2021 BMW 540i: Does BMW even need the 6 cylinder anymore?

Another updated Gen 7 BMW 5 Series rolls into the hangar, the 2021 BMW 540i, for this combination TECH REVIEW, FIRST DRIVE REVIEW and a round of our famous #OptionsGame so MotoMan poses the question . . . with the BMW 530e PHEV and the BMW M5 . . . Does BMW even need the 3.0 Six in the BMW 540?
#BMW #BMW5Series #BMW540i
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[@Only-one-life-68]

They are BMW’s ace in the hand 🤚 Those 6 cyclinders

[@bengriffin5146]

First! Personally I'd take the 540i over the 530e all day. Bmw means inline-6 engines, and in rear wheel drive too.

[@johanlittorin2765]

Also, the 530e weights a lot more.

[@D1man1525]

Exactly

[@davidrpriest]

The 540i is very fast. Faster than anyone except real hardcore drivers need. I would go 540i all day over the 530E.

[@LlyleHunter]

White cars shine up reallly well with carnauba polish, stay really clean looking between washings and if maintained with regular polishing never fade just like BMW’s inline six cylinder engines.

[@aklisparta3790]

Absolutely BMW'S and i6 goes hand in hand ( I should point out that I'm a sucker for BMW's i6 lol) I really love this kind of car I find this 540i more interesting than the M version it reminds me of old BMW's where you can drive them like you did and still have fun go back home and still be proud Great car great video

[@1hk218]

I’d love an M550 but the 540 probably has the perfect price/what you get ratio. It’s plenty fast, test drove one a couple weeks ago and the mild hybrid really eliminates any turbo lag. And as a current F10 535i owner, an I6 is just fine. Probably gonna lease one in the near future, also more of a sleeper IMO than an M550i

[@michaeltolsdorf865]

Hey Moto Man. Its CHP Mike. Another stellar review. In my 50 years of driving, I've learned that the words BMW and inline 6 cylinder go hand-in-hand. I was stationed in West Germany with the U S Army Military Police in 1978. My platoon Sgt bought a 1977 BMW 2800 sedan. It truly was "The ultimate driving machine". I was introduced to that velvety smooth power delivery that my 1969 Camaro SS 350 didn't have!

[@MotoManTV]

Were you in Augsberg?

[@jassimmohammed17]

You deserve a million! One of the most underrated channels for car reviews 🚗💥

[@swiper1818]

agreed

[@MotoManTV]

Thank you, Abdul!

[@paulgilliland2992]

Disagree that he’s underrated.Everyone is beholden to someone. In MM case it’s the Germans and the Asians , aka Mazda .

[@Brian-xu9di]

I purchased a 2021 540i x drive on Dec. 31, 2020. Got a decent deal - 63k on the 73k list - but still fairly expensive. I just can’t bring myself to buy a 4 cylinder car. The transmission on the car is buttery smooth. The car is quick, but not a rocket ship. I wanted the M340i, but the wife hated the way it drove - she is used to a more comfortable ride (currently owns a Lexus GS350). It’s her car, so we bought what she wanted - and she loves it. I wish it was faster, so at some point I may buy an M3 or a Porsche. All in all, it is a great car - and rides like a dream. If it is 1/2 as reliable as our Lexus, I will be thrilled.

[@ryanb8736]

The B58 is the most tunable engine for insane power.

[@Brian-xu9di]

@@ryanb8736 thx, what are the things you can do to it?

[@ylnstudios]

Downpipe , tune making 500 hp easy

[@ylnstudios]

@brian-xu9di ^

[@srbs73]

The leather is the perfect colour if I was sat in the passenger seat going down that road and those speeds!

[@bengriffin5146]

Lmao! A brown pants moment

[@MotoManTV]

ROTFLMAO:)

[@OneMoreEspresso]

Excellent review! There’s actually a BMW 545e model which combines the 6 cylinder with a hybrid system. 394BHp and 600Nm. Sad they don’t bring it to the US and it’s only sold in Europe

[@titibobo2000]

That's the hybrid I'd choose if it had to be a hybrid.

[@cl6772]

What about the 545e, what are your thoughts, will you test one?

[@hardchemist]

Very surprising that they didn't put the 382HP engine from the M340i into the 540i.

[@isserdigan2835]

I say that about the X5 too.

