[sowlesa]

I had to make a similar choice. I don’t have a good way for charging so I knew I needed an ICE vehicle, so for me it was between a 530i and 540i. I went with the 540i for two main reasons. First I wanted the better ambient light system. Had I never seen what came in the EV or 540 models I’m sure the 530 version would have been fine…but there is a pretty clear difference in interior look with the better ambient lighting system, at least to me. Second I wanted the bigger engine. For the price you pay (for either the 530 or 540) the small 4 cylinder engine seems like it doesn’t belong in a premier car like the 5 series. If I’m going to pay upwards of 60,000 to 70,000 for a car, it needs to have some power.

[SkykingUSA]

Originally Posted by desalvorw

My top end is around there. My top options are Driving Assistance Pro(family goes on a lot of road trips), Sky Lounge, and B&W Sound. I will likely go 540. Thanks!

I think you'll love the DAP option. I am so impressed with its capability. Over a period of about 2 weeks, at first I used it fully (distance control and steering) and then after a while I stopped using it because I realized it took a lot of the fun out of me driving my new car because it could do almost everything for me. Now, I've kind of settled in to using just the distance control sometimes for my short trips across town because I still get to enjoy driving most of the time myself. However, the other day when I was in heavy freeway traffic I let the DAP system do it all. It feels great to not have to manually stop and go all the time when in traffic and to let the car handle that part for you. I'm very glad I opted for the DAP system.

[desalvorw]

So…. Here’s the deal. We test drove a 530 and 540 at one of my local dealerships. Then I test drove the i5. Based on the amount of rebates currently offered by BMW (without negotiating price down yet), I’m pretty sure I’m purchasing an i5 that arrives in Baltimore on Monday! My wife caved in buying an EV after we drove it and had discussions at the dealership! They lent us one overnight and we are going back tomorrow to officially negotiate. Wish me luck!

Cape York with M Sport Pro, DAP, Executive, and Bowers and Wilkins.

[Slyslap]

I think your gonna be happy with the i5. Good luck

[scas12]

Love my i5 m60, it’s awesome.

[SkykingUSA]

Sounds great! One thing I would strongly suggest is to make sure you have home charging available at level 2 speeds (40-48 amps). Having to rely on public DC fast charging completely may be inconvenient and may put more stress on the battery than necessary over the long term. It's probably fine to use DC fast charging at first for a while until you can get a home charger, or just a home 40 amp outlet installed, but once you get home charging available, the convenience can't be beat!

When you decide, we're looking forward to the pictures and the full specs. Is it an eDrive40 or M60? What size wheels? If your picture is accurate, then I see an eDrive40 with 19" M sport wheels. I'm happy with my 19" M sports - I think they look very smart on the car. Personally, I find the power and responsiveness of the i5s to be addictive once you try it.

[RichardInCA]

Nice outcome! I agree that home L2 charging will be an important thing to resolve to make EV ownership seamless. Or at least charging at your office/workplace - I’m fortunate to have both and haven’t had to use a DCFC for 3months now.

There’s something really nice about how the i5 rides - that wafting/quiet luxury sedan thing is next level as an EV.

[desalvorw]

Originally Posted by RichardInCA

Nice outcome! I agree that home L2 charging will be an important thing to resolve to make EV ownership seamless. Or at least charging at your office/workplace - I’m fortunate to have both and haven’t had to use a DCFC for 3months now.

There’s something really nice about how the i5 rides - that wafting/quiet luxury sedan thing is next level as an EV.

It’s a really nice and quiet ride. I’ve been in a Honda Civic for 7.5 years. While I loved the car and its utility for me, I’m ready for comfort and luxury.

I am going to have a Level 2 (likely Emporia) installed at home. In VA we used Dominion Energy, which offers $125 rebate for the installation and then $40 back per year for using it. I currently don’t have work charging being in the Navy, but when I retire in a year the office I will be working at has it for free, so I’m excited about that. My charging costs will go down to almost nothing.

