Is BMW 540i better than Merc E43 AMG?

josthi · 02-06-2019, 09:43 AM

Hi All,

Is BMW 540i better than Merc E43 AMG?

Cheers,
Joseph

SteveinArizona · 02-06-2019, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by josthi

Hi All,

Is BMW 540i better than Merc E43 AMG?

Cheers,
Joseph

I would say impossible to intelligently answer without knowing, at a minimum, what you are looking for. What are your must haves, your good to haves, and your nice but not essentials.

Otherwise you are getting a random assortment of answers from everyone else's perspective.

clee1982 · 02-06-2019, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by josthi

Hi All,

Is BMW 540i better than Merc E43 AMG?

Cheers,
Joseph

what are you looking for is the better question I would imagine

///M-er-gized · 02-06-2019, 02:44 PM

A better comparison to the 540 is probably the E400 (E450 as of 2019).

I think the E43 AMG (now E53 AMG as of 2019 model year) is a step up.

Are you comparing used cars or new cars?

By the way, I just went through the process of choosing between a 540 and an E450. I went with the 540.

saporitj · 02-06-2019, 07:46 PM

Are you comparing performance, luxury, features or overall looks?

BMHunden · 02-07-2019, 05:42 AM

SteveinArizona · 02-07-2019, 07:20 AM

there are several reviews out there comparing the two. But...again...OP...tell us what you are looking for.

stein_325i · 02-07-2019, 11:45 AM

For driving dynamics/handling the Mercedes is better in my opinion, and it seems that many car reviewers agree, although I compared an E53 (which is the E43's replacement) to an M550i, but still determined that the E-Class handles a lot better in the corners and has better steering, but again the 540i vs its more in line competitor, the E450 could be a different story. The E43 (now E53) competes against BMW's M550i. The 5 series will be more comfortable overall and have a better infotainment system but its also more traditional inside and out for its design, which can be either good or bad depending on what your preference is. Both are great cars and each do some different things better than the other.

hlothery · 02-07-2019, 08:17 PM

Just went through the same thought/decision process. I do not believe comparisions of the Merc E43/53 AMG and the 540i are equivalent. I eventually chose the M550i, which I believe was the right choice for me, although the Merc was a very fine vehicle. Be advised that purists in each marque will criticize you for your choice. I have been told repeatedly that I now do not own a "true M car", and Merc E63 AMG owners will say the same about E43/53 AMG. If that bothers you, look at the E63 vs the M5. All the cars mentioned are fine vehicles, IMHO, and I would be pleased to own any of them, but for true comparison with the E43/53, I would look to the M550i. Just my .02 cents.
Disclaimer: I still own an E350.

Mach550 · 02-07-2019, 08:23 PM

Only thing I wish the 5 series had is the mercs autonomous driving system. Don't like playing pingpong driving down the highway.

Bimmers4life · 02-09-2019, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hlothery

Just went through the same thought/decision process. I do not believe comparisions of the Merc E43/53 AMG and the 540i are equivalent. I eventually chose the M550i, which I believe was the right choice for me, although the Merc was a very fine vehicle. Be advised that purists in each marque will criticize you for your choice. I have been told repeatedly that I now do not own a "true M car", and Merc E63 AMG owners will say the same about E43/53 AMG. If that bothers you, look at the E63 vs the M5. All the cars mentioned are fine vehicles, IMHO, and I would be pleased to own any of them, but for true comparison with the E43/53, I would look to the M550i. Just my .02 cents.
Disclaimer: I still own an E350.

This comment is dead on with what I was going to say so I second everything he said. Everything except owning an E350

DBO · 02-09-2019, 03:31 PM

I wonder how close the two would be when the 540i is fitted with the MPPSK.

Wills2 · 02-10-2019, 09:12 AM

Isn't it:

540i vs E450
M550i vs E53AMG.

clee1982 · 02-10-2019, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wills2

Isn't it:

540i vs E450
M550i vs E53AMG.

When 540 first came out (before 550 were released), it was compared to E43 quite often

Edit also back then there was only E400 and E43 instead of E450 and E53

530iDriver · 02-10-2019, 11:32 AM

Car and Driver seems to be getting good financial rewards to claim the E Class (The defecto European taxi cab) is a better all around car than the BMW G30.

