I have owned a Max (2000 SE and 2002 GLE) for several years. Sold one of em cause we needed a minivan and now just finally sold the 2002 and bought a 2000 528i sport.
I have to say I really like the BMW is incredible; but, now after driving it for about 2 weeks I think the Max is very comparable. Could even be better w/ the right mods(which I think a lot of people here already have0. I didnt have any on mine except FTSB and intake.
I think the main difference is the ride on the BMW is more responsive and the body is so much stiffer. Feels like you have more control of the 528, but again I didnt have any suspension or rear sway bar mods.

Anyhow, the wife likes the Max better then the BMW so I have a feeling I will be back.
Thanks for all the help with the Max.
Peace

 

i'm sorry for your loss.. which one is faster between the 02 max and the beamer?

 

Congrats on the BMW.

 

no 540i ? Wife would be all over that...

 

Without looking at any numbers I would have to say the Max feels faster. Max seem lighter than the 538. I am totally used to the whole RWD thing yet either.

 

i just sold my golf not to long ago, and those german powered cars will run, i would trade my i30 for some of the bmw's in a minute

 

my only dislike of bmws are their high repair costs and most are slow. handle great. look great. and when you say you drive a 5 series the average joe views a maxima and a bmw miles apart...you know what i mean.

 

I did the opposite, and sold my 528 for the max. y you ask.... 1) I felt I was just using it up putting like 500-600 miles/ week on it. 2) too expensive.
the maxima is a much more economical choice, you just put gas in it and it goes..
I like the maxima, they are great cars, but I will not be driving them much longer. IMO the high-end german cars (bmw/benz/audi) are definitely several steps above, they are a true joy to drive.
you have to step up to the V8 models though.
my 528 with M package (staggered 18x8 front, 18x9.5 rear + independent rear susp) wouldn’t stay up with the 3.5 maxima in 1/4 mile (540 would take it big time). but the 528 would waste it in the slalom.
congrats on the 528 man..... it's going to be hard to go back.

 

Sounds like a nice car. I just hope you've got plenty of money in the budget for repairs. Good Luck!

 

you should turbo it...

 

its called a bimmer...

 

the max.
789

edit:
zim zima who's got the keys to my bimmer!