I drive a 97 540iA and it seems to me like it's running a little slower than it should.

I have no CEL ligth on or anything, and nothing unusual is going on with the engine, (That I can Tell)

However, I thought we where supposed to go 0-60 in 6.6 seconds... well, i've been timing myself, and I cant get any lower than 7.8 - 8.4 so, I wanted to get some input and see where everyone else is...

I installed a cat-back exhaust a few months back, and I'm wondering if that is actually making me loose power instead of gaining... i dunno... just wanted to see some other opinions...

Should have bought a 528i :devillook

could be your MAF on its way out...

do you have any idle issues...?

ICV Needs cleaning? Fuel filter? O2 sensors?

However, I thought we where supposed to go 0-60 in 6.6 seconds... well, i've been timing myself, and I cant get any lower than 7.8 - 8.4 so, I wanted to get some input and see where everyone else is...


7.8 to 8.4 yikes:eek: Definitely something wrong there. you should be getting mid 6 sec times, if not less.

as BKphoto and ILC mentioned, could be your MAF or maybe some vacume leaks, check plugs and coils, fuel filter, air filter etc. Any stuttering, idle issues?

Nothing that I can tell, I might have to take it to my indy and see what he suggests... I just replaced my old MAF sensor with a used one I bought from Bavarian Recycling... Since I did that the CEL went off on its own, and so did the traction control light... it wasn't working and about 50 miles after replacing the MAF it's working again...

My mechanic did tell me that my CATS are "rattling" and he thinks I should change them along with the O2 Sensors, but since the CEL isn't on I thought everything was still cool, and since I dont have $1200 laying around I figured no CEL no replacing anything... ...

I'll look into it...

LOL 7.8-8.4 is slower than a 528 automatic.

Well there you go! Cat's rattling could be clogged cats. Clogged cats will dramatically affect power.

Wanna race :devillook

j/k I don't race........:shifty

Should have bought a 528i :devillook

I was gonna say, drive a 528 for a day, then drive your 540, that should fix everything.

I was gonna say, drive a 528 for a day, then drive your 540, that should fix everything.

very funny! :mad

6.6 seconds for a 540ia 97? thats horrible.

I had a 97 540ia before and i have a gtech pro and i was getting 6.1 seconds

ok... so then there is something wrong... i was just checking,

Has anyone tried the Magnaflow Cats??? I hear they are a lot cheaper than the OEM ones,

Also, has anyone just removed the cats??

What are some options???

Replace the cats with either resonators and cut out the stock resonator for Magnaflow mufflers IMO. But as long as the cat is big enough it should work just fine. There are those that have good success with the Magnaflow cats and some that say they are too weak. Either way they are A LOT cheaper than OEM cats.

Replace the cats with either resonators and cut out the stock resonator for Magnaflow mufflers IMO. But as long as the cat is big enough it should work just fine. There are those that have good success with the Magnaflow cats and some that say they are too weak. Either way they are A LOT cheaper than OEM cats.

Does anyone know which model to use from www.magnaflow.com ?

S-e-a-r-c-h

IIRC Magnaflow 43004 or 43005 should be fine. Avoid the ones that start with the # 9.

IIRC Magnaflow 43004 or 43005 should be fine. Avoid the ones that start with the # 9.

This is the one the web-site says will fit the 540... why do you think I should avoid it? .

http://www.car-sound.com/02product/displayuniversal01.asp?catalogid=230&universal=94004

In another thread someone said Bavauto was selling cats for 400. Allegedly OEM. You might want to check that out.

how exactly are you clocking yourself? I think that is the problem.......

Only way to know for sure how your car is running is by putting it on a dyno and see how much power it makes. Running right, you should see 260-270whp.

In another thread someone said Bavauto was selling cats for 400. Allegedly OEM. You might want to check that out.


that was me...I just got an email from bavauto. I guess the 400/piece are after market. The oem ones they sell are 900/piece.

difference between the 400/900 is 49/50 state.

There both bolt in and they've had great results from both models.

that was me...I just got an email from bavauto. I guess the 400/piece are after market. The oem ones they sell are 900/piece.

difference between the 400/900 is 49/50 state.

There both bolt in and they've had great results from both models.

So the 400 unit is aftermarket and will not throw CELs?

correct.

this being the entire DP and cat section. Essential your paying a couple hundred more for bolt off/bolt on affair. None of this crap weld in stuff which will leak 8/10 times.

This is good stuff to know. Thanks.