offshore

Hi All,

First off, let me say that DAS has done a brilliant job with this site. The roadfly forums are slowly turning to crap with all the personal insults and flames etc.

I drive a X5 (Black 3.0 Manual Xenons SP DSP of course) & I love it. there are only about 20 odd X's in New Delhi India (I went to school in Boston, and worked for Gulfstream's office in WTC TII 83rd floor) before coming back to start my own oil & gas consulting firm.

Introductions done, I have the following question:
Since the 545 is likely to be out of my price range (customs import duty is 90% + don't intend to ever sell the X) I am aiming for a more realistic 535 (530 has been called 'anemic'). I would appreciate feedback on whether anyone knows when the new engones are coming out, what the Hp will be like, and prices of the 535 compared to 545 & 530.

Any other info, like how long one should wait to see if it's a good engine or not, or whether SMG will do it justice or is manual ok, etc would be very appreciated too.

Many thanks!

RichReg

Offshore: I too am awaiting the 535 (or Valvetronic 530, whatever they call it). I currently work here in Weehawken, N.J. for UBS Financial Services and drive a 323Ci. Supposedly, Valvetronic is supposed to increase output by 10 percent, which would mean about 245 to 250 hp.

On the other hand, there have been rumblings about the possibility of the introduction of a new 3.5 liter (hence the 535) engine, and interviews with BMW in some mags have hinted at hp as high as 265-275 in their next iteration of the inline six. The new higher displacement engine would probably incorporate Valvetronic in order to put out that much power....

When this will all happen is anybody's guess, but I am willing to bet that if the 530 doesn't sell enough BECAUSE the engine hasn't changed yet, BMW will bring in the engine as soon as its ready and turn over the model year. At best, this could mean that 2005 models may come out early in 2004, but we should have a better idea after initial sales figures (as well as road test comparisons) start to roll in.

R.R.