95 540/6spd or 98M3/4 specs...

[m3f_Dave C]

Hi folks, this is my first post. Looking forward to becoming BMW owner soon. I'm currently looking to gather as much information as possible to determine which direction I'll go in making the choice between these two cars. I'm a family man that LOVES to drive. And given the price of my daughter's tuition will not be buying new...but I'm seeing great prospects in the mid-high 20k range. Can you guys point me to any web-sites / forums that will get me educated on these cars quickly?


Thanks and happy holidays!


Dave C

97 Q45t

94 Grand Cherokee

65 Shelby Cobra (www.factoryfive.com)

[m3f_C4RACER]

I worry about the '95 540 engine. I hope you realize they did have a problem that required replacing the block or resleeving it or something. If you found a car that had the fix, perhaps it's one to look at.


That said, I was in the market recently to replace my '94 Q45t with either a '97 540 or '97-'98 M3. I drove a few of both. The 540 while bigger and more luxurious didn't have the performance in the handling and steering dept I was looking for. The car felt way too isolated for me. Now, comparing with a '91 M5 is perhaps a more fair comparison. I really liked the M5, though it's not nearly as balanced and "tossable" as an M3. I haven't driven a E34 540, so can't make that comparison, but I'm sure it's sportier than the E39 platform. The E39 540's do not have a rack and pinion, for example and it shows when you drive it.


In the end I decided it was best to hang on to my Q45 as my daily driver / biz car. However, once I sell my Camaro I plan to get an M3 - not sure yet between a ragtop, coupe or sedan. Leaning towards ragtop at this point, I've always wanted a drop top and it will be mostly a weekend toy and a car for my wife to drive while the kids are in school.


Scott

'94 Q45t

'91 Corvette

'01 Suburban

'68 Camaro

[m3f_Dave C]

Thanks Scott - good input, I'm looking for this car to be my daily, year-round car. I too am leaning toward the M3 sedan - that is until I heard about these 540 Sport (200 imported into the US)...wow, they're essentially M5's with the V8 engine....the saga continues....


check out http://www.kindel.com/bmw/m540_info.htm


Thanks again,

Dave

[m3f_C4RACER]

That 540i Sport sounds just awesome!! All the goodness of the E34 M5 with a more reliable and torquier motor. Only downside is fuel economy would be lower than w/ the six. But I would far rather have one of those than an E39 540. Problem is, where would you ever find one, with only 200 made??? Talk about needle in a haystack.


The M3 would make a good daily driver, but the rear seat is very cramped for adults, so if you ever do long drives with more than 2 people it may not be the best car to bring.


Scott

[m3f_Dave C]

Actually there are a couple out there, I'm investigating three currently. The nicest being one on ebay with 18k miles. No discussion on price as of yet.....<gulp>

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=599390227


Later - Happy Holidays!!


///Dave

[m3f_C4RACER]

Looks like someone bought the one on Ebay for $24,750. Seems like a fair price to me. Was it you Dave?


Scott


------------------

'94 Q45t

'91 Corvette

'01 Suburban

'68 Camaro

[m3f_Dave C]

Nope - it looks like the reserve didn't get met. I would guess that is priced in the low-mid 30's with that many miles (18k) well worth it but out of my range...


I need to drive the M3 to determine whether or not the size works for me...


See ya Scott


DC