E61 V8 Bearding

[ATM]

dom9 said:

Hang on, so is it a 545i E61 that you're looking at for £4.9k? If it's in good nick, that sounds excellent! I paid £6.6k for mine (albeit 75k miles) a couple of months back!

Maybe it's 4900 to change. My view on cars is if they're cheap enough compared to market price then go for it. You can always pass it on if it doesn't suit and you shouldn't lose a fortune. I'd be tempted to keep the E39 if it's only worth peanuts. Try the 545 for a few months and then decide which one to dispose of.

[Jobbo]

This one (presumably not the exact car since it's not in London) is under £5k. Pretty bare spec though: http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...

Private sale on eBay as an auction too, London car with higher mileage but the desirable comfort seats (and a few niggles): http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2004-BMW-545I-SE-TOURING... - no bids at £3,600 currently but in view of the niggles and mileage you might get it for that.

Edited by Jobbo on Sunday 23 August 09:50

[Crackie]

philmots said:

355hp is a what, 20hp gain?

If they can put it on the rolling road before and after and show a 20hp gain I'd jump at it.. But I bet they won't/can't.

Normally dynos over read, so you may get 355hp after the map but the before figure was probably 350 - which they won't show you!

Some tuners exaggerate their claims more than others. 18-25hp appears to be the figure from the more reputable firms ( Evolve, e-maps )

http://www.superchips.co.uk/curves/650ci367bhp.pdf

[philmots]

Crackie said:

philmots said:

355hp is a what, 20hp gain?

If they can put it on the rolling road before and after and show a 20hp gain I'd jump at it.. But I bet they won't/can't.

Normally dynos over read, so you may get 355hp after the map but the before figure was probably 350 - which they won't show you!

Some tuners exaggerate their claims more than others. 18-25hp appears to be the figure from the more reputable firms ( Evolve, e-maps )

http://www.superchips.co.uk/curves/650ci367bhp.pdf

Yes they do, that's why I'd looked at the 8hp gain Dinan quote in America.

Does that mean Evolve and E Maps, and Superchips for that matter are exaggerating?

If I could see around a 20hp/lb ft GAIN on whatever the standard figure was it would be worthwhile but I just don't believe it and don't fancy being Guinea Pig!

[ATM]

Practicality update.

Swallowed 2 bikes quite easy. I don't have the cover today but I think I could cover them with it so they're unseen.

This is without folding seats down.

Edited by ATM on Saturday 18th August 17:49

[hornetrider]

If you put the seats down it'll swallow them both whole without needing to remove anything. Decent size on the old bus

[Crackie]

philmots said:

Crackie said:

philmots said:

355hp is a what, 20hp gain?

If they can put it on the rolling road before and after and show a 20hp gain I'd jump at it.. But I bet they won't/can't.

Normally dynos over read, so you may get 355hp after the map but the before figure was probably 350 - which they won't show you!

Some tuners exaggerate their claims more than others. 18-25hp appears to be the figure from the more reputable firms ( Evolve, e-maps )

http://www.superchips.co.uk/curves/650ci367bhp.pdf

Yes they do, that's why I'd looked at the 8hp gain Dinan quote in America.

Does that mean Evolve and E Maps, and Superchips for that matter are exaggerating?

If I could see around a 20hp/lb ft GAIN on whatever the standard figure was it would be worthwhile but I just don't believe it and don't fancy being Guinea Pig!

The gains from NA remaps are relatively small as you know but in my experience the main benefits come from improved full throttle and part throttle response and removal of flat spots rather than extra pace. I do understand your concerns but don't think you'll be a Guinea Pig if you use the established specialists.

I don't believe that Evolve or e-maps are exaggerating their claims at all; some other well thought of companies ( GAD Tuning, DMS ) claim gains over 25Hp for 550i/650i. The reason I mentioned Evolve and e-maps is they are well thought of on various BMW forums and the fact I've used Evolve twice myself. My old E36 EVO M3 was noticeably more urgent and fitter after remapping. The remap was done in conjunction with a Supersprint exhaust and a Simota induction kit; together the total gain was only 19hp max with approx. 25hp through the midrange. Small gains but chalk and chesse from the drivers seat and well worth the investment. imho of course.

