 340 and SQ5 - nothing compares to the 5-series if you rank performance and fun toward the top of your list.
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      08-08-2020, 06:55 PM   #28
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Originally Posted by Nate1616 View Post
Just get the M550 and have the best of both
And cut down to two meals per day...
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      08-08-2020, 08:14 PM   #29
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I am in the exact same boat in terms of decision making but with a slight twist. I own a 2014 528i that I am really happy with but am kinda bored now and want a new car. I dont lease so my choice is either keep the 528i since its current market value would be like $10K or less and buy a fully loaded m340 xdrive so I get best of both worlds or to avoid having two cars I can get a comparable spec'd m540 xdrive but that will be roughly $10K more than the m340 and less powerful. Honestly, this maybe my last ICE car so I want one that I can keep for 7-8 years and keep leasing an electric car to kill the boredom. I do agree that the comfort level is just so different.

My wife has a 2014 sport 328 and the seats in my 528 (multi contour) is just so much more comfy for long drives. I have lower back issues and I have driven my 5 series straight for 10 hours with just one 10 min break. I am waiting for the 2021 m540 to show up on bmwusa.com to compare pricing. If the price delta between m340 and 540 is less than $10K i may just go with the one car model to avoid double property taxes, inspections, oil changes etc.
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      08-08-2020, 09:20 PM   #30
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Quote:
Originally Posted by diggis_tennis View Post
I am in the exact same boat in terms of decision making but with a slight twist. I own a 2014 528i that I am really happy with but am kinda bored now and want a new car. I dont lease so my choice is either keep the 528i since its current market value would be like $10K or less and buy a fully loaded m340 xdrive so I get best of both worlds or to avoid having two cars I can get a comparable spec'd m540 xdrive but that will be roughly $10K more than the m340 and less powerful. Honestly, this maybe my last ICE car so I want one that I can keep for 7-8 years and keep leasing an electric car to kill the boredom. I do agree that the comfort level is just so different.

My wife has a 2014 sport 328 and the seats in my 528 (multi contour) is just so much more comfy for long drives. I have lower back issues and I have driven my 5 series straight for 10 hours with just one 10 min break. I am waiting for the 2021 m540 to show up on bmwusa.com to compare pricing. If the price delta between m340 and 540 is less than $10K i may just go with the one car model to avoid double property taxes, inspections, oil changes etc.
The G30 540i is on a totally different level in refinement over the G20 M340i. The 5 overall is a more satisfying daily driver then an M340i to me.
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      08-11-2020, 01:00 PM   #31
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Originally Posted by Alpine535Msport View Post
The G30 540i is on a totally different level in refinement over the G20 M340i. The 5 overall is a more satisfying daily driver then an M340i to me.
thanks. Ya I have been used to the comfier seats and less road noise etc in my 528 since the last 5 years and am worried I may miss out on those things in the 340i even after spending $60K. i may stick with the working formula and just go with the 540 which will be more power than my 528 anyways. i wondering if they ll have the M5 sports seats in the 540. I havent seen it in the US ordering guide.
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      08-23-2020, 12:36 AM   #32
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I have a 440GC Msport and a 540i xdrive.
if your daily driving is mostly straight highway than the 5series is my recommendation. Comfy luxury cruiser. If you really like pushing your car in every corner, on ramp that you see than I would tell you take the M340i. Do people care that it is a 3 series vs 5 series? Answer is yes if you are talking status, but in my opinion it is you who has to be driving it daily so buy the car you think you will most likely enjoy driving on a daily basis.
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      08-23-2020, 09:51 AM   #33
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 440xiGCMSport2 View Post
I have a 440GC Msport and a 540i xdrive.
if your daily driving is mostly straight highway than the 5series is my recommendation. Comfy luxury cruiser. If you really like pushing your car in every corner, on ramp that you see than I would tell you take the M340i. Do people care that it is a 3 series vs 5 series? Answer is yes if you are talking status, but in my opinion it is you who has to be driving it daily so buy the car you think you will most likely enjoy driving on a daily basis.
