2001 BMW 540 Reviews

When time came to trade in my track toys, in this case, a '99 BMW M Coupe (yes, the funning looking 2 seater) for a more practical, yet equally exclusive and high performing vehicle, nothing fits the bill better than the Individual Series BMW 540i Touring with M Sport Package.  This wagon is painted in M Series exclusive Carbon Black colour, with black Montana (ordinary top grain) leather and sporty brushed aluminum trims.  What make this car exclusive are the lowered and stiffened suspension, front and rear M5 spoilers/bumpers, and a more aggressive final drive ratio.  The results, a wagon that handle like (and superior to in many aspects) an M5 with a fewer horsepower (100 hp) and one less gear ratio.  The handling is actually more superior due to the stiffer rear suspension (designed originally to limit travel and to withstand heavier payload, employing adjustable air springs).  Also being 200 lbs. lighter than an M5, this wagon is noticeably more tossable in turns and can be driven harder.  Due to the lack of limited slip differential (standard on the M5), it is much harder to power slide the rear end out of turns making driving sideways less often practiced than an M5.  Its pick-up is still amazing, especially when you consider how effortless it is due to the automatic transmission taking care of all the tricky bits. It certainly felt faster in the straight than all the 6 cylinder M cars I used to own.  There are a few odd short comings related to its chassis dynamic:  the front end geometry seems to be less tolerant to wider rim/tire/traction setup and tends to wander when the pavements are crowned (while the M5 using even wider tires did not exhibit this characteristic); and the rear end, at times, can be too jiggly and unsettling giving the car a "truck like" ride.  All-in-alll, this is the aristocrats' bimmer - quite often people ask "When you can afford a 5 series bimmer, why waste your fortune on a wagon", and I usually tell them "... because I have choices." and I quite often wonder why people choose SUVs and give up precise handling, safety, and precious cargo room!  

Fun to drive. IMO a little too big for a 6 speed, so I'm happy that it's an auto. The 6 speed feels better fit for the M3. Drives great in the snow too! Slap on my spare set of snow wheels and I'm ready to go snowboarding!

This is an amazing car.  Finest I have ever owned.  Plenty of power, and handles incredibly well for a 4800lb car.  I use to own a 1996 328i which was a better handling car, but wasn't big enough now that I have a kid.  You just can't go wrong with BMW

I can see James Bond getting farther behind in the rear view mirror!!!!!!!!!!

I can see James Bond getting further behind in the rear view mirror!!!!!!