[CruiseControl]

Hey guys,

I'm trying to help my brother decide between a 2017 540 vs 2018 530. Can you guys please offer your opinions?

Besides the engine what are the other differences, if any?

How are the 4cyl engines?

How about reliability between the two vehicles?

Is iDrive the same?

Thanks

[CruiseControl]

Anyone?

[SteveinArizona]

I drive will be the same. I have a 530e so I can't opine on the rest of your questions.

[COBodom]

I dont think there are many differences. Engines haven't changed on these two models between MY17 and MY18. I am guessing options and packages could've been reshuffled by BMW. At some point BMW was playing with be gauges and some cars have this Frankenstein version whereby physical plastic half-bezels sit in the cluster on top of LCD screens. I cant recall if this was an option driven thing or model\year.

iDrive is the same.

I drove the 4 banger and it was adequate in terms of power delivery (personal preference though). It was significantly faster than F10 N20.

Reliability? I would rate them the same. However, people here will tell you B58 is the greatest thing since sliced bread.

[1badTKE]

Originally Posted by CruiseControl

Hey guys,

I'm trying to help my brother decide between a 2017 540 vs 2018 530. Can you guys please offer your opinions?

Besides the engine what are the other differences, if any?

How are the 4cyl engines?

How about reliability between the two vehicles?

Is iDrive the same?

Thanks

I test drove the 540iX before the 530iX. Both cars were similarly optioned. After feeling the pull and purr of the inline 6, the 4 didn't cut it. Maybe I would have felt differently had a driven them in reverse, but I noticed much smoother acceleration in the 540 over the 530 ... coupled with similar gas mileage between them. IMO it was a no brainer to go with the 540.

[steve090619]

Originally Posted by 1badTKE

I test drove the 540iX before the 530iX. Both cars were similarly optioned. After feeling the pull and purr of the inline 6, the 4 didn't cut it. Maybe I would have felt differently had a driven them in reverse, but I noticed much smoother acceleration in the 540 over the 530 ... coupled with similar gas mileage between them. IMO it was a no brainer to go with the 540.

Originally Posted by 1badTKE

I test drove the 540iX before the 530iX. Both cars were similarly optioned. After feeling the pull and purr of the inline 6, the 4 didn't cut it. Maybe I would have felt differently had a driven them in reverse, but I noticed much smoother acceleration in the 540 over the 530 ... coupled with similar gas mileage between them. IMO it was a no brainer to go with the 540.

I love everything about 2017 540 except air conditioner. Better make sure AC is to your likings. I just had 2020 530 loaner, my 540 power blows it away. 530 felt no different than a honda accord.

[CruiseControl]

Thanks all. He ended up with the 540.

[440xiGCMSport2]

Originally Posted by CruiseControl

Thanks all. He ended up with the 540.

Good choice. The inline 6 b58 not only offers better power but it also is one of the most reliable engine BMW makes.

[dberry08]

The B58 is the best thing since sliced bread. He made a good call.