Real World fuel consumption difference E39 BMW 530i 6 and 540i V8? they both seem around the same price, ownership experiences preferred or people who have worked on these, thanks in advance.
fiatracer,
Mar 18, 5:51pm
the times I've used an e39 540 I've been a little shocked at the gas usage. I used to own an e34 540i and I guess it was as bad, but since then I've owned 4 litre Jags that are way more economical [30+mpg on gentle trips]. I'd expect the 530i [6] to use 20-30% less gas for the same journeys
robotnik,
Mar 18, 6:08pm
Just get the V8, don't quibble about the few extra dollars you'll spend on fuel. The V8 is worth it for the enhanced driving experience and the fact that with a V8 and 210kW in front you, there's almost nothing on the road that can match you.
w202merc,
Mar 18, 6:21pm
yeah i am thinking of going that way they are a staggering amount of car for the money, used to have a VZ LS1 Calais 5.7 and I miss my V8 like hell so would like another, any major difference between 1998 and 2001+ models from the research i have done they seem to be reliable cars, do you have a 540 yourself?
robotnik,
Mar 18, 6:24pm
Used to have a 540 some years ago. It got rear ended and was written though, otherwise I'd probably still have it. Great cars those.
tamarillo,
Mar 18, 7:07pm
Ah so you're getting closer to the dream? Vr6 auto crap out? Hard call,between the two bmws, I think the 540 can be had cheaper as folk too scared? So maybe depends on miles you'll do whether you can save the difference? Is 540 much heavier? All things bring equal the bigger engine won't use bugger all more, but of course if you use the extra power you'll have to pay! hope you're well.
robotnik,
Mar 18, 7:08pm
It was 210kW from a 4.4L actually, later upgraded to 220kW on later models that were fitted with VANOS variable valve timing. Anyway 210kW was pretty good for the mid-90s when these cars came out. The contemporary Falcons and Commodores were even worse.
Also the 540i is much faster than the numbers would have you believe. BMW understated its performance. Drive one, you'll quickly find out how well they go.
motorboy2011,
Mar 18, 8:29pm
Why so little power from large displacement and 8 cylinders? I guess it's unstressed power though.
edangus,
Mar 18, 8:41pm
I like the 540, E39, but prefer the 740, E38.
Heaps of little changes each year on most BMWs (not that you would notice much - trim, lights etc.).
brapbrap8,
Mar 18, 8:51pm
I would have said that was pretty good, especially in that era. It took almost another decade and quite a few more cubic inches for the aussie V8 sedans to make 220kw for example.
serf407,
Mar 18, 8:55pm
Have the transmission well checked on what you choose. I would favour the Getrag 6 speed manual than older steptronic etc. https://youtu.be/armZ_4m8vpU
motorboy2011,
Mar 18, 9:08pm
id be unimpressed. My jap 6 cyl 3.5l family wagon makes near those figures.
saxman99,
Mar 18, 9:13pm
The earlier M60B40 engine such as in the E34 540i was indeed 210kW from 3982cc.
In 1992 when released this was a great effort and made the car pretty much untouchable. 23 years on and there's still very little that keeps up.
brapbrap8,
Mar 18, 9:43pm
Is your jap sedan 20 years old though?
stevexc,
Mar 18, 9:55pm
I had a 1995 Nissan Gloria with a 125kw VG30E in it :P However there was a VQ30DET that probably made around 210kw.
It doesn't matter at all anyway. If you like driving a V8 then there is no substitute.
edangus,
Mar 18, 10:01pm
Yep true, but that's with a Turbo. Not N/A.
w202merc,
Mar 18, 10:27pm
hi, yes it seems that way the VR6 is getting a replacement gearbox and will then put it on the market and look for a 5 series i want something that is more open road orientated i would really love the V8 but i also don't want 20L per 100km fuel consumption lol as i do a lot of kms ongoing costs are a factor for me, not a HUGE factor but a factor none the less hence considering the 530i as well, in the real world the 530i has more then enough power i know, but i like power and i like speed and i like V8's
w202merc,
Mar 18, 10:29pm
I had an 04 VZ Holden V8 Calais 5.7L 235kw went like a shower of shit and sounded great, it wasent that awful on fuel for an 8 either (around 14 L per 100km avg (16 if you drove it like you stole it) i would imagine the performance of the 540i would be similar due to a more efficient trans compared to Holden's 4spd clunker would fuel consumption be on par with the Commy?
w202merc,
Mar 18, 10:29pm
with that awful cambelt driven complicated 5V per cylinder engine, no thanks
w202merc,
Mar 18, 10:32pm
have heard that, i drove one ages ago when i was about 18 car dealer mate had one and gave me a drive and said let it have it, so i did and back then it felt wild! but have driven lots of other fast cars since but by the sounds of it the 540 still wont disappoint, i am mainly looking at a 5er because they are so much car for the money have luxury and class and high spec couldn't care if it was 210 or 310kw i just like V8 motors! what i can remember about that 540 though is how amazingly nimble it went around corners for a Euro luxo barge!
motorboy2011,
Mar 19, 12:06am
Nissan (89-01) VH41DE makes around 200kw from 4.1l, the VH45DE produces 206kw on paper but is said to make around 230kw in real life.
That gives you an idea, i chose 2002, as you really wouldn't bother with one much older, the facelift model is better, which came out late 2000
budgel,
Mar 19, 1:30am
That looks like an American site, their gallons are smaller than ours by around 16% if I recall correctly.
vtecnet,
Mar 19, 2:06am
Theres an option to choose L/100k on the top left (Units)
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