2004 E60 530i 6MT with Borla Cat-Back
03-02-2010, 08:32 PM
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My Ride: 2010 535i M Sport 6MT
Model Year: 2010
I just returned from Borla Performance. My car was there for a little over a day for an R&D project. My vehicle is a 2004 E60 530i Sport 6MT. This is my second car with a Borla cat-back. Sound is great. I still have to let the sound soften over time, once the fiberglass-packed mufflers settle. I've put 600 miles / 9 hours on the new cat-back at mostly 2500 rpms. Air temps were 46F to 34F.
Pretty impressive low frequencies (for a 6-cylinder) so far. Driving the 6-speed is more enjoyable now. Low RPMs produces a nice low sound and some cabin vibration. The cabin vibration makes me think of staging at the drag-strip
Vibration goes away with normal driving. Interesting contrasting sounds when light throttle on, light throttle off, heavy throttle on, heavy throttle off. Heavy throttle off produces a burble or two. The throttle off sounds have lower frequencies than the throttle on sounds.
The quality and finish of the Borla cat-back system is excellent. All factory mounting hangars and clamps were utilized with no modifications and the mounting fitment and header connection are perfect. System is easy to install with a lift and some extra hands. The installed cat-back system is straight and level with the car. The lowest points underbody are the rear differential cooling fins. Exhaust outlet is noticeably non-stock and polished tips are welded on. The entire system is aircraft-grade stainless steel, with a million mile warranty.
Many thanks to founder and CEO Alex Borla for walking me through the features of the cat-back system on my vehicle and for the tour of their manufacturing, distribution and R&D facilities. I also appreciated the hospitality of VP Marian Juszak and the engineering team.
Pretty impressive low frequencies (for a 6-cylinder) so far. Driving the 6-speed is more enjoyable now. Low RPMs produces a nice low sound and some cabin vibration. The cabin vibration makes me think of staging at the drag-strip
Vibration goes away with normal driving. Interesting contrasting sounds when light throttle on, light throttle off, heavy throttle on, heavy throttle off. Heavy throttle off produces a burble or two. The throttle off sounds have lower frequencies than the throttle on sounds.The quality and finish of the Borla cat-back system is excellent. All factory mounting hangars and clamps were utilized with no modifications and the mounting fitment and header connection are perfect. System is easy to install with a lift and some extra hands. The installed cat-back system is straight and level with the car. The lowest points underbody are the rear differential cooling fins. Exhaust outlet is noticeably non-stock and polished tips are welded on. The entire system is aircraft-grade stainless steel, with a million mile warranty.
Many thanks to founder and CEO Alex Borla for walking me through the features of the cat-back system on my vehicle and for the tour of their manufacturing, distribution and R&D facilities. I also appreciated the hospitality of VP Marian Juszak and the engineering team.
03-03-2010, 06:44 AM
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My Ride: 2004 530i | Sapphire Black | Sport | Premium | NAV | Logic 7 | DPE R07 Variant S Gloss Black with Polished Lip 20x8.5 front 20x10 rear | Falken FK452 tires 245/30/20 front 275/30/20 rear | H&R Coilovers | Smoked Tail Lights | M5 trunk spoiler | AC Schnitzer style roof spoiler | HID 8000K headlights & foglights | 35% tint all around | Sprint Booster | Speed Innovation ECU tuning | M5 trunk finisher | M-Tech body kit | Remus Quad Exhaust | AC Schnitzer style pedals | Euro Stickers | RPi Ram Air Induction | Smoked LED Side Lenses | AC Schnitzer style e-brake handle | AC Schnitzer style shifter | AC Schnitzer style iDrive knob | AC Schnitzer style carbon fiber diffuser | carbon fiber hood/trunk/steering emblems | carbon fiber grilles | carbon fiber door pillars | MTEC v2 Angel Eyes | Hamann style carbon fiber splitter
nice write-up.. looks great.. now let's hear it!
03-07-2010, 07:58 PM
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My Ride: 2010 535i M Sport 6MT
Model Year: 2010
Video recorded and posted on YouTube. I was driving deliberately to show the range of sound over different RPMs, gears and engine load. Not looking to break any laws either. I listened to the YouTube clip with a pair of Sennheiser (good quality) headphones. The audio does showcase the Borla low frequencies and boominess under certain low RPMs and engine load.
03-07-2010, 08:57 PM
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My Ride: 2007 530i. Purchased 6/28/07. Titanium Silver Metallic, Black Dakota Leather, Dark Poplar Trim, Steptronic, Premium Package, Cold Weather Package, Bluetooth, Adaptive Control Xenons. 10/30/07 Added OEM 124s with 245/40/18 & 275/35/18 Michelin Pilot Sport A/S tires. Installed red Cal Covers� from BavAuto. 11/21/07 Added OEM all-weather floor mats (for winter, carpet in summer) and coat rack. 6/26/08 installed M5-style rear spoiler. 6/30/08 put on red reflectors. 8/22/08 Euro turn signal stickers applied. 3/20/09 Installed Shadowline Trim. 3/27/09 Added Matte Black Kidney Grilles from Trinity. 4/03/09 Installed Bimmian Shadow Matte Black 530i Badges. 4/04/09 Installed LED license plate lights from Trinity. 5/01/09 Installed Brabus Interior LED Kit and White Angel Eyes. 5/02/09 Put in Brabus 6K Fogs. 5/14/09 Removed charcoal filter. 5/15/09 Installed light smoke LED side marker lamps from Trinity. 5/21/09 Sprint Booster. 6/12/09 Painted exhaust tips flat black. 6/13/09 Pulled red Cal Covers and painted calipers low gloss black. 6/27/09 RPI Ram Air Scoop from Trinity. 8/15/09 Installed Brabus's silver invisibulbs front and rear. 9/24/09 Installed R-Dash license plate LEDs from Brabaus (John).
Nice hook-up with the CEO, Victor. Looks and sounds fantastic. 
03-07-2010, 09:16 PM
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My Ride: 2010 535i M Sport 6MT
Model Year: 2010
MSRP $1,130 USD
Turner has it for $961
Not sure on the power gain, since I have not run my car on a dyno. The K&N Filter Charger seems to let engine breathe deeper and reduces the need to downshift when going up grades. Combined with the Borla Cat-Back, the engine seems to rev easier. At highway speeds, passing in 6th, 5th or 4th seems easier, but that could just be my butt dyno. For me, it's mostly about being able to have more fun in my E60 and still being able to enjoy the music while in the car, since it is my daily and winter vehicle.
Turner has it for $961
Not sure on the power gain, since I have not run my car on a dyno. The K&N Filter Charger seems to let engine breathe deeper and reduces the need to downshift when going up grades. Combined with the Borla Cat-Back, the engine seems to rev easier. At highway speeds, passing in 6th, 5th or 4th seems easier, but that could just be my butt dyno. For me, it's mostly about being able to have more fun in my E60 and still being able to enjoy the music while in the car, since it is my daily and winter vehicle.