Need advice on 525i mods
12-22-2009, 03:48 PM
#21
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Originally Posted by aretardedorange' post='1078520' date='Dec 22 2009, 06:29 PM
How do you have a 525i made in 08?
I believe the 525i/530i/528i are almost the same? If not the 530i being a bit better then the 528i then the 525i being the slowest? I think for 6.5 seconds 0-60 in my 528i is still very fast. For others 0-60 in in 5.5 seconds in a 535i is slow.
if I had the chance to reconsider I would have gotten a 07 550i. My dealer had a 07 550i fully loaded, same color, with 30k miles for $37k. The twin turbo v8's scared me but I heard the 545i gets 17 City, and 28 Highway. The 550i should be around there as well.
I believe the 525i/530i/528i are almost the same? If not the 530i being a bit better then the 528i then the 525i being the slowest? I think for 6.5 seconds 0-60 in my 528i is still very fast. For others 0-60 in in 5.5 seconds in a 535i is slow.
if I had the chance to reconsider I would have gotten a 07 550i. My dealer had a 07 550i fully loaded, same color, with 30k miles for $37k. The twin turbo v8's scared me but I heard the 545i gets 17 City, and 28 Highway. The 550i should be around there as well.
I said a 2007 525i and 2010 535i.
12-22-2009, 04:28 PM
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Originally Posted by egzen75' post='1078557' date='Dec 22 2009, 04:39 PM
Ok so I just got off the phone with a tuning shop that said "Go with the ECU only, this will remap the computer to be what the 530. The only difference then will be the less restrictive exhaust. Don't go with the cold air intake or exhaust because the stock BMW stuff is good and they will cause havoc with the computer system". Any thoughts on this.
Anyone with a 525i and ECU done out there to tell us if it was night and day difference?
Anyone with a 525i and ECU done out there to tell us if it was night and day difference?
The shop is right on a cold air intake, so far all of them have proven to be trash. Also, I had a CAI and exhaust and my computer system gave me a big thumbs up, no errors. Ask reputable BMW/European shops/tuners and they should be able to give you the beef with no fat attached.
12-22-2009, 04:29 PM
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Originally Posted by egzen75' post='1078557' date='Dec 22 2009, 07:39 PM
Ok so I just got off the phone with a tuning shop that said "Go with the ECU only, this will remap the computer to be what the 530. The only difference then will be the less restrictive exhaust. Don't go with the cold air intake or exhaust because the stock BMW stuff is good and they will cause havoc with the computer system". Any thoughts on this.
Anyone with a 525i and ECU done out there to tell us if it was night and day difference?
Anyone with a 525i and ECU done out there to tell us if it was night and day difference?
a good tune will run about 800 including live tuning and dyno time...unless you're talking about some sort of piggyback or pre-wrote flash, in which case i would probably not be interested...
in all honesty...no one who bought a 525i should have a concern about adding power...the cars potential is small...i knew that before I bought it, i always liked the comfort/luxury/looks aspect of the 5...but trading up seems like the best bet with the least headache and problems down the road for those who want more power.
12-22-2009, 04:36 PM
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All valid points but I think I have come to understand that the 525 is a 530 motor which has been detuned. So why call the engines potential small??
I'm thinking in this case it might make a big difference.
The tune is a flash update which tells the car to behave like a 530. Is this wrong?
I'm thinking in this case it might make a big difference.
The tune is a flash update which tells the car to behave like a 530. Is this wrong?
12-22-2009, 04:40 PM
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Originally Posted by TakmaN' post='1078579' date='Dec 22 2009, 09:28 PM
I doubt a simple tune on a N/A 215hp I6 would yield that much. Tuning a car is done to match modifications done (i.e. free up air flow) to maximize power by not running too lean or rich throughout the power band. On the other hand, tunes on stock turbo cars maximize the stock potential of the car since turbos create a lot of play power-wise. I'm a noob in this field but this is what I understand so anyone correct me please if I'm wrong.
The shop is right on a cold air intake, so far all of them have proven to be trash. Also, I had a CAI and exhaust and my computer system gave me a big thumbs up, no errors. Ask reputable BMW/European shops/tuners and they should be able to give you the beef with no fat attached.
The shop is right on a cold air intake, so far all of them have proven to be trash. Also, I had a CAI and exhaust and my computer system gave me a big thumbs up, no errors. Ask reputable BMW/European shops/tuners and they should be able to give you the beef with no fat attached.
So you recommend the CAI? WHat does it give you? Afew HP and a healthy sound right?
12-22-2009, 06:35 PM
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Originally Posted by egzen75' post='1078586' date='Dec 22 2009, 09:36 PM
All valid points but I think I have come to understand that the 525 is a 530 motor which has been detuned. So why call the engines potential small??
I'm thinking in this case it might make a big difference.
The tune is a flash update which tells the car to behave like a 530. Is this wrong?
I'm thinking in this case it might make a big difference.
The tune is a flash update which tells the car to behave like a 530. Is this wrong?
525 is a 2.5l 215hp
530 is a 3.0l 255hp
If you think you're going to get 40hp out of a flash tune with no other mods on a n/a 2.5l...its not gonna happen.
Its not a fair comparison but my mini was 1.6l and when i did a LIVE tune, it gains 15-20whp, thats with a small turbo of course. But the point here is, the MOST you will gain out of gettin a FLASH tune...(its not even a live tune)...is drivability. You will like the power delivery better, though it wont be faster, it should be much smoother all across the rpm band. Again it depends on the tuner, but like i said...no mods, just flash tune...waste of your money...you will not feel a seat of your pants difference. and it DEF will not make it like a 530...You have been misinformed. Or maybe i'm wrong
12-22-2009, 07:11 PM
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My Ride: 2006 525XI, Jet black on Dakota beige. Premium and winter packages. I consider myself a purist and intend to keep my car absolutely stock and shiny.
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Originally Posted by egzen75' post='1078544' date='Dec 22 2009, 07:26 PM
Driving the 2004 530 and hitting that throttle you feel it in the seat, you watch the rpm's race up and you here a strong sounding rumble from the engine. Now when I step on MY throttle (2007) 525 it lags, then struggles to gain rpm's, no strong sounding engine noise here. It's depressing...my 2007 has low miles and is in really great shape but I'm afraid I'm always gonna regret going with it. Lol. ALthough I will be able to afford wheels and some mods for the money I saved!
Bottom line is, the 525i is the car for me. I had my fun with pavement shredding cars and now I like a civilized and comfortable car that offers great handling and relatively good mileage while being capable of getting out of its own way, when needed.
12-22-2009, 07:29 PM
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If your goal is to go fast, swap the 525 for a 545 or 550. No bolt on mods will transform the 525 into a fast car(slighter faster, yes but fast, no). The 525 is a great handling car. But if speed is your priority you really can't mod the 525 into a rocket (at least not with bolt on mods).
12-22-2009, 08:34 PM
#29
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Originally Posted by FRONJONI' post='1078629' date='Dec 22 2009, 07:35 PM
I would say yeah thats wrong.
525 is a 2.5l 215hp
530 is a 3.0l 255hp
Or maybe i'm wrong
525 is a 2.5l 215hp
530 is a 3.0l 255hp
Or maybe i'm wrong
12-22-2009, 08:37 PM
#30
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Fact:
the 525 is a "boulevard cruiser" bottom line
all show, little go. But u get the same level of luxury without the motor, extra cost and high gas bill. Which is the important thing for 525 buyers
the 525 is a "boulevard cruiser" bottom line
all show, little go. But u get the same level of luxury without the motor, extra cost and high gas bill. Which is the important thing for 525 buyers