Pelican Parts
Parts Catalog Accessories Catalog How To Articles Tech Forums
Call Pelican Parts at 888-280-7799
Shopping Cart Cart | Project List | Order Status | Help



Go Back   Pelican Parts Forums > BMW Forums > BMW Technical Forums > BMW 5-Series E28/E34/E39/E60/F10/GT


Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Rate Thread
Author
Thread Post New Thread    Reply
Registered
 
Join Date: Jan 2000
Posts: 6,950
2003 540i sport with "M" package vs 2002 M5, which one would you choose?

I've got the opportunity to pick up either car. Both are black on black. The M5 has 66k miles and is in very good shape (8/10). It has a Dinan exhaust and a chip, (no details). The 2003 540i that I am looking at has 34K on it and comes with the sport package which included the "M package". I have yet to look at it, but it should be in very good condition. The price for the M5 could be had around $26-27k. The 540i automatic could be for $20-21k. Any thoughts?

Old 04-05-2008, 04:48 AM
  Pelican Parts Catalog | Tech Articles | Promos & Specials    Reply With Quote #1 (permalink)
Turbo 13b guy
 
JayG's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 401
m5. It will hold its value for you longer too.
__________________
1975 911S Targa(333 hp/276 tq)
Old 04-05-2008, 04:54 AM
  Pelican Parts Catalog | Tech Articles | Promos & Specials    Reply With Quote #2 (permalink)
Moderator
 
Jeron's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: DFW (Hurst), Texas
Posts: 4,730
Garage
What would I choose? I would get the M5.
__________________
HPDE Instructor (BMW / PCA / Apex)
Here: 1997 M3/4 Byzanz/Magma ~ 2006 Yamaha R6 ~ 1997 R1100RT ~ 1991 Ford F-150 5.8l ~ 2015 Kia Optima
Gone: 2001 330i Silver/Grey ~ 98 Camry V6 ~ 97 Camry I4 ~ 97 Mazda 626 I4 ~ 93 Sentra SE-R ~ 88 Toyota Truck I4
Old 04-06-2008, 05:45 AM
  Pelican Parts Catalog | Tech Articles | Promos & Specials    Reply With Quote #3 (permalink)
Gus540i
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: The Rocky Mountains
Posts: 31
M all the way

I recently purchased a Dinan built, (supercharged, chipped, suspension modifications, brake modifications, etc.), 540i Sport M and this vehicle will give my Porsche a run for its money on any track. Get whatever Alpina or Dinan upgrades you can find and afford, otherwise, if to pricey, stick to the M. Both cars are truly fantastic four door sports cars

Last edited by Gus540i; 04-06-2008 at 07:05 PM.. Reason: train of thought mishap
Old 04-06-2008, 06:56 PM
  Pelican Parts Catalog | Tech Articles | Promos & Specials    Reply With Quote #4 (permalink)
Moderator
 
Jeron's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: DFW (Hurst), Texas
Posts: 4,730
Garage
I assume your modified 540i has a limited slip diff.
__________________
HPDE Instructor (BMW / PCA / Apex)
Here: 1997 M3/4 Byzanz/Magma ~ 2006 Yamaha R6 ~ 1997 R1100RT ~ 1991 Ford F-150 5.8l ~ 2015 Kia Optima
Gone: 2001 330i Silver/Grey ~ 98 Camry V6 ~ 97 Camry I4 ~ 97 Mazda 626 I4 ~ 93 Sentra SE-R ~ 88 Toyota Truck I4
Old 04-06-2008, 10:12 PM
  Pelican Parts Catalog | Tech Articles | Promos & Specials    Reply With Quote #5 (permalink)
Registered
 
Join Date: Jan 2000
Posts: 6,950
Looks like I'm picking up the 540i MSport. I drove it and the power and torque was fantastic. Put the steptronic in sport mode, took off the stability control, and I was able to lay tire like a Buick Grand National. More then enough to make the driving fun. I really like the M5, but just didn't want a 6 speed for my short commute in mostly suburban driving. If I was bombing the Autobahn, then yes the M5 would be my weapon. I'll post some picks when I get it.
Old 04-07-2008, 08:12 PM
  Pelican Parts Catalog | Tech Articles | Promos & Specials    Reply With Quote #6 (permalink)
 
Registered
 
Join Date: Jan 2000
Posts: 6,950
Thanks to Pelican, decided on a used BMW.

Posted this on the offtopic and thought I would share.
Old 04-12-2008, 04:45 PM
  Pelican Parts Catalog | Tech Articles | Promos & Specials    Reply With Quote #7 (permalink)
Gus540i
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: The Rocky Mountains
Posts: 31
Good for you and thanks for posting the pics. Enjoy the ride.

Jeron, if the question of the limited slip was directed toward me, yes it does and it is a true DINAN upgrade verified by DINAN in CA.

P.S. Jeron, where did you get that great driving/shifting icon next to your name?
Old 04-13-2008, 06:36 PM
  Pelican Parts Catalog | Tech Articles | Promos & Specials    Reply With Quote #8 (permalink)
Moderator
 
Jeron's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: DFW (Hurst), Texas
Posts: 4,730
Garage
I figured if a 540 was gonna give any Porsche a run for its money on the track it must have a LSD.

A friend posted the Icon a long time ago on a BMW chat board and I saved it. I've seen it a few other times.

__________________
HPDE Instructor (BMW / PCA / Apex)
Here: 1997 M3/4 Byzanz/Magma ~ 2006 Yamaha R6 ~ 1997 R1100RT ~ 1991 Ford F-150 5.8l ~ 2015 Kia Optima
Gone: 2001 330i Silver/Grey ~ 98 Camry V6 ~ 97 Camry I4 ~ 97 Mazda 626 I4 ~ 93 Sentra SE-R ~ 88 Toyota Truck I4
Old 04-15-2008, 07:57 AM
  Pelican Parts Catalog | Tech Articles | Promos & Specials    Reply With Quote #9 (permalink)
Reply


 


All times are GMT -8. The time now is 09:11 PM.


 
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0
Copyright 2025 Pelican Parts, LLC - Posts may be archived for display on the Pelican Parts Website -    DMCA Registered Agent Contact Page
 

DTO Garage Plus vBulletin Plugins by Drive Thru Online, Inc.