OT- Need to replace 540 I

The family car a leased 2000 540 I 6 speed will be going off lease. I'm stuch for a replacement. Originally the plan was to wait for the new 5 series, but all the bits and pieces I can pick up on the new 5 has me worried...a mini 7 series just won't cut it. The car is driven primarily by my wife, and myself on family outings.In the running are the new 350 CLK Benz, but we really don't want an automatic. The M3 is my wife's choice, but I know she will never use the car as it is meant to be driven ,and having owned 2 previous M3's I have that been there/done that feeling, despite the "new" design. I'm stumped. I have a new MIni Cooper S coming in the next few weeks, so we have a bit of time on our side. I'm stumped..any ideas? perry

I am on my third 540iA Sport. This one, is a 2001 I leased in May of '01. When I was getting ready to replace the previous '98, I looked everywhere and couldn't find the right sport sedan. Every time I test drove something and came back to the old 540, it was like leaving a Lexus for a sports car. I even drove a new E55 extensively and was hugely disappointed. Yesterday, I drove both an E320 and E500. The 320 was much better than the 500. Very nimble and well mannered. The 500 felt heavy and had a vague steering. Nice cars but not for drivers. If you are looking for a driver's sedan, look no further than BMW. I would probably consider an M5 or even a 530i if you want the best steering in the business. The M3 is nice but not roomy enough. The next 5er will not be as bad as you think. It will be a lot nicer than the E65 and will have its electronics somewhat sorted. Lease another BMW in the meantime and get the second or third year production E60.

Something to think about : BMW is so hard up to sell the new 7 series that you can lease a 745Li for 800 month right now- less than leasing a new MBZ E320 - and 400-500 less a month than an $80K car should lease for .Then you don't have to worry about the car's significant depreciation when buying outright. Just don't stare too hard at the rear . Long wheelbase version, black color and the big 19 " wheel option goes a long way to diminish that weird bustle back factor.

When the lease on my 540i ran out, I leased a new E38, mainly because I had already leased two 540s, my wife had an M Roadster and I thought it was time to "move up". If you are used to a drivers' car and love the feel of the 540 as much as I did, think twice before you lease the new E65. Although it is a fine automobile, I disliked my 740i from the first month I had it. It was a bit too big for me and I longed for something sportier. I wish I had gotten something else to tide me over. Anyway, make sure it's what you want, regardless of the deal. I sure am glad I moved from the E38 to the 996!

Dave , please translate. Some MBZ,BMW and Audi guys are so into chassis series that they go onto others boards and talk about W this, E that, B this without naming the car line and we don't know half the time what you are talking about ! Thanks in advance .

I've owned 2 540i's. They are great driver cars, but I'm also afraid of what the BMW style idiots are doing to the company. If the next 5 series looks like the new 7, or has iDrive, I won't be getting one. You should check out the Audi S6. I've rode in one as a passenger, and it was very solid and powerful. The interior quality is up there too. Cheers

Traded my 99 540 for an 02 M3/SMG last December and could not be happier. The car is so much lighter, it shows in every performance category. Mine is a daily driver and you don't have to constantly be pushing it to enjoy it, however it seems to work best when driven hard. The back seat has plenty of room for occasional 4 passengers but if you carry 4 people often, you'll probably want to get another sedan. Have you considered an Audi S4 or if you want the room of the 5 series, the RS6?