[DNYC1919]

Originally Posted by turbobeagle

I must say that I rarely see a 5 series of any kind here. There’s no shortage of people that can afford it where I am, but it’s all X3/X5s that I encounter. And when I do see one, it’s almost never a 540i. The most common is a 530e (presumably for the carpool lane sticker) or the 550 or M5. The 540i seems to be a “no man’s land car” because (and this is just my theory) it’s pretty expensive but has almost no flash. The enthusiasts find it too soft/numb, and the badge snobs don’t see the value. I think the 540i also gets squeezed out by the M340i which is so much faster, and similarly priced. It’s tricky to figure out who exactly the target market is now for the 540i.

540 m sport is pretty sporty. 0-60 in about 4.5 is no slouch. I have almost every option on my 2021 and love it. I may go for the 550 in the future but for now very happy with the sportiness and luxury combo.
I had a 340 loaner and I hated it. Felt small and non luxury. I understand the m340 is fast and nimble but I wouldn't compare to 5 series. It's a hot car for that smaller car segment but should be left to compare with the c class, A4 etc not the 5. Feels like a totally different level of Luxury and looks in my opinion.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by DNYC1919

540 m sport is pretty sporty. 0-60 in about 4.5 is no slouch. I have almost every option on my 2021 and love it. I may go for the 550 in the future but for now very happy with the sportiness and luxury combo.
I had a 340 loaner and I hated it. Felt small and non luxury. I understand the m340 is fast and nimble but I wouldn't compare to 5 series. It's a hot car for that smaller car segment but should be left to compare with the c class, A4 etc not the 5. Feels like a totally different level of Luxury and looks in my opinion.

I agree on the G20. I've had a very well equipped 330i loaner for more than a week and counting. I have had a chance to really drive it on a daily basis. I am very impressed with the car in general and the handling is obviously better given the lower weight and smaller footprint, but it is not nearly as comfortable and plush as my M550. I'm not sure if the leather is real in the G20 or it Dakota, but I doubt Nappa or Merino are options. It's a cool car, but I think more for the 20 something than the 40 something.

[Warp Ten]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

I agree on the G20. I've had a very well equipped 330i loaner for more than a week and counting. I have had a chance to really drive it on a daily basis. I am very impressed with the car in general and the handling is obviously better given the lower weight and smaller footprint, but it is not nearly as comfortable and plush as my M550. I'm not sure if the leather is real in the G20 or it Dakota, but I doubt Nappa or Merino are options. It's a cool car, but I think more for the 20 something than the 40 something.

And don't forget the G30 much better for the 70 somethings too, especially for those with expanding bodies! I, too have had a chance to drive a 330i and found it nice, but I have to agree that the smaller car is quick and fun but better suited to my wife or 20 somethings. Although if I had a new 20 something wife I probably would like it a lot.... --Bob

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by Warp Ten

And don't forget the G30 much better for the 70 somethings too, especially for those with expanding bodies! I, too have had a chance to drive a 330i and found it nice, but I have to agree that the smaller car is quick and fun but better suited to my wife or 20 somethings. Although if I had a new 20 something wife I probably would like it a lot.... --Bob

Literally laughing out loud!!! Yep, depending on the time of year, the body could be expanding or retracting here, but getting in and of the G20 is a bitch for an older guy!

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

So basically what you are telling me is that you need spend an additional $7k on the 540 that you would not have to spend on the 550 because it is included. Hmmm....seems like a no brainer to me, get the 550 for only $8k more.

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

So basically what you are telling me is that you need spend an additional $7k on the 540 that you would not have to spend on the 550 because it is included. Hmmm....seems like a no brainer to me, get the 550 for only $8k more.

Assuming someone is meticulous about maintaining the vehicle, in your opinion, is the long term reliability the same between 540 and 550? I've read that the V8 has more reliability issues than the straight 6 in the 540, but don't really know if that's true. I agree that if I'm spending $77k then I can spend $85k. My main factor would be which one is a better 10 yr/100k mile car.

I have a 2018 540i now, that I just bought CPO. Really enjoying learning more about BMW. Once I have something, I want to know all about it. My father has had 3 bimmers but this is my first. After 20 yrs of full size SUV driving, this is an absolute dream. As you can tell, I'm already thinking about the next one!

[Sxs1687]

Originally Posted by NGT2

Assuming someone is meticulous about maintaining the vehicle, in your opinion, is the long term reliability the same between 540 and 550? I've read that the V8 has more reliability issues than the straight 6 in the 540, but don't really know if that's true. I agree that if I'm spending $77k then I can spend $85k. My main factor would be which one is a better 10 yr/100k mile car.

I have a 2018 540i now, that I just bought CPO. Really enjoying learning more about BMW. Once I have something, I want to know all about it. My father has had 3 bimmers but this is my first. After 20 yrs of full size SUV driving, this is an absolute dream. As you can tell, I'm already thinking about the next one!

Lol, I'm always thinking about the next as well.

I randomly go on the BMW site and build a car just to see what new options and features comes and go.

Speaking of which, I no longer see B&W as an option on the 22 M550. Maybe this was talked about already. Didn't see if on the X5s either. I'm subtly trying to convince my wife that her next car should be a X5. Been trying for a few years...I was unsuccessful last time we were car hunting for her. M-sport def...prob the 40i, although I'd love the M50i. They dropped the 3rd row option on the X5s as well I noticed, during my random buildathons.