Just picked up a '95 540/6 - need advice

JJJames · 08-14-2011, 11:48 PM

Hi guys,

New to MaXbimmer, but member of bimmerforums for a while - more involved while the '98 M3 was still in the family.

Anyway, I just picked up a '95 540i/6 (oxford on parchment, 18" Style 5's) and I'm trying to figure out the best way to proceed - don't know these cars as well as I should.

It's currently running fairly well, and preventative maintenance will be the first priority, but beyond that I need guidance.

I would like to change the suspension (lowered by previous owner and I'm not hugely confident in the set up). From my research so far I am thinking Blisten Sports, but would appreciate any other recommendations.

Power is the next priority, and this is where I'm most in need of help. To start, I'm thinking I'll just do the standard intake/ecu/exhaust upgrade, but there doesn't seem to be an obvious choice for each of those components. I've heard good things about the Conforti chip, and a fair number of people seem to be running Dinan software. Intake suggestions? In terms of exhaust, I know the stock set up for the '95 540 was fairly good - I really only want to change it for a slightly more aggressive sound. Beyond that, if there are any other changes you would recommend, I'd appreciate the advice.

Thanks guys

JJJames · 08-14-2011, 11:53 PM

Also - fuel door swings open while driving - any idea how I'd fix this?

JINT · 08-15-2011, 03:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJJames

Also - fuel door swings open while driving - any idea how I'd fix this?

lock your doors from the inside while you're driving and it wont swing, otherwise change the "C" looking spring on the fuel door. The 540 is pretty dead for more serious tuning than what you have listed. It's quiet expensive to do forced induction on it.

bmwm5lover · 08-15-2011, 12:34 PM

Look at MarkD software, I've been meaning to get it for my car, but 400hp has been keeping me plenty entertained.

As for the exhaust, before you spend $$ on an aftermarket muffler, try the muffler delete mod with exhaust tips. You will be surprised at the result and so little money.

JJJames · 08-15-2011, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JINT

lock your doors from the inside while you're driving and it wont swing, otherwise change the "C" looking spring on the fuel door. The 540 is pretty dead for more serious tuning than what you have listed. It's quiet expensive to do forced induction on it.

Cams/headers/throttle bodies? How do you like the LSD? Worth the money?

JJJames · 08-15-2011, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmwm5lover

Look at MarkD software, I've been meaning to get it for my car, but 400hp has been keeping me plenty entertained.

As for the exhaust, before you spend $$ on an aftermarket muffler, try the muffler delete mod with exhaust tips. You will be surprised at the result and so little money.

Sounds tempting - I'm not all that comfortable with my ability to carve up the exhaust system though. If I were to bite the bullet and go for an aftermarket system, is there one that is generally known as superior?

marek · 08-15-2011, 09:45 PM

I got some brand new Bilstein/RD rear shocks for cheap if you are interested.

http://www.maxbimmer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=142228

Nick_V · 08-16-2011, 12:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJJames

If I were to bite the bullet and go for an aftermarket system, is there one that is generally known as superior?

I bought a B&B for mine, but I don't know if I'd spend the money again. If I did, I'd probably spend a little more and get an Eisenmann, lol(best sound IMO). There aren't many options so you're probably just better off picking a universal muffler and having a shop make something for you.

I've got the exhaust, MarkD chip, JB racing flywheel and a 3.15LSD and to be honest even with all that stuff it's not much different than stock to me. Mind you, those mods came gradually and the car was out of commish for a while, so maybe it'd be more noticeable driven back to back with a stocker.

You say it's running fairly well, but I'd spend my first several hundred bucks on getting it running tip-top: Intake manifold gaskets, PCV plate/OSV, valley pan gasket, valve cover gaskets, vacuum lines, any finicky sensors, etc. If these things haven't been done you should notice a huge improvement right off the bat. Chances are, unless you bought the car off a total fanatic, it needs at least a few of these things.

