Hi all,

I have a 2001 540iA sport and wanted to know what the best options for performance are. I am mainly looking at increasing power without reducing drivability or reliability. I also don't want to void my warranty. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. And thanks for all the great info on this site.

cheers,

Geoff:D :D :D

Well, those are some very difficult things to do at the same time....

TECHNICALLY, anything aftermarket will and wont void your warrenty...

by that I mean, if you add a chip to your car and your sunroof sticks... there is not a direct correlation between the two and cannot void the warranty on that part... HOWEVER, if the chip caused more power and your tranny fails or you run lean...and damage the motor... you are screwed...

Enter DINAN... says will match the factory warranty and if there ios a problem , he will pay... well you have to prove that he was at fault and bmw can deny... so who pays in the short run?


That being said, there are a host of things that CAN be done that can be done

a CAI (cold air intake) is where some people start... adds a nice sound to the car and gives marginally better HP (some have argued that it just sounds better, but a debate for another time) and an exhaust... better breathing, gives better performance... not a lot to break and usually does not affect warranty claims (usually)... then you can add a performance chip to optimize those two mods... and you should be at around 300 hp at the wheels with no real effort (:clap: )


then you can add differentials for a better launce, lower top end, but better grunt (you have a 3:15 open diff)... like going too a 3:46 limited slip (turns both wheels instead of the open one wheel "peg leg") ... more grunt and more rubber on the road and better wet/snow traction (check quaiffe or an M5 swap of sorts)

None of the above should really affect the driveability of the car


then you can adjust the handling of the car... add an M5 or the Dinan adjustable rear sway bar... then a sull suspension.... then ...... you get the idea... could go as far as your wallet wants to go