DBU

I drive a 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix (3.8L V6) but hope to get back into a new 530i in a couple of months. I happened across a website listing the torque of my Pontiac: Grand Prix GT 3800SFI Series 2 V6 200HP/230lb-ft. I recalled having seen the engine info for the 530i on this site and thought I would compare the two.

I went to: E60 Information Network and was disappointed to learn that the 530i engine only is listed as having 220 lb-ft of torque, i.e. less than the Grand Prix!

Now I do love the handling of the BMWs, but less torque could be a show-stopper. Is the 530i really underpowered? I would love to hear from some current owners in this respect (not trying to start flame war here, just trying to get input before visiting dealer/test drive).

swajames

Welcome DBU, the 530 isn't going to feel underpowered if you're coming from the 3.8 in your Grand Prix. The slight shortfall in torque is more than made up with the extra 55 HP and I don't think you'll be at all disappointed. You'll need to work the N52 a bit to get up in the rev range to get the best out of it but other than that I think you might be pleasantly surprised. Take a test and let us know what you think.

znod

Welcome. You might consider a less-well appointed 550i--with the sport package, premium sound, and not much beyond--as an alternative to a better optioned 530i.

ipse dixit

Yes, you will be disappointed with the low-end torque of the 5er (either in I6 or V8 versions). Tis the way BMW does business ... high-rev engines with generally flat torque bands.

Now, if you want a similar car with that low rpm, snap-your-neck-back giddyup, try the G35 sedan or coupe. Infiniti did a really nice job with the VQ35 engine on that car, lots of low end thump.

The relatively low torque numbers at the lower rpm bands is one of the reasons why some people with 530s or 545s will lose out to "lesser-endowed" cars going from a standstill to 60 mph.

Having said all of that, while having gobs of torque is fun, real drivers and real driving experiences are all about being able to handle the engine at any torque range -- low end torque sort of makes that difficult to do.

Good luck with your buying decision.

Cheers.

swajames

Ipse Dixit, interesting that you suggest the relationship between torque and 0-60 times. Putting the 530 to one side for a minute, in the E60 range itself there are a number of engines (530d and 535d) that have significantly greater torque than the 545/550 - and even M5 - yet they are not as quick on the 0-60 runs. I had a G35 coupe myself before getting my E60 and whilst I agree the VQ35 engine is awesome, its torque was not the key feature in its performance, the thing revs like a turbine and that's what generated most of the power/fun. As the 530d/535d owners on here report, the monster torque from BMW's diesel engines is of most value in the midrange where it really comes in to its own, not straightline 0-whatever acceleration from a standstill. On an in gear time, say 50 to 70, torque can make a significant difference.

znod

Hi ipse d:

What examples do you have in mind for the 545i? While not the best of course, the 545i yields about 1.23 HP per cubic inch, and its maximum torque (330) is greater than its maximum HP of 325. These characteristics, when combined with a fairly flat torque curve, would seem to yield a car that is pretty competitive with cars of similar lbs/HP ratios. For example, the 545i and the Lexus IS350 have similar wieight/power ratios and, at least according to magazine tests ought to be pretty good competition for each other.

ipse dixit

Swajames and Znod -

I don't doubt the paper numbers of the cars or the 0-60 times that Magazines publish. But all of those are under optimal conditions and in the case of Magazine test times, under perfectly optimal conditions.

Furthermore, ultra low 0-60 numbers are not about torque. They are about traction, weight shift, and willingness to abuse the drivetrain. You will run all the way through at least 2 gears running 0-60. You will have accessed the entire power band, whatever it is. Realize that those magazine hacks get those really eye-popping, magazine selling numbers by (1) winding it up into the high rpms, dumping the clutch and letting her rip or (2) in the case of Step, stomping on the brake and throttle and repeating the above.

If you are at a stoplight (or crusing along minding your own business) and the guy next to you driving a G35 or IS350 gives you the look of "hey, buddy, lets see what that German mule can do ..." those numbers are a lot tougher to replicate ... this is where that extra oomph in low end torque comes in handy.

It's like cheap make-up for bad launches and bad driving (note: I did not say "bad driver" but only "bad driving") -- it can cover up alot of flaws.

znod

Well, yes and no. For example, with the Step, its just point an shoot--pressing the trottle quickly, but smoothly, to the floor unless on an excellent surface. And, too much torque can lead to a great deal of driver error in the form of excess wheel spin even with an automatic. But, I know what you are saying. I am still not sure what is wrong with the torque of the 545i given engine size. One thing for sure, though, no one can be asleep at the wheel or get too excited.

jet190rs

I happen to think my 545's torque levels off pretty low in the powerband. I think the specs are 330lb-ft@3600. The car is really really fast, but I'm used to driving sports cars that need to rev high - feels more exciting to me.

znod

It looks to me like the 545i stays above 285 ft. lbs. (387 Nm) from about 1900 RMP through about 6100 RPM. And, it appears to me that it stays above 295 ft. lbs. (400 Nm) from about 2200 RPM to 5700 RPM. That seems pretty good for a 330 ft. lb. max. engine. See the graph below.