Car and Driver has lost credibility since the departures of Brock Yates and Csaba Csere. Anything coming from that tag, including their so called 10-best awards are both to be taken with a huge grain of salt.

Jagu · 02-10-2019, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 530iDriver

Car and Driver seems to be getting good financial rewards to claim the E Class (The defecto European taxi cab) is a better all around car than the BMW G30.

Car and Driver has lost credibility since the departures of Brock Yates and Csaba Csere. Anything coming from that tag, including their so called 10-best awards are both to be taken with a huge grain of salt.

In my opinion, the M550’s V8 and interior and dash design makes it better than the e43. But I must sa6 that the exhaust sound of the e43 beats any non M a car exahaust sound.

clee1982 · 02-11-2019, 06:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jagu

Quote:

Originally Posted by 530iDriver

Car and Driver seems to be getting good financial rewards to claim the E Class (The defecto European taxi cab) is a better all around car than the BMW G30.

Car and Driver has lost credibility since the departures of Brock Yates and Csaba Csere. Anything coming from that tag, including their so called 10-best awards are both to be taken with a huge grain of salt.

In my opinion, the M550’s V8 and interior and dash design makes it better than the e43. But I must sa6 that the exhaust sound of the e43 beats any non M a car exahaust sound.

Are they synthetic as well?

bmwterp · 02-11-2019, 12:03 PM

I also just purchased an M550. I drove the e53 many times.

E53
Drove much more like a sports car. Handling was tighter and you can really feel the road. I like the tech better in general (android auto, remote start, etc) and with autonomous driving. However, the seat on the sedan was downright uncomfortable. I would really evaluate that. I am surprised that it's not a bigger issue for most people. If I was going to buy the e53, I would look at the coupe. The seat is actually different and more comfortable.

M550 (540 too)
Was a much more comfortable and had a much smoother ride. It definitely drove more like an executive sedan. I preferred that driving dynamic. I also just like the BMW interior more. Mercedes was a bit more flashy inside and out for me.

kwstandard · 02-13-2019, 08:56 AM

I think it's a matter of styling. I can't get past the design of the Mercedes, oth inside and out. I went with an M550i, without hesitation. I'm not averse to MB - I have a GL450 too.

KoenG · 02-13-2019, 04:32 PM

Don't have any experience with any of them, but Merc is on top on specifications. The E53 is even much further ahead!

This frustrates me, somehow BMW is holding back on both Tq and PWR for the 540i, while they should go all the way. Impressions/test of the 540i are lukewarm: not bad as a cruiser, but not much of a performance car either. This you can read in the specifications: ~20% down on power and Tq compared to E4/53. But when the 540i is just targetted as a cruiser, who is still interested in it?

To my opinion, the 540i should be a performance car. The output specs they are pushing now into the M340i, should have been there as from the start for the 540i. Anyway, the price is too high to justify the current performance position. Mercedes would be my choice: postioned as a semi performance car with sensible more ooomph that goes with it!

clee1982 · 02-13-2019, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KoenG

Don't have any experience with any of them, but Merc is on top on specifications. The E53 is even much further ahead!

This frustrates me, somehow BMW is holding back on both Tq and PWR for the 540i, while they should go all the way. Impressions/test of the 540i are lukewarm: not bad as a cruiser, but not much of a performance car either. This you can read in the specifications: ~20% down on power and Tq compared to E4/53. But when the 540i is just targetted as a cruiser, who is still interested in it?

To my opinion, the 540i should be a performance car. The output specs they are pushing now into the M340i, should have been there as from the start for the 540i. Anyway, the price is too high to justify the current performance position. Mercedes would be my choice: postioned as a semi performance car with sensible more ooomph that goes with it!

though in the US it's really 550 that's the "performance" one, also I have heard 540 with MPPK, (doesn't get you the 382 new M340i hp, but think 15~20hp up?), it sounds a lot less "luxury", which is fine for some, but not entirely sure the targeted demographic

KoenG · 02-14-2019, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clee1982

though in the US it's really 550 that's the "performance" one, also I have heard 540 with MPPK, (doesn't get you the 382 new M340i hp, but think 15~20hp up?), it sounds a lot less "luxury", which is fine for some, but not entirely sure the targeted demographic

OK, but M550i will move now to M850i specifications, leaving plenty room for the 540i to shift to higher specs.

