550i Mods - Power & Performance
05-08-2012, 06:00 AM
#11
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I drive a similar model 550. I have a 2008 550 with the Sport Auto transmission and Sport package. I was on a similar quest as you -- improve overall handling and performance of my car. I ended up making the following modifications to my car:
The replacement rims removed about 10 lbs from each corner on the car. And the suspension dropped the car another 1/2 to 3/4 of a inch which stiffening up the ride. The tower braces heavily reduced in corner sway. If you're familiar with Texas, we have "Texas u-turns" at almost every major intersection (http://en.wikipedia....ki/Texas_U-turn) and the car can now take one of those at 80+ mph where previously with the suspension modifications you felt uncomfortable around 40 or 50 mph.
On the track I've topped the car out around 165 mph. The car accelerated to 130 mph from zero in less than 15 seconds. The car becomes much more responsive when you put it in sport mode with the sport auto engaged. I probably shaved 4 seconds off the 0 - 130 -- getting there in approx. 11 or 12 seconds.
I've included a few pictures of my car below. Let me know if you have any specific questions.
Todd
- Dinan Free Flow Exhaust
- Dinan High Flow Intake
- Dinan High Flow Throttle Body
- Dinan Carbon Fiber Front Strut Tower Brace
- Dinan Carbon Fiber Rear Shock Tower Brace
- Dinan Stage 1 Suspension System
- Dinan Stage 2 Software
- HRE Performance P40s - 19" in textured black
- Michelin Pilot Super Sport Tires
The replacement rims removed about 10 lbs from each corner on the car. And the suspension dropped the car another 1/2 to 3/4 of a inch which stiffening up the ride. The tower braces heavily reduced in corner sway. If you're familiar with Texas, we have "Texas u-turns" at almost every major intersection (http://en.wikipedia....ki/Texas_U-turn) and the car can now take one of those at 80+ mph where previously with the suspension modifications you felt uncomfortable around 40 or 50 mph.
On the track I've topped the car out around 165 mph. The car accelerated to 130 mph from zero in less than 15 seconds. The car becomes much more responsive when you put it in sport mode with the sport auto engaged. I probably shaved 4 seconds off the 0 - 130 -- getting there in approx. 11 or 12 seconds.
I've included a few pictures of my car below. Let me know if you have any specific questions.
Todd
05-08-2012, 06:38 AM
#12
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My Ride: 2008 BMW 550 -- Dinan Stage 1 (fully loaded)
--------------------------------------------
1. Dinan Free Flow Exhaust
2. Dinan High Flow Intake
3. Dinan Stage 3 Software
4. Dinan Shock Braces
5. Dinan Strut Braces
6. Dinan Throttle Body
7. Dinan Stage 1 Suspension
8. Black kidney grills
9. HRE Performance Rims (P40s in textured black)
10. Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires
I've dug up a couple more pictures for you -- not many on my work machine. The first image you can see the air intake system -- filter box on the right and new carbon fiber tubing in the front against the rad. You can also see the replacement sway bar behind the engine against the firewall. The second image shows you the new sway bar installed in the trunk.
Todd
Todd
05-08-2012, 10:09 AM
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Wouldn't cost you less to sell and buy an M5?
If I wanted car for auto crosses and other sport events - I would go for M3.
5 series BMW's are not really a sport sedans anymore - they are big and comfortable limousines.. sure people race camels ...
Friend bought 528 and started upgrading towards M5... after $60+k added in components and mods car had pretty much everything from M5 except engine was still 528 with dual blower and similar power to M5 .... but it was still modified 528 not M5... It would be likely cheaper to buy M5 and add blower to make it close to 700HP...
If I wanted car for auto crosses and other sport events - I would go for M3.
5 series BMW's are not really a sport sedans anymore - they are big and comfortable limousines.. sure people race camels ...
Friend bought 528 and started upgrading towards M5... after $60+k added in components and mods car had pretty much everything from M5 except engine was still 528 with dual blower and similar power to M5 .... but it was still modified 528 not M5... It would be likely cheaper to buy M5 and add blower to make it close to 700HP...
05-08-2012, 03:56 PM
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My Ride: 2008 550I LOADED, all options except HUD and NV
The answer is simple: you are in NYC, that means you need to contact John@Motorcepts (member here - Motorcepts shop is in Ridgewood, Queens) and see what he can do for you to meet your needs/budget. 
05-08-2012, 03:58 PM
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My Ride: 2008 550I LOADED, all options except HUD and NV
Wouldn't cost you less to sell and buy an M5?
If I wanted car for auto crosses and other sport events - I would go for M3.
5 series BMW's are not really a sport sedans anymore - they are big and comfortable limousines.. sure people race camels ...
Friend bought 528 and started upgrading towards M5... after $60+k added in components and mods car had pretty much everything from M5 except engine was still 528 with dual blower and similar power to M5 .... but it was still modified 528 not M5... It would be likely cheaper to buy M5 and add blower to make it close to 700HP...
If I wanted car for auto crosses and other sport events - I would go for M3.
5 series BMW's are not really a sport sedans anymore - they are big and comfortable limousines.. sure people race camels ...
Friend bought 528 and started upgrading towards M5... after $60+k added in components and mods car had pretty much everything from M5 except engine was still 528 with dual blower and similar power to M5 .... but it was still modified 528 not M5... It would be likely cheaper to buy M5 and add blower to make it close to 700HP...
05-08-2012, 05:22 PM
#17
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You're welcome sir. The supercharger is working out fine. No problems yet. 
Please share some pics of the 528. Would love to see them.
Wouldn't cost you less to sell and buy an M5?
If I wanted car for auto crosses and other sport events - I would go for M3.
5 series BMW's are not really a sport sedans anymore - they are big and comfortable limousines.. sure people race camels ...
Friend bought 528 and started upgrading towards M5... after $60+k added in components and mods car had pretty much everything from M5 except engine was still 528 with dual blower and similar power to M5 .... but it was still modified 528 not M5... It would be likely cheaper to buy M5 and add blower to make it close to 700HP...
If I wanted car for auto crosses and other sport events - I would go for M3.
5 series BMW's are not really a sport sedans anymore - they are big and comfortable limousines.. sure people race camels ...
Friend bought 528 and started upgrading towards M5... after $60+k added in components and mods car had pretty much everything from M5 except engine was still 528 with dual blower and similar power to M5 .... but it was still modified 528 not M5... It would be likely cheaper to buy M5 and add blower to make it close to 700HP...
05-08-2012, 07:24 PM
#18
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Wouldn't cost you less to sell and buy an M5?
If I wanted car for auto crosses and other sport events - I would go for M3.
5 series BMW's are not really a sport sedans anymore - they are big and comfortable limousines.. sure people race camels ...
Friend bought 528 and started upgrading towards M5... after $60+k added in components and mods car had pretty much everything from M5 except engine was still 528 with dual blower and similar power to M5 .... but it was still modified 528 not M5... It would be likely cheaper to buy M5 and add blower to make it close to 700HP...
If I wanted car for auto crosses and other sport events - I would go for M3.
5 series BMW's are not really a sport sedans anymore - they are big and comfortable limousines.. sure people race camels ...
Friend bought 528 and started upgrading towards M5... after $60+k added in components and mods car had pretty much everything from M5 except engine was still 528 with dual blower and similar power to M5 .... but it was still modified 528 not M5... It would be likely cheaper to buy M5 and add blower to make it close to 700HP...
05-09-2012, 03:16 PM
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My Ride: E60 550i, Ducati 748
Wouldn't cost you less to sell and buy an M5?
If I wanted car for auto crosses and other sport events - I would go for M3.
5 series BMW's are not really a sport sedans anymore - they are big and comfortable limousines.. sure people race camels ...
Friend bought 528 and started upgrading towards M5... after $60+k added in components and mods car had pretty much everything from M5 except engine was still 528 with dual blower and similar power to M5 .... but it was still modified 528 not M5... It would be likely cheaper to buy M5 and add blower to make it close to 700HP...
If I wanted car for auto crosses and other sport events - I would go for M3.
5 series BMW's are not really a sport sedans anymore - they are big and comfortable limousines.. sure people race camels ...
Friend bought 528 and started upgrading towards M5... after $60+k added in components and mods car had pretty much everything from M5 except engine was still 528 with dual blower and similar power to M5 .... but it was still modified 528 not M5... It would be likely cheaper to buy M5 and add blower to make it close to 700HP...
Get an LSD and S/C