what is the different between the E39 shape M5 and 540iM

[MrDeVil_909]

Lol, true. Was just adding some weight to the discussion.

 

[E39 Ian]

well, acctually, the E39 540i auto box does 0-100 in 6.2seconds, the E39 540i steptronic does 0-100 in 6.1seconds
the manual E39 540iM sport does 0-100 in 5.6seconds, and the E39 M5 does 0-100 in 4.9 seconds...

as far as I know the only differences to the M5 and 540 are the bumpers, the M5 has 4.9L instead of 4.4L engine... it has individual throttly boddies on each intake port, it has 2 intake airfilters/airflow-meters/air intakes, it has pretty much exactly the same brakes, it has slightly bigger tyres, I think 235 front, 265 rear. It also has different seats and a rounder steering wheel is more common in the M5. it normally has a rounded rearview mirror instead of the normal rectangular one..

twin exhausts, it has VANOS on the intake and exhaust ports instead of just intake like the 540i... it has a Siemens ECU instead of a Bosch ECU, I suppose to drive all the extra bits it has on the engine... I think the only other difference between the 540i and the M5 is that the M5 has slightly stiffer springs and sportier shocks. but only slightly. as Julz noted, the power ratings are correct.

Thats all I really know of, dunno if there are any other differences...

clutchy out

Hi Clutchy,

I bought my E39 540i (A) '97 second hand from someone who was not very knowelgeable. How do tell if mine is just the auto or the steptronic?

 

[zaleonardz]

It will be steptronic, that is what BMW classified the automatic boxes,

 

[E39 Ian]

Interesting though as he quotes seperate figures for the auto and the steptronic?

"well, acctually, the E39 540i auto box does 0-100 in 6.2seconds, the E39 540i steptronic does 0-100 in 6.1seconds"

 

[zaleonardz]

That is interesting...

hmmm..

 

[clutchplate]

yehp, you get an auto on the older models, steptronic is an auto box with better management and it has a manual mode which allows you to shift between gears like paddle shift..

auto box

steptronic box

 

[zaleonardz]

Cluchty, that leaver belongs in the garage, on a shelf somewhere, cause its no longer used

 

[clutchplate]

lol, mine's laying somewhere in a spare room, at the bottom of a box

 

[E39 Ian]

Thanks for clearing that issue up. I am happy to report that mine is Steptronic!!!!

Right next question, can I beat the following:
1. Ford ST:spit:
2. Opel GTC:spit:
3. Golf GTI:spit:

All 3 are in our road and my son reckons they will 'cause when he is in the car I drive normally and he thinks it ain't so quick but hey its acceleration is 6.1 off the mark 0-100.

 

[clutchplate]

540 is faster than the G5 GTI and G6 GTI. I've seriously diced allot of them, my old boss had a G5 GTI.. easy peasy..

The Ford Focus ST is a wildcard.. I've diced a stock one once when I was auto and it BARELY beat me. and then other times COMPLETELY anihalted me.. but I know I've run against some with dreamscience software.. vicious ..

the OPEL GTC is like a large wheelburrow .. don't worry about it.

if your car is in good shape, you will beat all of them.. ask anyone, the E39 numbs that scary sensation you get in small cars when you accelerate and go fast. so it might not feel as fast, but its probably going faster than what it would feel in a small car.

 

[zaleonardz]

Well...

Firstly, they are all front wheel drive... You win
Secondly, Yours is a BMW, with style, class, and luxury... you win.
Power to weight... You win

If you cant take them out the line, which you should, you will cream them on top end

 

[E39 Ian]

Thanks guys!!! :excited::excited::excited::excited::excited::excited::excited::excited::excited::excited:

 

[Raybimmer]

Ian
Why ?:nono:
All will turn around and say you have a V8 and make excuses .:bawling:

 

[veridico]

BMW doesnt feel all that fast but in reality it is. If you arent at altitude I think you wont have a problem with the ST even, unless its worked.

And even if you dont win in the race, you still win at life.

 

[clutchplate]

LMFAO !!! veridico !!! thats brilliant ..

 

[viven]

Those 540 Individuals came out with a 6 speed manual box which is always fun in a V8. Also had a nice kit with a single large tailpipe if I am not mistaken.