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BMW 5-Series Accessories and Modifications

115 messages,  Last post on Feb 02, 2009 at 7:06 AM

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What is this discussion about? BMW, Audio, Navigation System, Performance Mods, Coupe, Convertible, Sedan, Wagon, SUV

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#41 of 115 blkmanwrkin by john01 Sep 12, 2002 (11:34 pm)
Not sure about BMW NA, but BMW AG accessory catalog I have show 3 different types of steering wheels with wood trim. They run from 400 to 530 euros.
#42 of 115 by blkmanwrkin Sep 15, 2002 (12:08 pm)
I don't like how on my 3 series after some yrs. little leather "balls" would get on my hands, I guess because of wear. So that's 1 of the reasons I want the wood wheel & of course the look!
#43 of 115 RE: Wood Steering Wheel by mkharris01 Sep 25, 2002 (11:28 pm)
Hey blkmanwrkin:   Contact Claus Ettenberger Company (located in Los Angeles, CA) at the following website: http://www.cecwheels.com/ They sell a complete line of Victor steering wheels, including woods. I've had my BMW configured there and so has Keyshawn Johnson (Bucs receiver) on his 745i. Let me know how it goes. MKH
#44 of 115 Radio upgrade by awd2003 Feb 21, 2003 (8:26 pm)
Is there an XM radio available for the 5 series? I have the standard radio that comes on the 530i. Is there an after market CD changer or does one have to use the one from the factory?
#45 of 115 RE: Radio upgrade by awd2003 by snagiel Feb 21, 2003 (8:56 pm)
Don't you have an '03 5-series? If so, I'm fairly sure it's pre-wired for Sirius. Your dealer can order/install/activate the system for you, which would be the cleanest installation. If not, or you want XM (which I've installed in my '02 530), shoot me an email.
#46 of 115 Radio Info: snagiel by awd2003 Feb 22, 2003 (11:52 am)
I do have a 2003 530i. Is one service better than the other? Is the unit a stand alone or intergrated into the factory radio? Another unrelated question,, Are there chrome exhaust tips available for the 530? Thanks.
#47 of 115 RE: Radio Info: snagiel by awd2003 by snagiel Feb 23, 2003 (6:13 pm)
Both XM and Sirius offer similar plans. XM is cheaper ($10/mo versus $13), but Sirius is completely commercial-free, whereas XM has some commercials on some of its channels (albeit far less than regular radio's 20 minutes of ads per hour). You can view their channel lineups on their respective websites.   Technically speaking, their satellite and repeater networks are somewhat different. Sirius' system arguably offers better reception, but that's largely an academic distinction, I think, because in the past year I've experienced very few and rare signal loss with my XM receiver.   There is a big difference in the two companies' financial strength, though. Both are desparately signing up new customers as fast as possible in a race towards profitability, and both have big automakers partnered and/or invested with them. But XM got a huge head start, and currently has somewhere around 400,000 customers, whereas Sirius has only about a tenth as many. And their respective stock prices reflect those varying finanicials.   I love my XM system, and use it almost exclusively in my car (CD's are infrequent, and traditional radio is almost never used). However, since Sirius is now offered as a factory option, it offers seemless integration and control through the factory head-unit, so I'd probably go that route if I were you. The unit includes a receiver module tucked away in the trunk, and an antenna mounted somewhere (presumably on the roof or rear windshield). And you can tune into channels through the factory head-unit and (I believe) see artist and track information displayed there.   As for exhaust tips, the standard tips bend and aim downwards, so I don't think it would be easy to attach aftermarket chrome units. Besides, there's no view because the lower bumper molding would obscure them anyway. Some folks have installed low-restrictive muffler systems and cut M5-esque slots into the bumper moldings and fitted chrome pipes, but that's certainly not a cheap or easy option.
#48 of 115 re: 540i Sport 6 Spd Upgrades by 540isport Apr 09, 2003 (7:17 pm)
I have an early 1998 540i Sport-6 Spd. Over time I added Dinan parts including: Stage 2 suspension, front and rear strut braces, cold air intake with KN element, upsized air flow meter housing, free flow exhaust and corresponding soft ware for all that. Also had Momentum - Houston add a short shifter.   Impressions. A torsionally stiff chassis is now bulletproof. The car is always hunkered down and looks great with a slightly lower and more aggressive stance. Under steer much reduced ( Stage 3 will eliminate it entirely), turn in much sharper (S03 Pole Positions also help). Short shift kit is great. Engine note and exhaust note is much more aggressive without being obnoxious or sounding like a rice burner. Throttle response is crisper. 0-60 is improved some (5.6) but most benefit is mid and upper range. Mid range torque is very very strong. Upper end breathing is really good for extended track work or if you just want to pull hard to the now 6400 rpm limiter. Aint no Lexus gonna keep up. Same for Must GTs or any Jags without superchargers. At the track very good and predictable handling and good performer. Top end is proven at least 165 indicated (160 calibrated real on mine.) Momentum performance mechanic tells me some of the biggest difference is made by installing a lighter weight fly wheel (the 540i stock one is very heavy to give you more of that smooooth turbine feel.) I will probably do that if and when I need clutch work.
#49 of 115 Why Not Just Get M5 Rather Than Upgrade? by riez Apr 10, 2003 (4:15 am)
540isport... What did all those upgrades cost?   I've always wondered why some people spend so much time, effort, and money upgrading rather than just buy the upgraded car to begin with? In this case, why didn't you just buy an M5?
#50 of 115 Rationale for 540i upgrades by 540isport Apr 17, 2003 (5:16 pm)
Dear riez,   Good question.   The answer for modifying my 540i are several. First, I bought it because I wanted a sporty car that I could also take clients and other real people around in. In 1998, the choice was easy. Lexus- landyachts, jaguar - performance not even close, reliability aweful, Corvette - 6 spd convertible fun but not a client car and dealers wanted 10k over msrp. NFW.   M5 and new M3 not made then.   So, the 540i 6spd was a great fast sedan but I wanted a harder edge out of it. First move was suspension which made a big difference despite the fact that I had the factory's sport suspension. Satisfied with Dinan's product the other changes were made over time. Many if not most were done before M5 came out.   Cost of changes is less than 10k (if your interested Ill get an exact number.) $53 +10 still quite a bit less than M5. Irrelevant anyway since many of the changes already made.   Also, many, many M5s get the same treatment. Many people are buying M5's and putting on Dinan suspensions, Dinan dual cold air intakes, Dinan exhausts and Dinan software. So they are spending the money anyway even though they have an M5.   The 540i is lighter than the M5, breaks just as well, handels just as well with suspension and tire upgrades. Add a Dinan supercharger and it is also faster than an M5.   Then again, Dinan is developing a supercharger for the M5. It is reportedly tuned for near 600 and made more but driveline components were breaking at 700hp.   So, how much money do you want to spend. With an M5 you will spend 75 at least for the car and still probably drop 10k more at least.

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