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Thread: performance mods for a 97 528i

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
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    1997 BMW 528i

    performance mods for a 97 528i

    hi, how is everyone.
    i just bought a 97 528i , and i was wondering what simple or quick mods i can do to gain horsepower.
    can anyone help me?

  2. #2
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    uhm... a 528i is a very slow BMW... i wouldnt even worry about it. Leave it stock.

  3. #3
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    Apr 2009
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    dayton, ohio
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    1997 528i, 1990 DSM
    low and slow is the only way to go with a 528i

  4. #4
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    1997 BMW 528i
    Way before your ready for that I'm sure there's tons of maintenance under the hood that can be done first.. Goodluck

    slammed528i

  5. #5
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    If u r thinking of maintenance, change d vanos seal to Beisan seal, done that to 99 523i, never regret.

  6. #6
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    Hi

    I'm still relatively amazed at the mindset US side that the 528i is a slow car!

    I understand it's by no means a 'fast' car but it's not a slouch either ! if anything, it's the E39 520i which didn't make it to the USA, that could be considered 'leisurely' !

    That all said, there's not much performance to gain from the 528i in terms of significant horsepower unless you start to spend substantial amounts. Currently on UK ebay there's a genuine Hartge converted 528i which with engine work, engine management etc is now around the 220-225bhp level. Costs of a similar conversion, done properly would amount to perhaps $5000-8000. For that kind of price nowadays you can think of the Supercharger route (way back in the day, superchargers weren't available generally for the enthusiast market)

    Small subtle enhancements to a 528i would be a re-map, for better torque delivery, smoother acceleration and removal of flat spots in the engine rev range, 500 rpm de-limit and perhaps 5bhp increase would also be a part of that. K&N Induction kit, and perhaps a performance exhaust collectively may give 5bhp.

    Don't be sucked into thinking those two mods above will mean 10 bhp, all together they'll perhaps give you 6-8 bhp perhaps.

    Get the engine all working fantastic, renew what needs doing and changing etc and you'll gain some bhp (maybe) as everything will be working as best as possible.

    Cheers, Dennis!

  7. #7
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    1997 BMW 528i

    Thumbs up Thnk You Guys

    thnk u to everybody that responded, i def did maintenance work, and still doing it hopefully soon it will finish,lol

  8. #8
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    1997 540iA
    Swap in an engine from the new 760 Li. or LSx swap but I think the twin turbo V12 sounds a lot more kick ass.

  9. #9
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    64-BUICK; 95-E34; 00-E39
    performance 528?

    You either buy VF Supercharger

    or 530, 540i, M5

    You don't want HP, you want Maximum TQ. You're in Brooklyn running stoplight to stoplight. Horsepower doesnt mean anything til about 4th gear =P
    (ok I kid .. just a bit)
    Last edited by fragzem; 08-31-2011 at 12:02 AM.

    • 2000 BMW 540i/6 (Anthrazit Metallic 397)
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  10. #10
    Join Date
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    E36 Turbo, E39 M5
    I have a 97 M52 in my 3 series. Best mods:
    -S52 Cams
    -M50 Intake Manifold
    -Shark Injector
    -Cold Air Intake
    -underdrive pullies

    All of this will make about 225 WHP or about 275 BHP.
    Last edited by E36 328is; 08-31-2011 at 01:02 AM.

  11. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by brooklynboy View Post
    ......what simple or quick mods.....
    leave your car as is and worry about routine maintenance.
    If you are going to get appreciable horsepower/performance out of a E39 528i, then "simple" and "quick" are not adjectives you should be using.
    Last edited by Schitzo; 08-31-2011 at 01:10 AM.

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  12. #12
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    1997 528i, 1990 DSM
    There are mods but they are not always the most cost effective. the 528i is a great car stock. If you want power 540 or m5 is where you need to be. even with all of those mods its still gonna be slower than a 540i

  13. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by E36 328is View Post
    I have a 97 M52 in my 3 series. Best mods:
    -S52 Cams
    -M50 Intake Manifold
    -Shark Injector
    -Cold Air Intake
    -underdrive pullies

    All of this will make about 225 WHP or about 275 BHP.
    This...

    The majority of e39 guys seem to ignore the s52 cams and m50 manifold, i'm not sure why...

  14. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by e39hamann View Post
    This...

    The majority of e39 guys seem to ignore the s52 cams and m50 manifold, i'm not sure why...
    They're worried about tripping up the OBD2 system?
    No current BMWs.
    1994 Roadmaster Wagon
    1974 Alfa Romeo Berlina

  15. #15
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    Quote Originally Posted by fragzem View Post
    performance 528?

    You either buy VF Supercharger

    or 530, 540i, M5

    You don't want HP, you want Maximum TQ. You're in Brooklyn running stoplight to stoplight. Horsepower doesnt mean anything til about 4th gear =P
    (ok I kid .. just a bit)
    in that case, a tuned 335d like ours - 500+ lb tq really can get you in trouble..


    not even a day old
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  16. #16
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    E39
    I thought you needed software designed to go with performance cams to accommodate the modified timing? I haven't seen any tuners offer paired cams + chips specifically for the 528, I have however seen paired cams + chips for e36 m3s.
    Last edited by Soco; 08-31-2011 at 01:58 AM.

  17. #17
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    Quote Originally Posted by judoka View Post
    There are mods but they are not always the most cost effective. the 528i is a great car stock. If you want power 540 or m5 is where you need to be. even with all of those mods its still gonna be slower than a 540i
    Quoted for truth.

    This is why when I got back into an E39, I bought another 540i. I honestly did look at 528's and 530's.. but.. this is the kinda crap I didnt want to hear. "You need a 540 to do that". "You do all that and its still slower than a 540".

    lol. BUT I wanted a quick freakin car,

    the 528 is going to cost the OP less to maintain, and less in fuel.. its still got the same great looks, won't have any problem picking up the girls in Bklyn with it.. In fact the 540's speed would probably scare them away lol.

    It's a great car but not made to go fast. They make faster ones, if you want a faster one, you're better off buyin' it. Watch the gas prices go up and laugh, my friend. One day, someone may be willing to trade their 540 for your 528 just to save gas money.

    • 2000 BMW 540i/6 (Anthrazit Metallic 397)
    • 2001 Buick Park Avenue Ultra (Bronzemist Metallic)
    • 1964 Buick Wildcat (Sunburst Yellow / Arctic White)

    Fan Blades Can Explode.. Read My Thread

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