Apr 8, 2000 · I am strongly considering buying an M5 so I test drove a 2000 540i 6-speed today. How would you guys compare the M5 to the 540? The 540 drove great and felt as though it had quite a bit of power. It felt strong up to 105 mph. Where is the M5's extra power felt most? At high speeds or low speeds?

Explore our in-depth analysis of BMW's 540 and M5 models. 🚗 Discover their specifications, performance metrics, and key buyer insights! 🔍

Apr 6, 2004 · 1) The factory swaybars differ. M5 has 27mm/16.5mm while the 540i sport uses 25mm/15mm. Many M5 owners are switching to ACS or the sister Eibach swaybars...the same 28mm/18mm kit that fits 540i. Aside from paint color they are the same. ACS costs $800 and Eibach costs $400.

May 7, 2012 · I must say, the M5 blows the doors off my old 540. It has way more power, handles far better, and is much more luxurious. That being said, the 540 is still an excellent car. If you can swing it, hold out for the M5, but if not then the 540 is still a great choice. I actually preferred the color of my 540 to the M5. (It was orient blue. LOVED ...

Discover the differences between the BMW M5 Competition AWD and BMW 5 Series 540i xDrive Sedan AWD with CarGurus. Compare price, expert/user reviews, popular features, vehicle specs and more.

Aug 13, 2007 · The 540 is a superb, torquey and very fast E34. The M5 is a suberb, less torquey and very fast E34 that is capable of going supersonic and then forgiving you if you make a slight mistake ( or even a big one as it happens ).

May 23, 2004 · Is the m5 alot different as far as handling and "feel" compared to 540? E34 cars are generally pretty big and geared much more toward the luxury than the sport end of things. It's hard to get around a ~3700lb curb weight.

Apr 21, 2003 · The M5 gets (much) better the harder you go, the 540 less so. I'm afraid I didn't get as far as looking at different spec V8's once I'd driven an M5 in anger. If you can live with LHD then you can still have a touring - late 6 speed cars go for around 12K GBP in the specialist mags.

Jan 30, 2011 · Drop most of the price difference of a (then) new M5 into mods of a (then) 540 and you'll have a less finicky V8 with fewer maintenance issues. Step it up to SC the 540, and you'll best M5's at the track and the street every day.

Apr 17, 2005 · These topics (540i vs M5 and 2000 vs 2001) have been thoroughly discussed there. In short...get the 2001 M5. thanks for the insight .....might have to wait a year but think it might be worth the wait for a 2001 M5. Check out the m5board message board E39 section , and do a search there.