Making my E60 faster: Where to Begin?
07-18-2008, 10:03 AM
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Originally Posted by tex_phil' post='627476' date='Jul 18 2008, 01:01 PM
At that price its cheaper to sell the car and upgrade to a 545!
Thats no joke! I'd never blow 10k in engine mods on a 530.
So I ask again, what are some small ways to increase power and performance overall?
07-18-2008, 10:03 AM
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My Ride: 2005 BMW 545i, Titanium Silver. Bridgestone 760s on Weds Bavaria II 18" wheels, standard sport pack size. Sport, AT. Latest job - NGK Iridium IX plugs installed.
Originally Posted by Howitzer' post='627434' date='Jul 18 2008, 12:16 PM
Thats great advice, except its not a manual transmission, and my driving consists of "Gas pedal meets floor".
I think the general consensus among e90 owners with the N52 engine is that horsepower gains can be had, but will take some money in parts and tuning. Can't see how it'd be any different on an E60. look into lighter, smaller diameter wheels, stripping out unnecessary weight from your car, comb the net for successful combinations of N52 CAI/Exhaust. Headers and chip would be next step. Is there an SC Kit for the N52? I have yet to see one.
In the S2000 world people made up for lack of torque with lower final drive ratio. I don't know if that's going to be easy with BMW.
07-18-2008, 10:06 AM
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My Ride: 2005 BMW 545i, Titanium Silver. Bridgestone 760s on Weds Bavaria II 18" wheels, standard sport pack size. Sport, AT. Latest job - NGK Iridium IX plugs installed.
wait, it's not even an N52?
07-18-2008, 10:06 AM
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Originally Posted by LJTX545I' post='627479' date='Jul 18 2008, 01:03 PM
If you're thinking of stoplight racing, then save yourself some money and trade your car in for a G8 GXP. It's a good bet that you will be embarassed by G8 GT's, 300C's and Mustangs with your 530i.
I think the general consensus among e90 owners with the N52 engine is that horsepower gains can be had, but will take some money in parts and tuning. Can't see how it'd be any different on an E60. look into lighter, smaller diameter wheels, stripping out unnecessary weight from your car, comb the net for successful combinations of N52 CAI/Exhaust. Headers and chip would be next step. Is there an SC Kit for the N52? I have yet to see one.
In the S2000 world people made up for lack of torque with lower final drive ratio. I don't know if that's going to be easy with BMW.
I think the general consensus among e90 owners with the N52 engine is that horsepower gains can be had, but will take some money in parts and tuning. Can't see how it'd be any different on an E60. look into lighter, smaller diameter wheels, stripping out unnecessary weight from your car, comb the net for successful combinations of N52 CAI/Exhaust. Headers and chip would be next step. Is there an SC Kit for the N52? I have yet to see one.
In the S2000 world people made up for lack of torque with lower final drive ratio. I don't know if that's going to be easy with BMW.
I believe the E60 is a very heavy car for its class also, isn't it?
07-18-2008, 10:21 AM
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I have looked up superchargers, V10 M5 engines, and gone the Dinan route.
But if you really want a big upgrade.
Sell your ride and get a 545i.
It will be cheaper in the long run.
But if you really want a big upgrade.
Sell your ride and get a 545i.
It will be cheaper in the long run.
07-18-2008, 10:29 AM
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My Ride: '05 545 Titanium Silver, Black Leather - Nav, Logic 7, Cold weather.
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Originally Posted by Howitzer' post='627481' date='Jul 18 2008, 02:06 PM
I believe the E60 is a very heavy car for its class also, isn't it?
I like my 545
If you keep your current car from what others say get sprint booster first, then maybe new exhaust and CAI (cold air intake).
07-18-2008, 10:39 AM
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My Ride: 04 525i, 04 Dinan M3
Originally Posted by LJTX545I' post='627479' date='Jul 18 2008, 01:03 PM
If you're thinking of stoplight racing, then save yourself some money and trade your car in for a G8 GXP. It's a good bet that you will be embarassed by G8 GT's, 300C's and Mustangs with your 530i.
I think the general consensus among e90 owners with the N52 engine is that horsepower gains can be had, but will take some money in parts and tuning. Can't see how it'd be any different on an E60. look into lighter, smaller diameter wheels, stripping out unnecessary weight from your car, comb the net for successful combinations of N52 CAI/Exhaust. Headers and chip would be next step. Is there an SC Kit for the N52? I have yet to see one.
In the S2000 world people made up for lack of torque with lower final drive ratio. I don't know if that's going to be easy with BMW.
I think the general consensus among e90 owners with the N52 engine is that horsepower gains can be had, but will take some money in parts and tuning. Can't see how it'd be any different on an E60. look into lighter, smaller diameter wheels, stripping out unnecessary weight from your car, comb the net for successful combinations of N52 CAI/Exhaust. Headers and chip would be next step. Is there an SC Kit for the N52? I have yet to see one.
In the S2000 world people made up for lack of torque with lower final drive ratio. I don't know if that's going to be easy with BMW.
:thumbsdown: 
07-18-2008, 10:41 AM
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My Ride: 2008 550i Jet Black on Black Leather, SAT with Paddles, Logic 7, Comfort Seats, NAV, Sport Package, PDC, Xenons, Sirius, Trinity 12W LED Angel Eyes, RPi GT Exhaust, M rear spoiler, ACS Roof Spoiler, Tinted Tail Lights, Bimmian Carbon Fiber Pillar Trim, Bimmian Shadow 550i emblem, RPi Scoop, E60 Forum Cling, Mtec bulbs in fog lights, Mtec 2W LED for License Plate Light Bulbs, K&N Filter, Bimmian LED Smoked Side Markers, Blackout roundels, Carbon Fiber Kidney Grills.
Retired Rides - 1989 325i convertible, 1995 M3, 2002 X5, 2005 545i, 2008 X5 (Lemon)
Originally Posted by sixcard' post='627451' date='Jul 18 2008, 10:31 AM
Floor mats
Or so I've read!! 
07-18-2008, 12:51 PM
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My Ride: stock non-sport alpine white '04 530i
Originally Posted by tex_phil' post='627512' date='Jul 18 2008, 01:39 PM
BMW for pontiac? :thumbsdown:
:thumbsdown: imho, youre driving a luxury car around, speed shouldnt be so sought out, not to mention racing will be pretty much suicide with the gas prices
but if you want to so bad, get cai, sprint booster, remap your ecu, get headers, go for a performance exhaust, lighten your car a bit (e60s only way ~300 lbs more than e90 sedans), dinan throttle body
but thatll cost you just as much as s/c your car
OR swap out your engine for a 4.5 or 5.0 maybe even a s52b32 swap if youre looking for I6 power, which is what im considering when my car engine goes