[Shotimes] Replacing the SHO

[Ian Fisher]

Thanks for the info. If you had driven the 540i I wonder if your opinion
would vary somewhat. I believe that they are rated at 282hp stock. DOHC
V8 (just like the SHO) but a little larger IIRC (probably 5.4L, use your
head Ian). They sound amazing with open exhaust. One of these days I'll
have to test drive one. I've also scared my share of salespeople; I
think its time to go for another test drive.

BTW, how can you have too many MTX's Don? :)

Ian  "1 ATX is too many" Fisher

-----Original Message-----
From: shotimes-admin@autox.team.net
[mailto:shotimes-admin@autox.team.net] On Behalf Of Donald Mallinson
Sent: Tuesday, February 04, 2003 9:09 AM
To: shotimes-admin@autox.team.net
Cc: shotimes@autox.team.net
Subject: Re: [Shotimes] Replacing the SHO


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
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