Best "first" mods - esp. for dark colored E60 M5

SeattleYates · 14th February 2007, 18:25

I have a Monaco Blue E60 M5 on order, and am already contemplating mods (this board is dangerous!). Since Monaco is VERY dark (almost looks black in certain light), I'm wondering what mods people have made that really enhance the appearance of dark-colored E60 beasts.

BTW, I've searched and studied the archives quite extensively, so I think I already have an idea what many of the potential mods are - I'd just like some opinions of the first things you guys would recommend...

First, let me tell you what I already have in mind. I already bought the Hartge front spoiler and rear skirt (just needs to be painted & installed when the car arrives). Since I'm not planning to get new wheels/tires (I actually really like the stock M5 wheels), I'm thinking the first additional mod should be lowering the car a bit (I think that will enhance the Hartge trim and give the car a meaner stance overall). Because my wife will be a frequent driver, however, the Dinan Stage 1 suspension package seems like the best--provides some lowering but still retains a near-factory (i.e., smooth) ride. (I've read that H&R and other springs make the ride considerably rougher than stock.) Any comments/suggestions on that?

The other mods that appeal to me as great bang-for-the-buck are the Dinan rear (3.91) diff (to increase low-end torque), and possibly Dinan exhaust (I've got it on my X5 and LOVE the sound of their exhaust systems!).

Any input - on these or other mods - is greatly appreciated.

LI-M5 · 14th February 2007, 18:34

all sounds good !! but you should
1).tint the windows
2).get stage 2 sus sway bars make a big difference
3).get 10mm spacers for stock wheels (turnermotorsports) to fill out the wheel wells
4)dinan rear diff is a must for low end power(best mod i did)
5)angel i brights (ver 2.0)

and thats about the gist of it the rest is up to you to make your beast look unique.

neil..

6speed · 14th February 2007, 20:26

Lets see....

I think you are on the right track. I have the Hartge front lip spoiler and to me, it equals lowering the car as the best cosmetic enhancement. From a performance standpoint, (after removing the charcoal filters ofcourse) I would certainly consider the 3.91 diff as it adds some nice grunt down low.

The exhaust is a nice idea as well but don't let video clips fool you / convince you on how an exhaust sounds in person. Do your homework and try to hear the exhaust that you are considering in person...unlike me and now I am on my 2nd aftermarket exhaust.

Edit: I doubt your wife will notice a ride change if you go with the H&R springs. My wife did not notice (she drives the beast a lot) a ride change until I put 20" wheels on and that was a couple months after the springs

Cheers ///

bonehead · 14th February 2007, 20:34

I think I remember some others have said the RD Sport springs are not as stiff as the H&R's, so you may want to consider these.

Definitely get the Hartge front lip. I've said it before, but the front end has always seemed incomplete. Also consider the Hartge rear diffuser. Something I should have purchased in retrospect when I had the other mods done.

CF or blacked out kidney grills for a more sinister front view.

AMG ETR · 14th February 2007, 21:26

sounds like a good list...

If you are going to keep the stock wheels, pick up some spacer after you lower it to fill out the wheel wells and it should look much better!

Go for the Dinan stage 2 suspension, won't affect the ride in anyway, but it will handle 10X better and its not much more money than the stage 1!!
Evan

mcw331 · 14th February 2007, 21:59

#1 Remove Secondary Filters (I never realized how far zero dollars could go).

MRichmond · 14th February 2007, 22:50

I think you will find yourself gravitating toward either cosmetic or performance mods. As soon as I started taking my car to the track (e.g., see VIR Track Report with Video Clips), my priorities shifted almost entirely toward the performance end.

The Dinan Stage 2 suspension does, indeed, make a big difference in handling, eliminates understeer (because it is not just a set of lowering springs), compromises ride quality less than the other spring kits, and results in a slightly lowered appearance.

An aftermarket exhaust is a great addition. You just need to make sure the one you get has the volume and tone that appeals to you. It is not hard to get very loud, very quickly with some setups that are available.

I am having the 3.91 diff installed next week.

As for lips, swoops, skirts, etc., I decided to pass because I don't want to pay for extra weight and less ground clearance. Some of them do look very nice, however.

andrewsherman · 15th February 2007, 03:23

I have to admit I am a bit confused. You guys basically talked me out of the Stae 2 becuase of the ride quality, but it seems from the responses here that people don't think there will be a big change in ride quality. Now I don't know what to do! Sway bars or Stage 2. Help me . . .

LI-M5 · 15th February 2007, 03:28

i say just sways cause when you lower a car it gets a little bouncy .. i drove dino car a cople of times this week and i feel it was too bouncy..my opinion

MRichmond · 15th February 2007, 04:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrewsherman

I have to admit I am a bit confused. You guys basically talked me out of the Stae 2 becuase of the ride quality, but it seems from the responses here that people don't think there will be a big change in ride quality. Now I don't know what to do! Sway bars or Stage 2. Help me . . .

Andrew --

The advantage of the Dinan system is that it is engineered with the typical Dinan priority of preserving a decent street ride. On the EDC scale of our cars, the Stage 2 -- at most -- firms the ride by maybe one-half notch. Those with the more aggressive springs have described a full notch difference (e.g., "comfort" feels like "normal"). You do have some terrible roads with which to deal, so your decision is not a no-brainer, but I hope the above helps.