[clee1982]

Given how easy tuner is able to up the hp/tq on these turbo charged BMW, I don't disagree with you, but I guess it's just their marketing strategy...

[Hansell]

Yes.

[WSH]

That is my #1 BMW "wish": that they'll put the 380+ hp I6 into the 540
What the 540i M-sport should be
I'm not interested in AWD (Florida..don't need it, more weight, etc.) and still concerned re: lingering reliability issues with N63 V-8. Just give me the ~380 in a 540 M-sport and it'll be the perfect next car for me....

[BMHunden]

Originally Posted by WSH

That is my #1 BMW "wish": that they'll put the 380+ hp I6 into the 540
What the 540i M-sport should be
I'm not interested in AWD (Florida..don't need it, more weight, etc.) and still concerned re: lingering reliability issues with N63 V-8. Just give me the ~380 in a 540 M-sport and it'll be the perfect next car for me....

You may wish to have a look at the comparison video I posted on the first page of this thread. The 540i is just as fast as the E43 AMG. The creators of the video have emphasised this in other videos, too (see their comparison of the 540i and 530i). The E43 AMG is/was rated at 400 horsepower. There is no way the 540i is "only" producing 330 or 340 BHP (depending on region). One of the people who commented on the aforesaid video claims to have dyno-tested his 540i at 380 BHP.

I used to drive a 435i with the MPPK, which was rated at 330 BHP (250kw). My 540i feels more powerful, despite being a bigger car.

And, interesting fact: according to BMW, the 540i (at least the current, 2019 model) has the B58B30O0 engine: https://app.bmw.co.za/dws/VTS/servle...modelCode=JB32

[stvding]

E43 now becomes E53 48V mile hybrid, is more expensive than 540i. Almost as expensive as M550i.

[mk1-fan]

Originally Posted by Mattstrete

You may wish to have a look at the comparison video I posted on the first page of this thread. The 540i is just as fast as the E43 AMG. The creators of the video have emphasised this in other videos, too (see their comparison of the 540i and 530i). The E43 AMG is/was rated at 400 horsepower. There is no way the 540i is "only" producing 330 or 340 BHP (depending on region). One of the people who commented on the aforesaid video claims to have dyno-tested his 540i at 380 BHP.

I used to drive a 435i with the MPPK, which was rated at 330 BHP (250kw). My 540i feels more powerful, despite being a bigger car.

And, interesting fact: according to BMW, the 540i (at least the current, 2019 model) has the B58B30O0 engine: https://app.bmw.co.za/dws/VTS/servle...modelCode=JB32

That is mainly due to the E43 being a lot heavier, and also having awd, which robs a lot of power.

I have watched numerous videos on YT, on 540Is and E43AMGs accelerating from stand still to 250km/h. The E43 has the upper hand up to about 100, due to awd, but after that the 540i is comfortably faster.

[BMHunden]

Originally Posted by mk1-fan

That is mainly due to the E43 being a lot heavier, and also having awd, which robs a lot of power.

I have watched numerous videos on YT, on 540Is and E43AMGs accelerating from stand still to 250km/h. The E43 has the upper hand up to about 100, due to awd, but after that the 540i is comfortably faster.

The video I linked to is the only one I have been able to find - I wonder if you could share links to any of the others you've watched? (I'm sure you would have seen from the video that the two are exactly neck-and-neck from 0-100 and all the way up to 250).

[mk1-fan]

Originally Posted by Mattstrete

The video I linked to is the only one I have been able to find - I wonder if you could share links to any of the others you've watched? (I'm sure you would have seen from the video that the two are exactly neck-and-neck from 0-100 and all the way up to 250).

Sorry, what I meant is that I watched different videos, and timed the 150-250 km/h acceleration. The 540i was quicker there.

[KoenG]

Originally Posted by mk1-fan

Sorry, what I meant is that I watched different videos, and timed the 150-250 km/h acceleration. The 540i was quicker there.

This is something I read a lot: BMW is conservative and delivers a lot more. But I totally fail to see the rationale behind this self-humiliation. Or has BMW adopted the arrogance of a make like Rolls Royce back then? All they said was "plenty power" probably they didn't have a clue either on the real hp.

really... what a mess are they making out of this?

