Dick Sickels

Now that I've had a chance to read other M5 owner comments regarding the various mods they have made, I'm ready to get serious about doing some of them myself. Primarily performance related ones interest me the most. Would all knowledgeable M5 owners that care to, please give me your opinion on the following:

a. Which mods you feel are worth making?

b. In what order would you put them. (Which ones first etc.)

c. Real world advantages or ? just bragging rights type mods?

d. Approx cost?

c. Would you make that mod again knowing what you know now?

d. Is this the type of mod that could be changed back by saving the oe parts? (For resale purposes, if ever I would be foolish enough to sell this awesome beast.

I really love the class of people on this board and appreciate as well as highly respect all of your comments and your opinions.

The ones I think about a lot are the shift kit (not sure what brand), software removing the rev limiter as well as raising the limit thru the gears etc...tx

regards
Dick

Jet black 00 M5

Omar

Dick, I always wanted to ask you, is your name really Dick Sickels? Hopefully, you won't take this as an offensive comment, I was just curious....

Dick Sickels

Yes Omar my real name is Richard Nathan Sickels and I go by Dick Sickels. Mom calls me Dickie ugh!!

Been told I am related to most who spell their names Sickle or Van Sickels Von Sickels ancestors go back thru connersville Indiana to Pennsylvania to Holland to Germany to Sicily original roots as far back as my great uncle could trace was the name Sicle. No Mafia connection tho so... for-ged-aboud-it!!!.

Dick Sickels

Now how about some mod info guys??

PaulMarin

Dinan software, its cheap its easy and its real. The 275 extra rpm is useful every time you punch it in first, that little bit makes it much easier to not bump off the rev limiter as first gets used up fast. On a second gear road, say between 30-60 there are times when you dont want to back off or upshift when those extra revs come into play. I've even had it help in third, passing a long line of cars; hitting the limiter then is scary and you are too busy to see the tac. I set my speed limiter beep on the nav at 100 and with the extra revs you have enough warning to upshift before bouncing off the limiter. I may never use extra top speed but it feels better to know you car can go 180 instead of 155. They say there is increased throttle response too but I cant say I felt it. However the combo of the Dinan cold air intake, the exaust and the software definitely gives me a feeling of better throttle response and feedback. The Dinan exaust seems expensive but so does paying 10K over MSRP, both totally worth it in my mind. Its the only exaust I've felt and heard but it makes you feel so much more connected to the engine yet subtle in regular driving. I'd reccomend it 100%. Also I feel Dinan is not overtweaked and you can have it done at BMW dealers. This feels good to have your car and your mods handled by the same people. Also Dinan warranty matches BMW. Prices are on Dinan website. This simple bolton package has no downsides I am aware of, but I can attest to the money well spent feeling it gives you every time you drive your car. Only wish the car came that way from BMW. Pretty much the same story for the Dinan suspension but I've said more than my share for now.

michael s

Dick,
I am very happy with the Dinan mods I have installed on my 2000 Titanium M5. I would do it all over again without hesitation. I have the software, exhaust and Stage II suspension. The software is pretty unobtrusive, but a definite enhancement. The exhaust and suspension both make a big change in the car's personality and the driving experience. I suppose you have to decide if you want to keep your car stock, i.e. a very well done blend of civility and performance, or if you want to accentuate the performance aspects of the machine. You might look at my post "Dinan Stage II rules." I love the way the car handles now, but some ride comfort is definitely sacrificed. Isn't it great to have the luxury of entertaining these thoughts and driving the world's best sedan?

alpywhite

A nicely warmed over Keith Black 500, right out of the crate.

Pull the front wheels off the ground - impress your friends!

Line-lock not included.

Alpine White M5

What's a keith black 500?

Ashok Arora

BRAKES - the most worthwhile and important upgrade in my opinion is to fit Porsche GT4 brakes in lieu of the stock brakes.

michael s

Sorry, I just can't see the value of "better" brakes for the M5, unless you plan on doing a lot of track driving, or you live on the top of a lonely mountain, with a lot of switchbacks to enjoy on the way down each day. The stock brakes are great for normal use, period. My opinion, obviously...

AndyMenard

As many of you know, I have done extensive modifications to my BEAST... However, the one which netted the most impressive improvement in the car?

Dinan Stage II suspension!! The car has a whole new personality now!

-Andy-

MAH

Andy,

Would that be U-turn personality?! I could not resist.

Mark