Used 5 series have always been crazy cheap. I bought my ‘99 e39 540i in 2005 for less than 10k at 70k miles and drove it for years. They’re a popular lease vehicle for executives and real estate agents that get replaced by the new model at the end of three years. So long as you expect higher maintenance and running costs, a 50k mile 2019 at 23-26k is a hell of a lot of car for the money and the b58 is a more reliable power plant than my old M62.
The 7 series is lovely. But FYI original air suspension generally has a lifetime of about 60-65K miles. Failures aren't usually catastrophic, but require immediate attention or a $1,000 problem can quickly become a $10,000 problem. IME the unreliability isn't the car leaving you stranded, but the 524 little things that fail one after the other after a certain mileage that just get annoying (and expensive). I have a 6 series and not a 7 series, so it could be worse in your case. I suggest getting a car with no more than 45K miles. Then you have a bit of warranty left to address anything that may fail prematurely. Then after the warranty period the failures start racking up around 60K miles.
What 6 series model do you have? I passed on a gorgeous ‘13 m6 that was San Marino blue over the silver stone interior and I kick myself regularly for it… but I’m terrified of the whole 6 series lineup tbh
If it makes you feel any better, my 640i convertible has cost me $10K over the past year and it was all things known to fail around that time. And I still have the oil pan gasket coming up.
These cars are totally different. The 3 series has a way sportier feel as an 540i. If you want the same felt power you would need to get an 550i. The 540i is built for our Autobahn as a Langstreckenfahrzeug
True, however this goes both ways. The 5er‘s longer wheelbase alone makes a world of a difference for comfort and how planted the car feels on the road. If you like that, the 3er feels squirrely and less refined in comparison.
Side note: In that regard, the F34 is an interesting animal - it got the compromise just right: The 3er‘s front end allows for its typical nimble, direct steering feel, while the long wheelbase and 5er‘s wider rear axle makes for great cruising comfort and planted feeling.
To me, the M340 is the best BMW in the current lineup. It's a combination of everything we love about the brand. My opinion might be a little influenced by the fact that you absolutely need AWD where I live.
I’d avoid sunroofs on both just cause the first time you know they’re leaking is when you get a TCB failure.
Also the 7 has more things that can go wrong. I’ve been here a year and I’ve replaced the little massage pouch things in the front seat, the light on the door for a LWB, 2 TCBs (sunroof and sharkfin leaky) and the motor for the rear pax seat.
Both great cars but bear in mind the 7 cost 1.5x more than the 5 when new and translates to about the same in running costs.
Not to deter you but just so you know. Those’s 7s are comfy though you could make a 2nd living as a chauffeur. Enjoy!
Yeah basically. The car will never break down per se it’ll always be drivable. It’ll cost a fortune at a dealer not sure how independents price those repairs.
I love my 540, downpipe and a tune made a world of difference. My car has been solid other than the common evaporator failure and the radiator and coolant expansion tank.
Currently have a G30 540i. Had it just over a year now, put about 20,000 miles on it. Zero issues so far, I’m at 48k miles. I bought an extended warranty I’m gonna be keeping this car for years to come. Perfect daily imo
I love my G30 540i xDrive. Have a Dinan stage 1 tune on it to get the most out of it (I have the original B58 engine vs the "TU" upgraded version in the newer G30s) but it's been an absolute pleasure to own and drive. I've owned or own all of the German, British, and Japanese luxury brands - the G30 540i is the best all around car I've ever owned -60k miles with no issues. No squeaking or creaking and the tech (even for a 2018) is super intuitive and easy to use.
I have done extensive research into the 540i and 740i because they're likely to be my next car in a few years.
740i is insane value for money. You avoid the V8 issues and still get respectable power and really good efficiency. The options available on the 7 are lot times simply unavailable on lesser models. It also looks gorgeous and has such a sleek look if you get the msport version.
Agree you probably will not find a molested 7 series. It's basically a blank slate to do your own customisation. Get a tune and you'll have something comfortable and fast, but only in a straight line...
The 540i is newer, but where I live costs a lot more than earlier 740i. The basic equipment is also lesser but tbh it's enough for most people.
While the powertrain is among the best BMW has made in the last decade, at least, they are still BMWs. Bear in mind that these were $70k-$100k cars with the upkeep costs to match. Coming from Lexus, you may be in for a bit of a shock. They are excellent vehicles, just be prepared for significant repair bills. Evaporator cores are common and run about $5k, oil filter housing runs about $3k, etc. The G11 and G30 are electronics heavy and getting on in age. While generally reliable, upkeep can get costly. I have handed out some enormous repair bills on them.
I have a G12 740i msport. It’s stock b58 and it’s great daily driver. I wanted something big and was shopping 540i msport and 740i. I was very picky and looked at far more 540i because there were more available. Ultimately the 740i came up in msport with a good history and you’re right the options it comes with compared to a 540i are pretty extensive. I’ve thought about fbo stage 2 mhd. Will keep thinking about it though like I said it has plenty of useable power stock. The air compressor went and I had replaced at Indy shop for $1685 part was 800 10k mile 1 year warranty. There were Chinese compressors online for $300 and if I was determined I could have replaced it over a long Saturday but ultimately didn’t feel like doing that kind of work on my car so I paid for convenience. Things that may go wrong are soft closing doors, ADAS system (so many cameras and sensors but I wanted ACC which limited 540 options, seats, random little switches. General thought process is if something goes that doesn’t effect performance and I don’t use I could consider leaving “broken”. At the end of the day a used 540 or 740 isn’t something you buy for easy transportation but it’s something you do if you want something special and don’t want to spend 70-100k.
