[Shotimes] Replacing the SHO

[Ron Nottingham]

No, Ian, a 540i does not have a 5.4L V8...
BMW nomenclature is:
1st number = Series, 5 = 5-Series in this case
2nd & 3rd numbers = Engine size, 40 = 4.0L (but BMW has been dropping the
ball on this one)
i = Fuel Injection
S = Sport
L = Long wheelbase
C = Coupe (note: convertibles NEVER had a "c" designation)

Reality...  The 540i has a 4.4L V8, so if BMW went by their naming system,
this would be a 544i :-)

Ron N. - Dalton, GA
90 SHO
89 325i
"It takes a man to suffer ignorance and smile"

----- Original Message -----
From: "Ian Fisher" <ianf@eden.rutgers.edu>
To: <dmall@mwonline.net>; <shotimes-admin@autox.team.net>
Cc: <shotimes@autox.team.net>
Sent: Tuesday, February 04, 2003 9:18 AM
Subject: RE: [Shotimes] Replacing the SHO


> 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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