Edited by Crackie on Monday 24th August 07:29

[No Bend]

Jobbo said:

This one (presumably not the exact car since it's not in London) is under £5k. Pretty bare spec though: http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...

Private sale on eBay as an auction too, London car with higher mileage but the desirable comfort seats (and a few niggles): http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2004-BMW-545I-SE-TOURING... - no bids at £3,600 currently but in view of the niggles and mileage you might get it for that.

Edited by Jobbo on Sunday 23 August 09:50

I find it amusing when ebay sellers proudly state, "There is no reserve!" but then you see the bidding starts at X amount. The amount they nominated would be the reserve wouldn't it?

[ATM]

Jobbo said:

Private sale on eBay as an auction too, London car with higher mileage but the desirable comfort seats (and a few niggles): http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2004-BMW-545I-SE-TOURING... - no bids at £3,600 currently but in view of the niggles and mileage you might get it for that.

Advert said:

I've also changed the gearbox solenoids and changed the gearbox oil which has made the car feel brand new again!

This sounds interesting. No I've not google'd it. Anyone here heard of this?

[Jobbo]

I changed the gearbox fluid on both mine; the first one at about 75k miles and it made a big difference. The second one was changed at over 130k miles and didn't prevent the gearbox replacement. So I'd say change it early for best effect. Solenoid replacement sounds like the mechatronic unit, which I read at the time was fairly likely to be the cause of any problems. However, since I didn't get to find out exactly what was wrong with mine, I don't know whether that would have cured it.

[smashie]

As I mentioned previously, I picked up my 550i Touring a week ago. I went to fill it up for the 1st time this evening and was a bit shocked. Unleaded was 1p/l MORE than diesel. Typical I get a V8 so I can make use of the lower priced fuel and they go and do this to me.

[dom9]

ATM said:

Jobbo said:

Private sale on eBay as an auction too, London car with higher mileage but the desirable comfort seats (and a few niggles): http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2004-BMW-545I-SE-TOURING... - no bids at £3,600 currently but in view of the niggles and mileage you might get it for that.

Advert said:

I've also changed the gearbox solenoids and changed the gearbox oil which has made the car feel brand new again!

This sounds interesting. No I've not google'd it. Anyone here heard of this?

Solenoids are the "Mechatronic" system, right? Fairly common fault and I don't believe as expensive as it used to be to fix.

Have you got those wheels on yet? If so, where are the pics?

Drove mine into work (Mrs9 is away so I have been in the 500) and it behaved (even the torque converter) faultlessly - missed that exhaust note and effortless torque!!

Been chatting tot he guys from e-maps about my 'box issue etc and I am definitely going to have a re-map done by them. It's not much money and I do believe there are benefits, so I am happy to be the thread guinea pig based on the time they've spent giving me 'free advice' over email.

Edited by dom9 on Tuesday 25th August 09:16

[ATM]

dom9 said:

bad it behaved (even the torque converter) faultlessly

Can you decipher this for us?

bad ... faultlessly

dom9 said:

Have you got those wheels on yet? If so, where are the pics?

No

I'm having weird dreams about 19 inch wheels. A new set of boots in 18 or 19 is basically the same price. I'm a sucker for a bargain so keeping my eye out for a set of wheels with/without tyres which are close by.

[dom9]

ATM said:

dom9 said:

bad it behaved (even the torque converter) faultlessly

Can you decipher this for us?

bad ... faultlessly

dom9 said:

Have you got those wheels on yet? If so, where are the pics?

No

I'm having weird dreams about 19 inch wheels. A new set of boots in 18 or 19 is basically the same price. I'm a sucker for a bargain so keeping my eye out for a set of wheels with/without tyres which are close by.

