On the hunt for a new car

540i will feel like a bit of a barge from a 330Ci though. It really is a shame its lumbered with the crap steering. It robs so much of the feel that people go to the hassle of retrofitting the M5 steering box and even when thats done it's still not got the feel of an E46 or E39 6 pot.
 
I take it that's down to the extra weight at the front? I am surprised it would make that much differance.

Well anyway, Auto Trader and Pistonheads are coming up with sod all that looks worth buying within 40 miles of a B45 post code.
 
As with all car purchases, best bet is to see if you can test drive everything you may potentially want first. You will then know what engine config you want, get a feel for the option's available, etc etc.
 
I find the steering in Pete's M5 odd compared to my 530, although he seems to think there isn't any difference.

It just feels a bit vague I guess? Hardly spoils the car though :)

Also, why are you restricting yourself to 40 miles from where you live? No wonder you can't find anything!
 
Moeks said:
I take it that's down to the extra weight at the front? I am surprised it would make that much differance.
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No, its mostly because the V8's have a completely different steering setup for packaging reasons. Whereas your E46, and the 6 cylinder E39's, have a rack and pinnion system the 535i, 540i and M5 use an old style recirculating ball steering system. The M5 is much better than the 540i as it has less turns lock to lock and a few other changes.
 
OllyM said:
Also, why are you restricting yourself to 40 miles from where you live? No wonder you can't find anything!
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Mainly because I am largely reliant on my grandad to get me there if I choose to buy, he is 79 years old now and although I can drive us there in his car, I don't really like to ask him to drive too far back. he thinks that 10 miles is far enough :p ...but that's just too restrictive.

In anycase, living in the West Midlands does mean there are a lot of cars for sale within 40 miles. Although most of the good looking 5s seem to be further south.

I did not know the V8s actually had completley differen't steering. Well anyway, I need to drive some cars before I decide anything. I 'probably' wont get a V8 anyway, I'll probably have at least one more 6 cylinder car before I get an 8.
 
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Well I have arranged to go and see an 54 plate Mondeo ST220 tomorrow, looks very nice in the picture, full service history etc, £6995 it's up for. I have to travel a bit though for that, but I think it's worth it to get the right car, as Olly basically said.

Is there anything specific I should look out for with the ST220?
 
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