This may be the wrong place to ask, but I am debating between a new G35 and a 2000 model BMW 540 with about 30-40K miles. They are about the same price. Thoughts? Opinions?

 

540s are awesome, but you'll be spending a ton of money on repairs and maintenence.

 

G35 has more room inside imo.

***04 G35s 5AT/Sport***
***04 Volvo XC90 T6***

 

"540s are awesome, but you'll be spending a ton of money on repairs and maintenence."

i agree. there have been posts discussing the bad reliability and electrical problems of the BMW. but it sure looks niiiiiiiice.

<font color=purple>.g35girl.</font color=purple>

 

The BM will run much smoother and quieter and with much more status. But at much higher risk to you financially, the G is covered for 4 yrs top to bottom the BM is used and like all BM's a little fragile and therefore likely to need some $$ to keep it going. Over time the BM could eat your cash very quickly - look at this not as an upfront cost but as a running cost - you need fairly deep pockets to keep the BM on the road. I suggest you price a set of tires, brake job, regular service cost and a more major service cost for both cars and then report back. - either way good luck!

 

Just curious, but how you expect to get unbiased opinions regarding a BMW vs. a G35 purchase on a g35 forum?

I do like Bimmers as well, but I'd take a new G35 anyday compared to a Bimmer with 30-40k miles. I just love the feeling of NEW.

 

While I do agree that new is always more enjoyable, I have driven a 2001 540 MT, it is a much nicer car than the G.

03 - Black - Premium - Wood - Aero w/ Spoiler - Z Tube - Grounded - Stillen CAI

 

merito, Not to be bashing on my new 2004 G35s but I do not think you can compare a 540 to G35. They just not in the same league. 540 is far more superior car then G35. Yes, the leg room is better in the G but the hip room is bigger in 540. As far the the performance goes 540 is out of reach for G35. Until the Ultimate 400hp GT-R version arrive in 2007.

~ GT-R the Ultimate Driving Machine ~
- 2004 G35 Ivory Pearl/Black Leather
- Auto/Nav/Premium/Sports/Aero
- 6 wire grounding kit

 

540i has always been my dream car, but I never quite had the dollars too get a new one. I agree with many of the posts on here, a used BMW could become a money pit. If you can afford the upkeep, the car is in good shape then go for it. Personally, I'd consider a new G35 and not have too worry about maintenance issues down the road. Either way, both great cars, good luck.

 

I sold my 540/6MT Dinan stage 2 for a G35 sedan a few months ago. Most of the responses here are correct. I cannot stress the importance of an extended warranty on the 540. Make sure your car is CPO'd so you get the 100K warranty. Fortunately, I had an extended warranty or I would have spent about $10K in repairs in the 16 months I owned the car.
That being said it is a wonderful car with a very sophisticated combination of handling and ride. I think the G handles about as well in terms of lat. G's but the comfort level of the 540 exceeds the G by a wide margin.
I put 10 tires on my car in the short time I owned it. With a staggered setup it was eating the rears every couple of months, and the alignment was spot on. Of course the soft S03's didn't help much.
The straight line speed of the 540 (6speed) will kill a G. The pull of the 540 at 100+ is amazing. I sold the car to my friend and he kills me at any speed. With a couple of mods though, the G would probably hang with an auto 540.
I think the brakes are better on the G, I know the reliability is better, and honestly I am much happier with the G35. If you have unlimited income and a warranty get the 540, but for me it's all about value-and in that respect the G35 wins every time. If you want a detailed list of what went wrong with my car you can email me...it is beyond the scope of this forum. My car had the typical E39 problems which are widley discussed in forums like that on roadfly.com-you might want to visit, there's a wealth of information there.

 

I own a G Coupe & a 1998 BMW 540.

The 540 is in a different league than a G sedan. The 540 is simply a fabulous car with V8 power, much more luxurious, quiter inside, BMW handling, BMW status.

However, you are comparing a used car to a new one - which brings in a lot of other factors. The BMW has a 4 yr. /50,000 mi. factory warranty. If the the BMW still has any warranty left, good. If not, better buy an extended warranty, which will cost you $2K or more. My 540i was very reliable during the first 50K miles, but between 50K and its current 75K a lot of little things have gone wrong, but they still add up in total $ and time spent at repair facilities. I bought an extended warranty and it has been worth it. I also have to admit that I previously had a BMW 525 and it too had a lot of repairs between 50K mi-75K mo; however after 75K it was very trouble free all the up to 170K miles when we sold it.

So, if you go for the BMW, get an extended warranty and expect repairs. But as I said it is simply a fabulous car.

On the other hand, a new G will surely cost you less in the short run. I love my coupe and never gave getting another BMW a second thought.

 

Nice posts from the last two posters... good stuff guys, thanks.

Acutally, that helps me a bit as I'm going to be shopping soon. It's for an E46 325i, but those same sentiments hold true for it as well.

To now, I've not been thrilled with the G35 sedan's seats. But... there may be some redesign there for 2005, and I really need to sit in one for an extented period of time to see if the minor irritation I'm feeling from the seat is in my head or in my butt.

Really, the G is awfully tempting due to the interior size, the power, the amenities and the price. Time will tell.

If you're in control, you're not driving fast enough -- Parnelli Jones

 

To the last poster:
As between a G and a BMW 325 -- I'd go with the G without question. The G will beat it in every category.
Now, the 540 is a different matter!

 

I test drove an used 325, but I liked the G35 better. I wasn't even thinking about buying a car until i saw an used G35 at a local dealership. I hadn't even heard of them.

I never test drove a 5 series because of the cost. Though I suspect, from what I've heard, that I would like it.

2004 Sedan/DVD Navigation/Desert Platinum/Willow

 

What I like about the 325... great Sport Package seats, and a chassis that pours itself through curves like liquid.

I agree that in most other ways, the G beats it. But I do love the way the 325 handles, and the seats, which fit me perfectly. The G's seats aren't quite as nice for me... and since you spend all of your time on your backside while driving, that's significant.

The seat control location it my major beef... we'll find out in 2 weeks (NY Auto Show) if any of that is changing on the G for 05.

If you're in control, you're not driving fast enough -- Parnelli Jones