RacerX0911

as the title states guys let me know which one you guys would prefer...i expect this to be biased but i made the same one on bf.com.

which one do you guys prefer and why!

let her rip! thanks in advance boys!

GhettoMD

I had/have both so I can answer this question honestly.. I had a 2000 BMW 540 with complete M-package and Eisenmann exhaust, now a 2005 E500 4matic with brabus body/exhaust...Pros/Cons

Pros:
W211: updated styling (e39 is now 3 yrs old, w211 just had minor facelift), better comfort, 4matic (if you are interested)

E39: Better handling and more responsive throttle, parts are cheaper in both parts and mods, manual transmission (if interested)

A lot of the e39s' have problems with the cooling system.. just be careful..

DWP

If I was given the choice between an '03 540 and an '03 E500, in similar condition and with similar mileage, I would take the 540. It was the last year of the E39 series and so had the benefit of the six preceding years of fixes and upgrades. The '03, in contrast, was the first year of the W211 series. Our E500 has been very reliable, actually, but not everyone has been so lucky.

We had a '97 528i E39, not an '03. I would prefer the E39 because of its superior combination of handling and ride comfort. Our E39 didn't have air suspension like the E500 but it still handled better and rode more comfortably than our E500. Also, if you happen to be a manual transmission fan, you have a slight - very slight - chance of finding an E39 with a manual. You have a zero chance of finding a W211 with a manual. Our E39 had a manual and we loved it; it perfectly complemented the car's nimble feel. Those are our priorities; yours may vary. The E39, being a mid-90s design, will certainly look "older" to most people than a W211. Very few people can tell an '03 W211 apart from an '07 W211.

So why are we driving an E500 instead of a new 5-Series? Because someone running a red light took out our beloved E39 in 9/03, and we couldn't stand the looks of the new 5-Series. Still can't.

Alan Smithee

If you enjoy driving, IMO the 540i/6 is one of the best sedans on the road, period. Timeless design inside and out, comfortable, yet as fast as an E36 M3 in a straight line, good handling for a large-ish sedan, and it has proven to be relatively reliable.

DWP has good points regarding questionable reliability of the first-year W211, and like him I have a W211 because the new 5-series is too ugly to even test drive (and because I wanted a diesel).

DerekACS

Yes, isn't that the truth !

RacerX0911

its awesome how the benz guys praise the E39's! i currently have a E39 and love it. i think i might just upgrade to the 540i/6! thanks guys...

E430_4MATIC

This longtime Benz driver has just put a deposit on a 530xit.

abhatti55

The '03 540's are going for really good prices, even the 6 speed maybe a bit cheaper, more opt for the auto tranny. My close friend has an '03 with automatic, and it is one incredibly smooth car. The E39 was from the good BMW days, it is safe and should be trouble-free for the most part. On cooling the system the neck on the radiator and the expansion bottle tend break, not expensive and easy to replace. Hard to beat the M-package and angel eyes also. Even an E500 with sport package won't look as mean.

W211 Ryda

I would take the 540i. The E39 is probably the best lineup BMW has produced. I love my E320, but the only reason why I ended up buying a W211 is because BMW wasn't taking anymore orders on the E39. (Around Oct. 2003). In any case...both models are awesome cars. Good luck with your decision.

E550forlife

I just got a E550 and honestly if the BMW 550i had the same body as it did in 2003 with all the new technology it has today I would have gone with that in two seconds. That BMW design is classic. The current 5 series makes me vomit and a little angry that they f'ed it up. I still see the 2003 540i and wished my car looked like that, but then again I'm just talking about looks. I don't like stick and the sporty aspect is a little lost on me. I could maybe see myself one day getting that car and totally tune it inside and out so that it could kill anything on the road. That would be fun.