540I vs. 1/8th mi track
#26
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Originally Posted by Bukwild
yeah mine is a wolf in a black tux.
#27
Originally Posted by ForceFed
I think I lifted somewhere between 120-125ish. I'm looking forward to getting a CAI not only for the power increase, but that 4.4L V8 has such a NICE growl to it. I'm hoping I can get just a few decibels more of that sweet engine sound. As for the software, I'm sure that is where you are getting a good bit more power, probably enough to walk away from those stock or lightly modded Zs. I can't help but feel like this BMW 4.4 V8 has the potential to make 330+ crank HP with some bolt ons and a good tune.
As for me, I gotta get rid of my CDV. I'm shifting on average probably half a second faster than the tranny will engage/disengage. You can hear it in the video of me against the Z. I'm shifting and going WOT before the CDV has even allowed the hydraulic pressure to disengage the clutch completely. I also suspect that I may pick up a tenth or so in the 1/8th just getting rid of that CDV.
As for me, I gotta get rid of my CDV. I'm shifting on average probably half a second faster than the tranny will engage/disengage. You can hear it in the video of me against the Z. I'm shifting and going WOT before the CDV has even allowed the hydraulic pressure to disengage the clutch completely. I also suspect that I may pick up a tenth or so in the 1/8th just getting rid of that CDV.
yeah I am going to build a full exhaust system for mine here soon. I will just use some 2.5 SS pipe and get 4 magnaflows under there with no cats. Should free up some ponies seeing the car has 4 cats and 2 mufflers. I just need to figure out how to fool the computer into thinking the cats are still there and working fine.
#28
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Originally Posted by Bukwild
yeah I am going to build a full exhaust system for mine here soon. I will just use some 2.5 SS pipe and get 4 magnaflows under there with no cats. Should free up some ponies seeing the car has 4 cats and 2 mufflers. I just need to figure out how to fool the computer into thinking the cats are still there and working fine.
#29
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nice choice. I'am currently looking at getting one also. How is your gas mileage working out? Also I know you have done some research before buying, how reliable are these cars? I would like to pick one up but I'am kind of worried about getting an older beamer with miles if something were to break($$$!). I need something that is reliable for a daily driver. Mind telling me how much you paid and mileage/condition of the car so I can get a picture of what I'am looking at.
#30
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Originally Posted by I3oostedCubes
nice choice. I'am currently looking at getting one also. How is your gas mileage working out? Also I know you have done some research before buying, how reliable are these cars? I would like to pick one up but I'am kind of worried about getting an older beamer with miles if something were to break($$$!). I need something that is reliable for a daily driver. Mind telling me how much you paid and mileage/condition of the car so I can get a picture of what I'am looking at.
That lists all the major problem areas. Still cheaper than owning an FD IMO.
#31
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Originally Posted by nicobaires
I'm actually considering selling my FD and getting a 540-6speed also.
We just had a baby and I have no time to go on joy rides in the FD anymore, all it does is sit in the garage. So I'm thinking of making the switch. This way you get the comfort, the luxury and still some power.
But.... I like the FD even if it does sit in the garage!!!
We just had a baby and I have no time to go on joy rides in the FD anymore, all it does is sit in the garage. So I'm thinking of making the switch. This way you get the comfort, the luxury and still some power.
But.... I like the FD even if it does sit in the garage!!!
Before buying the 540/6, take a look at the 97 or 98 M3 4-door models. I have driven a 540 and I was pretty impressed with it's handling, speed, and luxury, but I needed something a little more sporty. The M3 is almost as much fun as my FD, but also a very good daily driver.
If you do buy a 540/6, you can pick up the HID retrofit kit for around 250 for the low beams. Best money I have spent on my car.
#33
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Originally Posted by I3oostedCubes
That is quite a load of problems that could happen/have happened. It seems everyone that has one praises it but who knows. How is your gas mileage?
#38
Originally Posted by Dan Stevenson
Before buying the 540/6, take a look at the 97 or 98 M3 4-door models. I have driven a 540 and I was pretty impressed with it's handling, speed, and luxury, but I needed something a little more sporty. The M3 is almost as much fun as my FD, but also a very good daily driver.
If you do buy a 540/6, you can pick up the HID retrofit kit for around 250 for the low beams. Best money I have spent on my car.
If you do buy a 540/6, you can pick up the HID retrofit kit for around 250 for the low beams. Best money I have spent on my car.
It's hard to find a nice 540 though!
Maybe an M5???
#39
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I see a ton of nice 540/6's out there now. I have a friend who purchased one locally, 75K miles, $11.5K for a 1997. It needed valve cover gaskets, flywheel, clutch, power steering lines, fluids, all for about $800 in parts. The car runs good as new.
My advice, buy one where the engine is healthy (compression and leak down tests) and has been cosmetically cared for. Most things that go wrong can be replaced and the engines themselves should be good for a several hundreds of thousands of miles.
The m3 coupe and m3/4's are nice. However, we have owned about the sportiest cars on the road in the FD. In my opinion the reasons for purchasing the 540 are different than the FD, much in the same way bimmer owners move from the m3 to the 540.
The 540 is a luxurious, powerful, capable, safe car. It is very enjoyable to drive in different ways than the FD and M3. I've NEVER talked to a person who regretted owning the car.
My advice, buy one where the engine is healthy (compression and leak down tests) and has been cosmetically cared for. Most things that go wrong can be replaced and the engines themselves should be good for a several hundreds of thousands of miles.
The m3 coupe and m3/4's are nice. However, we have owned about the sportiest cars on the road in the FD. In my opinion the reasons for purchasing the 540 are different than the FD, much in the same way bimmer owners move from the m3 to the 540.
The 540 is a luxurious, powerful, capable, safe car. It is very enjoyable to drive in different ways than the FD and M3. I've NEVER talked to a person who regretted owning the car.
#41
I speak Japanglish
Looks like alot of people are going this way. I too, plan to get a 2001 BMW 540i 6 speed!. . .but hornestly, I'm going for 540I, because I can not afford to buy a M5
#42
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Originally Posted by RE Suzuki
Looks like alot of people are going this way. I too, plan to get a 2001 BMW 540i 6 speed!. . .but hornestly, I'm going for 540I, because I can not afford to buy a M5
#43
I speak Japanglish
I just test drove the 2001 540i / 6sp. First thing first, the car is pretty darn slow compared to my rx7. However it looked and felt really nice when I had my butt cheeks on the drivers seat. Let's just say, I felt "rich" while I was in the car. haha.
I thought the car would pull harder as the engine being a V8 for crying out loud. It's was somewhat dissapointing when I tried to get the car going on the freeway. Yes, the car is fast compared to other cars which were on the freeway, but not fast enough to say "wow this thing pulls pretty good."
I guess I've got to remind myself that this is a luxury car and not a sports car.
540i here i come!
I thought the car would pull harder as the engine being a V8 for crying out loud. It's was somewhat dissapointing when I tried to get the car going on the freeway. Yes, the car is fast compared to other cars which were on the freeway, but not fast enough to say "wow this thing pulls pretty good."
I guess I've got to remind myself that this is a luxury car and not a sports car.
540i here i come!
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