Evolve alpha-n should be near the top of the list, if not 1st. And a short shift kit, if not already installed. GL finding the right beast!

 

Beautiful S4. Good luck in your search...

I also have an A4 1.8T, not quite the getup and go as your S but still a great car when the weather gets rough.


Regarding OEM wheels, a lot of guys here like to run a square setup (rear wheels up front). The hardest part can be sourcing the rear wheels as they are a more sought after item, and sometimes if you do find a pair the finish is so-so. You will certainly need at least a 3mm spacer to run a rear in the front, and depending on your suspension you may have to run more. (With my Bilstein coilovers, I had to run a 15mm spacer!)

A factory setup might also be something you prefer, a lot of it depends on how you like your wheel fitment. I believe form should follow function, but not everyone agrees. In any event, hub-centric spacers are fine.

You'll find that most of the topics you've brought up have been discussed extensively here as well. The advanced search tool can often provide an answer pretty well. Good luck!

 

Awwww. How nice is John. He didn't flame you

Piano black is part of the BMW Individual range I'm pretty sure. Me, along with other forum members wrapped or painted the interior trim ourselves rather than having to source new trim parts. The guy I bought my alcantara steering wheel, shift knob+boot and ebrake+boot also had alcantara trim but in my opinion it looked terrible, kinda like grey moss growing on a wall.

Square setup is pretty well documented on this forum. Apart from the main discussion thread, these two detail the use of spacers and correct wheel/tire sizing and spacing.

http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e39-m5-e52-z8-discussion/206186-275-squared-questions.html
http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e3...bulletin/e39-m5-e52-z8-discussion/215850-10x19-et23-square-setup-will-work.html CBSM5 does a good job at explaining correct offsets and clearance from the inner lip to the suspension struts.

Rick (username Slimmbones) can get his hands on an alcantara shift boot for you. rick@europeanupgrades.com

Kidney grills. If you're talking about black kidney grills, paint or plastic dip the existing ones. Seriously. The only reason why I would buy new kidney grills is if the tabs are broken......which they are. So if you do order, buy me a pair too

And in regards to your S4. Absolutely gorgeous!

 

Thanks, yes, Black Kidney Grilles. Didnt realize that the Chrome ones were also called kidney grilles (meaning the "kidney" means "black). Looks like ECS sells them for $60

Ill rock the staggered setup and probably get spacers after a drop and/or BBK. Have a Cayenne BBK on my S4, love it...

Will probably source a tune from a local buddy who knows bimmer tuning quite well...so, Ill pass on the AlphaN-Evolve for now

Who offers the best SSK? E60 OEM? UUC? I have an old school UUC kit on my S4 and love the drivability it offers...not too stiff.

I will probably source a wood trim set for cheap and have it painted piano black locally...

Thanks again for the input guys.

 

2 cans plastidip = $12

Just dip the grills

 

Plastidip is a bit sloppy for me...just wears off and chips away and reveals the chrome behind. Ive seen alot of things sprayed with plastidip (Audi S4 community is cheap), and the results are never satisfactory. $60 isnt a worry.

 

Haha alright

 

But, I like the effort! Getting out of my current S4 is going to be a big move for me, so I need all the motivation I can get to get me out of it!

dang. beautiful b5...if only you moved to the northeast!

for (stock) wheels, most people run four rears, that usually helps visually and from a performance stand point..

good luck with your search!

Thanks man, hoping to find another perfect example of a car.

 

dang. beautiful b5...if only you moved to the northeast!


for (stock) wheels, most people run four rears, that usually helps visually and from a performance stand point..


good luck with your search!

 

E60 and UUC shifter are pretty much the same design wise. The DSSR is what makes the most different.

 

You can also option for carbon fiber grills like mine

 

Ps. I use Rouge Engineering

http://www.rogueengineering.com/bmw/SSK.html

 

Thanks for all the help so far guys

 

Dave


I came from 3 S4's to this platform. OEM+ 01 S4 (chip, exhaust, suspension, wheels, etc), then a 2005 S4 (full blown JHM car minus headers), then another B5 - 2001 Full blown AWE Stage 3 car - headers too! I loved this car, could chirp all 4 with a hard launch shifting into 2nd.


SO with that being said, I know where you're coming from and what you're concerned with.


I don't regret moving platforms a single bit. The M5 is seriously the best driving car I've driven. They don't get the title 'Ultimate Driving Machine' for no reason. I've always wondered why I went through so many VWs and Audis while my parents always owned BMW's... In any case, if you haven't driven one yet, you need to. The second I sat down to drive it, I knew I was buying one. The Audi just didn't make me feel comfortable, let alone, just didn't drive to my liking.


The other thing about the M5 I noticed - the stares, looks, comments, etc. People see this car and snap their necks to see and figure out what is driving by them. The exhaust note with just mufflers removed is absolutely stunning.


Your S4 is very clean, noticed some Euro and RS4 goodies in there! Engine covers, steering wheel, Euro rear bumper! You shouldn't have any problem selling yours. Is old my 2001 Stage 3 for a very very good price over a year ago.


Let me know if you have any other specific questions about transitioning via PM or shoot me an email. I'll PM it to you.

 

Thanks for that! I replied to your email. I have driven an M5 a few years back but dont know of too many B5's down here.

 

Bump, still looking for a car. Im really only interested in a Lemans, Imola, or Sterling/Anthracite. Budget is 20K, let me know if you have something and we havent already spoken!

Thanks guys

 

Still searching, I know as it took me over a year to find what i wanted. Keep your eyes out on autotrader, there are many cars for 20K and under.

 

Paul, you know more than anything I would want nothing more than to purchase your ///M, but I wouldnt be able to get approved for that high of a loan, unfortunately!

 

Well, considering the condition, and milage on my car, and recent full maintenance I just couldn't let it go for 20K$. But as I mentioned in the email. You could pick up a hight milage M for around 15K , put in 5K into it, and you'll have a good car. Even the cars that sell for 20K are in need of control arms, clutch, sensors, ETC ETC ETC... I have all that done plus more. I wish you best in finding the one.

 

If you want a CLEAN m5 with less than 120k miles, you will up paying $18-22k almost every time. There are some special people who have done it for less.

One year into my ownership and I'm solidly $20k+ into my car (in terms of total investment) and have a 120k mile carbon black m5 on my hands with a mildly worn caramel interior and a handful of high quality modifications (which were on the car when I bought it).

I'm just sharing this because it's been enlightening to realize that whether I budget $16k or $20k, I'm going to wind up spending $20k

And the difference in M5 that $24k gets you vs. $20k is significant. Although it's very hard to find a $24k m5, deserving of the price, being sold by a private party.

 

I paid $22,700 in Jan 2012 for a 2001 with 56k miles. I saw one for sale recently for similar price and miles. I agree, the extra $3k -$4k is significant. But make sure you have $3k-$4k to throw at any M5 you get at any given time. There is always something coming up, even if it is just PM and worn consumables.

 

This penfed thing is really getting quite extensive!

I have to go schedule an appointment with a Notary Public to look over the loan and sign for it before I can send the form back to penfed.

Wish it was as easy as some of you guys make it out to be!

 

I never had to schedule an appointment with a notary public. Maybe the dealership I bought mine from served that function. My experience was very easy.