Is it worth the upgrade?

[linuxgirlie]

At the present moment we have a 530i (E34) touring we have done a bit of work to it but keep seeing 540i's being advertised. Is it worth the upgrade or would it be better to say upgrade to an M5? We will be getting the car chipped this week so that should make a little difference but just thought I would ask before we spend anymore money!!

Cheer,

Jo

[grave77]

I would say that you go for a new 540 or M5, converting your car to 540 means you need to change the DME and tranny adding to that the trannys controller and rear differential gear too. so thats alot to change and expensive, better you sell your 530 and buy an M5 or 540 depends on your cash. since you're going for a chip .. try your car first .. I would say it will be much better with a chip .. then think about the modification. if you're not satisfied then sell and go for newer car.

Good luck :)

[DueyT]

Jo, not that I'm particularly biased ;), but I would think about the 540i (a 6-speed manual, of course) and chip it. The M5 is nice but also has a lot of other gear that is maintenance intensive, or expensive to replace (EDC -electronic damping control shocks $$$ come to mind, etc...) Performance of a chipped 540i/6 is pretty close to a 3.6L E34 M5 (Mark D'Sylva - Mr. E.A.T. Chip and I went for a drive in his '93 M5 and objectively, I can say my car is close in feel to his, a bit more low-end torque from mine, and his like to rev a bit more).

If you wanted to chip the 530 while you look for another car, you could do that to get a feel for the difference between stock and chipped. I can't speak for other chips, but the E.A.T. chip really woke up my 540 (a lot in the low end, and very stout increase at higher RPM).

Cheers,
Duey

[632 Regal]

Jo what chip did you decide to buy for the 530?

[Interceptor]

Jo what chip did you decide to buy for the 530?
MarkD still haven't finished his 530 chip?

[linuxgirlie]

Viper 2 for M60.

I meant buy a 540/M5 :D

[Interceptor]

Viper 2 for M60.

I meant buy a 540/M5 :D
I would also go for the chipped 540i/6. There's no replacement for displacement :)