[desalvorw]

Originally Posted by SkykingUSA

Sounds great! One thing I would strongly suggest is to make sure you have home charging available at level 2 speeds (40-48 amps). Having to rely on public DC fast charging completely may be inconvenient and may put more stress on the battery than necessary over the long term. It's probably fine to use DC fast charging at first for a while until you can get a home charger, or just a home 40 amp outlet installed, but once you get home charging available, the convenience can't be beat!

When you decide, we're looking forward to the pictures and the full specs. Is it an eDrive40 or M60? What size wheels? If your picture is accurate, then I see an eDrive40 with 19" M sport wheels. I'm happy with my 19" M sports - I think they look very smart on the car. Personally, I find the power and responsiveness of the i5s to be addictive once you try it.

Already looking at charger installation. I did some research before when I was trying to convince my wife previously. It’s an edrive 40 with 19” wheels. It’s also got the Fine Open Pore w/ bronze inlays (the one that looks like lightning in the wood&#128515 Once I have it in hand, I’ll definitely share!

[Slyslap]

I got the edrive 40 with 19” wheels that have e-primacy grand touring summer tires - no M sport package- and the ride is incredibly smooth over road imperfections. The wife’s q5 can’t hold a candle to this ride. Easily the most impressive aspect of this car for me.

[desalvorw]

Just finished up at the dealer. Car should be ready in 10 days. MSRP was $80,300 and got it down by $11,800 with negotiations and rebates.

[richpat69]

Originally Posted by tsbrown

2024 540i xDrive Sedan $64,900
M Sport $3,000
Metallic paint $650
Driving Assistance Pro $2,000
Premium Package $3,050
Sky Lounge Roof $600
B&W Surround Sound $950
Destination & Handling $995
Total Price (MSRP) $76,145

If you want DAP you have to get Premium Pkg as well. A worthwhile addition.

Your build is similar to mine. I got the 540 M-Sport, oxide Grey with Black Merino leather interior and the seat package. With the exception of the roof and the seat upgrade, the rest of the build was the same. $78,395 was MSRP.

I drove the 530 first and found it to be a bit on the sluggish side for my tastes - the 540 has significantly more power.

The G-60 is a very different car than the G-30. Bigger and more of a luxury car feel and less sporty, IMO. I have had mine for almost seven weeks and have only done local driving. I believe the car will be a treat on a long road trip.

[Nighthawks]

Originally Posted by desalvorw

Thanks to everyone that provided input. I love this forum. I’m testing out both the fully options 530 and a 540 today. I’ve driven a 540 a couple of weeks ago and loved it. One of my biggest wants is something that exhibits comfort while also being very capable. I’ve been in the Navy for 20 years and was on submarines for 15 of those, so I’ve been very uncomfortable for the most part. This is my way of paying myself back. Once I decide completely and purchase/take delivery, I will post pictures.

Thank You for your Service.

You’ve earned this.

[Nighthawks]

Originally Posted by desalvorw

Just finished up at the dealer. Car should be ready in 10 days. MSRP was $80,300 and got it down by $11,800 with negotiations and rebates.

Great news and great choice!

Pictures please when you can.

[SkykingUSA]

Originally Posted by desalvorw

I am going to have a Level 2 (likely Emporia) installed at home.

That's the one I had installed and am happy with it. The only thing I didn't like was having to hang the connector on the built in holder, so I bought a $20 holder and mounted it on the wall beside it. Now I can hang it over the hook, or clip it into the slot when I'm not using it.

Originally Posted by desalvorw

Just finished up at the dealer. Car should be ready in 10 days. MSRP was $80,300 and got it down by $11,800 with negotiations and rebates.

Congratulations! I think you're going to love the car. There is so much to learn and figure out compared to your old Honda, but take it one step at a time and use this forum for help when needed and you should do fine. I also came from an old 2003 pickup truck that had basically no tech in it at all so there will be a bit of a shock, but enjoy the learning process.

You're build sounds very similar to mine just based on the MSRP. Mine was a little lower, so I'm guessing you have the B&W sound system which I passed on, and maybe the Executive pack (I went with the Premium pack). Either way, I'm also looking forward to some pictures when you get it.