Frankly I would love to own the 540i but I already know that I would be frustrated also every day because BMW topped the Pwr and Tq so low. 540i should have been launched originally with 380hp and +370 ft-lb at the current price. Then I would prefer the 540i over the E43AMG. To be frank, it's just a matter of a few parameters in the ECU, so available at ZERO cost!

02-06-2019, 09:43 AM	#1
josthi New Member 28 Rep 27 Posts Drives: BMW 5 series GT 530d Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Reading iTrader: (0)	Is BMW 540i better than Merc E43 AMG? Hi All, Is BMW 540i better than Merc E43 AMG? Cheers, Joseph
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02-06-2019, 02:44 PM	#4
///M-er-gized Captain 687 Rep 663 Posts Drives: 2019 540i Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Florida iTrader: (0)	A better comparison to the 540 is probably the E400 (E450 as of 2019). I think the E43 AMG (now E53 AMG as of 2019 model year) is a step up. Are you comparing used cars or new cars? By the way, I just went through the process of choosing between a 540 and an E450. I went with the 540. __________________ 2019 540i \| Black Sapphire \| Black Dakota Leather with Blue Stitching \| M Sport Package \| Executive Tier \| Driver Assistance \| Parking Assistance \| HK \| M Sport Brakes \| Leather Dashboard 2016 M3 \| YMB \| Black Extended Merino \| CF Roof \| CF Trim \| DCT \| Adaptive \| Executive
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02-06-2019, 07:46 PM	#5
saporitj Lieutenant 281 Rep 531 Posts Drives: 2019 540ix M Sport Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Virgina, USA iTrader: (0)	Are you comparing performance, luxury, features or overall looks? __________________ JS
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02-07-2019, 05:42 AM	#6
BMHunden Private 33 Rep 52 Posts Drives: 2019 BMW 540i Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: South Africa iTrader: (0)	Yes.
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02-07-2019, 07:20 AM	#7
SteveinArizona Brigadier General 3086 Rep 4,210 Posts Drives: BMW 530e Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Greater Phoenix iTrader: (0)	there are several reviews out there comparing the two. But...again...OP...tell us what you are looking for.
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02-07-2019, 11:45 AM	#8
stein_325i Ring Leader of G8X Haters 25083 Rep 8,762 Posts Drives: A Car Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: All-Around iTrader: (0)	For driving dynamics/handling the Mercedes is better in my opinion, and it seems that many car reviewers agree, although I compared an E53 (which is the E43's replacement) to an M550i, but still determined that the E-Class handles a lot better in the corners and has better steering, but again the 540i vs its more in line competitor, the E450 could be a different story. The E43 (now E53) competes against BMW's M550i. The 5 series will be more comfortable overall and have a better infotainment system but its also more traditional inside and out for its design, which can be either good or bad depending on what your preference is. Both are great cars and each do some different things better than the other. __________________ Current Garage: 2022 Mercedes-Benz S 580 / 2023 Genesis GV70 2.5T / 2007 Mercedes-Benz E 350 / 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata Retired: '95 E36 325i 5MT / '04 E46 330i 6MT / '05 E83 X3 3.0i / '11 E90 335xi / '17 G30 540i / '19 F87 M2C 6MT / '19 MB CLS 53 / '20 MB GLC 300
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02-07-2019, 08:17 PM	#9
hlothery Seeking mental floss 482 Rep 806 Posts Drives: 2022 Mercedes EQS 450+ Join Date: May 2016 Location: San Antonio, Tx iTrader: (0)	Just went through the same thought/decision process. I do not believe comparisions of the Merc E43/53 AMG and the 540i are equivalent. I eventually chose the M550i, which I believe was the right choice for me, although the Merc was a very fine vehicle. Be advised that purists in each marque will criticize you for your choice. I have been told repeatedly that I now do not own a "true M car", and Merc E63 AMG owners will say the same about E43/53 AMG. If that bothers you, look at the E63 vs the M5. All the cars mentioned are fine vehicles, IMHO, and I would be pleased to own any of them, but for true comparison with the E43/53, I would look to the M550i. Just my .02 cents. Disclaimer: I still own an E350.
