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With a manual for example, in 3rd gear going 50, your engine should always register the same number of rpms.
The same cannot be said for a car equipped with an automatic transmission, unless said transmission has a “Fully Locking” torque converter, which most higher end cars have these days (like all BMW automatic transmissions). Hence the fact that the 323iA driven (primarily) by Mr. Riezs’ wife indicates nearly the same RPMs as my formula would calculate, 3,550 (posted by Riez) and 3,508 (calculated by my formula).
One of the “Givens” that I have programmed into my spreadsheet is the “Revs Per Mile” for each tire as posted on the TireRack.com web site. The tire that I am using for said “Given” is the Michelin Pilot Sport, which seems to be a tire which would generate one of the highest speeds at any given RPM of the tires of any given size. My rational for using that specific tire, is that I see it on most of the recent 5-Series cars that I have looked at (including my 530i SP). I am using this “Revs Per Mile” number because it takes into account the differences between tires of any given size, regardless of manufacturer, model, rolling resistance or compression. As a “For Instance”, consider the following chart of tires, all of which match the “Spec” for the rear tires that are currently mounted on the Riezmobile (540i 6-Speed), which is 255/40 ZR17:
Dia. – Revs. – Tire
24.9 – 833 – Yokohama AVS Sport
25.0 – 825 – Kumho ECSTA Supra 712
25.0 – 829 – Yokohama A520
25.0 – 833 – Bridgestone Blizzak LM-22
25.0 – 833 – Firestone Firehawk SZ50 EP
25.0 – 834 – Sumitomo HTR Z
25.0 – 839 – Dunlop SP Sport 9000
25.1 – 823 – Sumitomo HTR Z II
25.1 – 827 – Michelin Pilot Sport
25.1 – 830 – Bridgestone Potenza S-03 Pole Position
25.1 – 845 – Bridgestone Potenza RE020
25.2 – 824 – Pirelli P6000
25.2 – 826 – Yokohama AVS dB
25.2 – 827 – Bridgestone Potenza RE730
25.2 – 830 – Pirelli P7000 SUPERSPORT
Interesting the differences, now, according to the math, ALL 255/40 R17 tires SHOULD have the following Diameter and Revs/Mile:
25.0 – 806 – What the math shows
Hmmm, something else is going on with our tires, most likely the “Compression” thing that Mschukar spoke of a few posts ago. It would seem that all tires are not made equal, even in size and the speed they yield.
This brings me to another issue; I have heard repeatedly that “BMWs have a large speedometer error”. Interesting, I checked my 328i one time against the mile markers along the side of the highway one time, and I found virtually no error in either the Odometer or the Speedometer. Maybe the 3-Series does not have the same level of error, as does the 5-Series. Current anecdotal evidence would seem to support that, given that my 328i seems to agree with the road signs, and Mr. Riezs’ wifes’ 323i seems to agree with my calculations for a non-SP 325i (which has the same gearing as did the 323i), however, it would seem that Mr. Riezs’ 540i 6-Speed (with the Yokohama AVS dB tires) indicates 100 mph about 211 RPMs early.
There, that should be enough fat to chew on for a while. ;-)
Best Regards,
Shipo
http://www.caranddriver.com/xp/Caranddriver/features/2002/april/200204_feature_speedometer.xml
BMWs are off by the most, reporting 73.18 when doing "true" 70 mph. European laws are more strict than US, requiring speedometers never to underreport speed, even with oversized tires. Their theory is that since people are more likely to put oversized tires on BMWs and Porsches, they have to have the most overhead.
Beyond that, the article lists various reasons for speedometer error. Riez's tests compare speedometer and tachometer readings. The speedometer is definitely not a direct measurement. I am not sure what errors might impact the tachometer. There could just be numerous small errors that impact 2 indirect measurements that result in the disparity with Shipo's theorectical results.
-Bob D.
Anybody have any info on this?
My suggestion to you would be to extend the lease on your 528i for six months to a year, and then order your new E60 5er through normal channels.
Best Regards,
Shipo
Polo2929b: I find it hard to believe that BMW would plan on not having any 5 series available in the US for many months. If E60 production starts July 2003, there _might_ be a few US spec models available by Sept. If you want one of the first, try your dealer in late spring to see when they might start taking orders. Even German-spec cars may not be available in your time frame, though.
-Bob D.
Thanks for the "Heads Up".
