So I've taken alot of time to piece together what I think to be a pretty good list of mods, without being ridiculous about it. I plan to do this in stages:

Stage 1: Performance Mods -
VF Engineering S/C - Stage 1 (Stage 2 still in Dev.)
w/Engine Software & Injectors
Remus Catback + Headers
Trans Software (Dinan)


Stage 2: Suspension -
Sachs Performance Suspension Kit which includes just the
Shocks and Springs.

Later I'll get into body and rims after I see what the car looks like 1.5" lower.

Please guys, comments or suggestions from those that probably know more about BMW's than me are extremely welcome.

Ben McManus
2000 528i

I would make sure you handling and braking is up to par before doing the SC. Also, get the widest tires you can before adding the SC.

The VF kit comes with it's own trans software I believe.

The VF kit comes with it's own trans software I believe.

I don't think it does but if so GREAT, money saved!

Is it legal in VA to have this kit?

Yeah, I live in an area that doesn't do emissions. They only do emissions in the DC Metro area. Everything else is based on suspension travel, etc. So long as I don't mess with the Cat.

Virginia is pretty slack with emissions laws. For some reason they don't care about that and care more about tint! Well at the beach at least.

I would go with the suspension and brake upgrades before you do ANY type of performance mods. OEM M5 sized wheels seem to work very well with lowered suspension and the switch to 265/35/18 in the rear and 245/40/18 in front makes a BIG difference in high speed stability and cornering. Cross-drilled front Zimmermann rotors and Metal Master dustless pads along with NEX full coilovers (3in drop setting) and 740i Sport rims makes my E39 handle like no other. A LSD should be a requirement when you get the S/C because the stock traction control will not be able to handle the added power when you step on the gas. Get the rear end that will fit your powerband once you supercharge. The stock auto will not last long under high boost, especially if you get the Stage 2 S/C (do they even have it for the automatic shifted cars?). I suggest you source a 5-speed out of a E36 3-series and do a conversion (an M3 tranny would be even better) You can find these tranny's for around $500 used. The major parts needed are the pedal assembly, clutch, flywheel and master/slave cylinder. Some BMW tuners (Active Autowerke) can do the ECU reprogram in house to convert to manual shift. I am a Performance Consultant for an Exotic Car company in West Palm Beach, FL and do have some experience in this field. This setup has worked great for my personal vehicle. I'm not even close to the horsepower that I want to end up with (about 500-600) but these minor mods keep me happy for the time being (until I blow my motor). Besides, I can jump in a Gallardo if I feel the need to really go fast.

...and the switch to 265/35/18 in the rear and 245/40/18...

If you run 265 in the back you want to run 235 in the front to keep the sidewall ratio the same. Only run 245s up front if you stuff some 275s in the rear.

I'm not really looking for low-end power, I'm liking the dyno-curve on the VFE S/C. I've spoken with the folks from VFE, and according to them there haven't been any issues out of the Automatic Tranny, although they recommend refraining from repeated launches, but I don't plan on treating my car like a dragster. Although I enjoy playing around in the turns, I'm looking for more top end power for ripping up the Jersey Turnpike, or something similiar. I do more than play in this car, so "not" feeling the power during "daily driving" is fine, I want the power when I ask for it, such as high RPM.

Ben McManus

Virginia is pretty slack with emissions laws. For some reason they don't care about that and care more about tint! Well at the beach at least.

Yeah, tint seems to get them upset. Its because they can measure tint, they are too stupid to know anything else about a car.

We had a deputy around here tell a buddy of mine that it was illegal to take exhaust off on car and put it on another. My friend had a "Monza" setup and the cop thought it was a "Mazda" exhaust, we laughed about that one for a while

Cool. Glad to see another Sachs Sport Supension Kit soon to be user. I have that kit on my 2000 528ia and really like it. A great kit for a daily driver.

Cool. Glad to see another Sachs Sport Supension Kit soon to be user. I have that kit on my 2000 528ia and really like it. A great kit for a daily driver.

Glocati,

Where did you get yours? I'm looking to Bavarian Autosport for mine, but maybe you found it cheaper?

Ben

Bavarian Auto for me. Shipped to Oregon for $714. They actaully had the kit in stock even though the catolog and website say 6-8 weeks for delivery. I bought mine last November however...BMA is worth a shot as well, as they will often price match.