[@bto7779]

I find it interesting and commendable that Motorman actually chose the four banger over the six. And I agree with him. I have driven both multiple times and the delta between the two engines is not enough to necessarily justify the six over the four - as it was in the past. Especially since you no longer hear the sound of the six anyway. These cars are built for buttery smooth driving, and they shine best on long curvy roads where the chassis dynamics shines though. The six is still better but BMW has put a lot of work into its 4 bangers and with their lighter weight and better 50-50 balance, they’re pretty close in driving pleasure. At least as much as you can get from this current crop of BMs.

[@dinosoarmotorsports]

What's up with pickin' on Alpine White? Two answers to your question...it's a classic, sporty BMW color, and $550 (though I take your point about the price point on the car). Great video! I am looking to get a RWD 540i but am hoping they'll put the 380hp B58 in there...this video helps me consider the current motor.

[@bavariancarenthusiast2722]

I drove many generations of 5 as my company car since a long time. This platform is the best "GT" of them - designed for long distances, very reliable (had zero problems with 3 consecutive cars), Its good looking. I wouldn't take this combo either. For now it would be a large Diesel for long distances or an "E" for tax reasons. If you want to have fun with the "E" go for the 545E.

[@swiper1818]

Really interesting for a former serial BMW owner to see - the M5 and this sound pretty appealing

[@a6khu]

Great review. Looking forward to your views on the 545e :-)

[@fikes73]

Would you rather have the E series or the 5 series?

[@flyonbyya]

My LS460 L is StarFire White. Best color ever !

[@timw2083]

This is making a strong case for a preowned M550i, E53, or GSF.... I had a 535i many years ago

[@NajNilak]

My friend (a 2CV enthusiast and a mechanical engineer) always said that the 4 cylinder engines are a compromise between the soul of a 2 cylinder and the beauty of a 5 6 cylinder engine. Since a 2 cylinder engine is not practical in a performance care (but fits the BMW R1200* motorcycles perfectly), the only remaining option is a 6 cylinder engine.

[@dhoyt902]

Inline 6 Forever!!!!!!!!

[@jehadwadi4554]

The 6 cylinder should be standard.

[@nappiral]

I have the M550; it's the way to go and I think, the best performance value in the range.

[@davidrpriest]

It's a better daily driver than an M5. The M5 is awesome but more expensive and not as comfortable to drive everyday. It kills on a track but most of us never go there. What is more rare? An X7 that goes off road or a M5 that goes all out on a track? No sure...both are rare!

[@IceDree]

Talk about photobombing, such a tease, M. Sounds like you're getting a purple M550i next. I'll pick the 540 over the 530. Although I'm partial to the 550, the i6 is as proper BMW as it can get. As always, excellent work, M.

[@MotoManTV]

In that case, you have a surprise coming your way . . . May 1.

[@ashchatylvon]

will this type of system allow this car to be used in those countries that are implementing a ban on all gas powered cars by a certain date??? like france.

[@anuna007]

Can you please do a review on MG HS

[@migy5031]

At 3900 lbs, the weight isn’t that bad for a modern mid size sedan with a mild hybrid system. While it would be great to have more electric range, the weight penalty would detract from its dynamics. Great review as always!

[@davidrpriest]

To add range from a real electrical system, they would need to add 4-500 pounds.

[@okeyezeilo6187]

Finally, a genuine replacement for the big-six powered e34 535i...

[@MehdiJ-zw7dz]

Is the BMW 545e not available in the US ? PS : Love your videos

[@SuperCat.]

No

[@davidmorello6031]

Because it looks best in white?

[@maestroadam]

I’m surprised it is under 4000 lb. Impressive.

[@a1enterprise405]

never ever get rid of the inline 6...

[@adamy3834]

Have this car. Although my mistake was Dakota leather and the B&W sound is not worth it.

[@michaelv6870]

I`m really torn between the 530 e, which is the smart decision, or the 550i, which is the gut decision. I think the 540 is just not that appealing. Sure, it has good power and an awesome I 6 but the price is too high for what it offers Imo. I would take the 77 K and get a 0 options M 550i. In carbon black of course. And add the red calibers for good measure. Free of charge!

[@macstone9719]

IMHO, straight 6 RWD are a hallmark of BMW as a brand. Not only because I daily drive one :-) . V8s not so much, thats more MB territory. I will not be fascinated by any 4 banger, thanks but no thanks. But you never know what younger buyers think (do they??, ooops I am in trouble now) or want, so... The smoothness of a great BMW 6 cylinder engines has to stay, I hope for it. White? yeah... was fashionable in 1990.

[@MotoManTV]

I will admit, the E32 7 Series did look particularly crisp in white . . .

