BMW 540i Sport E39

The BMW 540i was the 1997 Motor Trend Import Car of the Year and it continuously places on Car and Driver's Ten Best list each year. What makes the 540i so appealing? First of all, it is the only car in its class available with a 6-speed manual transmission. No five forward speeds or driver-adaptable shift programming, just a plain old vanilla 6-speed manual, and a very good one at that. The gearbox is hooked up to a 4.4-litre V8 all-alloy four-valves-per-cylinder power plant that produces 282 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, enough to propel it to 60 mph in a class leading 5.5 seconds.As for handling, the speed-sensitive power steering unit provides superb road feel and the car exhibits crisp turn-in, near neutral handling and only slight understeer at the limit which can be traded in for mild oversteer with a little tap on the brakes. Speaking of the brakes, 4 wheel ventilated discs provide 120 ft 60-0 mph stopping distances, good albeit not record breaking performance. The interior is appointed with wood, abundant leather, 12 speaker entertainment system with a 6-disc CD, dual climate controls, sunroof and plenty of power goodies. The back seat is somewhat small but still provides enough room for 2 adults, while the trunk is also much smaller than any of its competitions, over 4 cubic ft. smaller then that of the Mercedes E430 (11.1 vs. 15.3). The ride quality is excellent and amazingly supple however you'll sense more of the road if you order the M-Technic performance oriented suspension, wheel and tire package.In the end, while the 540i is more compact and slightly more expensive than its competitors it still manages to please everyone. It delivers '60s muscle car acceleration, supremely competent handling and top-level luxury, while the athletic dynamics and manual gearbox allow it to establish a much closer relationship with the driver than any other car in its class. - by Traian Popescu

See more: BMW 540i Sport E39 Photos, BMW 540i Sport E39 Technical Data