Compare 528 and 540

[tnelson]

I am interested in performance, handling and reliability comparison between 98-99 528iA and 540iA. Just the basics. I know it is 6 vs. V8 but it seems I read somewhere that there isn't really much difference in the performance and the 528 handles better. What about the steering? Does the 528 have rack and pinion and the 540 does not?

 

[andreyiv]

I would think both of them have everything about the same except on the 540 it would be more performance wise. The only reason I see that will justify the 528 handeling better is because of it being lighter up front making it nimblier but I really don't know what I am talking about here since I never even sat in either car or any e39 for that matter.

 

[Milwaukee]

I would vote for the 6. Unless ultimate speed is your goal, the repair and fuel costs really make the 6 a better buy.

 

[andreyiv]

That is completely true. When I was buying my car I had to choose between what I got and an earlier 530i with a V8, one of the reasons I chose what I did is because it is much easier to work on straight line engines compared to the V configuration, at least thats what I heard.