High mileage 528i - BMW Forum

ChampN203 · 07-28-2006, 12:58 AM

I need some expert advice on the feasibility of supercharging a 99 528i with 120K miles on it. The car has been well maintained and extremely dependable to date and I would like to keep it that way as I drive it around 15-17K a year and will be commuting in this car for another 2-3 years.
I'm not looking to try and out run Mustangs, Porches, or M3's. My main goal is to give this 4000 lb sedan a little more pickup and to get an occasional thrill when I step on the pedal. Is this mileage too high a to make the 5-6K investment? Also any known negatives in SC this engine? Should it be able to take the additional HP/boost? It is an Auto if that matters.

Thanks.

Teh Prof · 07-28-2006, 07:27 AM

Do a leakdown test, and a compression test to make sure the engine can take it. Otherwise, 120K is not high mileage for a 528.

Your problem might be the transmission. It's made by GM, it's not especially reliable over 100K, and I'm not sure that it will take the extra power. You might want to do a manual swap.

ChampN203 · 07-30-2006, 09:19 PM

Thanks for the advice. I too have concerns over the trans, but not enough experience to make a decision about it. Any experience or thoughts on how difficult is it to do a transmission swap?

Teh Prof · 07-30-2006, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChampN203

Thanks for the advice. I too have concerns over the trans, but not enough experience to make a decision about it. Any experience or thoughts on how difficult is it to do a transmission swap?

Difficulty depends on your level of experience with a wrench and your access to a lift. Depending on that, the AA kit is supposed to be pretty good.

sp0rky · 09-06-2006, 01:53 AM

The actual labor of the automatic to manual trans is doable and has been done by many. However, in a modern BMW - such as the e39, electronics and driveability issues become more of a concern.

jcy0001 · 07-06-2007, 02:01 PM

Hi you can a an upgrade to your auto tranny and it should be good up to 400hp look up a company called level ten they call it bulletprofing your tranny. theres a few people that have done it to be able to keep there autos and SC.

325IConvertible · 07-19-2007, 10:08 PM

What would yall consider high mileage on a BMW ?