Once again thanks for the input.
I'm thinking a test drive in each will do the trick.

 

Go with the V8. I shopped for years and finally got lucky and found two 545i. One was garbage (138k and not well taken care of) and the other was like a dream. I picked mine up for a bit over $15K and she only had 46K miles on her. She needs a few things but the drive is sooooo worth it. On a side note to compare, I drove the 528,530 E39 as well as the 530, 535 and 545 E60. 545 hands down. Even have the ticket to prove it.

 

Thanks Lonewolf
You guys have convinced me of the V8 way to go!
I'm currently driving a C55 and it brings a smile to my face whenever i step on the gas.
So a V8 it is.
Now to decide between auto or 6 speed!

 

If you drive a C55, then the natural way to go is with the 545i or 550i (or 535i and chip it). You will be underwhelmed with the 530i. The car is no slouch, but compared to almost 400 HP, you'll be kicking yourself.

Before I got the 545i, I test drove the CLK55 AMG. The BMW was somewhat slower, but I liked everything else from the driver's perspective in the BMW better, which is why I chose it. Make sure you do this mod once you get the car and it will be a lot closer to the AMG. Very simple to do and it feels like you're driving a totally different car with the push of a button.

https://5series.net/forums/e60-discu...-meant-127596/

 

Don't forget SMG. (best of both worlds imo)

 

Really I've heard nothing but horror stories about the SMG pump failing and having to paddle shift all the time!

 

From my understanding of the SMG pump failure -- the SMG hydraulic pump is what acts as your "foot" as you would use it if you had a stick. It depresses the clutch. When the SMG pump fails I think the old thing you can do with the transmission is shift it into neutral.

That being said -- you should shoot for a SMG car with over 75-95k as its pretty likely the SMG pump has already been replaced. If not, a $150 inspection of the car from your local BMW dealer will tell you a lot.

If you're going to write off the SMG based v8 -- you might as well write off the entire e60 line, because, well, you know, it requires more maintenance than a Infiniti M45.

 

If you want a V8 get a Mustang Shelby, if you want a 6 with turbo's get a the 535. BMW has perfected the turbo 6 cylinder. BMW is not even close to perfection on V8's. The smart choice is the 535 but you don't want to hear that.

 

 

Jesus, 600 miles a week, really? Buy a new small car. Any older bimmer will be expensive to maintain. But if you must, I love my 05 545. If your commute is all highway, it can get mileage in the mid-20s. Personally I couldn't live with an underpowered 530.