Old sk00l Awesomenessnessness

[zaleonardz]

So we had a fsckup at work, and our courier company misplaced some seriously important goods for one of the major mines, and well, to say that we are in the poo is an understantment, so guess who went driving today

Started out this morning with a brisk trip down to potch in the E34, about 150km from my place one way, and she perfromed flawlessly, that old V8 is running seriously fantastic, and I had complete faith in the car.

From potch I went straight through to Pomona other side of Kemptop which was about 200, and then like 80km home... so in short just over 400km today at a seriosuly steady pace, and the 15 year old V8 remained stable as hell. Temp gauge did not move, brakes remained perfectly strong,

Get this one, combined comsumption for this trip at 140km solid was about 12.3L to the 100, If I kept it mild speed, she gave me 11.8. That is not bad for a 4L V8.

And then to crown this day of perfect driving off, I picked up an in traffic dice with a Ford ST, but its not even worth commenting about, the guy just could not drive, and kept getting stuck.

Only complaints were steering slop, and a slightly bugged rear suspension giving a "non BMW quality" ride, but my springs should be here in about 2 weeks.

From stand still, If I redline, I hit 160 at the end of third gear, with plenty more to go. That motor really really gets in its strides after 3,500 RPM, I hope the injector replacement I am going to do will shorten that midrange peak, and bring it down a bit.
Awesome way to spend a day I tell you....

 

[Skwinty]

Sounds like you had a fun day. Does your company pay for your petrol and speed fines on these trips? imp:

What is your instantaneous consumption whilst red lining through the gears?

 

[rick540]

There is two adjustments for the steering slop on the E34 (If the suspn components are ok that is)

The first is inside the car at the bottom of the steering column is a LARGE nut with a nylon insert into the column to allow for forward/rear steering adjustment. This thing gets serious play in it after 15 years, and the fix is real easy. Big shift spanner inside the car and tighten up just enough that the steering adjustment can still move, but no play between the two shafts, makes a world of difference.

The other is a bit harder and is to remove the two lower bolts for the RHS engine mounting and jack the engine up about 10-15cm and tighten up the slack/enfloat in the steering box (PM me for instructions) this really makes a fantastic difference and honestly brings all the handling enjoyment back in to the car.... It's SO worth the effort....try it.

 

[zaleonardz]

Skwinty. lets just say when I floor it, the little needle goes past 30, and then you dont see it again. consumption of the car has never gone over 16. when I had the 3.64 in I averaged around 15. Now I do about 13.

Rick, I have researched both procedures, and the bentley gives the steering box adjustment nut procedure quite nicely. I am going to do that when I get my H&R's and fit new shocks.. so in two weeks time...

I have so far rebuilt the brakes completly, I reworked the suspension throughout, and this will now be the final step. I cant wait

 

[rick540]

What I love about the 540 (Any generation) is show me anybody with the nerve to keep their foot flat for a full 20 seconds in a city or suburb.... It just becomes to scary too quick.

The normal BMW 540 V8's accelerate and keep building speed at the exact same pace right up to 250 like it's just ...nothing to them.

And the M60 above 3500 Rpm will always be a "zone" that even my E39 M62 will never ever match.

 

[zaleonardz]

I recon I have lost some top end due to the change from the 2.93 to 3.15, but who really cares.

That 4th gear is down right awesome. Now one day cfroc is going to loan me his 540/6...

I have taken mine up to 190 at about 5.300 rpm (I guess, did not really check) in 5th gear. I am pretty sure I can get her up to 230 ish with no problems what so ever, i just get scared with that sloppy suspension/steering play. WHen she is tracking true & straight I'll go do a top end run in the country side.

 

[Spy007]

Nice trip. 400km for the day. HAHahaha Do that almost every day. But be aware the speedtraps to potch a few and kempton side a few. But sounds like the old girl behaved herself, nice. That otch road is a biatch, it sux.

 

[Budleigh]

I know what you guys mean. Took my 540i on an extended road trip (about 2000km in total). Completely faultless, awesomely confidence-inspiring. The crushing overtaking acceleration, the fantastic brakes, EVERYTHING. It's a fantastic cruiser, and I averaged 9.5 to 10 litres per hundred at a steady (GPS) 135. It just lopes along with the greatest of ease while you relax on soft leather with the climate control at a constant 23 degrees and the sound system playing some Prog Rock.

And yes, as Rick said, the acceleration is simply out of this world. There is simply nowhere in my town where I can put my foot down for even ten seconds, without either chickening out, or falling foul of ye local law establishment.