5-series performance upgrades - BMW Forum

Lobos · 03-10-2012, 10:26 PM

i have an '06 550i i'm wanting to do some performance upgrades to. specifically a little more power. i've seen lots of stuff online including chips. do they really work? i've read mixed reviews. looking for suggestions that would really work to increase power by maybe 60-80 horsepower. can anyone help? if so, can you also recommend manufacturers for the products?

Jack Dabsy · 03-11-2012, 07:42 AM

Hi, many things you can do to improve performance, from the simple things like upgrading the stock panel-filter, to the more professional upgrades like Re-Map etc...
Chips are good but a Re-Map would be tailored to your motor!

Lord Vader · 03-11-2012, 10:02 AM

I'm not to familiar with the E60 but stuff like a CAI, exhaust, under drive pulleys would be a good start.

Lobos · 03-11-2012, 01:36 PM

thanks Dabsy and Vader. based on your suggestions, i've done some research and plan to start with replacing the stock cross-pipe panel filter and air intake box. seems to be an important factor and looks relatively inexpensive and easy enough to do. i found some decent performance parts online for less than $600 for both (aFe Power MagnumFORCE CAI and MagnumFLOW panel filter).

i also did some reading on ecu remapping. looks like a good option to boost hp and torque and maybe even get a few extra mpg. i'm interested in doing that but i saw warnings on the use of low-cost chips and inexperienced companies. the key seems to be finding a reputable company that can do a complete diagnostics of the engine and provide an honest recommendation of how or even IF to proceed based on the findings. unfortunately, i live in dayton ohio...not exactly a hub for bmw performance activity. any suggestions on a good place in the dayton/columbus/cincinnati area? Or are there any good companies where i could maybe buy the chip, have it programmed/shipped, then installed locally?

exhaust and under pulleys will be next to review Lord Vader!

Lord Vader · 03-11-2012, 02:29 PM

I believe that a tune/chip/remap should be done after adding performance upgrades. The tune complements the mods and maximizes their performance. Most remove the sore governor and change the shift points for optimal shifts. A tune also tells the computer that there are changes to the vehicle and to compensate or the increased airflow or other.

A decent exhaust will run probably $1,000 but companies like UUC and Eissenmann engineer their products for optimal performance. Cheap knockoffs are just that, cheap. They won't come with any guarantee and probably sound like crap.

Lobos · 03-11-2012, 07:00 PM

ahhh yes. makes perfect sense to do the other upgrades prior to remapping!

Lobos · 03-11-2012, 07:10 PM

btw. how do u get a picture in the same box as your post? avatar was easy but don't see how you guys did that.

Lord Vader · 03-11-2012, 07:12 PM

You new to his the image through a file hosted. Then take the URL of the image and place it between IMG tags. The little icon in the shape of a mountain above the posting box is allows you to do that.

Lobos · 03-11-2012, 11:59 PM

thx Vader. but looks like a couple typos in ur first sentence that made it alittle unclear. can u repeat it?

Lord Vader · 03-12-2012, 12:21 AM

Sorry about that! I was typing that post on my iPhone and didn't get a chance to proofread it. The image needs to be hosted through a file hosting service. Once don't you need to copy the link, and click the icon that looks like a mountain at the top of the text box. It will open a pop up window to add the link.

Lobos · 03-12-2012, 12:34 AM

cool...i think i got it this time!