I just noticed that BMW also makes a 4.0 lt valvetronic V8, and not just a 4.8 lt V8. You can get a 540i in other parts of the world (like Australia). Perhaps even removing the 525i, and just having a 530/540/550 lineup?
Would there be a market for that car here in the USA? I'm thinking:
- Priced between 530i and 550i - fills in a nice gap there.
- It generates just over 300bhp - a nice round number, to take on the GS430s, M35s, and E350s of the world.
- SMG and Manual versions without gas guzzler tax.
- It weighs about 330 lbs more than the 530i.
- It only uses about 10% more fuel over the 530i.
Would the E39 540i crowd like to move into a small block E60 540i? I'm getting a 530i, and the 550i is out of my league, but I wonder about the 540i...?
Thoughts or comments?
Chris.
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| Reply » Should BMW NA import the 540i? |
540 and 550 are same engine, 550 is just tweaked a little.
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| Reply » Should BMW NA import the 540i? |
Well, I should clarify - they do have different capacities 4.0 vs 4.8. The 540 is not a 4.8 Lt with less horsepower. I think the only difference is the capacity? But I may be wrong.
My opinion is that the 540 and 550 engines are more different than the 525 and 530 engines which share the same capacity, block etc.
But I'm more curious as to whether there would be a market for such a car. Perhaps not?
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| Reply » Should BMW NA import the 540i? |
Oops, I meants the 545 and 550 are the same engine.
Not sure about the relation between the 540/545/550,
If they are all the same block, no point in offering the lower HP engine
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| Reply » Should BMW NA import the 540i? |
Quote:
If they are all the same block, no point in offering the lower HP engine | Why not? BMW offers the 525 and 530 which are the same engine block.
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| Reply » Should BMW NA import the 540i? |
Quote: | Why not? BMW offers the 525 and 530 which are the same engine block. | Not for long, from what I've heard.
But in any event, it doesnt make any business sense for BMW to offer more intermediate engine choices. They arent losing any sales due to such lack. I truly doubt that no one says "I won't buy a 530 or a 550 but I would buy an E60 between the two if it was available."
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Should BMW NA import the 540i?