Minor/Non-Destructive Aftermarket Performance Upgrades

[sam]

Not including relatively major upgrades, such as brakes or exhaust systems, what products would my fellow M5'ers suggest for my new baby?

From reading earlier posts, I will be putting in a K&N filter, and will use Redline transmission fluid.

A few questions:
1) What part or model # K&N filter and Redline fluid should I order?
2) What other products (please be specific) are you using? (i.e. Octane boosters, detergents, etc.)
3) What has your experience been with them?

Thanks,
Sam
'00 M5 Silverstone Metallic/Black Exclusive

[BlueBomber]

Sam...

I believe the K&N filter part number is 33-2142. You can verify this at http://www.knfilter.com/

Johnny

[Parkerfe]

K&N filters and drilling out the brake duct grills is a cheap and easy way to get a little better breathing for both the engine and the brakes.

[greg]

I would absolutely AVOID any octane boosters or other fuel additives. They aren't needed, and I think I read somewhere that some of them are BAD for the M5 engine.

I don't think you'll get any great advantage from Redline oils, though they are certainly respected. Certainly not before your 1200 mile service, because they will change transmission and diff fluid at that time.

How about an exhaust system for better sound?

If I were to mod my car, I would (in order of increasing price)

1) Install the brake ducts - very cheap, excellent return on investment.

2) Install Supersprint exhaust. Good looking, mellow sound, but very, very cool sound at idle. Don't expect a performance increase. Just an ego boost.

3) Install the Dinan Stage II or III suspension. Makes a great difference in the car's handling with very little compromise in ride comfort.

4) After more experience with it first hand, I might go for the 3:45 diff.

Oh, and I think I'd replace the factory speakers with better units. I don't care how much BASS you put in, the mid and tweets are just muddy to begin with. The sound could be much cleaner.

[BlueBomber]

Hehe...

I just noticed that Sams post was on March 2000... not March 2001.

I need to pay more attention!

Johnny

[RaMsEs]

I guess it depends on your idea of "major" upgrade. Some might associate a price tag as a measure of how major. I consider major to be how intrusive an upgrade is to normal functionality, be it mechanical or otherwise.

In my opinion, the K&N filter is a more major change than the exhaust...I'm sure others' opinion will differ but that's just me. Consider replacing something that the engine pulls air from for use within (intake) vs. some plumbing that expels spent gases(exhaust).

Stay VERY clear of ANY additive, oil or fuel...does not matter. Consider that BMW will void your engine's warranty if they find out you added anything to the fuel or oil. I'll wager that joe bob's additive that improves fuel economy or cleans injectors is better used in a.....well let's just say not in the complex engine that is the beast.

Minor things I would consider: a good polish for the exterior paint, and a good leather protectant for the interior. I use Zaino polish, but I've heard good things about Zymol waxes too. For the leather I use Zaino Leather in a Bottle, but I've heard good things about Meguire's leather treatment as well. Choose one that has UV blocking agents.

You probably noticed that I consider the exhaust a good minor upgrade. For me it provided the audio feedback I desired from the car. The stock exhaust leaves the car quite docile and difficult to "feel".


------------------
-Shawn


'01 M5, B&B TriFlo exhaust
'96 Stillen Maxima [mods&pics]

[This message has been edited by RaMsEs (edited 21 March 2001).]

[RaMsEs]

Gee, thanks BlueBomber!

[RSouthern]

I think I would do a driving school, followed by another driving school, then possibly another one.

The M5 is a lot more car than most people who drive it can handle (flame suit on). That's not to say that there are a lot of people here who are very good drivers, but rather that there are very few poeple on this board that can make use of 100% of the car. If you have any doubts of your ability, just watch Tiff Needles review of the car and find an empty parking lot (a large one) and try some of the same driving techniques

OK, after all that, it sounds like suspension upgrades, wheel/tire combo upgrades and the exhaust upgrade are the only things that will really add any performance to the car (and the exhaust is just to make it sound better).

-R

[daniel]

Here, here RSouthern. And someone speaks the truth. It may be nice to know that your car has a few more HP or doesn't roll as much, but the BEST performance investment is going to performance race driving school (Skip Barber, and many others), and practicing what they learn on track days and/or autocrosses. And this investment will increase the performance of ALL your future cars, not just this one.

Dan

[MAH]

I agree with Dan. You could spend $50k more and perhaps get a Porsche Turbo, but would you be a faster, better, safer driver? Spend the money on the school first and you will enjoy whatever modifications you do in the future even more.

I think the ultimate modification would be one of those little dogs in the back window with the head that moves up and down! The only problem would be how to keep it from flying up front when you applied those wonderful brakes! Curb feelers anyone?

LOLOL,

Mark