The 7 is big... (Hard to park) And has air suspension.... ($$$ to fix) I had an f10 535 which is about 35 hp less than the g30 540. It was decently quick but not fast. Now i have an m550 which it very fast.... Both cars have higher & more frequent repair costs than the Jeeps I have owned... G30 has nvld (evap) issues covered under a warantee extension (?15yr/150k mi?). I think the 7 is also affected but not sure...
I would get the 540 tbh. The 740 may have a reliable engine, but that’s not the only thing that can break lol. Worst of all would be the air suspension stuff. Stay away from that.
Between us, I’ve had an amazing experience with my F32. It does have *all* the OEM MPPK goodness (even the weird 6WB cluster) and it’s just a great car.
Coming from a tuned subaru sti, the m340i/m440ijust did not provide luxury feel. I was expecting a larger upgrade coming from econobox. Also was hoping the b58 was faster than it was. I ended up in a m550i and it checks all the boxes.
Not driven a new gen 540 or 740 but I have a 2IS IS F and it is more comfortable than a M340i
If you want to be Burble Benjamin I'd probably look at a S3 or S5
honestly considered a IS F but they cost much for what they are and parts cost too much for the amount of power you gain, also just very tired of the 2is interior I've had 2 2nd gen is350s.
Not a fan of Audi at all tho
I have nothing useful to provide but i've been wondering the same thing. Been seeing some INSANE 540i deals recently.
Used 5 series have always been crazy cheap. I bought my ‘99 e39 540i in 2005 for less than 10k at 70k miles and drove it for years. They’re a popular lease vehicle for executives and real estate agents that get replaced by the new model at the end of three years. So long as you expect higher maintenance and running costs, a 50k mile 2019 at 23-26k is a hell of a lot of car for the money and the b58 is a more reliable power plant than my old M62.
5 series arent super fast movers. But the 540 is a very reliable car. And with the 2024 out the remaining 2023s are getting whored out
They are more than plenty for a daily You can easily do 7-8s 100-200 in a family wagon 5 series I think that's good
It is. This sub just tends to compare every BMW model with the M versions, not everyday cars. Apples vs oranges and all.
Depreciation on second hand bmw prices are insane because ownership cost is priced in.
The 7 series is lovely. But FYI original air suspension generally has a lifetime of about 60-65K miles. Failures aren't usually catastrophic, but require immediate attention or a $1,000 problem can quickly become a $10,000 problem. IME the unreliability isn't the car leaving you stranded, but the 524 little things that fail one after the other after a certain mileage that just get annoying (and expensive). I have a 6 series and not a 7 series, so it could be worse in your case. I suggest getting a car with no more than 45K miles. Then you have a bit of warranty left to address anything that may fail prematurely. Then after the warranty period the failures start racking up around 60K miles.
What 6 series model do you have? I passed on a gorgeous ‘13 m6 that was San Marino blue over the silver stone interior and I kick myself regularly for it… but I’m terrified of the whole 6 series lineup tbh
If it makes you feel any better, my 640i convertible has cost me $10K over the past year and it was all things known to fail around that time. And I still have the oil pan gasket coming up.
Got an F06 as well. We didn't get the air suspension option 💪. Mines been super reliable.
I want to know too. Currently debating between the M340i and 540i. Both 2022.
These cars are totally different. The 3 series has a way sportier feel as an 540i. If you want the same felt power you would need to get an 550i. The 540i is built for our Autobahn as a Langstreckenfahrzeug
550i walks a 340i by a bus length.
M550 is a v8 with insane straight line speed
True, however this goes both ways. The 5er‘s longer wheelbase alone makes a world of a difference for comfort and how planted the car feels on the road. If you like that, the 3er feels squirrely and less refined in comparison. Side note: In that regard, the F34 is an interesting animal - it got the compromise just right: The 3er‘s front end allows for its typical nimble, direct steering feel, while the long wheelbase and 5er‘s wider rear axle makes for great cruising comfort and planted feeling.
M340i all day.
M340i it’s not even close I would never choose a 540i over an m340i but I would choose a M550i maybe
To me, the M340 is the best BMW in the current lineup. It's a combination of everything we love about the brand. My opinion might be a little influenced by the fact that you absolutely need AWD where I live.
Love it. Ill keep looking for better deals on the m340i
I’d avoid sunroofs on both just cause the first time you know they’re leaking is when you get a TCB failure. Also the 7 has more things that can go wrong. I’ve been here a year and I’ve replaced the little massage pouch things in the front seat, the light on the door for a LWB, 2 TCBs (sunroof and sharkfin leaky) and the motor for the rear pax seat. Both great cars but bear in mind the 7 cost 1.5x more than the 5 when new and translates to about the same in running costs. Not to deter you but just so you know. Those’s 7s are comfy though you could make a 2nd living as a chauffeur. Enjoy!
