so I recently acquired a 545i with 60k miles. The car is completely stock and I want to milk every bit of power out of this german v8. I've already replaced the alternator bracket, valve cover gasket, intake gasket, and theres currently a reduced power engine light that goes away and comes back every once and a while so most likely another gasket I'll have to hunt down. Because of this, I'm on a tight budget, so I'm planning on keeping the car N/A. I'm ordering an RPI axel back exhaust, and if it's not loud enough I might do a resonator delete. I was wondering what the best supporting mods would be. I assume that an intake and a tune would help. Would this get me to around 350hp? If not, what would be the next step. (other than fixing the christmas tree lit up on my dash)

 

not happening. youll be lucky to squeeze 250 WHP out of that thing. just fix the issues and enjoy the slow v8 noises lol.

get a 535 if you want to go fast.

 

Do a smoke test to figure out if you have a vacuum leak. You're definitely not getting 350 more out of that engine safely.

 

The car feels like it's at stock power, the reduced power light went away and now I'm just left with a service soon light. I'll pull the codes soon, I think it's probably a sensor. I just dropped a bag on this car so I want to enjoy it a little bit before upgrading to the N54 platform, and hey, if I save up enough I might start looking at some B58 models instead. I've heard great things about the platform.

 

How come? It's low mileage and it's been taken care of. After I replace all of the outdated gaskets and parts here and there I've heard that I'll have a reliable engine... as long as I check the oil everyday... I've heard of people supercharging the N62 platform with no major issues, from what I currently know, the platform has some potential. Am I wrong?

 

cost to power ratio aint it. if youre driving a 545 and saying youve "dropped a bag" on basic maint, youre probably in for a big surprise when you try to find a supercharger kit (if they are still available), that MAY net you an additional 50 hp lmao. theres a reason you dont see many of them. its just not worth it. 535 are so cheap right now I dont even see why you would choose the 545 if power is what you wanted.

 

A 545 is pushing 325 stock if you have it all up to date want more power headers, exhaust, intake and if you want to tune it then it’s possible to get 35 or maybe 50 more hp I have done so myself and slapped a supercharger on and the tune alone pushing 502hp I want to put more into it but just like every bmw out there with power better pray for the rods and bearings!! 535s are nice but that turbo is the only thing that’s the upside I have seen 545 turbocharged but me personally I don’t wanna blow mine right away lol hope this helps and understand the things about the car it’s a great car to drive and a rare car they’ve produced for 5 series one of the best 5 series’s in my opinion nothing like a fast v8 that sounds and feels great👍🏽

 

Do yourself a favor and change out you IVM module after every 50000 miles. It causes all of the symptoms you mentioned. No one ever tell you about this module it's only about $100 and it causes so many problems. You can d.i.y because it doesn't need programming. Check it our before you shell.out any more money. It's almost a cure all for so many symptoms. I found out after being about $2500 in pn unnecessary repairs and parts.