Who wins: E39 530i sport vs. E34 535i w/E.A.T.? (m)

[Jason]

Here's the thing though, I was thinking of my car in this comparison, so the E34 in question would have E39 17" wheels and tires, bilstein/H&R/RD sways set-up, everything else stock except for the EAT chip. Both cars are 5spds. Power is similar, but the E39 tips the scales at a little more.... so all other things being equal, driver etc, which one do you give it to? perhaps its a ridiculous question, but i just wanted to get some people's takes on it. i think it might be too close to call

[DanDombrowski]

I doubt that it would be by more than the variation in your launches, but I'd have to say the 530. Newer engine with probably a better fuel management system. Is that the one with the 3.0L engine they put in the 330s, or is that another mislabeled car like the E34 530? Because that new 3.0L engine will send a 330i to 1320ft in about 14.5s.


Here's the thing though, I was thinking of my car in this comparison, so the E34 in question would have E39 17" wheels and tires, bilstein/H&R/RD sways set-up, everything else stock except for the EAT chip. Both cars are 5spds. Power is similar, but the E39 tips the scales at a little more.... so all other things being equal, driver etc, which one do you give it to? perhaps its a ridiculous question, but i just wanted to get some people's takes on it. i think it might be too close to call

[Scott H]

That M54 engine has 90% of torque available at 1500rpm too.....

http://www.bmwworld.com/weeklypics/one_to_many.htm


I doubt that it would be by more than the variation in your launches, but I'd have to say the 530. Newer engine with probably a better fuel management system. Is that the one with the 3.0L engine they put in the 330s, or is that another mislabeled car like the E34 530? Because that new 3.0L engine will send a 330i to 1320ft in about 14.5s.

[Rick L]

I have driven my friend’s 1990 535i with a chip (5 speed) and 2001 E39 530i at a dealer (not sure if it had any mods but looked stock). I had to say 2001 E39 530i with smaller l6 seemed much faster.

[bahnstormer]

gearing is much better on 530 it'd KILL the 535

[Bimmer Nut Ed]

Now what about if you were to add RD Headers, and ported intake into that calculation?

Along with the EAT chip on the E34, as compared to the E39 530 5sp.
That E39 530 5sp can get 30 mpg on the highway, with speed comparable to my 535im, hmm, very interesting.

[632 Regal]

all you need is 2 ounces of Nitro Methane per gallon and whatever car recieves it I will bet on...lol

[RobPatt]

...when the prices are right, and if they're holding up, and there's a good, entertaining support base (bimmer.info) when or if the E34's ever get over the hill..... I like the 5sp 530. Cheers, Rob.

[winfred]

leaveing work this evening i pulled out behind the boss in his 97 m3 with the 535 and he wasn't pulling me by much (till the ******* got infront of him and hit the brakes and screwed the whole thing) i can walk away from a e39 528 at interstate speeds, it's close at low speeds due to gearing and modern auto tranny, the zf 4hp22 always was a little soggy off the line