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2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
Any comments on change in ride and/or performance given the 18 inch wheels and tightened suspension. I think the 02 is close to a perfect blend of performance and ride quality. can the 03 really be better?
Some cars are not a good fit. Maybe the person thought they'd like a manual but realize it wasn't for them? The 6-speed is NOT the world's lightest or smoothest tranny. And the clutch takes some getting used to. Just read the Edmunds comparison test from a few years ago. The 6-speed drove their drivers/reviewers nuts. They couldn't get a smooth launch or 1-2 shift.
I love my 540i6. But it did take me a couple weeks to get truly comfortable with the 6-speed. Now that I have, I can't imagine a 5-speed. Gotta have overdrive. And I'm used to fact she just isn't as silky smooth or light as my former 1996 Infiniti G20 (best darn manual tranny I've used).
Whatever else you do, take this particular CPO model out for a very long, thorough test drive. City and country. Fast and slow. In city traffic and on highway. Curves and interstate. See if it meets your needs and you can live with it.
0-60mph: 4.1 Seconds
0-100mph: 10 Seconds Flat
1/4 Mile: 12.7@113mph
Pulled a 0.87g on the skidpad
470hp@6900RPM
419lb/ft torque@5000RPM
Estimated top speed is 191mph!
$109,472 Proce Tag (ouch)
More impressive is the fact that Dinan says it took 2 years to develop. This car is naturally aspirated. They said the car drives and behaves like an M5, just a whole helluva lot faster.
The article also says Dinan offers a supercharger for the 540i... I wonder how close to stock M5 perfromance the Supercharged 540i gets?
I guess it is all wasted power for our congested roadways though.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
But, anyone who drives an M5 and feels like they need more power, well, they're nuts. God bless 'em, but they're nuts.
I was talking to the President of the BMW dealership in Manhattan back in January. I asked him what his daily driver was. He said he drives a 540i SP 6 speed and that it was a relative bargain (referring to performance to dollar) compared to the M5.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
Does anyone have any experience or know of any references that would be useful? I know not to expect any dramatic performance gains, but want to get some of the edge that I feel is missing without a manual tranny. Any input would be appreciated.
nyccarguy -- Good luck on your new direction. Owning your own business is huge work, but everyone I've ever talked to says the level of satisfaction cannot be approached by working in anyone's bureaucracy, public or private. Your dad is only 3 years older than me, but my views on retirement are very different from his!
insight and knowledge, I have enjoyed your messages and info you impart. Keep the posts
coming and heaps of good luck and fortune in you new endeavor, you will do well.
This, of course, is just my humble opinion. If you detected enough improvement to warrant the costs, don't let me stop you. But be sure you're not just psychologically convincing yourself of a "crisper" behavior.
As for the performance difference between a 2002 and 2003, I cannot comment directly, as I have not driven a 2003 540i. However, I can tell you that the handling difference between my former 2000 540i 6-speed and current 2002 M5 is significant. As a matter of fact, if I could only have one or the other - the added power of the M5 or the better handling of the M5 - I would probably choose the latter. Also, the 6-speed in the M5 is noticably smoother than the one in my previous 540i. So, if they have refined the 2003 manual transmission, that would also be a plus.
snagiel: Fully agree. I seriously doubt that many drivers have the driving skill to handle 80% of the power of the stock M5. I suspect that if a performance driving test were required of anyone buying a M3, M5, E55, and especially, a SL55, 90% of them would fail. At least with the M5, you get the BMW driving school thrown in.
The shifter is quite stiff, not as fluid as the 530. It needs a firm hand, and cannot say I like it. It has a shorter throw, though. The steering is MUCH lighter than 530, even with the Sport mode switched on, but does FEEL quicker. The BMW rack and pinion has the edge on this one.
It sounds like a muscle car and screams like a muscle car. I have read many reviews where it was described as being too quiet. This thing had about 3,500 miles and positively screamed. The ride is much stiffer as well. It does not feel like a sedan, more like a highly strung sports car. There is body roll, but I would not change it, i. e. make it stiffer with aftermarket stuff. The ride is still acceptable, considering the handling capability it has, but anything more, it may be too much for a sedan.
