Keep the 4.6is or 540i M tech?

[x5Alpine]

Hi have the chance to Trade my 02 4.6is for a topaz blue 2003 540i M tech 6spd. It has about 129k on it and is in great condition. What would you do?

[Ricky Bobby]

I'd always choose a vehicle with 3 pedals

[TerminatorX5]

i think it is the closest non-M E39 to the actual M5... if i remember right, at the end of E39 production the M Gmbh had too many M5 parts left over on the shelves, and they just threw them on that version of the E39...

the 4.6is and 540 M-technik are two beasts in different categories... the choice is yours... do you like sitting low? or high? do you like a rear sports car? or a real sports truck? which one fits your size? with my belly, i fit nice in high posture of the E53... when i drive my wife's 2012 335, it is a bit too low.. but damn, that thing is much faster than the 4.8 that i got...

the choice is yours...

or...

keep both!!!

[tmv]

What condition is your iS in? Mileages?
Term is right. The 03 540i MSport has some of the //M5 goodies, not exactly the same, but very close. They didn't make many of the 540i6 MSport in 03 (1265 in North America market, less than //M5 of that year) especially in Topazblau.
It depends on your priority. You know your car and what it needs. How about the maintenance on the MSport? If your iS is in the similar mileage/condition and you want a 3-pedals, seriously consider it.
GL with your decision. I love the E39s

[Doru]

540 M tech is very rare, and the e39 are aging very gracefully, as opposed to e60 for example. The e39 have a timeless body shape, which even today doesn't look dated. A well kept e39 specimen can be had at a very low price nowadays. They handle like no other......

[z168]

Assuming you have no functional preference for an SUV, i would take the E39.

I have an 01 and its always fun to drive

[lhordmclain]

02 4.6is
* Can be daily/weekend Driving machine
* If you have kids (big plus)
* If you are always the designated driver ( kidding!)
* If this vehicle has become a maintenance nightmare for you
* If you need a big trunk vehicle for running errands (e.g. home depot and etc)



2003 540i M tech 6spd
* Can be daily/weekend Driving machine
* Perfect for single driver
* For local car shows (Dudes/Guy will dig this)
* If you have good vibes with this vehicle, most of the time you will feel it deep inside you that this is the one.



* Parking space consideration for both vehicles.
* Attachment / Always the show stopper!


Good luck!

[x5Alpine]

Thankyou everyone for your responses. I love my X and with 137k miles on it everything from the cooling system to the timing chain guides have been done on it. It has never left me strafed or really given me any problems in the 25k miles I've put on it in about a year. I just love the e39 and love the way it drives, now I'm even considering selling it to go for an e39 M5. Nothing is like that car.

[OptimusPriM5]

Originally Posted by x5Alpine

Thankyou everyone for your responses. I love my X and with 137k miles on it everything from the cooling system to the timing chain guides have been done on it. It has never left me strafed or really given me any problems in the 25k miles I've put on it in about a year. I just love the e39 and love the way it drives, now I'm even considering selling it to go for an e39 M5. Nothing is like that car.

I have both and very different you wont be disappointed either way you go.

[z168]

Is keeping both an option for you?


The M5 is of course the ultimate E39, but I find the 03 540 to be more desirable to most. Better long term value?