More Mid-range power -530i

[Erexx]

I joined Bimmerfourms to get information and ideas on economic performance improvements. Unfortuneately I started off on what appears to be a very touchy topic not only here but I've also seen the same of reaction reaction on other boards to the same topic. The anti chip furor almost like having violated Sharria Law. Come on guys give me a break. I come from an era of 25 cent Champion spark plus, 37 cent a gallon gas with lead, distributors with points, and SU carburators with interchangable needles that changed the fuel ratio. Now unfortunately I'm stuck in the world of high tech auto and you guys get all over me for wanting to try a variable resistor posing as a chip. My expeience with the resistor was that I used one on a vehicle (not a BMW) that had both the exhaust and intake modifications which resulted in it burning rich. Without a distributor the only other option was a $500 software upgrade which I wasn't interest in doing. After a little looking around I found a "Chip" for $25 that guranteed 10 to 20 more HP and 5 more mpg. I knew it was nonesense then but I was looking for a cheap way of fooling the computer into leaning out. I kept pretty good records and my mpg improved about 1mpg over about 25K miles of use. It did increase responsiveness. I always had a lot of carbon residue in my exhaust before installing the "Chip". After the installation it cleaned up my tailpipe reside. So the member who gave me the explanation about it leaning out the fuel too much was right on target for BMW and probably some other makes. So in some applications it may be beneficial to performance. But what the hell do I know?

Now I'd like to make a request. My 530i is a great automoble. I was just breaking balls about it being a trow away. It runs like a fine watch even at 113K miles. I get about 33 mpg on the highway and like the handling althought I feel the streering is a little too light vs. other BMW I have driven My biggest complaint is that the car needs more mid range power.

Can any of you guys make any performance or tweak suggestions or stear me to a good resource that will improve performance without breaking the bank? Has anyone used the software upgrade package for the E60 530i 3.0 engine. This is the first BMW I've owned and am not really familiar with them and would appreciate any help.

[MauiM3Mania]

Folks, do not start up with the insults again please. If you don't have something helpful to add to the discussion, maybe just sit back and wallow in your own greatness.

OP, profanity is frowned upon, as are alternative spellings of profane words. I know, I know.. we're all grown ups. So, lets use words with more than four letters and treat others with respect.

Thank you.

[bmwdirtracer]

AW ---NOW I LOVE YA, GUY!!!! Sure, damn, I'll steer you the right way! And so will O2 and all the other guys that gave you trouble

Turner Motorsport; Bimmerworld; even Dinan (the last is expensive).

The important thing to see here is that BMW employs very good engineers, and in general, it's going to take modifying the priorities, to make something better. It's pretty much a MANDATE, that every manufacturer make their cars as fuel-efficient as possible. Therefore, it's pretty much impossible for someone who's spent a thousand dollars, to invent something better than someone who's spent a hundred million dollars.

When you modify the important criteria, then an aftermarket manufacturer of excellent repute can make something better. DINAN can make you a hundred horsepower or more, but they will have spent millions doing so, and you will spend more fuel, beyond the thousands you spend buying their mods.

An old saying, which I'd ask you to consider:
Racing is expensive -- how fast do you want to go?

If you want to create the most fuel-efficient '07 530i, then please get a smoke test of the intake system, new primary O2 sensors if they have over 100k miles, and new spark plugs.

Please know that it has been proven many times that as soon as you start looking for mileage improvements from your latest "chip", you drive differently. And get better mileage/

The secret to making a better car is to avoid secrets. My 1991 M5 gets 22 mpg highway, with a hot-rod DEAD-STOCK 3.6. You're making 50% more mileage than me ; and your engine is probably nearly as fast as mine, under most circumstances. Just keep that engine running perfectly, keep fuel/air mixtures correct with good maintenance, keep the cooling system maintained, and that car will last half a million miles. (Now THAT is economy!)

- - - Updated - - -

EDIT: Mr,.Moderator, I sent my message above without seeing your own (which was very profound) I am being good boy, and so is the OP. Closing original was likely good idea; and I think everything will be okay now.

[MauiM3Mania]

Nice ninja edit, Chris. Ha!

[Erexx]

Thanks Chris your perspective was greatly appreciated and I agree with everything you stated. The more research I do I'm coming to the conclusion that the only reasonable thing to do might be to upload new software onto the ECU or replace it with a performance ECU. It will achieve my goals without investing exhaust systems and RAM tubes. I've seen software packages to reflash the CPU to German specs that add 15 more horses and better response. The only draw back is you have to use Premium fuel which I do already. I'm not looking to make a race car out of this I'm just looking to make the car a little more exciting. I'm curious on what's you thoughts on might be on the subject. Thanks again.

[bmwdirtracer]

Thank you, Erexx, for your open perspective. We will all try to help.

Today, I received a JB aluminum flywheel, from Turner Motorsport, a dead-stock Sachs clutch kit from FCP Euro, a driveshaft from DSI, in San Antonio. These were for my own personal car. I spent the evening installing them.

Following the tried-and-true solutions offered by proven BMW specialists will be your best way to make reliable and repeatable improvements to your car. Please, just avoid the stuff found on "Ebay", at least until you know exactly what you're looking for. I've been a BMW pro for many years, and I buy my stuff from proven sources.

So do all the people who answered your other thread, and the Moderator, too, I think.

We will all be on your side, and do our best to assist you in seeing what we have discovered.

[thejlevie]

The 530 engine (and most any other BMW engines) are not optimized for for mid-range performance. Keep the engine above 3000rom and it will be a lot more responsive.