[@snakeeyes9246]

If I was going to get a 5 Series, I'd get this or an M550i Xdrive.

[@madpistol]

They added the 48V mild hybrid system to this engine. Why not also give the 5 series the 382HP B58 found in the M340i? The M340i is an absolute riot with that motor. My guess is that it would transform the 5 series as well.

[@FrankW1029]

because the "m" tune is reserved for the second highest trim in each model. i do agree that it should just tuned it to m340i tune given that it is a bigger and heavier car.

[@kevincohen5628]

Same engine, different tune… tune it yourself and you will be at 500 hp and be a very happy camper 😊

[@titibobo2000]

Yes, it does!

[@hisham202]

They could have made it better with a nice inflation of its rear end, aka wagon.

[@jamar959]

Yes, the smooth in-line 6 is still the right mid-level engine. But I keep asking when will they upgrade to the higher output (382HP) available in the 3 series?

[@titibobo2000]

And there is 50 Nm more torque available (500 vs 450) in the M340i, which would be even more beneficial for a big (and heavy) 5 series. I was hoping to see that upgrade in the LCI and was a little disappointed when realized it didn't happen.

[@pettersaethre]

any bmw should come with the I6.. as it is bulletproof. easily gets to over 500hp with piggyback, intake and downpipe

[@ACURACALABAR11]

Its all business If i own bmw and i gave you a more expensive car with the m340 power. Why in hell would u buy a m550.....unless u just want the v8...jus do a stage 1 tune and get that power😄

[@alexandrewoods3763]

@@ACURACALABAR11 that’s true but a tune will void your warranty.

[@ACURACALABAR11]

@@alexandrewoods3763 true. U only live once

[@Peter-ok9bj]

Motoman which one would you choose. The 540 or the E450?

[@MotoManTV]

A used E53.

[@Peter-ok9bj]

@@MotoManTV great advise will look into it. Coupe or sedan?

[@ShowMeWhatINeedToKnow]

I think the 48V mild hybrid is a step backwards. Adds complexity (and more points of failure) and has the car doing stuff I don't want it to do. Definitely do NOT want the car coasting all the time, nor do I want the engine turning off every time I stop. NOR do I want terrible regenerative brakes. NOR do I want another super expensive battery to replace in my BMW.

[@madpistol]

As an M340i owner that has the 48V mild hybrid system, it does work. In Eco Pro, it will literally turn off the engine and coast when you're not on throttle. It's a weird feeling, but for fuel savings, it does a great job. Also, the brakes feel completely normal. I do admit that not being able to defeat the engine start/stop in Comfort or Eco Pro is very annoying.

[@chubbychicken5585]

@@madpistol Use sport individual to bypass the start stop. You can program all the sport individual settings to comfort.

[@madpistol]

@@chubbychicken5585 Yes, but the problem is that even though everything is comfort, it still augments the exhaust sound, so it isn't the same thing.

[@BrakRulesAll]

If they keep growing the infotainment screen, it's gonna block the driver's view in a few years. It already looks awkwardly too big to my eye. The earlier 8.8" screens BMW was using hit a sweet spot IMHO.

[@sorendk1]

I´d say get a 2021 545e xDrive (G3x-LCI), let a good ECU-tuner have a bit of fun with it, and Voilá.. You´ve got 500hp and 800Nm to brighten your days :)

[@nelsonwilliams1336]

Yes they do

[@jareknowak8712]

...its slower 0-100kmh than non hybrid 3.0 Diesel in 550D, and just as quick as non hybrid 3.0 Diesel in 540D.

[@redjet4810]

Agree about " white"

[@nelsonwilliams1336]

Once there is no more 6 cylinder I won’t be owning anymore

[@aarvin1]

Yes it needs the 6 cylinder and more. If my BMWs didn't have 6 and 8 cylinders I would never ever have bought them!

[@MarcoAurelio-jj4ho]

Volvo S90 has a 2 liter engine which generates the same power than this 3.0 by BMW... Also an electric motor with 87 Hp...

[@zendy04]

With the conclusion I disagree, instead the 540 should just have the higher output b58 with 382hp and 369tq instead of its 335and332 and keep its mild hybrid going.

[@spinQubit]

for that kind of money, you'd be better off shelling out a few thousand more for getting a more modestly specced M550

[@machtschnell7452]

Need to have BMW bring in the 540e to change your mind.

[@MotoManTV]

Würde es gerne versuchen!

