After my '00 Imola was totaled on Memorial Day (no injuries) I began the search for a replacement. After looking at several nearby M5s that were unappealing I decided to expand my vehicular horizon. As much as I enjoyed the NA simplicity of the 80hp/liter S62, I yearned for forced induction again. When it was all said and done, I realized there are few saloon cars out there that can even attempt to hold a candle to this car.
Cars I test drove/notes:
IS300 5sp, SRT stg 3: basically a 4-door Supra, beautiful 2JZ sound, somewhat refined, still felt disconnected
G8 GXP (6sp) w/ a few mods: quick, fun, wallet and mod-friendly, but the GM interior deterred me something fierce
06 CTS-V, intake/exhaust: buzzy LS2 felt anemic-like it was hauling 2.5tons instead of 3850lbs, plastic interior
335i 6sp coupe, JB4, BMS intake: surprisingly quick and nimble, this will probably be my next car...but with a retractable roof
So....without further ado, I just took possession of an 02 TiSi last night. This was the car I really wanted when I settled for the '00 Imola. I do have some changes in mind, but I like the way the car looks and drives as it sits.
Congrats man!
Things I would do..
1) Get rid of AFE intake for stock intake or evolve intake
2) Get rid of shark tune for an Evolve tune
3) Stock wheels or BBS LM's!
Enjoy your car glad you found your way into another e39
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2002 Chiaretto Red purchased with 58k 01/2011
05/10/13@ 102,400 miles
Mods:
Valentine 1 hardwire
Muffler delete
Evolve AlphaN
Predator Ice V5 Halo bulbs
E60 SSK
ILLUMINATED ZHP shift knob
Slimm's CF finned diffuser
Slimm's Euro tilt/slide armrest
Slimm's Alcantara shift boot
Slimm's Alcantara full e-brake
Black Cubic trim
BC Racing BR coilovers
Evolve 4-1 Medusa Headers, cats, X pipe
Evolve Cold air intakes
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My car/vehicle history:
1993 BMW 525i (sold)
1997 CBR1100XX Super Blackbird (sold)
1994 Firebird Formula V8(Total of 3 days )
2002 Jaguar X-type 3.0 Sport manual (sold)
1992 300ZX Twin Turbo (sold)
2002 BMW 530i Sport (sold)
2007 CBR1000RR (RIP)
1988 BMW 325i convertible (sold)
2002 BMW M5 (Current driver)
2002 Chevy Camaro Z28 35th anniversary(sold)
1991 300ZX Twin Turbo super white 130k Miles! (For sale soon! Contact me for details)
Congrats man!
Things I would do..
1) Get rid of AFE intake for stock intake or evolve intake
2) Get rid of shark tune for an Evolve tune
3) Stock wheels or BBS LM's! 4) Ditch the DEPO headlights for stock or Projector39 series lamps 5) Replace the eBay ///M floor mats w/ OEM versions 6) Replace the purpled window tint
Enjoy your car glad you found your way into another e39
__________________ 2005 Mercedes E55 ///AMG Kompressor - Black/Black Black Birdseye Maple Trim Bi-Xenon Active Headlamps DVD Navigation w/ iPod Integration Harmon-Kardon Premium Sound
I would have given the new Audi S4 a run for its money. Currently driving my buddies S4 with pullies, tune, intake and exhaust. The car is unreal. So light and responsive.
1) Get rid of AFE intake for stock intake or evolve intake
2) Get rid of shark tune for an Evolve tune
3) Stock wheels or BBS LM's! 4) Ditch the DEPO headlights for stock or Projector39 series lamps 5) Replace the eBay ///M floor mats w/ OEM versions 6) Replace the purpled window tint
Can I please have your platinum card number? Man, tough crowd of purists. I'm extremely pleased with the car and I guess I was expecting a more positive response.
1) What's wrong with the aFe? It's using the Pro Dry S filters. I still have my stock airboxes, stock filters, and aFe dry filters...maybe I'll do a little comparo on the dyno and reveal the truth.
2) I'm happy with the Conforti tune, it made a dyno-proven 15whp and also improved throttle response and low-end torque greatly on my '00 with no other modifications.
3) The CX-R is a unique wheel and although I didn't like it at first, it's growing on me. Although the LM's look great, I don't have $5k. I'm contemplating OEM square 18x9.5s, MM6 LM reps, or possibly Varrstoens.
4) I will probably switch to my '00 lights w/ Depo tinted covers but the Depo's are actually nice looking and fitment is decent.
5) Because they don't match the door sills? OK...sure.
6) The tint is brand new and just looks hued in the pictures.
The intake is still a hot air intake.. Its up by the engine and no amount of cool looking covers are going to help..
With the Evolve and Dinan intakes the filters are relocated to a position further from the engine and closer to colder air..
I wasn't saying anything bad.. Just saying what I would do If I was you!
Enjoy the car man!
2) I'm happy with the Conforti tune, it made a dyno-proven 15whp and also improved throttle response and low-end torque greatly on my '00 with no other modifications.
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Jim Conforti is a well known BMW tuner. His tune is OK, but he hasn't really made this car one of his priorites, my guess is simply because of the limited numbers.
The learning curve has been steep the last couple of years. I suspect you would be very happy with the Evolve tune, get the MAFless (alpha N) tune. They really have it dialed in nicely.
Car looks great, a very clean example. The BBS CX-R is unique and I've never seen it on E39 before. Would look alot better in a 19x9.5 square setup though
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