Worthwhile M5 upgrades ???

[kilboshikid]

Was wondering if there was any worthwhile upgrades/improvements that are available for my E39 M5?

If any of you could be so kind to let me know of any, including what it's for, why it's good, where I can get it and how much I would be most grateful.

I've had the silencers deleted so far and just started looking at ecu remaps, just got me wondering what else was available and advised.

Look forward to everyone's usual expertise and ideas

[shielsy]

If you ask me, just spend your money maintaining it and keeping it in good working order.

What sort of condition is the suspension in, bushes, fluids, rust etc.? They are fantastic cars in standard form, but they are getting on a little now with perishables on the way out. By keeping it in top order not only will it treat you well, it's value is going to be higher than that of one which has had "mods" thrown at it.

[soad]

Could post here too: BMW » M Power

[KungFuPanda]

It's a n/a engine so I doubt a remap would give it any noticeable gains.

Given it's age, as others have said, suspension refresh, maybe a gearbox oil change. Perhaps fitting winter tyres will help it get the power down in inclement weather.

[ZX10R NIN]

kilboshikid said:

Was wondering if there was any worthwhile upgrades/improvements that are available for my E39 M5?

If any of you could be so kind to let me know of any, including what it's for, why it's good, where I can get it and how much I would be most grateful.

I've had the silencers deleted so far and just started looking at ecu remaps, just got me wondering what else was available and advised.

Look forward to everyone's usual expertise and ideas

An Exhaust System Air Filters & a Remap will do wonders plus a suspension re fresh if you've not already done one

[kambites]

Another vote for rebuilding the suspension. On a car of that sort of age, a set of brand new OEM suspension is probably the biggest upgrade you can do.

[rfsteel]

Check out Evolve remaps, so you can delete the MAFs and get the Air Intake Temp sensor relocation kit and go enjoy your M5.

[kilboshikid]

Well I think fate has dictated what I need to upgrade! Coolant pipe has gone so getting all the piping replaced including brake pipes and all, then I think suspension refreshed along with the brakes and gearbox. At the same time all fluids are being drained and new stuff been put in.

Was also going to get the engine fully cleaned up and serviced. Decided to get it to as new as condition as possible and enjoy her how she is ....... For now anyway 😊

Will see what tomorrow brings.......

[SuperchargedVR6]

Ascari extracted 625hp from the same engine for it's A10 supercar, so it's clearly capable of delivering more. I don't know how much of the engine is original BMW after they've played with it, mind

[Buffyd]

Evolve Medusa exhaust manifolds are the first thing you should consider in terms of performance - the S62 has awful standard manifolds, barely any different to those of the M62 and hugely restrictive. The Evolve manifolds give a genuine 30-40hp increase.

Edited by Buffyd on Tuesday 10th February 14:04

Edited by Buffyd on Tuesday 10th February 14:04

[allergictocheese]

I saw the thread title and I was going to suggest an extra couple of lanes between the M6 junction and Cheltenham. How wrong I was.

[Krikkit]

Investing in a suspension refresh is never a bad choice imo. On cars that are 10+ years old I think they need the major rubber bits replacing unless they're minimal mileage.

[RobM77]

I completely agree with the posters suggesting a suspension refresh. I've done it on all my cars when they get to about 80-100k miles and it makes a big difference, especially with well balanced cars where the losses and gains are more noticeable. What I've usually done is new bushes and dampers all round, but you can also rebuild dampers. Cars degrade noticeably over time and you'll need to replace things like suspension components to get it driving like it did when it was new and was road tested in magazines etc.

[ZNSsupercars]

Give it a Supercharger!

[S. Gonzales Esq.]

Best way to make any car faster is to upgrade the driver, and any improvements from training will still work for your next car...

[RobM77]

S. Gonzales Esq. said:

Best way to make any car faster is to upgrade the driver, and any improvements from training will still work for your next car...

That's only true for lap times though, and this guy's not competing, so the chances are he's after better sensations and enjoyment from driving his car. which upgrades or restoration will provide.

[Monty Python]

Had a look at Evolve tuning for the M5 - their stage 2 is:

Evolve ECU Remap Custom Software with Vmax
Evolve Air Intake Sensor Relocation Kit
Evolve High Flow Intake System
Evolve High flow 4-1 Step Design Headers (exhaust manifolds)
Evolve High flow 200 CELL CATS

This lot gets you 30-40bhp gain for......£3850 (and no, that's not missing a decimal point).

God knows how much the Stage 4 (+60bhp) and Stagte 5 (+70-90bhp) cost, but it doesn't look very cost-effective.

IMHO you're better off keeping it stock and just maintaining it properly.

[Chrisoldskool]

Just to repeat what most people above have commented, keep it stock and in good mechanical condition, sounds like your already on track with the maintenance you are carrying out/already planning, save a few quid for some sticky tyres and enjoy it.

I believe it will add to its value alot better with the above carried out and a good documented history!

[kilboshikid]

Yeah think it's just going to be a case of mainly keeping it stock and well maintained. Any upgrades I was thinking about would be ones I could take off again should I wish so I could get her back to standard if so required.

As for performance I'm fully aware of the driver been the main upgrade for any car, hence me having done a few driving courses in my time. I wouldn't be using the M5 for track days, got the MR2 for that!

Got the car in with a bmw specialist that was recommended on this forum. It's in Redruth and sasha who is the mechanic seems to know his stuff. Will keep you posted on how it goes.

Had a look at evolve and they do seem to do some good upgrades, bit pricey but will bare them in mind. All I was after was maybe a bit more ergency in the acceleration and the right noise!!! Got the later with the mufflers deleted, but wouldn't mind a few more pops on the over run. Manifolds and cats might be the solution I think ?

Thanks again for all the input and keep them coming, love to hear about new things and ideas 😀