[@tahsin28]

if anyone wants 2litre u sud save Dough n go mass market brands. only way premium brands justifiable now r if u got big. these only makes sense in highly taxed countries

[@isserdigan2835]

The b58 engine with 385 hp is the way to go not the 335.

[@hass1005]

ill choose the B58 engine over the N63 all day. both engines are great and powerfull but the B58 saves you the hasle that N63 has. so many flaws that N63 maintain since 2008 im surprised bmw kept that engine alive. either way the 540i is a better deal imo.

[@nicolasgalileo7209]

True bmw guys appreciate 300 alpine Weiss white !!!!!

[@rizzodefrank]

Straight six is the entire point of the brand

[@j.drenthe2090]

In English: inline 6 or nothing!

[@RoHunter]

I feel like the title is either a joke, or meant to provoke. A car should at the very LEAST have a V or inline 6 (with some small exceptions like the 5 cyl engines).

[@KaufmanLionPride]

Have you ever explained the ingredients of that hanger where you film? Are the planes and cars yours? Sure looks like a great man cave, er hanger.

[@jjgravante]

The 540i is a price mismatch with its position in the range. For a few thousand bucks more you can get a 523hp M550i that sounds magnificent, and is also a relative bargain compared with a similarly positioned, similarly optioned S6 or E53.

[@MotoManTV]

Let's have this discussion again on May 1.

[@oumaniac]

I prefer my E66 750

[@diegomontoya8889]

The 2021 Genesis G80 3.5 Twin Turbo with HTRAC and the Prestige package presents the mid sized luxury sedan buyer with quite a challenge. This is definitely a sportier ride than the G80, but I don't think most of the buyers of these are really using more than 30-40% of the ability of this 540i to begin with... Looks are subjective, of course, but the Genesis is a better looking cabin than this is too.

[@AntLive29]

550 gives you better suspension

[@mercboy111]

No replacement for displacement. Period.

[@mlee6136]

Great videos but your hand gestures are very distracting...

[@xxwhatevahxx]

I always liked BMW above else because 3 things. They always had engineered horsepower (no turbo bullshit cheating), always had RWD, manual shifting and lastly beauty that was all highest bang of that for the money..... and today they are starting to stray away from some of that, mainly the engines... before even a 518i meant a 6 cylinder, 2.5-3 litre engine, with orgasmic sound (no turbo bullshit).... a 530 meant a roaring V8.... now a 528i is a 2 litre 4 cylinder Farting Turbo.... and a 545i is a 3 litre engine.... with all Farting Turbos.... yes, they are fast, but sound horrible, the new M5 and M3 are all pissed down the drain with that turbo bullshit crap....

[@wrzl1675]

Color is subjective! Some people actually like white. What the hell does color have to do with a car review, thats a personal opinion.

[@j.drenthe2090]

6 in lijn of niks!!

[@guniseran]

And it uses premium only gas which costs 30% more. Why not stick to V8 naturally aspirated engines that uses regular gas? Fuel economy increases on the dime of consumers

[@osu3221]

You definitely are not a car guy.

[@Depp500]

BMW IS 6 cylinder. 3,4 cylinder is not. R6 "benzin" is BMW's genetic code. End of story.

[@edysinsimon8646]

So..Is the new 5 series/E class the new "norm" of what used to be the driver's car? Seems to me, the new S class and 7 series are now this mini-limo thing marketed directly at the Chinese market! This leaves us folks stateside to the lesser (all though equally compelling) models in their perspective ranges? Make no mistake, Both (all) the European automakers are directing their portfolio at the Asian markets. We the people that made these very nameplate (outside of Europe) are left wanting the cars that the rest of the world gets, yet we (along with Canada) must make due with whats thrown our way from our premium auto overlords! SHAME ON YOU BENZ/BMW/AUDI!

[@javifabela]

I was getting tired of the blue cars

[@osu3221]

I'd take the Lincoln aviator over all this European junk.

[@shaft1400]

I told my friend to buy this 540i, he ended up buying a X5 40d. So ghey.

[@IshtiaqAlam]

But his wallet will ❤ him. Diesel is hella economical.

[@hardchemist]

Diesel is the opposite of "ghey"

[@GianniRips]

White is one of the worst colors on a car, along with grey

[@trith72]

I've driven a luxury sedan with a 4 cylinder and I don't care what anyone says, they have no balls. The 6 is a minimum absolute necessity for a full size sedan unless you are driving too and from your senior retirement home to the bingo hall....