[Shotimes] Replacing the SHO

[Donald Mallinson]

Ian,

I didn't drive the 540, but I did take a 2003, new, 530i 
(auto) for a nice long drive right before the last 
convention.  It was nice, very nice.  Solid, cornered 
superb, and I chose the stock suspension/auto version for a 
reason, I was thinking of replacing the V8 96 SHO in the 
near future.  With Two MTX SHO's, I really didn't need 
another manual, and the V8 won't be fast enough to be a 
super kick, so why not go with the 225 hp super smooth six.

Loved the auto-manual (or whatever they call it) 
transmission.  At one point going into an on-ramp, I hit the 
downshift three times super quick and the tranny didn't 
blink, just kicked down three times and we were off! 
Salesman almost had a cow, but I told him we were still 2500 
rpm below redline (we were) and I wasn't near full throttle.

If I could have that tranny in my 96 SHO, I think I would 
never sell the SHO!

When through, I got back in the '96 and really did a 
comparison.  Yes, the Beemer is nice, newer, more solid, 
more luxurious, but in basic street handling the SHO was its 
equal, and in overall quality feel, I didn't feel one bit 
like I had taken a big step down.  Yes, it was a step down, 
but a tiny one.  One certainly NOT worth 40,000+ bucks with 
the poor resale of the SHO.  Also, power in the V8 SHO was 
equal or better, as it should be with 10 more ponies.

I DO covet a Beemer some day, but not this year.

Don Mallinson

Ian Fisher wrote:
> I guess that this is OT now, but others might be interested. I haven't
> been for a ride in the 540i (current generation) so I am curious as to
> how they handle and what the power band is like? 
> 
> DOHC V8 6 speed RWD is very appealing to me. I heard one with exhaust
> once and it was really sweet sounding. I won't be able to get into one
> for at least a year or two at best. I graduate college in May and will
> probably stay with my current company but I am unsure what I'll be doing
> or where I'll be living.
> 
> Ian