I did a bit of back road driving and moved out to the unlimited section of the autobahn. Up to 3000 RPM at part throttle, I cannot say I feel much power, but past 3,000 and pedal to the metal, things happen very quickly. I tried redline acceleration from standing still and the almost went over the redline in the 1st and 2nd gear, 3rd was a bit slower, but only by about 1/2 second. It is loud, even cruising, again compared to my 530, and still plenty of passing power in the 5th. I think I ended up hitting about 160 mph, indicated. I did not feel the governor, but backed off thinking it would kick in. It can definitely use some down force beyond 130 or so, but it wouldn't be relevant in the US.
Now the $70,000 question, would I do it? I think it would be a car to have if you could only have one car that needs to be somewhat practical and want to pass 911s in the straights and just about anything else on the road. I came away feeling that 530 is just about perfect compromise for comfort and occasional sporty driving. It is quiet, comfortable, and fast enough. However, M5 is definitely addictive. Even my wife, who could not believe I arranged for a test drive, agrees and enjoyed passing maneuvers just as much as I did. All in all, it was a great fun.
Just my $.02....JL
How long do you plan on owning the car? Not exactly sure what you mean about "the additional expense of the 540i ownership". Both have same warranty and free scheduled maintenance. You shouldn't have repair or maintenance costs for years. Do you mean gas mileage? (Both take premium fuel. My 540i6 gets 26 mpg on interstate.) Insurance? (I don't if there is much of a difference, but what I pay thru USAA is in line with previous cars.) Annual car registration? (In my state the difference wouldn't be much, since the formula is about 90 percent purchase price and very little tied to weight or engine.)
My research, relationship with the dealer and the extended CPO warranty make me comfortable with the car. Time is a significant factor as my current lease (2000 CLK 430) expires at the end of year and I am already over with miles. (This one will be a purchase). That coupled with fading rubber which may not last to lease end and service requirements push up the cost of waiting significantly. Money is always a consideration unless you are a pro baseball player or Bill Gates.
The changes to the 03 seem to work towards a stiffer ride, one which probably would have intrigued me more 10 years ago. I have a 35 mile commute, half on country roads and half on highway. The balance of the 5's I have driven all seem perfect.
Wish me luck.
2003 530i, 5 speed/Sport, Premium, Cold Weather Packages, xenons and rear seat airbags. MSRP was $47,880.00. I am expecting delivery mid Dec. 2002. I was going to wait until January 2003 to save the luxury tax, but my dealer of choice had a 530i/5 spd in his November allocation and I took it.
As for the 540i/6, it is a great car, but I don't need that much power. I live in NYC and all the things you mentioned about operating cost is a concern to me. In the end, the 530i is perfect for me.
Hope this helps...JL
Just checking in to say "Hey". ;-)
Well, the move from NJ to NH is complete (we only have 300 more boxes in the basement to unpack!), and I am currently banished to dial-up purgatory, that is until Adelphia finishes upgrading their network in our town and offers us Cable Modems next month (I hope).
I hope to be able to start being an active participant again in the near future, until then, be well. ;-)
Best Regards,
Shipo
Hi all:
Well, 3 months later and 4k miles later, loving every minute of my '99 528ia CPO purchase. Unfortunately, winter is coming soon (i think) here in the northeast and I want to get prepared.
What is my best source for OEM BMW wheels (if any besides the dealer)? I am debating buying a set of winter tires for my recently purchased CPO '99 528i non-sport and want to put them on the OEM wheels currently on the car and get a new set of wheels for spring when I put the "regular" tires back on.
I only want to put BMW wheels on, not some aftermarket make.
Your input is greatly appreciated.
TIA,
metmdx
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
Often, OEM wheels are more expensive than they should be. I only purchased non-sport 530 wheels because it was offered as a pkg with winter tires that was better than what Tire Rack could have done. 17 inch OEM will easily set you back 400 to 500 a piece.