[WSH]

Originally Posted by Mattstrete

You may wish to have a look at the comparison video I posted on the first page of this thread. The 540i is just as fast as the E43 AMG. The creators of the video have emphasised this in other videos, too (see their comparison of the 540i and 530i). The E43 AMG is/was rated at 400 horsepower. There is no way the 540i is "only" producing 330 or 340 BHP (depending on region). One of the people who commented on the aforesaid video claims to have dyno-tested his 540i at 380 BHP.

I used to drive a 435i with the MPPK, which was rated at 330 BHP (250kw). My 540i feels more powerful, despite being a bigger car.

And, interesting fact: according to BMW, the 540i (at least the current, 2019 model) has the B58B30O0 engine: https://app.bmw.co.za/dws/VTS/servle...modelCode=JB32

That's great, but I really don't care about 540 vs. E53...it's not about M-B vs. BMW, I simply want an I-6 5 series with close to M3 level of power. I've driven the G30 540i, love it, but could tell little power diff vs. my F10 535i M-sport

[BMHunden]

Originally Posted by WSH

That's great, but I really don't care about 540 vs. E53...it's not about M-B vs. BMW, I simply want an I-6 5 series with close to M3 level of power. I've driven the G30 540i, love it, but could tell little power diff vs. my F10 535i M-sport

This thread is concerned with the question "Is BMW 540i better than Merc A43 AMG". This was the context in which I have been posting.

The purpose of my reply to your previous post was to point out that the 540i's actual power is closer to 380 BHP than its claimed specifications may suggest. This is the figure which you say the 540i should be producing. My point is that, in order to match the E43 AMG on acceleration - a car which was rated at 400 BHP - the 540i must be producing close to that figure even if allowance is to be made for the weight differences between the two and the effect of AWD. As I noted in my first post, the 540i has been dyno-tested (anecdotally) at 380BHP.

And if you wish to compare the 540i vs the previous generation 535i (or 435i): my experience is different from yours. The 540i accelerates to 100 km/h in a claimed 5.1 secs. In my personal experience, it is much more powerful than either the previous-generation 535i or the 435i (I have driven both). This is to be expected from one model generation to the next.

I suggest that if you want more power than the 540i has to offer, that you consider the M550i or simply purchase an M3, the latter of which is a very different car. I suspect that the 540i is positioned correctly in the model line-up considering its price relative to the 530i and the M550i and that, if it were to offer more power, it would intrude too closely upon the M550i's position in the range.

[clee1982]

well in some market 540 is the top below M5 instead of 550, guess that's why people would want more hp?

My drive of 540 so far is, it's enough hp for me for sure, and the other day I was getting 30+mpg on highway without trying (in comfort not eco pro), can't really complain in any case

[WSH]

Originally Posted by Mattstrete

This thread is concerned with the question "Is BMW 540i better than Merc A43 AMG". This was the context in which I have been posting.

The purpose of my reply to your previous post was to point out that the 540i's actual power is closer to 380 BHP than its claimed specifications may suggest. This is the figure which you say the 540i should be producing. My point is that, in order to match the E43 AMG on acceleration - a car which was rated at 400 BHP - the 540i must be producing close to that figure even if allowance is to be made for the weight differences between the two and the effect of AWD. As I noted in my first post, the 540i has been dyno-tested (anecdotally) at 380BHP.

And if you wish to compare the 540i vs the previous generation 535i (or 435i): my experience is different from yours. The 540i accelerates to 100 km/h in a claimed 5.1 secs. In my personal experience, it is much more powerful than either the previous-generation 535i or the 435i (I have driven both). This is to be expected from one model generation to the next.

I suggest that if you want more power than the 540i has to offer, that you consider the M550i or simply purchase an M3, the latter of which is a very different car. I suspect that the 540i is positioned correctly in the model line-up considering its price relative to the 530i and the M550i and that, if it were to offer more power, it would intrude too closely upon the M550i's position in the range.

I guess you didn't bother to read my original post, where I clearly stated the reasons for NOT wanting an M550i; I also noted my "wish list". But thanks for the advice anyway

[Symo]

Can't get the 550 in Australia unless you buy an Alpina for $250,000.

The 540 is the top engine here. I think it's due partly to Australian shit high sulpher fuel.

I ordered my 540i last September ( and I'm still waiting for it to arrive, in April hopefully)

When I ordered the car the dealer gave me the order sheet ( to verify that every was correct )and it shows option 858 "Engine design for poor quality fuel"

My old E60 was a V8 and I loved it. The new 6 in the 540 has about the same power. I can only imagine what it's like to drive a 550. ( I was recently in the USA and almost took a 550 for a test drive but decided against it as I did not want to get spoilt by the power)

[clee1982]

Originally Posted by Symo

shows option 858 "Engine design for poor quality fuel"

[Symo]

Clee. 1982.