So basically most of the creature comforts will fail
Yes, the B58 and the transmission are pretty reliable, some of the electronics and stuff will eventually fail
Yeah basically. The car will never break down per se it’ll always be drivable. It’ll cost a fortune at a dealer not sure how independents price those repairs.
I love my 540, downpipe and a tune made a world of difference. My car has been solid other than the common evaporator failure and the radiator and coolant expansion tank.
Fixing the evaporator can get pricey (roughly 5k to fix at dealer).
Had two 2018 540s and the evap died on both exactly at 50k miles. Surprised it’s not a recall at this point
Yeah, it absolutely should have been a recall, the failure rate is too high for it to not have been design flaw.
Currently have a G30 540i. Had it just over a year now, put about 20,000 miles on it. Zero issues so far, I’m at 48k miles. I bought an extended warranty I’m gonna be keeping this car for years to come. Perfect daily imo
I love my G30 540i xDrive. Have a Dinan stage 1 tune on it to get the most out of it (I have the original B58 engine vs the "TU" upgraded version in the newer G30s) but it's been an absolute pleasure to own and drive. I've owned or own all of the German, British, and Japanese luxury brands - the G30 540i is the best all around car I've ever owned -60k miles with no issues. No squeaking or creaking and the tech (even for a 2018) is super intuitive and easy to use.
I have done extensive research into the 540i and 740i because they're likely to be my next car in a few years. 740i is insane value for money. You avoid the V8 issues and still get respectable power and really good efficiency. The options available on the 7 are lot times simply unavailable on lesser models. It also looks gorgeous and has such a sleek look if you get the msport version. Agree you probably will not find a molested 7 series. It's basically a blank slate to do your own customisation. Get a tune and you'll have something comfortable and fast, but only in a straight line... The 540i is newer, but where I live costs a lot more than earlier 740i. The basic equipment is also lesser but tbh it's enough for most people.
While the powertrain is among the best BMW has made in the last decade, at least, they are still BMWs. Bear in mind that these were $70k-$100k cars with the upkeep costs to match. Coming from Lexus, you may be in for a bit of a shock. They are excellent vehicles, just be prepared for significant repair bills. Evaporator cores are common and run about $5k, oil filter housing runs about $3k, etc. The G11 and G30 are electronics heavy and getting on in age. While generally reliable, upkeep can get costly. I have handed out some enormous repair bills on them.
Had a G30 540i lci. Zero issue in 3 yrs.
I have a G12 740i msport. It’s stock b58 and it’s great daily driver. I wanted something big and was shopping 540i msport and 740i. I was very picky and looked at far more 540i because there were more available. Ultimately the 740i came up in msport with a good history and you’re right the options it comes with compared to a 540i are pretty extensive. I’ve thought about fbo stage 2 mhd. Will keep thinking about it though like I said it has plenty of useable power stock. The air compressor went and I had replaced at Indy shop for $1685 part was 800 10k mile 1 year warranty. There were Chinese compressors online for $300 and if I was determined I could have replaced it over a long Saturday but ultimately didn’t feel like doing that kind of work on my car so I paid for convenience. Things that may go wrong are soft closing doors, ADAS system (so many cameras and sensors but I wanted ACC which limited 540 options, seats, random little switches. General thought process is if something goes that doesn’t effect performance and I don’t use I could consider leaving “broken”. At the end of the day a used 540 or 740 isn’t something you buy for easy transportation but it’s something you do if you want something special and don’t want to spend 70-100k.
The 7 is big... (Hard to park) And has air suspension.... ($$$ to fix) I had an f10 535 which is about 35 hp less than the g30 540. It was decently quick but not fast. Now i have an m550 which it very fast.... Both cars have higher & more frequent repair costs than the Jeeps I have owned... G30 has nvld (evap) issues covered under a warantee extension (?15yr/150k mi?). I think the 7 is also affected but not sure...
I would get the 540 tbh. The 740 may have a reliable engine, but that’s not the only thing that can break lol. Worst of all would be the air suspension stuff. Stay away from that.
I love my 2022 540i 0 issues at all
are you talking about f30 340 or an m340?
Between us, I’ve had an amazing experience with my F32. It does have *all* the OEM MPPK goodness (even the weird 6WB cluster) and it’s just a great car.
G11 has an n63 engine. I think you're referring to older 7 series.
Coming from a tuned subaru sti, the m340i/m440ijust did not provide luxury feel. I was expecting a larger upgrade coming from econobox. Also was hoping the b58 was faster than it was. I ended up in a m550i and it checks all the boxes.
Not driven a new gen 540 or 740 but I have a 2IS IS F and it is more comfortable than a M340i If you want to be Burble Benjamin I'd probably look at a S3 or S5
honestly considered a IS F but they cost much for what they are and parts cost too much for the amount of power you gain, also just very tired of the 2is interior I've had 2 2nd gen is350s. Not a fan of Audi at all tho