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02-07-2019, 08:23 PM	#10
Mach550 Captain 472 Rep 888 Posts Drives: 2019 M550i Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Tampa Bay iTrader: (0) Garage List 2019 BMW M550i [8.00]	Only thing I wish the 5 series had is the mercs autonomous driving system. Don't like playing pingpong driving down the highway.
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02-09-2019, 03:31 PM	#12
DBO First Lieutenant 159 Rep 324 Posts Drives: G30 540i SDrive (MPPSK+Mods) Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: Brisvegas AU iTrader: (0)	I wonder how close the two would be when the 540i is fitted with the MPPSK.
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02-10-2019, 09:12 AM	#13
Wills2 Barge driver 8656 Rep 12,425 Posts Drives: 730d Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Isn't it: 540i vs E450 M550i vs E53AMG. __________________ 730d/Z4C
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02-10-2019, 11:32 AM	#15
530iDriver Colonel 1708 Rep 2,539 Posts Drives: 2017 BMW 530i Join Date: May 2018 Location: Florida iTrader: (0)	Car and Driver seems to be getting good financial rewards to claim the E Class (The defecto European taxi cab) is a better all around car than the BMW G30. Car and Driver has lost credibility since the departures of Brock Yates and Csaba Csere. Anything coming from that tag, including their so called 10-best awards are both to be taken with a huge grain of salt. __________________ 2017 BMW 530i, Sport Line,Alpine White, Canberra Beige Sensatec, 19 inch V-Spoke wheels, basic plain Jane build with no options whatsoever..... "Less is more". Before: 2011 BMW 328i E90 sedan, Platinum Bronze Metallic, Dakota Brown leather, 17 inch wheels, 6-speed auto, N52 6 Cyl inline N/A goodness....
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02-11-2019, 12:03 PM	#18
bmwterp Private 92 Rep 86 Posts Drives: BMW I5M60 Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: Washington, DC iTrader: (0)	I also just purchased an M550. I drove the e53 many times. E53 Drove much more like a sports car. Handling was tighter and you can really feel the road. I like the tech better in general (android auto, remote start, etc) and with autonomous driving. However, the seat on the sedan was downright uncomfortable. I would really evaluate that. I am surprised that it's not a bigger issue for most people. If I was going to buy the e53, I would look at the coupe. The seat is actually different and more comfortable. M550 (540 too) Was a much more comfortable and had a much smoother ride. It definitely drove more like an executive sedan. I preferred that driving dynamic. I also just like the BMW interior more. Mercedes was a bit more flashy inside and out for me.
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02-13-2019, 08:56 AM	#19
kwstandard AutoPilot 97 Rep 87 Posts Drives: 19 X1,18 M550i,15 X5,14 328d Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: Texas iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 Mercedes GL550 [0.00] 2019 BMW X128i [0.00] 2015 X5 XDrive35i [0.00] 2018 M550i [0.00] 2014 328d [0.00]	I think it's a matter of styling. I can't get past the design of the Mercedes, oth inside and out. I went with an M550i, without hesitation. I'm not averse to MB - I have a GL450 too.
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02-13-2019, 04:32 PM	#20
KoenG Lieutenant Colonel 1429 Rep 1,522 Posts Drives: i4 eDrive40 & Cupra Leon 300 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Europe iTrader: (0)	Don't have any experience with any of them, but Merc is on top on specifications. The E53 is even much further ahead! This frustrates me, somehow BMW is holding back on both Tq and PWR for the 540i, while they should go all the way. Impressions/test of the 540i are lukewarm: not bad as a cruiser, but not much of a performance car either. This you can read in the specifications: ~20% down on power and Tq compared to E4/53. But when the 540i is just targetted as a cruiser, who is still interested in it? To my opinion, the 540i should be a performance car. The output specs they are pushing now into the M340i, should have been there as from the start for the 540i. Anyway, the price is too high to justify the current performance position. Mercedes would be my choice: postioned as a semi performance car with sensible more ooomph that goes with it!
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