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DSK328i 
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Joined: 26-July-2006 Location: Midlands UK Status: Offline Points: 547 |
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 Topic: E39 535i V8 opinions please vs 328iPosted: 16-February-2007 at 14:16 |
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My daily car is a E36 328i. Spent loads on it keeping it in tip top condition and running well, but as I prefer bigger cars in general especially as I enjoy relaxing in my Volvo C70 T5 GT, I was thinking of changing the 328i for a E39 535i V8. But i would definately prefer one with the automatic/steptronic gearbox rather than a manual. Went in my cousins E39 525 TD and size wise it felt about right. Those who have driven/own the 535, can you give me some rough info on them such as your own honest views on owining one, general problem areas, performance (compared to the 328i if possible) any bhp/torque figures, general mpg, were these blocks affected by the nikasil issue (my 328i is supposed to be but runs great), any recall info etc etc? |
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540 V8
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Lick my badge Joined: 07-December-2005 Location: Running the asylum Status: Offline Points: 2280 |
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Posted: 16-February-2007 at 23:27 |
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All I can say is, size wise you can't go wrong with a 5. I have the 4 litre V8 and I flippin love it! as for the nikasil issue, see below http://www.bavarian-board.co.uk/forum_posts.asp?TID=4539& ;PN=1 Good luck in your quest Mike |
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Current:E34 540i Touring 6 speed manual(Mpower bodykit & suspension)& Chrysler Voyager 3.3 V6 auto Previous:E34 530iSE AC Schnitzer suspension. E28 525e auto-Standard |
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Stone-IslandV8
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Joined: 31-January-2003 Location: North Somerset Status: Offline Points: 3015 |
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Posted: 17-February-2007 at 14:08 |
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I ran an early 235bhp E39 535 for 6 months prior to my current E46 328 so I'll try and give you an opinion.
I personally prefer a manual box so the auto/step didnt appeal much but I got used to it eventually and the double kickdown was entertaining but I personally prefer the more eager-feeling drive of the 328 especially since most of my drives are around town and country lanes. The 535s a heavier car and it'll tell on twisties. I followed a rather 'gung-ho' driven 328 coup down some twisty A and B roads one Sunday and while the 5 would catch up on the straights the 328 would get out of the bends quicker and pull away a bit better. I didnt have the best experience of E39s though....a 520 that had nikasil and the 535 had all manor of grief culminating with a severely knackered auto box which just made the car not worth saving. However, the E39 V8s didnt have nikasil engines. For its sheer grunt once rolling and for lazy driving I liked the 535 but I prefer my 328.Just my opinion. In terms of running the big 5 my average mpg in the 5 was 24mpg, the 328 is 29mpg. |
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Gentlemen I may not have a brain but I do have an idea
Past; E39 540T/E46 328CI/ E39 535/ E39 520/ E36 M3/ E36 318iS jet black Mtech/ E46 320d/ E36 318iS diamond black/ E36 318iS blue Mtech kit |
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studyolic
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Joined: 09-July-2004 Location: Inchture, Dundee, Scotland. Status: Offline Points: 427 |
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Posted: 17-February-2007 at 22:16 |
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I have a 1999 535i with the steptronic box. The problems I have had
seem to be the well-known E39 / V8 ones, such as failing pixels on the dash, radiator needed replacing, suspension components a bit more prone to wear due to the weight of the car (seem to need a full 4-wheel alignment every 12 months or so), the steptronic should be serviced by a specialist about 80k miles, definitely before 100k miles. I'd agree with John about not being as nimble as a 328, I guess you'd have to go for the M5 for that. However, I love the quietness and smoothness of the engine, the slick gearchanges, ( you can always stick it into manual shift if you want), and then the electrifying performance for such a large car. I drove down to Oxford from Dundee over Christmas, and it was almost a pleasure. Averaged over 30mpg for the trip, cruising at 80-90 with the odd burst to 120 to chase a 911 or a Murcielago (fat chance! But fun). Never had it over 125, but it felt the same as doing 80. I just love it. But it takes a bit of TLC to keep it in order. Look for a good service history, but also for evidence that the owner has done extra things himself, such as changing the oil more often than required, changing tyres regularly, etc, radiator replacement and steptronic service (depending on the mileage of the vehicle). An AA or RAC inspection would be well worth it, because these cars can be expensive if you have to start doing major work. I'd definitely get another one, but I would take my time looking for the exact one I wanted. Hope this helps. Edited by studyolic |
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Richard.