Best Regards,
Shipo
According to my calculations, a 323iA with 205/65 VR16 tires should turn 3546 RPMs, and yesterday, you posted 3550, so, that is pretty close. Today's figure of 3475 is a little low, however, not outside the bounds of a standard margin of error.
Best Regards,
Shipo
http://www.peachtreebmwcca.org/bmw_tv.asp
which includes a list of BMW sightings on TV.
Best Regards,
Shipo
DL
Quick computer question: when you reset OBC for such data as MPG, MPH, etc., is the displayed information an average since the last reset? Or is it based on a shorter time or distance period? Seems like I remember that Saabs base their data on something like the most recent twenty minutes of driving. Has anyone else heard that?
Thanks in advance!
Now I am faced with the following decision. I can accept the automatic today with no additional charge for the automatic transmission. This is very convenient because the lease on my current car (Saab 9-3) is up in two weeks. I drove the car on Saturday--the car was sweet and the automatic acceptable...I think. Alternatively, I can reorder the manual and take delivery in July. The dealer will deduct $500 from my original price, but this is equal or less than the cost to extend my current lease or rent a car until July.
It's a real close call for me between the manual and automatic--I like driving manuals and the extra power they provide. On the other hand, where I live (S. Florida) is not conducive to real serious motoring. I would love to hear from others that similarly wrestled with the automatic/manual decision and opted for the automatic. Any second thoughts or regrets?
I'd demand that the dealer:
1) Start calling other area dealers and find your combination either available now or very soon;
2) Finance the extended lease on your Saab; or
3) Provide you with a loaner car until the new one shows up.
If necessary, speak with the owner/manager and/or BMWNA.
If you're honestly indifferent about manual-versus-auto, then you might want to consider their offer (I've driven in Florida and know what you're talking about). But if you've had your mind and heart set on a slick-shifting manual, you'll probably end up kicking yourself if you give in now. Personally, I wouldn't see the point in buying/owning an automatic BMW. (No offense to auto owners out there, but it just seems contrary to the essence of the car and the brand, and the driving experience--while still sporty--is certainly less thrilling and compelling.)
Obviously, were I in your shoes, I would either wait, or do as Snagiel suggested, and press your dealer to find a trade that meets with your requirements. Who knows, maybe you will have to change your user ID to "Sapphire Black". ;-)
Best Regards,
Shipo
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
If I was you, I'd be mad, but not show it much, and see what more you can get from dealer. Their screw up. They should make you whole and do right by you! Maybe you could get them to throw in for "free" the additional maintenance schedule program??? Worth a try. And a hard one at that. They owe you.
Now I am faced with the following decision. I can accept the automatic today with no additional charge for the automatic transmission. This is very convenient because the lease on my current car (Saab 9-3) is up in two weeks. I drove the car on Saturday--the car was sweet and the automatic acceptable...I think. Alternatively, I can reorder the manual and take delivery in July. The dealer will deduct $500 from my original price, but this is equal or less than the cost to extend my current lease or rent a car until July.
It's a real close call for me between the manual and automatic--I like driving manuals and the extra power they provide. On the other hand, where I live (S. Florida) is not conducive to real serious motoring. I would love to hear from others that similarly wrestled with the automatic/manual decision and opted for the automatic. Any second thoughts or regrets?
Colt.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
Shipo, are you a military type? I am also staying in Garmisch for my ED pickup. Awesome town.
This story made me double check my order, which does say 530i, not 530iA. It went from Schedule for production on May 3 to Awaiting Transport since the last time I checked.
Even now, 25 years later, I still want to fly, so, I am currently taking sporadic flying lessons (time and family issues). Unfortunately, given some new business opportunities, I may have to lay off the lessons again, this time for another year or so. In the meantime, I am looking for a nice "Cherry" Cessna 170 "Taildragger" (A or B model) from the early 1950s. Which, when I find it, will give me LOTS of incentive to finish the lessons, get checked out in a conventional gear aircraft, and find ways of spending $100 on a hamburger. ;-)
As for Garmisch, I must say, I was really surprised, I had never even heard of the town before I left Munich on the first day of our ED trip. When we entered the town, there was no question in our minds, we said to each other "We are staying here tonight!" And we did.
Best Regards,
Shipo
Time for Plan B. I just posted a few pictures of our trip on Yahoo! Photos so that y’all can see some of the cool stuff we did. I will post more pictures as time permits over the next week or so.