Quote:
Originally Posted by 440xiGCMSport2 View Post
I have a 440GC Msport and a 540i xdrive.
if your daily driving is mostly straight highway than the 5series is my recommendation. Comfy luxury cruiser. If you really like pushing your car in every corner, on ramp that you see than I would tell you take the M340i. Do people care that it is a 3 series vs 5 series? Answer is yes if you are talking status, but in my opinion it is you who has to be driving it daily so buy the car you think you will most likely enjoy driving on a daily basis.
I ended getting a new 2020 X7. 😂
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      08-23-2020, 10:10 AM   #34
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X7?! lol well that was unexpected 😂
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      08-23-2020, 11:14 AM   #35
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Alpine535Msport View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by 440xiGCMSport2 View Post
I have a 440GC Msport and a 540i xdrive.
if your daily driving is mostly straight highway than the 5series is my recommendation. Comfy luxury cruiser. If you really like pushing your car in every corner, on ramp that you see than I would tell you take the M340i. Do people care that it is a 3 series vs 5 series? Answer is yes if you are talking status, but in my opinion it is you who has to be driving it daily so buy the car you think you will most likely enjoy driving on a daily basis.
Quote:
Originally Posted by 440xiGCMSport2 View Post
I have a 440GC Msport and a 540i xdrive.
if your daily driving is mostly straight highway than the 5series is my recommendation. Comfy luxury cruiser. If you really like pushing your car in every corner, on ramp that you see than I would tell you take the M340i. Do people care that it is a 3 series vs 5 series? Answer is yes if you are talking status, but in my opinion it is you who has to be driving it daily so buy the car you think you will most likely enjoy driving on a daily basis.
I ended getting a new 2020 X7.
Wife win the debate?
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      08-23-2020, 12:55 PM   #36
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Lol ended up with the worst performing luxury car, as far away from M340 as it can be
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      08-23-2020, 01:33 PM   #37
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Congrats on the purchase, although we need the story on how you did a complete 180
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      08-23-2020, 03:44 PM   #38
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 440xiGCMSport2 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Alpine535Msport View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by 440xiGCMSport2 View Post
I have a 440GC Msport and a 540i xdrive.
if your daily driving is mostly straight highway than the 5series is my recommendation. Comfy luxury cruiser. If you really like pushing your car in every corner, on ramp that you see than I would tell you take the M340i. Do people care that it is a 3 series vs 5 series? Answer is yes if you are talking status, but in my opinion it is you who has to be driving it daily so buy the car you think you will most likely enjoy driving on a daily basis.
Quote:
Originally Posted by 440xiGCMSport2 View Post
I have a 440GC Msport and a 540i xdrive.
if your daily driving is mostly straight highway than the 5series is my recommendation. Comfy luxury cruiser. If you really like pushing your car in every corner, on ramp that you see than I would tell you take the M340i. Do people care that it is a 3 series vs 5 series? Answer is yes if you are talking status, but in my opinion it is you who has to be driving it daily so buy the car you think you will most likely enjoy driving on a daily basis.
I ended getting a new 2020 X7.
Wife win the debate?
Quote:
Originally Posted by 440xiGCMSport2 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Alpine535Msport View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by 440xiGCMSport2 View Post
I have a 440GC Msport and a 540i xdrive.
if your daily driving is mostly straight highway than the 5series is my recommendation. Comfy luxury cruiser. If you really like pushing your car in every corner, on ramp that you see than I would tell you take the M340i. Do people care that it is a 3 series vs 5 series? Answer is yes if you are talking status, but in my opinion it is you who has to be driving it daily so buy the car you think you will most likely enjoy driving on a daily basis.
Quote:
Originally Posted by 440xiGCMSport2 View Post
I have a 440GC Msport and a 540i xdrive.
if your daily driving is mostly straight highway than the 5series is my recommendation. Comfy luxury cruiser. If you really like pushing your car in every corner, on ramp that you see than I would tell you take the M340i. Do people care that it is a 3 series vs 5 series? Answer is yes if you are talking status, but in my opinion it is you who has to be driving it daily so buy the car you think you will most likely enjoy driving on a daily basis.
