gatemaster

does software (engine/tranny s/w) make a difference ?

grogan545

I am not sure of the humidity/pressure levels on either day,but it was clear and 52F when I tested the 545,and clear and 48F when I tested the 550.The tests were run on the same road with the same test equipment.At least 1 run with each car was in the opposite direcrion.

grogan545

I think I gave a partial explanation earlier for the discrepancies from the manufacturers times compared to the testing done here in the US.The manufacturers use 0-100km(62 mph) instead of 0 to 60.This accounts for about .3 sec difference.If you go to the european site and check their specs they show the same times for the 0-100 km as they show for the 0-60 times in the US.The other diff is because they don't use a rollout.A rollout of about 12" is about what is used to simulate the timing used on all US dragstrips.This accounts for about another .3 sec.Also I think BMW uses theoretical times for some of the models.Note they always show the automatics to be .1 or .2 slower than the manuals,but all indications are that the automatics are consistently faster than the manuals when tested here in the US.

AlexFW

He surely pressed the brake before starting, "precharging" it : tested on a 535d and it is a really impressive way to start .

grogan545

I have experimented with different starting methods since my last tests and I think I noticed a difference in the DTC/DSC between the 550 LCI and my 545.The LCI doesn't seem to turn off completly when you hold the button for 5 secs.The instrument panel shows that they are off,but when I brake torque and floor it there still seems like the controls are cutting back on power slightly.I get almost no wheelspin even if I jab the peddle to the floor.Under these conditions with my 545 my tires would go up in smoke.

Has anyone who went from a 2007 or earlier 545/550 and now have a LCI noticed this difference in the DTC/DSC operation?

mhs525

My .02 The 550 is not broken in yet. You need closer to 10k miles for that motor to really settle in. Twice I have bought new BMW's and didn't think they really hit their stride until close to 25k miles.

miguex

Please, anyone confirm the 545i can be faster than a 550i in 1/4? due the weight and high mileage?? It makes me confused.
The guy said his 545i ran 4.83 secs in 0-60 and his 550i 4.88 secs. (All stocks)

I know this is old thread but today I tested my car (modded) in an empty street at 6:00 morning. (Weather about 15C, no wind and dry) and it got I believe under 5 secs in 0-100 km/h. Next time I will bring a chronometer to confirm and a video.

BTW I use 96 octane gas.

Is the sprint booster improving the time?

grogan545

I have tested my 550 about 10 times and so far it is not faster than my 545.I am using the same tester on the same road in opposite directions.My best for the 550 has been 4.83 0-60 and 8.70 for the 1/8 mile.The best I did on the 545 was 4.78 0-60 and 8.60 for the 1/8 mile.I only have 2500 miles on the 550.I believe I had about 15000 miles on the 545 when I got the best results.I have suspended testing until the weather cools in september or october.Experience shows me it is useless to test on hot summer days.The times are significantly slower in hot weather.I am still not willing to concede that my 550 won't better my 545 times but presently there is very little difference in acceleration between them.

Hyper_545i

Grogan545,

Have you ever tested quarter mile times for the 545i?

JayEll

will there be a genuine notable difference? my car just hit 3,000 miles. would be good to think it gets faster still.