2001 525i Recommendations

AdamDiFilippo · #1 (**permalink**) 12-17-2008, 08:41 AM

Hey, I wanted some advice on what to do with my e39. I am currently stationed in NC for the next 3.5 years (f----5 year contracts), going on deployment in 3 weeks for 13 months. I was going to sell my bone-stock (2 Fosgate P1s are the only upgrade) and get something else when I come back. My dream is a 95 M3, but I think it is best to wait until I am out to get one. So I was thinking, maybe I should keep the girl I have now until I get out and then go for the M3. But I am a tuning-virgin, and wanted to do some upgrades to keep me happy for the next 3.5 years. So do you guys think intake/headers/exhaust is a good idea if I want to spend 1k-ish (maybe a little more for a chip -- and of course rims after). My cousin's IS300 beat me yesterday 'cause he has some stuff done to it ... I was so upset.

I just don't want to get too carried away with this car knowing that she's gonna be gone in a few years, and of course save my money for the future M3.
What do you guys recommend for exhaust/chip/headers/intake for someone that wants some performance upgrades but isn't looking for the fastest stuff out there.

bmw528i · #2 (**permalink**) 12-27-2008, 09:02 PM

If you did headers and a full exhaust as well as chip tune, you'd probably be looking at a lot more than 1K in upgrades. As it is I had a cat-back built for my E39 and it cost me roughly $700 including the muffler, shop materials, and labor. Honestly, if I were you I would leave it as it is now, save the money and see what you can buy once you're out. Modding the car will also lessen it's value and you would probably not recoup the money spent. If you don't plan on keeping it, just save the money. Maybe by doing so you will be able to buy an E46 vs. an E36 M3. Always a though...