beewang

1% increase on base MSRP

subterFUSE

While having a drink at an outside table at a local bar, I overheard two police officers having a discussion about pulling over speeders.

One of them said to the other that he hated giving out tickets, and would often let people slide if the conditions of the infraction were not serious.

The example he gave was: It's one thing if you are speeding on a busy highway during rush hour.... that is dangerous. But if it is just some guy who is trying to see what his new sportscar can do, and he's on a clear highway with good visibility... then he could understand, and would let the guy go with a warning.

T J Hooker

If you can't beat them join' em.

wolverine

Here's the best way to evaluate the change in HP. Look at the weight/HP ratio of the 550 vs the E39 M5 and the E46 M3: I'm assuming the 550 won't gain much weight.

545 3800 lb/325 hp = 11.7 lb/hp 3800 lb/330 tq = 11.5 lb/ft-lb
550 3800 lb/360 hp = 10.6 lb/hp 3800 lb/360 tq = 10.6 lb/ft-lb
E46 M3 3500 lb/333 hp = 10.5 lb/hp 3500 lb/262 tq = 13.4 lb/ft-lb
E39 M5 4000 lb/394 hp = 10.2 lb/hp 4000 lb/369 tq = 10.8 lb/ft-lb

So, the 550 will be dead even with the E46 M3 in performance, and close to the E39 M5. That is one heck of a 4-door. The 545 is fantastic, it's just not quite at that level. I believe the difference will be noticeable if you drive both cars.

beewang

I can't agree w/ your info wolverine.
1) You will NOT be able to FEEL 10% increase in HP. If you can, then there wouldn't be a need to Dyno testing.

2) Your conclusion of "...550 will be similar in performance to the E46 M3..." is somewhat deceiving. You are only looking at the numbers without consideration of LSD, gear ratio, power band, etc.

The only way to prove or disprove is to wait 'til October. From my experince w/ BMW cars over the years I think you are wrong. We'll continue this conversation in Oktober.

cheers,

beewang

wolverine

I can't agree w/ your info wolverine.
1) You will NOT be able to FEEL 10% increase in HP. If you can, then there wouldn't be a need to Dyno testing.

2) Your conclusion of "...550 will be similar in performance to the E46 M3..." is somewhat deceiving. You are only looking at the numbers without consideration of LSD, gear ratio, power band, etc.

The only way to prove or disprove is to wait 'til October. From my experince w/ BMW cars over the years I think you are wrong. We'll continue this conversation in Oktober.

cheers,

beewang
[/quote]

I'll take that bet - if we both show up at the 'ring at the same time, winner gets to drive the loser's car.

I say the 550 will outrun the e46 M3 on the highway. Same weight/hp ratio and a lot more torque. 0-60 it won't be quite as fast because it's heavier, but I'll bet some car mag testers run 5 seconds or less. Guess we'll have to wait and see.