Performance options?
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Joined: Oct 2010
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From: Jacksonville, FL
My Ride: 95 M3 CAI, chipped, pulleys, Xbrace, doesn't give headaches every time I start up!
04 545i all the goodies INCLUDING HEADACHES!
What are the best options for up-ing the HP on a 04 545i.
From my research there doesn't seem like much......
That is without getting the CEL!
From my research there doesn't seem like much......
That is without getting the CEL!
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Joined: Jul 2010
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From: socal
My Ride: 545I and a half dozen other rides
From what i see there are software upgrades, intake scoop, gearing, and exhaust. Otherwise you would have been better off with a 535i as the stroker kit is just too expensive. The Blower setup is not available yet but assume it is going to cost north of 6k
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Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Calgary, AB - Canada / Buenos Aires - Argentina
My Ride: 2006 BMW M5
Good gains: DINAN Intake (there is one from Homemade) + Scoops (dual scoops for Dinan) + Air filters + ECU remap + Sprint Booster (no gains but help for better taking off). all them are about under $2K.
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From: San Jose, California, USA
My Ride: 2008 Porsche 911 Carrera S Convertible. Midnight Blue, 6 Speed.Retired - 2007 997 Carrera S, Midnight Blue, Grey leather, premium audioRetired - 2007 550i, Monaco Blue over Beige, Navigation, Logic 7, Cold Weather Pack, Comfort Access, Sport Package
Model Year: 2008
If you haven't done so already try taking out the second charcoal filter out of your air box. It's essentially a redundant filter which seemingly doesn't appear on E60's elsewhere - removing it seems to help the engine breath a little easier, you'll see why when you open the airbox. It is an easy, free and reversible mod that many members here have tried and on my old 545 at least seemed to make a small but noticeable difference.
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Members
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 132
Likes: 1
From: Jacksonville, FL
My Ride: 95 M3 CAI, chipped, pulleys, Xbrace, doesn't give headaches every time I start up!
04 545i all the goodies INCLUDING HEADACHES!
Thanks for the recs. It seems like the intake route gives the most bang for the buck. Any other reputable manufactures make intakes? I know that on the M3 side there are tons.
Do any of the software upgrades help with throttle lag on take off? My 545i seems to hesitate for a split second before the power comes on. Didn't experience this with the M3.
Do any of the software upgrades help with throttle lag on take off? My 545i seems to hesitate for a split second before the power comes on. Didn't experience this with the M3.
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Joined: Mar 2009
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From: New York, New York
My Ride: See my signature
Don't forget the RPI exhaust.
Here is the reality. There are no bolt on mods for the 545 or ECU reflashes that will result in massive power gains. If you combine all of the bolt on power mods, you might be playing with an additional 40 or so bhp. The only way to really get serious additional power is a SC kit or boring out the engine. Of course, for those kinds of bucks, you'd be a million times better off buying an E60 M5.
Here is the reality. There are no bolt on mods for the 545 or ECU reflashes that will result in massive power gains. If you combine all of the bolt on power mods, you might be playing with an additional 40 or so bhp. The only way to really get serious additional power is a SC kit or boring out the engine. Of course, for those kinds of bucks, you'd be a million times better off buying an E60 M5.
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From: Thousand Oaks, California
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)
Don't forget the RPI scoop and a Sprint Booster too!! 
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Members
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 132
Likes: 1
From: Jacksonville, FL
My Ride: 95 M3 CAI, chipped, pulleys, Xbrace, doesn't give headaches every time I start up!
04 545i all the goodies INCLUDING HEADACHES!
Thanks for all the imput guys. This forum is turning out to be great!
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