The 04-05 BMW 545I should be quicker off the line than the 535I sorry. No debate here, just laying down the facts. 0-60 on the 545IA is 5.4 seconds with a 1/4 mile of 13.7 seconds stock. The 08
535IA does 0-60 in 5.8 seconds while the 535IM does it in 5.6 seconds and traps a few ticks slower in the quarter mile as well.

 

Guys just get over it. A V8 is a V8. If you want a logical, "by the numbers" choice, get a 535i. If you want a V8, buy the V8. It's that simple.

Honestly if I had the money, I'd pick a 550i. It's a luxury sedan, so might as well spring for the 8 cylinder. I wouldn't care that a turbo 6 is almost as fast for less money. I'd be happy with the V8.

 

A 523? What kind of engine does that have? A 2 cylinder?

 

Same straight 6 as the E46 323I.

 

I'm assuming that it's the same 2.5 I6 that used to be in the 3 Series (E46).