[desalvorw]

So I’ve been given the green light to finally purchase a new 5 series from the household CEO. 😂😂

Now comes the decision part Based on my budget and priority options that I need recommendations on.

I can either get a fully decked out 530i or a 540i with my top 3 options but not a lot else.

What do you guys think?

[Trevor G]

Same car just more power. Well almost same, the 530 does not have the crystal lights in the dash. Just 2 rows of regular lights. Just do not over stretch yourself so the car is an enjoyment and not a burden.

[Trevor G]

530 vs 540 lightbar

[desalvorw]

Originally Posted by Trevor G

530 vs 540 lightbar

Yep that’s part of my decision. The 530 I’m looking at that’s fully decked out with M Sport Pro is really nice. I do really wish they put the light bar in there though.

[Trevor G]

Also I think the 540 is only x drive also.

[Trevor G]

Not for nothing the light bar is nice but to be honest I no longer even notice it after 5000 miles in my car. Its just a fancy inside light in the end.

[desalvorw]

Originally Posted by Trevor G

Not for nothing the light bar is nice but to be honest I no longer even notice it after 5000 miles in my car. Its just a fancy inside light in the end.

Gotcha. The 530 I’m looking at is also x drive.

[RJH52]

I’d say go 540 and work hard on discounts. Don’t have any family members in the military? In January they had a $4k military discount. I think I got $6k total off the price of my car. I’m sure you can get that or similar.

[desalvorw]

Originally Posted by RJH52

I’d say go 540 and work hard on discounts. Don’t have any family members in the military? In January they had a $4k military discount. I think I got $6k total off the price of my car. I’m sure you can get that or similar.

I’m active duty so I get military discount. I’m working both ways to see exactly what OTD I can get. They are very similar MSRP.

[RJH52]

Originally Posted by desalvorw

I’m active duty so I get military discount. I’m working both ways to see exactly what OTD I can get. They are very similar MSRP.

That B58 is special and I would sacrifice options if that’s what it took to get the 540i. Has great power at 375. With a JB4 when it’s released for the G60 you’re looking at 475bhp.

[paprmkr]

Originally Posted by desalvorw

So I’ve been given the green light to finally purchase a new 5 series from the household CEO. 😂😂

Now comes the decision part Based on my budget and priority options that I need recommendations on.

I can either get a fully decked out 530i or a 540i with my top 3 options but not a lot else.

What do you guys think?

540i
1. M sport package (suspension and steering, plus m brakes)
I also believe if recall includes the grill light.
2. if you like the music I really enjoy the B&W also looks very nice
3. Driving Assist Pro Package.
just my 2c

[Nighthawks]

Originally Posted by Trevor G

Also I think the 540 is only x drive also.

That’s right, Trevor. Definitely one of the reasons I chose the 540i xDrive. Better engine, the B58, and horsepower too.

[Nighthawks]

If recharging stations are at work and readily available and at home of course, I’d recommend i5. Else 540i xDrive.

I tend to drive long distances, and I went with 540i with no regrets. I love the B58 engine. I’ll likely go i5 M60 next time.

[desalvorw]

Originally Posted by Nighthawks

If recharging stations are at work and readily available and at home of course, I’d recommend i5. Else 540i xDrive.

I tend to drive long distances, and I went with 540i with no regrets. I love the B58 engine. I’ll likely go i5 M60 next time.

Wife won’t let me go i5. I’m thinking the B58 for the win. The 530i Xdrive is dark graphite in M Sport Pro and looks pretty, but the B58 and interaction have me leaning.

[PsychDoc]

Originally Posted by desalvorw

Wife won’t let me go i5. I’m thinking the B58 for the win. The 530i Xdrive is dark graphite in M Sport Pro and looks pretty, but the B58 and interaction have me leaning.

540xi without a doubt. You'll never regret that decision.

[tsbrown]

Originally Posted by desalvorw

Wife won’t let me go i5. I’m thinking the B58 for the win. The 530i Xdrive is dark graphite in M Sport Pro and looks pretty, but the B58 and interaction have me leaning.

A fully loaded 530iX is about $77k, so is $75-$77k the top end? If so, yo can get the 540i with M Sport and some other options for that. What options are most important to you….comfort options (seats, audio, etc), cosmetic (M sport pro) , or driving assistance? I’d probably go with the Premium package, B&W audio amd maybe M Sport Pro and pass on the driving assistance pro package if it were me.

[SkykingUSA]

Originally Posted by tsbrown

A fully loaded 530iX is about $77k, so is $75-$77k the top end? If so, yo can get the 540i with M Sport and some other options for that. What options are most important to you….comfort options (seats, audio, etc), cosmetic (M sport pro) , or driving assistance? I’d probably go with the Premium package, B&W audio amd maybe M Sport Pro and pass on the driving assistance pro package if it were me.

It sounds to me like he's already got a couple of cars on a lot somewhere that he's considering so he may not be able to pick and choose options in that case.

I think it really comes down to how much power and responsiveness you want from your car. If I could pick between a 4 cylinder 5 series and a 6 cylinder 5 series, I would always pick the 6 cylinder - no contest for me. Plus, with everything I've heard about BMWs inline 6 engine, you can't go wrong. Keep in mind, this is a fairly big and heavy sedan - I think you'd want the power under it from a 6 cylinder engine.

If you can't really get the options you want from the 540, I'd consider waiting a little if you think you can save some more to add to it.

Good luck picking, and either way, it will be a great looking car! Make sure you provide photos and stuff once you bite the bullet.

[desalvorw]

Originally Posted by tsbrown

A fully loaded 530iX is about $77k, so is $75-$77k the top end? If so, yo can get the 540i with M Sport and some other options for that. What options are most important to you….comfort options (seats, audio, etc), cosmetic (M sport pro) , or driving assistance? I’d probably go with the Premium package, B&W audio amd maybe M Sport Pro and pass on the driving assistance pro package if it were me.

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!

[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.

[tsbrown]

Originally Posted by SkykingUSA

It sounds to me like he's already got a couple of cars on a lot somewhere that he's considering so he may not be able to pick and choose options in that case.

I think it really comes down to how much power and responsiveness you want from your car. If I could pick between a 4 cylinder 5 series and a 6 cylinder 5 series, I would always pick the 6 cylinder - no contest for me. Plus, with everything I've heard about BMWs inline 6 engine, you can't go wrong. Keep in mind, this is a fairly big and heavy sedan - I think you'd want the power under it from a 6 cylinder engine.

If you can't really get the options you want from the 540, I'd consider waiting a little if you think you can save some more to add to it.

Good luck picking, and either way, it will be a great looking car! Make sure you provide photos and stuff once you bite the bullet.

I’ve owned BMW’s with their inline 6 since my first 5 series in’98. There really is nothing else like it for flexible power and smoothness. Since then I’ve only had 1 BMW without it…an E90 M3, a different beast. I would always choose and recommend the I6 and the B58 is truly one of the best ever.

[OHV_44]

I would have liked to have taken the B58 too. It was still in my G30.
But since we want to be the cleanest in the EU, we only have the small engine.

[tsbrown]

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!

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.