You can see said pictures by clicking on the following link:
http://photos.yahoo.com/shipo
Notes:
The only album that I currently have is called “ED 530i”, click on it to gain access to the photos.
All of the color photos (all but one), can be viewed in full 1280x960 resolution if you wish by clicking on the “Full Size” link above the “Screen Size” shot.
Let me know what y’all think.
Best Regards,
Shipo
That 325ti is really nice too especially with those big (17") wheels! I wish they'd bring it here!
If that's you by the memorial, nice legs;) LOL!
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
Like you, I'd bet that BMW would not be able to keep the 325ti on the lots here in the States, alas, I have not even heard a rumor of it coming here. :-(
Ummm, thanks, like we said in the Corps, "If you got it, flaunt it. If you don't got it, flaunt it anyway!" ;-)
Best Regards,
Shipo
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
Take care.
Joe W.
Colt.
To that end, I have found a few ways to cheat. First, make sure that the wheels are well polished (I use Klasse All-In-One on them), that makes the wheels generally easier to clean. If I happen to go too long between cleanings (read, winter time), I have found that the hand cleaner stuff called GOOP makes wheel cleaning fairly easy. Simply spread the stuff all over the wheel, let it sit for a few minutes, and then wash it off with regular car washing detergent and a wheel brush. I make sure that after each time I use the GOOP, I have time to re-polish the wheels, so that whatever polish the GOOP took off, is then replaced.
Best Regards,
Shipo
Colt.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
Thanks-Indy
According to the BMWUSA web site, if you order a 530i with the SP option it comes with "17 x 8.0 Cross Spoke II wheels, 235/45R-17 performance tires". I know that the 540i SP and the 525i SP both have different wheels than my car, in addition, each of the different 5ers have different wheels in their non SP incarnations as well.
As near as I can tell, the following list shows the default wheel for each of the listed cars:
525i -- Cross Spoke, style 29 (16 x 7.0)
530i -- Parallel Spoke, style 82 (16 x 7.0)
540i -- Radial Spoke, style 48 (16 x 7.0)
525i SP -- Star Spoke, Style 81 (17 x 8.0)
530i SP -- Cross spoke composite wheel II, style 42 (17 x 8.0)
540i SP -- Radial Spoke, style 32 (17 x 8.0 Front & 17 x 9.0 Rear)
540i SP -- M Parallel Spoke, style 66 (17 x 8.0 Front & 17 x 9.0 Rear) Optional
540i 6S -- Radial Spoke, style 32 (17 x 8.0 Front & 17 x 9.0 Rear)
540i 6S -- M Parallel Spoke, style 66 (17 x 8.0 Front & 17 x 9.0 Rear) Optional
Best Regards,
Shipo
Yes, my wife (who actually prefers stick shifts herself) drove it too. She really liked driving at speed, until we got into some heavy traffic, where we were passing some cars with over a 20 mph cushion, while at the same time, being passed by other cars with yet another 20 mph cushion. Until that point, she said that the 530i was easier to drive at 100 mph than most cars she had ever driven at 55, however, once she started noticing the traffic, she tensed up and started gripping the wheel so hard, that her arms got tired. In the end, she drove maybe 100 miles in eastern France where the speed limit (130 kph/80 mph) kept the top end cars at around 120 mph (we were still under the 1,200 limit, so, 100 was our self imposed top end).
Best Regards,
Shipo
01 530I. The sports package with those wheels and 17 inch low profile tires
gives the bimmer a classy,aggressive stance that is difficult not to like. At
speed it drives and handles like no other car, thus the raves on this board.
I use a brush and lots of elbow grease to keep my wheels clean, and when clean
they sparkle and makes the effort well worth it, I get a lot of comments about
the wheels. Thanks again for sharing.
Anyway, I took the time to see if I could find the shipping status of my car, and actually found it.
By checking the http://www.wlna.com/ web site, I was able to determine that my car has been “On the water” since 2-May, and is due here in New York harbor next Wednesday 15-May. Cool. ;-)
I then checked the “Owners Circle” to see if it had been updated yet. Gee, what a surprise, it still shows “Awaiting Transport”. That said, I then clicked on the “Review Order Detail”, which is either a new link, or one that I have never seen before, and it shows that the “Xenon Headlights” that I ordered are actually “Bi-xenon Headlights”. Could this be correct? I thought that the Bi-xenons went into production sometime in the second half of April, however, my car was produced in mid-March. Very curious.
Best Regards,
Shipo