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

 

540i

 

 

Last time I checked, the transmission wasn't part of the suspension. The Lexus will be like driving a couch with good power and excellent reliability. The BMW will be like driving a proper sports sedan, but it will cost you more long-term. If you do get the 540i it MUST have the sport package (the one you pictured atually looks like it has the m-look bits so that is the case). Getting a BMW without the sport package is like getting a FWD audi.

If they are the same in price I would go with the 540i. The GS430 is a nice car, but unless you are getting it significantly cheaper I would go with the bimmer. Maybe the lex if you are doing a lot of really long highway drives or you just want soemthing really comfy and don't mind that it isnt as sporting.

 

The Bimmer is overall a better car.

 

The 6 speed on the BMW would add to the driving experience and make it a complete different beast.

 

^^ If this is your biggest concern then the GS430 wins hands down. I have an 01 GS430 and its been one of the most reliable cars I have ever owned. Currently has 110K on it and you would never know when you look at it or ride in it.

That's not to say that the BMW is not reliable but it definitely requires far more standard / routine maintenance to keep the car running in tip top shape. And unless you work on your car yourself that maintenance can cost lots of $$. Performance wise the BMW is definitely the better of the two, although the Lexus has plenty of power for most people.

 

GS for reliability and cost of maintenance. The BMW may be nicer but the GS will be the most cost effective in the long run. The powertrain is absolutely bulletproof and will last as long as a Honda if you take care of it. **** will start to hit the fan on the BMW at 80k and is not cheap to fix.

 

i wonder what the aftermarket is like for either car. obviously there are lots of parts out there for both, but will the BMW's be more expensive since theyre alittle less popular (than the GS) and simply because its a 5 series?

if youre gonna modify it thoroughly, I'd get the GS.

 

There will be a better performance aftermarket for the BMW, but some things like headers and cams are going to be pretty pricey, and easily into the 5-figure range for superchargers setups.

 

Go for the BMW.

 

The GS would be cheaper to maintain and it's pretty reliable.

 

GS430!

Sold all my honda's to get a GS400 and never looked back, 6 bolt main for the win.

Sucks their all autos tho, 6spd swap is do able tho.

 

lexus gs300 great on fuel and eazy to work on (2jz motor)

 

Had an 2001 BMW 540 6-speed sport package 86+ miles no sh*t hit the fan great car amazing fast and great over all.

 

Without hesitation : 540i

 

great cars, buddy has one with 120k and it runs strong, and no problems

 

GS430

They're not that boaty. You're not gonna be tracking either of these cars. Get some street friendly coilovers and call it a day.

 

Coilovers would probably help the car handle better, but I don't think they will do much for numb steering and poor pedal feel, which I find to be the biggest weak points of most Lexus.

The GS will be more relibale in the long-run though. Even as a die-hard BMW fanboy I will say that.