2004 BMW 545i SMG Road Test

Also soothing frayed nerves is the sweet sensation the 4.4-liter (268 cu-in) V8 induces while propelling the 545i with skin

The 4.4-liter V8 engine is undoubtedly one of the 545i's highlights. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

tightening thrust. This engine is undoubtedly one of the 545i's highlights. It is beautifully refined and balanced, showing absolutely no guttural harshness or crude thrashiness regardless of rpm. Throttle tip-in is quite aggressive though, especially when connected to BMW's optional SMG clutch-less 6-speed manual transmission. Throttle sensitivity combined with the locked and loaded nature of the SMG gearbox can induce unwanted jerkiness and head-snapping acceleration if driver inattention sets in. Unless a potential owner is seeking the ultimate 5-Series performance ride without going to the raging M5, I would recommend averting from the optional SMG and selecting a 545i with either the fully manual 6-speed mixer or the 6-speed automatic featuring BMW's Steptronic manual shifting method. But don't take my word for it without at least giving all three sticks a good workout in city traffic. Back to the SMG, it does have an automatic mode but I found its operation annoying. Gear changes felt very protracted and labored, during which time there is a complete and disconcerting loss of

The 545i is beautifully refined and balanced, especially when connected to BMW's optional SMG clutch-less 6-speed manual transmission. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

power loss to the rear wheels. This doesn't make for smooth driving and can be frustrating when trying to position oneself for a lane change.

But if it's track-ready performance you're seeking, the SMG's fusion of 325 horsepower and 330 pounds-feet of torque to the rear wheels won't disappoint. From 1,000 rpm to its 6,500 rpm redline the Bimmer's polished-8 will pull incessantly. The rampage comes-on strong and early in the rev band, not subsiding until the limiter cuts in at about 7,000 rpm. Peak torque arrives at a mere 3,700 rpm, dishing out plenty of low-end oomph. During a charge down the freeway on-ramp, rapid surefire shifts hit the moment the stick is tilted rearward or one of the two SMG steering wheel mounted paddles is tapped. What seems like milliseconds later another tap and another tap as the big speedo climbs nearly as fast as the tach. This is authoritative yet genteel power of the finest ilk, accompanied by a heavily muted, most cultured growl.