stablemate for the 4.6is - E39 or E38?

[c4racer]

So I'm in the market to replace my G37 sedan with something up to around half the cost and since I am very fond of both platforms, I am considering both the E39 530i / 540i / iT or a 2000-2001 740i sport. The vette is my daily driver during summer months. X5 used to be my 4-door back-up and winter driver, but due to a change in circumstances my wife now needs to use it during the week for kid car-pool duty.

Currently I am looking at 2 specific cars and having a hard time deciding. Thought I would take opinions from those who have owned or own one of these cars.

First is a 2003 540iT with 78K miles. One owner, CA car. Black.

Second is a 2000 740i with 89K miles. I think 2 owner. Sport package. Anthracite.

I'm leaning towards the wagon because with the loss of access to the X5 during the week, that gives me the best flexibility for hauling around my musical equipment and my bike.

But I really love how the 740i rides on the freeway, and I'm also looking for a nice family road trip car. Even the short wheelbase 7 has more backseat space than a 5 series, and a nice big trunk. I can still carry my drumset in one, just means it goes in the backseat instead of in the hatchback area of a wagon. So it will still work from a utility standpoint, and I do still have access to the X5 on evenings and weekends. almost like custody? haha..

Anyway - E38 seems a bit scarier from an electrical problem standpoint. I know the drivetrain is basically the same between the two and same issues with cooling system, etc. Plus this car is 3 years older and has 12K more miles on it vs. the 540iT.

Any thoughts? Which car makes a better stablemate for a 4.6is?

[1stE53]

I would go with the 740i! The ride comfort and extra space (leg room) will make you not miss the X5 nearly as much!

[Naz24]

I'd find a 2003 540i with the m sport package and manual tranny. i've seen a couple of them around and you can almost mistake them for an M5, beautiful cars

heres what i'm talking about:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Black...item19bf2fbcce

[m5james]

Unless it's an iL, the legroom between the 540 and 740 is minimal. Personally, I've never liked the way a 740i looked, it's proportions are wider and larger than the 540, but then to not add that 6" of extra legroom just doesn't look right to me.

The 540 is slight more sporty looks wise, but if the 740i is a true sport, it'll have a higher stall torque converter for a little more jump to get that pig off the line. Personally, I'd get the 540iT just because it's still a quick car, but you can haul lots of crap...and M5 bodykits are very affordable. Then again, you've got an X5 to haul crap, so it's really up to which one is more appealing to the eye since they're all going to be the same maintenance requirements needed in your X5, so at least it won't be unfimilair territory.

I've always wanted a Touring that was a total sleeper (E34 and up M5, 540 S/C'ed, turbo'ed 328i) just so I can destroy some idiot who'd never expect it...I like sleepers

[c4racer]

Originally Posted by Naz24

I'd find a 2003 540i with the m sport package and manual tranny. i've seen a couple of them around and you can almost mistake them for an M5, beautiful cars

heres what i'm talking about:

BMW : 5-Series: eBay Motors (item 110581759182 end time Sep-10-10 14:11:01 PDT)

I've been debating the manual thing in my head actually. Initially thinking it wouldn't work, because when the wife needs a bigger car and I need to use the X5 to go skiing or something, this becomes a problem. So it would be a lot more flexible arrangement to have an AT sedan. Besides, my C6 is manual, so I get to drive that most of the time anyway.

[c4racer]

Originally Posted by m5james

Unless it's an iL, the legroom between the 540 and 740 is minimal. Personally, I've never liked the way a 740i looked, it's proportions are wider and larger than the 540, but then to not add that 6" of extra legroom just doesn't look right to me.

The 540 is slight more sporty looks wise, but if the 740i is a true sport, it'll have a higher stall torque converter for a little more jump to get that pig off the line. Personally, I'd get the 540iT just because it's still a quick car, but you can haul lots of crap...and M5 bodykits are very affordable. Then again, you've got an X5 to haul crap, so it's really up to which one is more appealing to the eye since they're all going to be the same maintenance requirements needed in your X5, so at least it won't be unfimilair territory.

I've always wanted a Touring that was a total sleeper (E34 and up M5, 540 S/C'ed, turbo'ed 328i) just so I can destroy some idiot who'd never expect it...I like sleepers

Well - I do dig Euro wagons for sure. Plus my kids hate them, so that is a good thing My last daily was a 05 S4 Avant, manual. Loved that car. It was a total sleeper - looked like a Jetta didn't sound like one tho - aftermarket exhaust and 350hp 4.2L V8!! But it was a bit too small for everything, which is a big part of why I got the X5. That was before I knew my wife would be taking custody!! haha.

[m5james]

I like the interior better of my E38 740iL than I did in the E39 M5, but the M5 obviously looked better from the outside. I've grown to love the huge amounts of interior space in the 7, and now that I've had motor work done (and still going), it's not so painful with the loss of horsepower. You'll get more stuff in the Touring, so if you really plan to use the cargo space, it sounds like it's a done deal.

[GSXRliterbikz]

My sig says it all. I love my 7 to death. Gotta get the il though. They look so much nicer

[c4racer]

what sig?? So you think the IL is the way to go? I was thinking the 740i was the best way to go to maintain some sportiness factor.

[c4racer]

there is one pretty nice looking iL that I was eyeing awhile back. Price seems decent for a 85K mile car. Has wide screen nav.

2001 BMW 740il Silver/Black,85Kmi.