Current; 2000 316i Compact 1.9 previous; 1999 535i V8, 1995 316i Compact 1.6 |
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studyolic
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Joined: 09-July-2004 Location: Inchture, Dundee, Scotland. Status: Offline Points: 427 |
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Posted: 17-February-2007 at 22:22 |
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By the way, up to near the end of 1998 they had 235 bhp, then 245bhp
after that. Still the M62 engine. Not sure about torque. After about 2000 they brought out the the 530, with the 6 pot engine, not as much power, but performance close to the 535 because it's lighter, and also has the rack-and-pinion steering so more precise, and better mpg. Many here say it's the better car for these reasons, but my heart rules my head here; I love the way the V8 delivers it's power, and then there's the sound. . . . . . . . . |
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Richard.
Current; 2000 316i Compact 1.9 previous; 1999 535i V8, 1995 316i Compact 1.6 |
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Stone-IslandV8
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Posted: 18-February-2007 at 04:48 |
And just incase plod are reading I'm sure Richard's talking kph NOT mph 
For the prices these days I'd probably consider the 540 as a viable option, the argument with the 530 is that IF things go wrong then with the 530 you won't have the costs associated with the V8 and so I'd use that to justify the 540 into your search too. And agree wholeheartedly with Richard in that getting a wrong'un will leave you indebted on a housing-scale with your bank manager. I'd be tempted by this though http://www.silverstonecars.com/details.php?id=78 |
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Gentlemen I may not have a brain but I do have an idea
Past; E39 540T/E46 328CI/ E39 535/ E39 520/ E36 M3/ E36 318iS jet black Mtech/ E46 320d/ E36 318iS diamond black/ E36 318iS blue Mtech kit |
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studyolic
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Posted: 18-February-2007 at 09:53 |
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Yummm!
John, were you really up at 04.48 to post that? I think you're becoming nocturnal.  Edited by studyolic |
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Richard.
Current; 2000 316i Compact 1.9 previous; 1999 535i V8, 1995 316i Compact 1.6 |
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beast535
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Joined: 16-June-2005 Location: cardiff though wish i was in dublin Status: Offline Points: 254 |
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Posted: 18-February-2007 at 10:53 |
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I have a steptronic 535i for sale at the moment. Its on ebay ending today! PM me if you want details. Dave. Edited by beast535 |
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E30 325i sport 1991
E34 530i auto 1989 E39 535i 18"s 1997 
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DSK328i
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Joined: 26-July-2006 Location: Midlands UK Status: Offline Points: 547 |
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Posted: 18-February-2007 at 12:50 |
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Thanks for the info chaps!! I do also look at the 540's for a glance as they are a good buy for the money but for me it would be that little bit more costly on fuel bills, but having said that the 2 main contenders are the 535i (more for me) and Audi A8 4.2 Quattro Sport (more for the family). Beast 535, I am toying with the idea at the moment, and wont be in a position to buy anything until the end of March time if I deceide to go ahead with the idea. Hope you get yours sold though as you needed it for your new car and I have to admit, yours does look nice as you have given it TLC.
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beast535
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Posted: 18-February-2007 at 12:53 |
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I was looking at some A8's when i got the 535i...i was warned by lots of people to stay away from them- they'll bankrupt you apparently. I still wanted one though! Dave. Edited by beast535 |
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E30 325i sport 1991
E34 530i auto 1989 E39 535i 18"s 1997
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Stone-IslandV8
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Posted: 18-February-2007 at 12:54 |
No, just noisy neighbours on a busy street! |
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Gentlemen I may not have a brain but I do have an idea
Past; E39 540T/E46 328CI/ E39 535/ E39 520/ E36 M3/ E36 318iS jet black Mtech/ E46 320d/ E36 318iS diamond black/ E36 318iS blue Mtech kit |
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DAvE21
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Joined: 25-April-2006 Location: Fife Status: Offline Points: 38 |
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Posted: 19-February-2007 at 03:33 |
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Another against the A8, hardly any about and the ones that are within the last month have been overpriced dogs with lots of issues.
there also not particularly fast either. and I was set on getting one. (looking at e60s now tho ) |
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Andrew Rolland
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Go away rain Joined: 19-August-2004 Location: Scotland Status: Offline Points: 6579 |
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Posted: 19-February-2007 at 21:10 |
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Hmmmm I was just going to post on here the same question.... I'm toying with the idea of a V8 purely just to satisfy the Jeremy Clarkson in me that I must own/drive a V8. The sound is so sexy and it really appeals to me just to say 'yip it's a V8' with a very wide grin.....But then you here from Richard and Stone Island who have had the experience/pleasure/displeasure of owning a V8. Not many V8's out there on t'interweb, certainly not within 141 miles of my postcode according to Autotrader. Any more thoughts anyone or is it a case of plumping for the 'jack of all trades' the 530i? Andrew |
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Be exclusive and drive a Petrol 5 Series!
