Re: NEED HELP 540i vs 540iA

["Paul F. Kunz" <pfkeb@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

>>>>> On Thu, 06 May 1999 14:07:08 -0400, "Paul T. Collura" <pcollura@domain.elided> said:
> Hi, 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'm older than you and drive an '88 735i 5sp manual.   

   It's been frequently said on this list, that those that have a
daily commute that involves stop-and-go traffic prefer an automatic.
Fortunately, I don't have such a commute, but with my infrequent
encounters with such traffic, I've used techniqwes that minimize the
amount of clutching/de-clutching needed to go with the flow.  So I'm
not sure I buy the argument that an automatic is needed when one
frequently encounters heavy traffic.   

   Especially for me, driving a BMW is being in control and having the
car respond to your wishes.   An automatic takes away a element of
control that I find very important.

   So my advice, is go for the 540i 6sp manual.

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