You're a valuable resource and missed when not available.
the move to NH. Had a nephew that moved to Windham near Nashua a couple
years ago. They all loved three quarters of the year there but could not handle
the winter and decided to move back to the Denver area.
Not too revealing, but it's something.
Hmmm, "Crusty", well, after being in the USMC (Uncle Sam's Misguided Children) for a while (back in the 1970s), I am more than a little bit "Salty". As for becoming a New Englander, I suspect that will take a while, especially when you consider the fact that of the seven houses on our street, only one family is native to New England, and when you consider that the folks that I now work with are a mixture of Chinese, Japanese, Indian (from India), Swedish, along with a couple of genuine, bona-fide American Mutts (like me, English, Scotch, Welsh, Irish, French and American Indian), I am not going to be exposed to too much of the "Down Easter" influences. ;-)
CdnPinHead,
Thanks, it’s always nice to know that one is missed. ;-)
DaBimmer,
Ditto! As for the winters around here, bring them on! I grew up in Michigan (and LOVED it), then I spent 13 years in Chicago (and LOVED it too), and from what I can tell, New Hampshire winters, while interesting (as in WAY better than most of the winters I experienced in the NYC area), are still a little thin compared to what I am used to. ;-)
Best Regards,
Shipo
P.S. Welcome back, Shipo!
and the winter weather that living there involves. More power to you, I guess
I did enjoy the seasons in and around the Denver area and even winter but as I
got older I found that it wasn't Fun any more and moved to California 41 years
ago and now would find it difficult if not impossible to readjust to that weather.
But like I said, I do admire people who genuinely like that weather. Please bring
us up to date on your Sapphire black beauty that I remember seeing on these
posts and keep us informed. Thanks.
Picking up my 540i6 in a couple of hours! Yahoo.
For those old enough to remember, it's like when they grafted a new front and rear onto the Triumph TR-4 to create the TR-6. They updated a beautiful design, but diminished it, too.
I'm sure I'll love it whne it hits the showrooms though.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
That said, this car is phenomenal in every sense of the word. I don't like automatic trannies, but this car defines what a computer shifter should do. It seems to shift right about when I would most of the time. I've driven the E500 and remain faithful to my baby.
The downside though... I have just over 34 months left on the lease before I get my M5 :-) My wife was against the idea of spending this much on a car. Now she can't wait to drive something faster, and possibly stiffer, especially with the carseat in the back.
Would just share the most profound aspects:
- Awesome power
- the lovely engine (whether at 1500 rpm or at 5000 rpm, the engine has such a "silky" tune - I think, one timeless classic)
- transmission: Though, initially, I was finding it a bit awkward, over the time it feels so smooth especially, when u r driving hard!
- Suspension: I don't have sports suspension! Though, I do feel the "float" and "roll", at times which I wish, was not there, I don't call myself a very hard driver. On the other hand, some of the bay area roads are really bad and bumpy - and it does amaze by the "smoothness" and the "holding" capability "both at the same time".
Only had to add some oil (the dealer did it readily). Only one of the green light in the service indicator is out (still 4 remaining!) Thinking of chaning the oil anyway. Can you share how often do you change?
Then, some general stuff. How often do you wax? Lots of dust and dirt in this area - I end up washing it every week!
Hope this helps...JL
The oil debate has been around as long as there have been cars, probably. Some swear by changing their own oil every 3k-5k miles regardless. Otheres--including me--place some trust in BMW engineers and their recommendations. Given that an oil change is relatively cheap maintenance for a car company, I highly doubt BMW erred on the liberal and wanted to save a couple bucks by increasing the oil change interval.
I wax every couple of months, usually. I use One Grand Blitz Wax, which I'm generally very pleased with. And I wash with a diluted (only half as potent as the recommended amount) solution of either Sonax Gloss Shampoo or P21S Bodywork Conditioning Shampoo. They are very mild and do not strip the wax off.
I did enjoy the posts...thinking of getting 530 next year from 3.2TL. One question...Does Park Distance Control worth it??
We are expecting a 325i by end of the month to replace 1999 323i. My wife will let me do the break in period.
Thanks,
Jlan