Hmmmm... Had a brain fart there, now updated!

I think I meant "and", not "bad"!

Car felt great - totally different experience tickling the throttle and making quick, comfortable, effortless progress. I can see why people say it is not as 'rewarding' as driving a light, revvy car (I had huge fun the first couple of days with the Fiat 500, keeping it on the boil) but for a morning commute when you're not interested in the thrill of driving, I am loving the 545i.

I have been having thoughts of buying a 1.7 Puma (or 106 GTi/ Rallye but good ones are hard to come by) and chucking a couple of grand at it to create my own B-road blaster for the 6.5 mile (each way) B-road blat to work but I am not so sure now, with winter approaching and the weather we've been having recently...

[ATM]

dom9 said:

I have been having thoughts of buying a 1.7 Puma (or 106 GTi/ Rallye but good ones are hard to come by) and chucking a couple of grand at it to create my own B-road blaster for the 6.5 mile (each way) B-road blat to work but I am not so sure now, with winter approaching and the weather we've been having recently...

This I can understand. Big barges are good but they are not the be all and end all. I'd much rather throw a smaller car around given the opportunity. The thing is I have 2 cars already and a third small city fun car just for ... I had an R5 GT Turbo when I was a kid. I still find myself looking at them on ebay. Maybe something old school which you can enjoy without having to go quickly.

[dom9]

ATM said:

This I can understand. Big barges are good but they are not the be all and end all. I'd much rather throw a smaller car around given the opportunity. The thing is I have 2 cars already and a third small city fun car just for ... I had an R5 GT Turbo when I was a kid. I still find myself looking at them on ebay. Maybe something old school which you can enjoy without having to go quickly.

I wish VW had made the Up GTi - That would have been a nice blend of 'miniature executive' and lightweight, buzzy performance. I guess that is why Lupo GTis seem to hold their money so well. Shame they are not bargain money.

You seem to be able to get a spanking 1.7 Puma for £1k but maybe I should just put that towards fuel in the 545i (would probably be a good year + worth).

[ATM]

dom9 said:

I wish VW had made the Up GTi - That would have been a nice blend of 'miniature executive' and lightweight, buzzy performance. I guess that is why Lupo GTis seem to hold their money so well. Shame they are not bargain money.

You seem to be able to get a spanking 1.7 Puma for £1k but maybe I should just put that towards fuel in the 545i (would probably be a good year + worth).

The lupo gti is a good car. I think they'll hold their money well enough.

[dom9]

ATM said:

The lupo gti is a good car. I think they'll hold their money well enough.

Anything with over 100k miles seems to be £3k+ and anything with 'low' miles seems to be £6k+... Too rich for me when you could get a nice, low miles Puma 1.7 for £1k!

[ATM]

dom9 said:

ATM said:

The lupo gti is a good car. I think they'll hold their money well enough.

Anything with over 100k miles seems to be £3k+ and anything with 'low' miles seems to be £6k+... Too rich for me when you could get a nice, low miles Puma 1.7 for £1k!

Pumas without serious tin worm do not exist.

[dom9]

ATM said:

Pumas without serious tin worm do not exist.

Define serious...? Arches and fuel fillers are more cosmetic so as long as you keep sills in check, they're low liability. And parts are cheap, they handle great and are relatively easy to tune. My first choice was a 106 in either Rallye (standard) or GTi (would play with it a bit) trim but getting one is proving almost impossible at sensible money, even if you can find one.

The black S1 Rallye on eBay (my preferred colour and series) is up for £1,500 and what the seller isn't saying (and won't answer a message about) is whether or not it's a Cat C, which I believe it is, as I believe it was previously owned by my buddy. And that car has done well over 100k. Ok, maybe he has priced that in at £1,500 but why not be honest about it - what else lurks underneath?

Anyway, we digress... I am rapidly going towards putting a few quid into the BMW and getting that up to 'perfect' and spend the rest on petrol!