View Poll Results: 2003 BMW 540 Auto or 2003 Lexus GS430?
2003 BMW 540 Auto
13
30.23%
2003 Lexus GS430
30
69.77%
Voters: 43. You may not vote on this poll
2003 BMW 540 Auto or 2003 Lexus GS430?
2003 BMW 540 Auto or 2003 Lexus GS430?
I currently have a 1995 Acura Legend GS and its time to upgrade. I really like the 2003 GS 430 but I also like the timeless look of the 2003 BMW 540. Im looking to get a another car and Im not sure which one to pick from the 2 choices I have left. Either the 2003 BMW 540 Auto or 2003 Lexus GS430? I believe the BMW handles/drives better but Im not sure if that is the case in automatic. The reliability and cost of maintenance, repairs, etc are most important factors. I would appreciate any input from anyone that had experience with these cars. Thanks in advance for your time and help.
2003 BMW 540 Auto
2003 Lexus GS 430
2003 BMW 540 Auto
2003 Lexus GS 430
Most absolutely the GS. That generation 5 series had good handling in 525 and 530 variants, which came with modern rack and pinion steering, but the 540 came with 1950's style recirculating ball steering gear box, which provide zero feedback and have a lot of slack (think old American cars such as Crown Vic, etc. Not everyone is aware of this, but if you search BMW forums, 540 owned complained a lot about it.
And the GS should have an edge in everything else as well. Engine power is a wash, reliability will be better on the GS (if it was properly maintained), cost of service should be around the same but Lexus parts might be more expensive. Exterior styling is gorgeous on both cars, but interior is clearly better in the GS, much better audio system in the GS as well.
In the end of the day, whatever you may pick, make sure to inspect the car carefully for any hidden accident damaged, mechanical faults, leaks and request service records to make sure they were properly maintained. Also, avoid cars with any aftermarket parts and modifications, especially to suspension and engine.
And the GS should have an edge in everything else as well. Engine power is a wash, reliability will be better on the GS (if it was properly maintained), cost of service should be around the same but Lexus parts might be more expensive. Exterior styling is gorgeous on both cars, but interior is clearly better in the GS, much better audio system in the GS as well.
In the end of the day, whatever you may pick, make sure to inspect the car carefully for any hidden accident damaged, mechanical faults, leaks and request service records to make sure they were properly maintained. Also, avoid cars with any aftermarket parts and modifications, especially to suspension and engine.
Very though choice. I myself have an 03 GS430, but I always loved and wanted an E39. It is true about the recirculating ball steering in the 540, but drive it and it still feels better than the stock GS steering.
I can't say which one to get but I myself still toss back and forth wondering if I should have gotten the 540i instead of the GS430, and every time I see one on the road I want to sell my car and buy one. However, I bet if I went the 540i route every time I see a GS430 I would winder if I should have bought one too
I've owned 2 BMW's before so I'm not afraid of them in terms of maintenance and reliability. I still want another BMW again. Just not sure which one.
PS. I used to have a couple of Acura Legend's myself. Great car. I even had an LS Coupe 6-Speed once.
I can't say which one to get but I myself still toss back and forth wondering if I should have gotten the 540i instead of the GS430, and every time I see one on the road I want to sell my car and buy one. However, I bet if I went the 540i route every time I see a GS430 I would winder if I should have bought one too
I've owned 2 BMW's before so I'm not afraid of them in terms of maintenance and reliability. I still want another BMW again. Just not sure which one.PS. I used to have a couple of Acura Legend's myself. Great car. I even had an LS Coupe 6-Speed once.
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I don't know if maintenance on the older 5 is that bad. I see tons of old 5ers still driving around, which suggest that service and repair costs are not that terrible, otherwise people wouldn't be keeping them. For instance the older E class is becoming a rare sight. I dont remember the last time I saw a W124, and I seldom see a W210, which suggest that their reliability and service costs leave much to be desired, and people are junking them.
Both older 5 and GS are plentiful on the streets, and there are a lot of them for sale. Whatever you pick, just make sure it isn't molested by the previous owner.
Both older 5 and GS are plentiful on the streets, and there are a lot of them for sale. Whatever you pick, just make sure it isn't molested by the previous owner.
Regarding the steering rack, the 540i owners complain about it because it's not up to par with the 530's rack. But that rack vs the GS, the 5-series has more steering feel. Another odd thing is that the E39 M5 also got the recirculating ball 
Why don't you test both and see which you like?
I would go with the 540i but everyone is different. No doubt the GS430 is great but if you want performance and handling then its the 540i.
In the end it's your choice.
I would go with the 540i but everyone is different. No doubt the GS430 is great but if you want performance and handling then its the 540i.
In the end it's your choice.
