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I think a better comparison is the 9-5 Aero versus the 530i. The Aero is quicker, more powerful, and torquier than the 530i, has a higher top speed, and gets better gas mileage. These two are closer in price, but the 9-5 Aero is still cheaper.
I agree with "variety is the spice of life" but sometimes I feel the USA would be a better place if everyone were forced to drive 4 cyl stick shifts. Of course that would be very unpopular here, but this is the way of life in many other countries!
Most 4 cyl engines mate better with a stick. The SAAB 4 cyl turbo engine certainly idles much better with it, at a lower rpm. Less power loss through the drivetrain, better fuel economy.
I think drivers would be less "brain dead" if they were forced to drive a stick.
I really love the combination of 250 hp and 35 MPG (long trip) in my stick Aero!
Anyway back to the comparison...
The SAAB 9-5 has a few other niceties the E39 doesn't, at least the last time I checked:
-SAAB has a heated rear seat, BMW doesn't
-SAAB has folding rear seats standard, extra cost for BMW
-SAAB has a larger trunk
-SAAB's HVAC circulates air much better--BMW E39s/E46s tend to fog up easily with the slightest bit of humidity
-SAAB seats three in the back much more comfortably than the E39; the E39 has a huge "floor hump" due to RWD configuration
-Up front, SAAB is roomier too
-SAAB has a better cup holder, but needs one more of them!
-SAAB's auto-dimming rear-view mirror can be manually "undimmed", BMW's is much darker and cannot be controlled (in the BMW, it's difficult at night to figure out if the headlights behind you belong to an undercover Crown Vic)
-SAAB H/K audio system has superior sound
-'02-onwards 9-5 manual transmission is actually better than BMW's! BMW's has a horribly long clutch throw, and a nasty clutch delay valve which most owners drill out. Also, the 540i clutch is grabby and fragile.
As for the 9-5 aluminum trim, I like it, and I've seen people on BMW forums actually _remove_ the wood trim from a BMW and install a similar looking aluminum! So it can go either way. For those who really dislike the aluminum trim, wood trim is available for any 9-5.
Anyhow, the E39 540i is truly a beautiful car, with no Bangle butt!
Congrats, and enjoy it!
Jason
posted by 24.46.48...
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