I ended getting a new 2020 X7.
Wife win the debate?
Nope. Single and Hot AF. LOL
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      08-23-2020, 03:46 PM   #39
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jstein55 View Post
Congrats on the purchase, although we need the story on how you did a complete 180
Quote:
Originally Posted by 440xiGCMSport2 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Alpine535Msport View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by 440xiGCMSport2 View Post
I have a 440GC Msport and a 540i xdrive.
if your daily driving is mostly straight highway than the 5series is my recommendation. Comfy luxury cruiser. If you really like pushing your car in every corner, on ramp that you see than I would tell you take the M340i. Do people care that it is a 3 series vs 5 series? Answer is yes if you are talking status, but in my opinion it is you who has to be driving it daily so buy the car you think you will most likely enjoy driving on a daily basis.
Quote:
Originally Posted by 440xiGCMSport2 View Post
I have a 440GC Msport and a 540i xdrive.
if your daily driving is mostly straight highway than the 5series is my recommendation. Comfy luxury cruiser. If you really like pushing your car in every corner, on ramp that you see than I would tell you take the M340i. Do people care that it is a 3 series vs 5 series? Answer is yes if you are talking status, but in my opinion it is you who has to be driving it daily so buy the car you think you will most likely enjoy driving on a daily basis.
I ended getting a new 2020 X7.
Wife win the debate?
Quote:
Originally Posted by jstein55 View Post
Congrats on the purchase, although we need the story on how you did a complete 180
It was there and I saw it. Drove it and loved the supple solid refined ride quality. Plus honestly I'm over having to get into a lower riding vehicle. I work out 6 days a week and I'm always sore from training. LOL
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      08-23-2020, 05:03 PM   #40
440xiGCMSport2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Alpine535Msport View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by 440xiGCMSport2 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Alpine535Msport View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by 440xiGCMSport2 View Post
I have a 440GC Msport and a 540i xdrive.
if your daily driving is mostly straight highway than the 5series is my recommendation. Comfy luxury cruiser. If you really like pushing your car in every corner, on ramp that you see than I would tell you take the M340i. Do people care that it is a 3 series vs 5 series? Answer is yes if you are talking status, but in my opinion it is you who has to be driving it daily so buy the car you think you will most likely enjoy driving on a daily basis.
Quote:
Originally Posted by 440xiGCMSport2 View Post
I have a 440GC Msport and a 540i xdrive.
if your daily driving is mostly straight highway than the 5series is my recommendation. Comfy luxury cruiser. If you really like pushing your car in every corner, on ramp that you see than I would tell you take the M340i. Do people care that it is a 3 series vs 5 series? Answer is yes if you are talking status, but in my opinion it is you who has to be driving it daily so buy the car you think you will most likely enjoy driving on a daily basis.
I ended getting a new 2020 X7.
Wife win the debate?
Quote:
Originally Posted by 440xiGCMSport2 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Alpine535Msport View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by 440xiGCMSport2 View Post
I have a 440GC Msport and a 540i xdrive.
if your daily driving is mostly straight highway than the 5series is my recommendation. Comfy luxury cruiser. If you really like pushing your car in every corner, on ramp that you see than I would tell you take the M340i. Do people care that it is a 3 series vs 5 series? Answer is yes if you are talking status, but in my opinion it is you who has to be driving it daily so buy the car you think you will most likely enjoy driving on a daily basis.
Quote:
Originally Posted by 440xiGCMSport2 View Post
I have a 440GC Msport and a 540i xdrive.
if your daily driving is mostly straight highway than the 5series is my recommendation. Comfy luxury cruiser. If you really like pushing your car in every corner, on ramp that you see than I would tell you take the M340i. Do people care that it is a 3 series vs 5 series? Answer is yes if you are talking status, but in my opinion it is you who has to be driving it daily so buy the car you think you will most likely enjoy driving on a daily basis.
I ended getting a new 2020 X7.
Wife win the debate?
Nope. Single and Hot AF. LOL
Than why a x7? Bangbus/SUV?
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