Current '13 62 F10 535i MSport Auto Previous '04 04 E60 545i SE Auto '03 53 E60 545i SE Auto (Stolen) '98 S E39 523i SE Auto |
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fingerman
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Posted: 19-February-2007 at 21:20 |
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I've loved my previous V8's - E34 530 + E32 730 (same lump)
Nice growl to them, and while I had them always wondered what it would be like to have the 540/740 Andrew - Do it, JC says so!
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Current: E34 1996 525tds 113-125k
Previous: 9xE34s, 5xE30s, 2xE39s, 1xE32, 1xE36.... phew! My Ebay bits: http://search.ebay.co.uk/_W0QQsassZseany69ukQQhtZ-1 |
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studyolic
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Posted: 19-February-2007 at 21:58 |
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Andrew,
I don't feel I've had any more problems with my car than any other E39, just because it's a V8. The only downsides to the V8 are the fuel consumption and the slightly vague steering. The consumption issue depends on how you use the car. If most of your driving is cruising, then it's not bad. If you have to battle stop-start through town every day, then it could be appaling. As for the steering, it's not something I notice. It would only become an issue if you were regularly swapping from something really nippy to the 535 every other day. As I said above, my heart rules my head with the V8. I don't really have any expensive hobbies or pastimes, I don't smoke or spend much on booze, so I figure the car is my one indulgence. I love the way it puts down the power in such a smooth, lazy and quiet manner, then really growls when you floor it. (Afterburners on stun. . . .). If you don't have the opportunity to drive a mate's 535 or 540 in your area, I'd be happy to meet up for a blast sometime, purely in the interests of research, of course. . . . . |
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Richard.
Current; 2000 316i Compact 1.9 previous; 1999 535i V8, 1995 316i Compact 1.6 |
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Stone-IslandV8
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Posted: 19-February-2007 at 22:52 |
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I loved the V8 for the fact it was a V8 and the roar was great and it was very smooth but it was also very big n heavy.
Going from the 520 to the 535 I didnt notice the steering difference too much but from the bigger and heavier 535 to the 328 coupe which has got MTech suspension the difference is very noticeable and on one particular tight roundabout with a tight exit at the bottom of our road I still sometimes find myself pointing at the verge and not the road. I must admit to liking the auto box for its laziness but apart from that I didnt really take to it.......I like to know what gear I'm in and in 'manual' mode I found the sports steering wheel covered the gear indicator, also I enjoyed driving the car far more in sports mode but then again so did my local petrol forecourt owner as the mpg dropped. If I could get a decent sports model with a manual box then I might be tempted..plus debadge and add the subtle V8 badge from the 7 series and wahhheyyy........thats as soon as I've doused the flames from my rear wheel and stopped contemplating the nice advert I've had sent through for a supercharger kit for the 328!! Seriously though in terms of luxury for the family for a 10yr old car I had electric and heated memory seats, full OBC, thru load with ski bag and integrated kiddie seats for my lil'uns. However, in terms of costs I used to do a twisty A-road journey of 24 miles each way to work and back again each day, 11 days of every 2 weeks and I was getting through �30 of unleaded every 2.5 days!!! |
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Gentlemen I may not have a brain but I do have an idea
Past; E39 540T/E46 328CI/ E39 535/ E39 520/ E36 M3/ E36 318iS jet black Mtech/ E46 320d/ E36 318iS diamond black/ E36 318iS blue Mtech kit |
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DSK328i
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Joined: 26-July-2006 Location: Midlands UK Status: Offline Points: 547 |
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Posted: 19-February-2007 at 22:57 |
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Eveytime I bought a BMW, I always looked at several over a period between 2-7 months!! just to find the right car, mechanically good, price is not ridiculous etc. As mentioned by others above, it needs be evident that the vehicle has been well maintained, to avoid horrors. But the usual serviceable components, or those that generally wear and tear with age and miles doesn't bother me. I do take it into account though and use as a negotiating point, indication of hidden faults etc etc.
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E39 535i V8 opinions please vs 328i
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studyolic wrote: