Whats the difference between the Ram Air Intake and Cold Air in-takes, is one better than the other?
Also, I am thinking of getting the following mods:

- RAM/Cold Air Intake
- Better Filters
- Pulley Kit (Are these available for the 530i? It seems only M5s have these)
- ECU Reflash

Has anyone have all the above done to their E60s, and if so, what sort of performance/sound gains did you get?

 

I used to have the AFE Cold air intake with ECU reflash on my 550i. At first I thought this was the best combo until I found out that CAI cause you to LOSE horsepower not GAIN.

Then I tried the following setup from RPI with my old STOCK airbox: RAM air scoop, BMC air filter, removed the charcoal filter + still have the old ECU reflash. I definitely felt an improvement compared to my old CAI setup. There's more power and even more pull as you go at higher speed (80 MPH+).

So my suggestion is 1. Forget any CAI setup since they cause you to lose power 2. Forget the Pulley kit since I've already checked that manufacturers don't bother making any for our auto tranny/manual 5 series

 

+1 for an intake, we carry the RPI ram air scoops and can pair it with a BMC or K&N filter

 

AFE :thumbsdown:

 

Intake and Exhaust are an easy upgrade but don't expect the car to be completely transformed. They are modest gains.

 

RDSport makes a pulley kit for e60 530i's: http://65.36.231.74/Localized/NorthAmerica..._Drivetrain.htm