Looking for more power - advice?

[e34.535i.sport]

Im know there have been a lot of threads similar to this in the past but i'm looking for something quite specific to my needs so posted this...

I want more power from my 535i (specifically acceleration not necessarily top speed) and with me being a novice DIYer, i want something relatively cheap that wont cost a fortune to get done in a garage. I'd want to use a BMW specialist really. Ive heard of EAT chips but i dont really understand what they are or how hard to fit, and i know there are a lot of different ones out there? Apologies if im being thick here but if there are any other adjustments that need to be made with a chip (if that is my best option) let me know!

I was thinking about a turbo after seeing a 2.0T Audi A4 blow me away at 90mph whilst flooring my 3.5l (3.4really) - i was amazed to say the least . Quite impressed really but i didn't ant to admit it . Im no boy racer but this was a tad annoying as he was driving like a right t*sser weaving in and out of traffic like a demented koala-chicken.


If you have any suggestions for me and approximate cost that would be greatly apppreciated.

Oh, and what sort of gains should i expect - or losses (i.e MPG etc)!!

[Ferret]

Diff Swap + Chip?

The diff swap will probably kill your motorway mpg, not sure about the chip though.

Any old breaker yard *cough* sorry car recycler, should be able to find you a more interesting diff... though it'd be revving it's bollocks off at 90.

EDIT: Swap in a 518 diff for wheel-spin-a-rama but you'll need ear defenders while driving the car on a motorway :P There's a thread I spammed a while back that shows you the different diff ratios, have a search for 'diff' in the subject field...

[Omega]

One word. Nitrous. Well two words really. Nitrous Oxide..... mmmm.

Remember the maxim: Speed costs, how fast you want to go?

[repenttokyo]

these cars are not designed for cheap straightline speed...if that is what you are looking for, maybe a different car is the solution? i recommend enjoying the car for what it is, and focusing on it's strengths.

[Robin-535im]

Personally I think there are three types of mods:

Low cost / low HP gain but a good value: EAT Chip($300US), (MAF when Mark gets it together ~$500US IIRC)

Medium cost / low HP gain: Headers (~$800 US installed but hard to find), Cam / head rebuild (~$2000 US). These things you typically do either if you really want to tune the engine or you're fixing something broken and just upgrade to a better part while you're in there.

High cost / high HP gain: Turbo , $3000 - $5000. TCD has a kit people seem to like. Others on this board and other boards have fabricated their own, in which case the out-of-pocket cost is less but the man-hours are greater.

A diff changes your gearing and can make acceleration increase but doesn't change the engine output, of course.

Start with a chip and you won't regret it. If something breaks, hot-rot it when you replace it. In the meantime save some money for a turbo, and if you still want the turbo when you have the money saved up, you can just about double the stock power I think with the right setup.

[E34N]

The cheapest thing you can do is a chip. You really can't go wrong with either a Dinan, JC, or and EAT chip. All are about the same price now, and you will read all kinds of praises for each one here. I had an EAT chip for the past 3 years, loved it. They are about $150 used to about $220 new. Mark D'Sylva is a memeber here on the board and can answer questions for you regarding his chip.

I would recommend a MAF... Because our M30 engines were made with an AFM, they are pretty restritive as far as air flow. They will come with a chip also that will be tuned for the MAF. I have a Miller Performance MAF and love it. Just recently installed and will recommend this to anyone with an M30 engine (and the M20, but no personal experience driving one). I got mine in a recent group buy for $400.. they usually sell for $520. Installed by myself one morning (about 2 hours)...

Mark D'sylva is currently working on his MAF. I know his product will be awesome as well, since his chips are great. I believe his will sell for around $700. Do a search in this section for the thread.

[Barney Paull-Edwards]

If its any help I have a dead 535 with a fuel pressure adjuster thats meant to give better torque,dont know what its worth, find out if it works and make me an offer,preferably liquid!Anything else thats on the car like lowered stuff is all yours,come and get it.

[E34N]

If its any help I have a dead 535 with a fuel pressure adjuster thats meant to give better torque,dont know what its worth, find out if it works and make me an offer,preferably liquid!Anything else thats on the car like lowered stuff is all yours,come and get it.

where are you located?

[e34.535i.sport]

If its any help I have a dead 535 with a fuel pressure adjuster thats meant to give better torque,dont know what its worth, find out if it works and make me an offer,preferably liquid!Anything else thats on the car like lowered stuff is all yours,come and get it.

I hope this isn't a silly question but what is liquid?! If you are selling the shocks/springs/strut assemblies im interested - still not sure on the fuel pressure adjuster?! I know my rear suspension is shot, and the pinging sound is becoming a nuisance. Thanks.

[Evan]

he wants you to buy him something to drink!