Glad we could give you a chuckle. . If you want a real laugh we pay about $1.80 per ltr for the stuff here. That's about $6:80 a gallon !!!!

[BMHunden]

Originally Posted by WSH

I guess you didn't bother to read my original post, where I clearly stated the reasons for NOT wanting an M550i; I also noted my "wish list". But thanks for the advice anyway

I'm not sure why you have decided to be antagonistic to me or why you believe that an appropriate response to my thoughtful and considered reply is that kind of emoji. I did indeed "bother" to read your original post.

Your reasons for dismissing the M550i, yet demanding that the 540i produce more power, appear to be misconceived.

You would indeed need AWD if the 540i was to produce more power, or as much power as the M3, even if you live in Florida. The M3's traction issues, even in the dry, are well-documented. I have personal experience of these issues.

Bottom line: the 540i in all likelihood produces the kind of power which, you say, it "should" produce.

[WSH]

Originally Posted by Mattstrete

I'm not sure why you have decided to be antagonistic to me or why you believe that an appropriate response to my thoughtful and considered reply is that kind of emoji. I did indeed "bother" to read your original post.

Your reasons for dismissing the M550i, yet demanding that the 540i produce more power, appear to be misconceived.

You would indeed need AWD if the 540i was to produce more power, or as much power as the M3, even if you live in Florida. The M3's traction issues, even in the dry, are well-documented. I have personal experience of these issues.

Bottom line: the 540i in all likelihood produces the kind of power which, you say, it "should" produce.

Whew ! Thanks for correcting my opinion, as to what I would like in my next car. I'll be sure to consult with you when I place my order, as I'm sure my opinion on colors, options etc will be wrong as well.

I will await your arrogant retort, as I KNOW you'll have to have the last word. Lighten up Francis, it's the internet

[magbarn]

Originally Posted by Mattstrete

I'm not sure why you have decided to be antagonistic to me or why you believe that an appropriate response to my thoughtful and considered reply is that kind of emoji. I did indeed "bother" to read your original post.

Your reasons for dismissing the M550i, yet demanding that the 540i produce more power, appear to be misconceived.

You would indeed need AWD if the 540i was to produce more power, or as much power as the M3, even if you live in Florida. The M3's traction issues, even in the dry, are well-documented. I have personal experience of these issues.

Bottom line: the 540i in all likelihood produces the kind of power which, you say, it "should" produce.

Considering that the heavier 540ix is already faster than the regular 540i let's us know the older B58 is already traction limited. I'm pretty sure the M340ix will be faster than every M340i out there.

[hlothery]

Originally Posted by Mattstrete

The M3's traction issues, even in the dry, are well-documented. I have personal experience of these issues.

.

Not to get in the middle of this, but, WSH, you might seriously consider this. As the owner of a 2019 M550iX and the former owner of a 2016 M4, I cannot tell you how much better the AWD performes on the street, harnessing the horsepower into forward motion, rather than into the coffers of Michelin for new rear tires. There is a good reason BMW brought the M550i to COTA to use in the drag race portion of M Track Days. I also love that V8 sound!

[WSH]

Originally Posted by hlothery

Not to get in the middle of this, but, WSH, you might seriously consider this. As the owner of a 2019 M550iX and the former owner of a 2016 M4, I cannot tell you how much better the AWD performes on the street, harnessing the horsepower into forward motion, rather than into the coffers of Michelin for new rear tires. There is a good reason BMW brought the M550i to COTA to use in the drag race portion of M Track Days. I also love that V8 sound!

Good point...
having owned 911's for 38+ years---including AWD Turbo's and 2WD GT3/GT3RS and GT2 ("widow maker")---I actually enjoy an engaging car. I have 2 friends that bought M3's specifically BECAUSE of the "traction issue", they enjoy having a tossable/ engaging car. I prefer the lighter weight and feel of 2WD, don't need AWD for the traditional reasons (i.e. winter). BMW decided to make a 3-series "between" the 335/340 and M3 called the M340i....I would simply prefer that (higher) output engine in the 5-series. Looking forward to driving all of them again----540i, M550, M340, E53 AMG, a good time to be an enthusiast !