2003 540i Questions

I'm thinking about upgrading to a 2003 540i/M-sport. I wondered if anyone could comment on the handling of the 2003 model specifically. I have a 2001 530i/sport.

Originally Posted by Robert A

I'm thinking about upgrading to a 2003 540i/M-sport. I wondered if anyone could comment on the handling of the 2003 model specifically. I have a 2001 530i/sport.

A lot of angst and trouble went into determining the exact suspension differences between the 'MTechnic' suspension and the earlier ones. After a Roundel TechTalk letter mentioned there may be some, a follow up letter ensued. IIRC, the ruling from NA was that the M Technic 540 was a cosmetic upgrade and that they tweaked the software for anothe 8HP. I could be absolutely off.

In comparison to your 530, you may find steering less nimble. You may also find that the steering offers less feedback or feels 'heavier.' Its for you to decide if the power difference makes up for it.

Well, not having driven a 530 sport extensively, I can say the 540 handles just fine as my "daily driver". But the motor is what makes it what it is. Lot's of torque, great acceleration, even with the "slush box".

I will mention that there does appear to be a difference in the 03 suspension, though I have no idea what it is, or whether it is significant or not. Here's why...begining with 2001, all other markets (other than USA) had the option on the 540 of either the "M-Sport Suspension" or the "M-Sport Suspension II", the later being offerred with the "M-Sport" package or the "M-Executive" package. It appears that this "M-Sport Suspension II" became the standard suspension for USA "sport" 540's in 2003. For those curious, the option code in 2001 was #705 "M-Sport Suspension II", my car (Canadian market) has this as part of the "M-Sport" package.

Originally Posted by 540 M-Sport

I will mention that there does appear to be a difference in the 03 suspension, though I have no idea what it is, or whether it is significant or not. Here's why...begining with 2001, all other markets (other than USA) had the option on the 540 of either the "M-Sport Suspension" or the "M-Sport Suspension II", the later being offerred with the "M-Sport" package or the "M-Executive" package. It appears that this "M-Sport Suspension II" became the standard suspension for USA "sport" 540's in 2003. For those curious, the option code in 2001 was #705, my car (Canadian market) was this as part of the "M-Sport" package.

Eyep. That's pretty much verbatim what the Roundel discussion centered on. I think they determined- for US cars at least- no actual differences.

No actual differences between - U.S. and non-U.S. cars, or between 2003 U.S. cars and pre-2003 U.S. cars?

Originally Posted by PropellerHead

Eyep. That's pretty much verbatim what the Roundel discussion centered on. I think they determined- for US cars at least- no actual differences.

Originally Posted by Robert A

No actual differences between - U.S. and non-U.S. cars, or between 2003 U.S. cars and pre-2003 U.S. cars?

Sorry ab that, the Roundel addressed only the suspension on US cars.

I used to have an 01 Orient Blue 530i sport just like yours. I traded that car in for an 03 540i sport when I saw the E60. The handling of both cars were very good. If I recall, the 01 530i was softer. I remember my wife commenting that the 540i's ride was indeed stiffer. Handling wise I think they are similar. It feels as though the 540i sticks better due in part to the wider tires in the back (265/35/18). The weight of the 540i is definitely evident although once you step on the gas, all is forgotten. There seems to be less roll in hard cornering in the 540 than my old 530. The M technic II suspension from what I understand is similar to sport suspension offered in RoW cars and is different than previous US E39 sport packages. I remember when I first picked up the 540 there was a big difference in the steering feel. It was much lighter and I felt the 530 felt more direct and better weighted. But after a week, I forgot all about it and it feels just like a BMW should. Hope this helps.