A thing of Beauty and Joy Forever

Engine: Light alloy 4.4-liter, 32-valve V8 engine, four overhead camshafts, rear wheel drive Transmission:   Six-speed manual transmission Power:   282 bhp @ 5700 rpm with 310 lb per ft. torque @ 3900 rpm Acceleration: 0 to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds Top Speed: 155 mph Wheels: Mixed radial-style alloy wheels, 17x8 front, 17x9 rear Tires: 235/45R-17 front, 255/40R-17 rear performance tires Drag Coefficient: 0.31

Essentially, the 540i is a joy because it is such a seamless fusion of the luxurious and the spirited.  Beyond that general condition, it is a delight in any specific way you care to mention.  The interior, a glorious amalgam of high-gloss burl walnut veneer and soft leather, is stirring as well as classy.  Redesigned in 1997, the 540i is a totally different car on the inside while it retains the conservative look of the older model with slight changes.  The car retains the clean well proportioned look of all BMWs, well except the 318Ti.  That one is ugly man, like a poor man's BMW.   I mean for the coin of a 318Ti it is better to get an Accord or something.   But not to digress and back to the 540.  This car is so much fun that I consider it one of my best investments.  Yes, I call it an investment since after spending the money here I am happy and the happiness grows each time I glide out onto the road.

Toys and gadgets galore.  That is what there is in the car.  Things like, the car learns the way you drive to outside heated mirrors and the 200 watts stereo system.   But the best feature about the car is its ability to morph from being a quite luxury sedan into an asphalt crunching monster at a tap of the gas pedal.  As the needle on the tach slides up the car seems to gather around itself for a split second before it launches you down the road.  Were it not for the amazing road handling, nay hugging, ability I swear one could take off on the car.  The best part though is the quietude inside while in motion.  I often switch off the radio and enjoy the muffled sound of rushing wind, the feel of the wheel and the sight of the scenery flashing by at 90 mph.  Then I am at peace.  Sure, there are faster cars on the road and there are cars that would be considered more luxurious, but I doubt if there are that many cars that have the same wow coefficient.  When I am on the road, the car gives me the quite confidence that I can out-run and out-gun most other cars.  I used to do that when I had just got the car but not any more.  I suppose that's what the 540i gives you, the confidence that you don't have to prove your machismo.