C43 VS BMW 540i
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
2010 E63, 2007 997 Turbo
C43 VS BMW 540i
Heres the situation. I am considering both of these cars. I am very turned off by the fear of a transmission failure in the C43 which is basically the only reason I have decided not to purchase it. Are these fears unfounded? I have only owned BMW's and have never had a benz, but have driven the C43 and love it (granted, I love the 540 too). What are your opinions?
Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 242
Likes: 0
From: Earth
W208 CLK320 & E39 M5
They aren't in the same league. The 540i is a luxury medium-class sedan, comparable to the E500. The C43 is an uber-fast small sedan, comparable to the M3. The 540i is more luxurious, comfortable, and prestigous. The C43 is more fun to drive, and moves very quickly.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
2010 E63, 2007 997 Turbo
Yes and no. I understand they are different cars, and different markets, however these are the two I am considering and was asking for opinions on that. I realize that the C43 is a sportier smaller sedan. On the other hand, they both have ~300 hp V8s and are separated by only 200 lbs.
Originally Posted by Maestro
They aren't in the same league. The 540i is a luxury medium-class sedan, comparable to the E500. The C43 is an uber-fast small sedan, comparable to the M3. The 540i is more luxurious, comfortable, and prestigous. The C43 is more fun to drive, and moves very quickly.
Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 242
Likes: 0
From: Earth
W208 CLK320 & E39 M5
Originally Posted by Brent95M3
Yes and no. I understand they are different cars, and different markets, however these are the two I am considering and was asking for opinions on that. I realize that the C43 is a sportier smaller sedan. On the other hand, they both have ~300 hp V8s and are separated by only 200 lbs.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,597
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco, CA
1996 C36 AMG, 1995 Volvo 850 Turbowagon
if u r worried about the tranny, just make sure it has been replaced and/or the software revised (i think that was part of the problem).
1/4 miles..generally..a manual 540i Sport will be half a sec faster... auto 540i Sport and auto C43 will be identical. if u need, i'll use just one magazine..manual 540i 14.0@101.7, auto c43 14.4@99.0, auto 540i (wagon tho) 14.4@95.6
i just saw an automatic 1998 540i dyno between 238.4 hp and 238.9 hp in three consecutive pulls. 15% tranny loss. very impressive.
i think it's a tossup between the two. c43 will be smaller, 540i larger...so it may be more advantageous whether or not u carry more passengers often. both cost about the same when new.. u should try and test drive more. either way, i don't think u'd lose out.. if u like manual trannies...540i is the only way to go. but if not, then ...tough choice..
1/4 miles..generally..a manual 540i Sport will be half a sec faster... auto 540i Sport and auto C43 will be identical. if u need, i'll use just one magazine..manual 540i 14.0@101.7, auto c43 14.4@99.0, auto 540i (wagon tho) 14.4@95.6
i just saw an automatic 1998 540i dyno between 238.4 hp and 238.9 hp in three consecutive pulls. 15% tranny loss. very impressive.
i think it's a tossup between the two. c43 will be smaller, 540i larger...so it may be more advantageous whether or not u carry more passengers often. both cost about the same when new.. u should try and test drive more. either way, i don't think u'd lose out.. if u like manual trannies...540i is the only way to go. but if not, then ...tough choice..
Last edited by steve s; Sep 27, 2004 at 01:44 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 4,705
Likes: 2
From: nj
a car that can't do the throttle reset.
ive owned both... i enjoyed the c43 more... it has a sportier feel and more exclusivity. and i really wouldnt worry about transmission issues as long as you have it serviced every once in a while. the 540 is good if you are a family man cause of the additional size, but its overall mass production and heftyness just wasnt for me. and despite car magazine numbers, i have beaten every 540 i have come across in my c36 and c43... its always close, but the amgs always won.
Last edited by ahopeter; Sep 27, 2004 at 01:47 PM.
