Hey again,
Well I took the advice of what you all had responded to my original post and after using Search, and reading and reading and compairing mods from one model to another....and some of the comments made in the forum, I have a few questions I would really like answered if you all could help.

My original question was, how can I get more HP's out of my '04 545i.
Some of the posts have mentioned I really won't get that much more out of my car.
Some have said that the 5' series (not the M class) is more of a car to be seen in, not really a fast car. (which I don't personaly believe since she's got some punch right now).

So my follow up question is this....
With a budget of about 3K (usd) the first mod I should be doing is Intake / Exaust?
- what would be some tips you could tell me to avoid headaches
- what should I realisticly be looking at for intake / exaust mods
- if I am doing an intake / exaust mod, what else should I be modding along with the intake / exaust to get more out of it (such as a new engine chip?)

I read alot about stage 1 mods, can someone actually explain what a stage one mod consists of? Then what is a stage 2 mod? is there even such a thing.

Well thanks in advance for taking the time to read this and provide some feedback to a new modder and new BMW owner.

I do like the pic's I have seen, you guys have some really awesome cars. Thanks for sharring.

Audi_Eatter

 

Here's the low down. It is indeed possible to extract more power from the 545i with these mods: CAI, remapped ECU and free flow exhaust. With my previous 545i I went with a custom fitting AFE CAI, Superchips remap, and RDSport cat-back quad exhaust. In addition, I had the Sprint Booster as well.

To put it simply, consider the engine as an air compressor. More air in and out = more horsepower. So, the CAI will draw in more air into the manifold, the remap will adjust the air/fuel ratio mixture and the free flow exhaust will expel the gas quicker.

 

yes exhaust, intake, and software are where you want to focus on, and they may make your car feel quicker. however, i don't believe anyone on this forum or any manufacturers have bothered to post pre and post mod dyno results, so there's no "proof" of whether the mods raise hp or not. that's why some ppl say don't bother, cause no one really knows for sure.

as for stage x, if you had something like a 911 turbo then you might have predetermined stages of modding from a certain tuner. for example, stage 1 = exhaust and chip for 50hp, stage 2 = stage 1 + cats and intake for 80hp, stage 3 = bigger turbos for 150 hp, etc...
for our cars, when you read of stages from forum members, i think they are just showing off their current mods, and implying that there's more to come later on. they are at whatever stage in their mind, and not following a specific path outlined by any aftermarket tuners.

 

Somebody said Dyno?



http://www.remusexhaustshop.com/series-545...578-p-1284.html

 

nice!
too bad my butt dyno didn't feel those 10 hp though lol

 

10hp on 330hp is a small percentage, that's why you don't feel it.

 

That's the reason why these mods should never be done for performance. There is little to be gained for the amount of money spent. Sure if you want the sound of an intake and exhaust get it, but doing so and thinking it will be significantly faster then the stock 545i is wishful thinking. Keep it stock and just add appearance mods. just my 2 cents.

BP

 

I am 100% with vegas on this, a proper CAI, really only getting in cold air, a proper exhaust system (not only the muffler) and the remap on top to make the most of it. Should easily get you between 20-35 horses, depending on the factory state of tune, as they are not all the same.

With the above you will notice a difference, not like bolting on a turbo, but it will be there and much more so in terms of driveability, removal of flat spots in the rev range and responsibility.

 

Great responce guys, thanks.
Both for and against the mod, it's good to see that you guys will both sides of the coin here.

I am going to go ahead and plan for the CAI, Quad exaust, and redoing the chip (can't remember the lingo )

Few things I would like to get some feedback on.
- good parts I should be looking at (name brands) for each, the CAI, quad exaust, mufflers, blah blah blah
- what would be some headaches I will be having to deal with as I'm doing this project? How can I plan ahead?

Thanks again.
Need to do more searching and look more stuff up.

Audi_Eatter

 

For muffler you either have the choice of going custom or RDSport, I think Hamman has a quad too.
Custom will set you back around 1000 - 2000$.
RDSport I believe is 2,500.00 - 3,000.00$

Some people on this board have made a custom quad with our universal mufflers, maybe they can help you.
We can provide dimensions of our universals to help you.