BMW M Tec body kit

[kam1966]

Hi all,

first time on the forum for me, so apologies if this question has been asked before. I'm looking to buy a 530D SE as i want a comfortable ride over the sportier ride/suspension that the sport derivative provides, but i hate the look of a standard SE. Do any of you know any custom houses that have extensive experience of fitting the sports body kit to a standard SE. My main concern is the air flow into the engine and the exhaust tail, as they appear to be different on both models.
Thanks in advance for your input

[coley20]

Surely it would be easier fitting softer srings to a sport model

[M3M5M6]

You can get the M Sport aerokit fitted by a BMW main dealer... which will be expensive, or a cheaper option would be to get one from a BMW Parts specialist such as Cooks Ferry or M Style. the latter will supply, paint and fit for £1095. You might also need to upgrade your wheels to a bigger size as an M Sport model will look a bit odd with small alloys.

[a_bloke]

Also, upgrading the alloys may degrade ride quality, plus the car will sit higher than the genuine m sport, plus the SE's generally have chrome around the windows...

[kam1966]

would fitting softer springs be a better option? Certainly sounds cheaper and less hassle than a body kit + wheels and de chroming for that sports look.

[aarondrs]

I have a 530i SE 2003. The looks improved massivley when I fitted 17" wheels from what I can only guess was a 540i (not Mtec Parellels).

I've looked intermitently for a rear bumper and front bumper from a 5 series M Sport and if I find them cheap I'll buy them. For now I'm reasonably happy as is.

[gizlaroc]

If you are talking about an E60 then the M-sport has nice bilstein struts and eibach supplied springs and is actually more comfy than the SE.
It is the 18" wheels on run flats that ruin the ride, ditch the run flats for proper tyres on an SE and M-Sport and the sport soaks up the poorer roads far better.


If you are talking E39 then I have to disagree, the sport is still a little soft but is extremely comfy, where as the SE is getting almost wallowy, but still very good compared with the competition.

[coley20]

If you are talking E39 then I have to disagree, the sport is still a little soft but is extremely comfy, where as the SE is getting almost wallowy, but still very good compared with the competition.


[/quote]

I`d agree, my 530d SE is on wallowy side, nice ride, but in the twisties it does roll alot. Handles well though

[kam1966]

Thanks for all your replies, it certainly gives me plenty to think about. I am talking about the E60 530i as i will covering <10K miles per annum. I'm still leaning towards an SE, but i guess the main thing will be to go and drive both derivatives and take it from there. Have read on this forum that some folks thing the SE "wallows" through corners, which doesn't sound very exciting!!

[aarondrs]

kam1966 said:

Thanks for all your replies, it certainly gives me plenty to think about. I am talking about the E60 530i as i will covering <10K miles per annum. I'm still leaning towards an SE, but i guess the main thing will be to go and drive both derivatives and take it from there. Have read on this forum that some folks thing the SE "wallows" through corners, which doesn't sound very exciting!!

I think 'wallow' is a little exaggerated. I think you'll find they are great handling cars, the rear will step out on demand with the dsc off and a little right foot, the car always feels stable and it is one of the best handling cars i have had the pleasure of (you can see my profile for my personal comparisons).