540i v. 540iA

[stu burness <burness@xxxxxxx>]

On Fri, 7 May 1999, bmw-digest wrote:
> Date: Thu, 06 May 1999 12:09:48 -0700
> From: John Edward Miller <jem@domain.elided>
> Subject: Re: NEED HELP 540i vs 540iA
> 
> > I'm a new subscriber to the bmw digest and I am beseeching the list for
> > some advice.  I'm 53, live in a populated area of central PA and am
> > bored with my current vehicles including a '98 M-B E320.  I am seeking
> > new adventures with a fun sport sedan.  I have driven the 540i with 6
> > speed and find it amazing as a total performance vehicle.
> > Unfortunately, I have been told that the 6 speed may be tough to drive
> > in congested traffic conditions and I'm concerned that it will become
> > tedious to drive over time.  I have not had the opportunity to drive the
> > Steptronic as no regional dealer has one in stock at the moment.  Any
> > comments regarding either automatic version of the 540iA would be
> > greatly appreciated particularly with reference to the 540i 6 speed in
> > terms of a mid-life crisis fun vehicle.
> 

I've driven the 99 automatic and Steptronic and preferred the auto
although 6spd is still tops for me.  Steptronic slipped when shifting
under load in manual mode -- auto mode was fine.  Steptronic and others
(e.g., Lexus GS400) appear to me as novelties currently.  540 has enough
power/torque that you don't have to be shifting gears all the time in
traffic.  So my vote is for the 6spd, right?  Well, that's what I wanted
originally, but I got an M3/4 instead.  540's are not so overwhelming
after driving an M3.  Tiny side mirrors on M3 provide incentives to seek
driving solutions with right foot.  So before you commit try an M car (I
note another responder suggested an M5).  Or maybe a 528 -- just be sure
to get the sport package.  Of course the ultimate midlife crisis
vehicle is a Z3 -- any engine -- puts the joy back into driving in traffic
- -- and just keep your MB. All of the above handle well and go pretty
fast (some just get there sooner).  Hope this simplifies things.

Actually, what a great quandary to be in.  Enjoy the decision making
process.

Stu Burness
ABQ, NM

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