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Good
points:
Performance, headlights, seats.
Needs
improvement:
Interior storage space, base stereo, complicated GPS,
Anyway you cut it, the 540i is a great car if you love to drive and some
people may prefer the look of this old model over the sleeker appearance
displayed on the new 7-Series.
However, be warned that BMW is currently in the midst of a supplier strike
and so some models may be in short supply.
To be honest, you need to question whether or not you need the 290
horsepower V8 engine. The reason isn’t just the added cost for fuel and
insurance, but whether the 65 additional horsepower over BMW’s six
cylinder 530i is worth the extra money. The lighter 530i handles quite
well and delivers nearly 30 mpg on the road with satisfactory
acceleration. The V8 is hard pressed to provide you with 24 mpg on
premium, but does offer significantly better handling and chassis
dynamics. The depreciation for the V8 is also a little more. The good news
is that BMW has free maintenance for the first three years of ownership on
both models so maintenance is the same during that time period. But, if
you can afford it, get the V8. It is much better performing and caterers
well to your affective domain.
Mom’s
view:
This is a real jewel and I feel good driving it. The acceleration is
immediate and continues brisk until you reach the speed limit, whatever
that might be. The handling is tidy and the interior business-like.
Of course, the cupholders are awful, and there is clearly a need for more
interior storage. The rear seat was okay, but a little too firm for long
trips, and the sun visors were not fitting with a car this expensive. The
GPS was difficult for me to understand. It had too many buttons, too many
options, and too many features. With time, I believe, operating the system
would become second nature, but in the week we tested this black beauty I
just wanted to drive it. You best be careful to watch that speedometer,
because the 540i is a solid car that can easily go well over the limit the
usual noise or sensation of speed.
My favourite part on any BMW product are the brakes. They work right now
with excellent pedal feel and you quickly build tremendous confidence.
Other safety features are antilock brakes, a stability control system,
dynamic brake control, front and side-impact airbags, head protection
airbags for both the front and rear occupants, seatbelt automatic
tensioners and force limiters that can automatically adjust the upper
anchor point as the seat is adjusted. Overall, the safety ratings for this
model were good.
It rained nearly every day we had the 540i so I didn’t’ get to use the
standard sunroof. I did find the power seat and tilt/telescope steering
wheel easy to manage, but the rim of the wheel hid the most important part
of the speedometer when I found my most comfortable settings.
The
trunk was quite usable except for the way it opened. I only hope
manufacturers talk to woman the next time they design a remote trunk
opener.
When we hit the button to open the trunk we don’t want it to go click and
move up a half-inch so we have to get our hands dirty opening it or worse,
lose a fingernail.
We want the trunk lid to goes up about six to eight inches so we can
easily get our hand under it or nudge it open with the shopping bags we
are usually carrying.
The trunk should never open all the way up because it could clip our
heads, or, when the weather is inclement, get the trunk wet and the
bargains therein.
I loved the heated seats with the three levels of warmth clearly
indicated. This option comes with the cold weather package. I also
found the driver’s computer easy to master, but every time you turned off
the ignition it reset itself, which was disconcerting. The interior’s look
was business like with nothing puffy except for a little space hidden
under a roll-up lid that was essentially useless. The dual-zone automatic
climate control, heated power mirrors, and automatic day/night rear-view
mirror were appropriate for this price range. The xenon headlights were
terrific.
By now you could probably figure out that I pretty much love this car and
wouldn’t mind owning it. On the other hand, the six-cylinder 530i model
would be more practical even though it does not handle as crisply or
respond to my acceleration needs as well. Nope, give me the V8, but to be
practical, I’ll take the automatic transmission. Did you read that, Dad?
Dad’s
view:
Yep, but until the college going male gets through university you are
limited to having your dream car one week a year.
As for the 540i, the 4.4-liter, twin-cam, four-valve per cylinder, V8
engine has a variable valve timing, and produces 290 horsepower and 324
pounds-feet of torque in a smooth, potent delivery that can quickly become
addicting. The five-speed Steptronic transmission is exceptional and
certainly one reason that Jaguar buys it for their powerful supercharged
Jaguar Type S R model.
BMW’s traction control is noteworthy in that it is not intrusive like that
found in the AMG Mercedes models. It lets you have some fun, without
shutting down the engine and leaving you frustrated. In fact, the only
reason we feel that BMW is more worthy as a driving car than the AMG
Mercedes is the traction control settings. More than once while driving a
supercharged Mercedes we found ourselves in the middle of the curve when
the computer suddenly reduced the engine power so that the rear wheels
wouldn’t spin. The MB sales representative told us that it was because
some people who bought these high performance cars don’t know how to drive
them correctly. Fortunately, BMW has more faith in its owner’s abilities
although the Mercedes C 32 AMG and E55 are still among our favourite cars.
There
are options you can order with the 540i such as a 6-speed manual gearbox,
a sports suspension with firmer springs and shocks, more aggressive
anti-roll bars, larger tires, and a lower ride height.
The 6-speed version also has a few interior trim pieces, but this option
is really about performance.
This optional Sport Package is worth
considering.
Young
working woman’s view:
Driving the BMW reveals very little interior noise. Of course, it is not
like a Lexus, but with a car of this nature that is a good sign. The low
set fog lights and spoiler make inclines and driveways a challenge at
times. The wipers were supposed to be rain sensing, but I couldn’t stand
it and controlled them myself. They did a great job, but I didn’t get a
chance to use the optional liquid high-pressure headlight cleaning system.
Our test car came with an M steering wheel and it felt great. You could
easily reach all the controls without having to take your hands off the
wheel that is an unusually good trait, especially for those of us who have
small hands. The interior lighting was good, not great, and the seats were
easy to adjust.
You
can get the 540i with a stick shift and it is much faster car with that
six-speed transmission. Interestingly, the gas mileage for the manual is
considerable less than with the automatic at 15/23 versus 18/24.
We doubt anyone who is going to buy the stick shift model is going to care
much about gas mileage anyway because that model is born to run.
Next year there is even some indication that the hot rod M version of the
5-Series may approach 500 horsepower.
For a car that weighs 3720 that would be indicate that the new model may
be the fastest sedan in the world.
College
going male’s view: The stereo and radio reception were not up to par for such an expensive
car. I would spend a lot of time sitting in various BMWs listening to what
the optional equipment sounds like before I signed any papers because the
tunes didn’t carry any weight in our car.
As for image, this black BMW looked nasty, but a tad old for me. I believe
that 3 Series is much more to more liking. The backseat wasn’t bad at all
and the trunk had plenty of room for my recording equipment. I have
decided to try being a rap artist. I call myself Thoughtsarizen. You can
check out my tunes at www.sounddaddyrecords.com.
Family
conference: We always enjoy BMW products and that brand is growing in
popularity. However, there is plenty of competition. For about the same
price as the BMW 540I you can own a Lexus LS 430, the Jaguar S and XJ, and
the Mercedes Benz S. For less you can get the
powerful M45. However, none of those offer the ride and handling of the
BMW.
Written by the Car Family |
