It's all business for Jay Tilles, Executive Producer of KROQ-FM's Kevin & Bean Show, the number-one morning radio program in Los Angeles. Known on-air as Lightning, the driver of this handsome 1997 BMW 540i kicks off the workday by keeping his morning show running as smoothly as humanly possible, a feat in itself considering its two capricious personalities.
Then it's off to Long Beach Clothing Company, a successful retail store Tilles owns and operates. If that's not enough, before heading home to his wife and two sons, Tilles spends the remainder of the day working on his next pet project, Electric Hair, an alternative hair salon scheduled to open soon.
Getting from one place of business to the next can be a chore when you regularly navigate some of the most highly congested roadways in the country. Fortunately, Tilles' BMW 540i is up to the task, ideally modified in every respect.
The black on black color combination is fitting, and so are the car's tasteful alterations. The low whistle of a VF Engineering supercharger chimes harmoniously with a well-tuned aftermarket exhaust. Good for 410 bhp, the system provides more than ample power to keep the daily commute a pleasurable one. Equally impressive sounds beat through a mega-watt Alpine audio system specifically tailored for Tilles, complete with a signature lightning strike against the rear enclosure.
A core motorsports enthusiast, Tilles drives as hard as he works. Fittingly, his well-dressed 540i is designed to keep up.
1997 BMW 540iEngineSupercharged 4.4-liter V8, VF Engineering / Vortech 6 psi supercharger kit, high-capacity Bosch fuel injectors, GIAC software, AC Schnitzer stainless steel cat-back exhaust
TransmissionFive-speed automatic
SuspensionAC Schnitzer performance lowering springs and struts
BrakesBrembo assemblies front and rear
Wheels and TiresAC Schnitzer, 8x19 (f), 9.5x19 (r)Michelin Pilot Sport, 245/35-19 (f), 275/30-19 (r)
ExteriorAC Schnitzer front air dam, side skirts, mirrors, rear spoiler, rear window valance and trunk lid wing, 2002 Euro Xenon headlamp conversion
InteriorM5 aluminum trim package, ACS aluminum shift knob
ICEAlpine CVA-1006 flip-up tuner/CD changer control, front and rear component speakers, dual amplifiers, 12-inch subwoofer
PerformancePeak Power: 410 bhp @ 5700 rpmPeak Torque: 395 lb-ft @ 4600 rpm