Also, drop your lower oil pan and check it for oil pump bolts/nuts, unless you know for sure that the PO already addressed this issue. It's pretty common from what I can tell.

Finally, if you haven't already, head back on over to BFC and search around the E34 section. Pretty much any question you can think of relating to your new ride has probably already been answered there. It's a great resource.

JJJames · 08-16-2011, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick_V

I bought a B&B for mine, but I don't know if I'd spend the money again. If I did, I'd probably spend a little more and get an Eisenmann, lol(best sound IMO). There aren't many options so you're probably just better off picking a universal muffler and having a shop make something for you.

I've got the exhaust, MarkD chip, JB racing flywheel and a 3.15LSD and to be honest even with all that stuff it's not much different than stock to me. Mind you, those mods came gradually and the car was out of commish for a while, so maybe it'd be more noticeable driven back to back with a stocker.

You say it's running fairly well, but I'd spend my first several hundred bucks on getting it running tip-top: Intake manifold gaskets, PCV plate/OSV, valley pan gasket, valve cover gaskets, vacuum lines, any finicky sensors, etc. If these things haven't been done you should notice a huge improvement right off the bat. Chances are, unless you bought the car off a total fanatic, it needs at least a few of these things.

Also, drop your lower oil pan and check it for oil pump bolts/nuts, unless you know for sure that the PO already addressed this issue. It's pretty common from what I can tell.

Finally, if you haven't already, head back on over to BFC and search around the E34 section. Pretty much any question you can think of relating to your new ride has probably already been answered there. It's a great resource.

Thanks for this. The Eisenmann system seems like a good choice for aftermarket (if there is one), but I wont be making any purchases until I have complete confidence in the car. Its going to Bimmersport on Monday for a complete inspection/evaluation and at that point I'll be able to assess what needs to be done - hopefully a small list...

zubbie · 09-01-2011, 10:20 AM

Billy sports are harsh and uncomfortable.

Hot Air intake is a waste of money and in some cases lower HP.

Any exhaust upgrade is for sound changes only (and to empty your wallet of money)

MarkD chip (or any other) is the best bang for the buck. LSD and a better ratio will make a "seat of the pants" difference.

Bottom line is your M60 is pretty well designed for efficient power. Ensure it is running well (as Nick_V mentions) and enjoy. The only substantial path to increased power is a SC system which is not cheap.

JINT · 09-01-2011, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJJames

Cams/headers/throttle bodies? How do you like the LSD? Worth the money?

The LSD is nice, very quick off the line, but i would still get the 3.73 instead of the 3.91 that i have. I just couldn't find one at the time i blew my stock one. The 3.91 tops out at around 230km/h, and the consumption went up with it. They call the 3.73 "a perfect diff" for the E34.

"Cams/headers/throttle bodies?" unless you know what you're doing and can install cams yourself, it's gonna run you alotttaaaa money in labour. As for headers the part itself is expensive and it is HARD to work around the bottom end of a V8. It all comes down to your mechanical skill and experience.

Nick_V · 09-01-2011, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JINT

"Cams/headers/throttle bodies?" unless you know what you're doing and can install cams yourself, it's gonna run you alotttaaaa money in labour. As for headers the part itself is expensive and it is HARD to work around the bottom end of a V8. It all comes down to your mechanical skill and experience.

Never looked for headers, but I remember seeing M60 cams (Shrick, I think) one time for something crazy like ~$4K. Can't imagine they sold too many of those.

Anyhow, I'm pretty sure I've seen the OP trying to unload this car already in another thread lol.

JJJames · 09-02-2011, 05:37 PM

"Anyhow, I'm pretty sure I've seen the OP trying to unload this car already in another thread lol"

Yup, I debated selling it and switching to an E36, but at this point have put enough money into it so that its no longer worth it to sell so soon. I'll keep it and drive it for a little while and then see where I'm at. Thread's still open though - figure there's no harm in leaving it up: http://www.maxbimmer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=145154