OE "upgrades"

[bfd]

OK, I posted this on the "other" forum and got zero response. So, if I wanted to "upgrade" my car, what's better than BMW original equipment, especially for the money? There are the ones I know about:

1. 750i upper control arm bushings
2. 750 front/540i rear brake calipers and rotors
3. E28 flywheel and clutch kit (supposedly E12 flywheel is even lighter - which may or may not be a good thing)
4. Z3 shifter
5. M-tech sport springs (lowers car about 1/4"; Dinan springs are basically the same and might actually be cheaper - imagine that?@!)
5. M-tech sway bars 25mm front; 18mm rear (there's also a Nurburgring bar that's 20mm)

Am I missing anything else? thanks!

[Martin in Bellevue]

Howdy, bf,

The e34 m5 solid upper control arm bushings are probably longer lasting than the 750 bushings.
A few of us, on this board, have gone to the even larger 850 brakes, at almost 13" rotors. If I remember, the 750 rotors (used with the e28 m5 front rotors) were the same diameter as the e34 535 front brake rotor.
I have a 15 pound e28 flywheel in my 535. It is a definite upgrade & quiet.
The z3 shifter is rubbish in the e34. The geometry is off, & the plastic ball wears out quickly.

http://www.bimmer.info/bmw/Martin5er/e28stock&15lber.jpg

[Jr ///M5]

I agree with Martin....but who wouldn't...=) Save some more money when you buy those brakes cause you'll need some new wheels so they will fit over the discs. Oh yeah, you'll need new tires for those wheels also.

As far as the suspension goes, I would install the Sachs Sporting kit, for instant gratification. =) Then, if you still think you need larger sways, go with the M5's size.

Hope this gives you some food for thought.

Jr

[bimmerd00d]

Regarding teh Z3 shifter, it's a matter of personal opinion. I have the Z3 1.9 shifter in my 525, and i love it. Maybe it's the 525i vs. 535i linkage? But if you have the cash, spring for a UUC short shifter kit, www.understeer.com has them. The M5 Touring sway bars are not that expensive, and are the thickest on the market, aside from the Racing Dynamics one that's quite a bit more.

[Martin in Bellevue]

It was straight, with the plastic ball. There are longitudinal grooves worn into the ball. It is longer below the ball, than the 1.9 shifter.

Regarding teh Z3 shifter, it's a matter of personal opinion. I have the Z3 1.9 shifter in my 525, and i love it.

[Sean H]

Style five wheels (E39 528i sport wheels)
540 or M5 front bumper assembly, M5 rear bumper
M5/540 sport seats
540/530/95 525i side skirts
OE clear turns signals

I suppose these are all E34 parts, but they serve the same purpose.

[winfred]

i have 750 brakes all around (same diameter but 28mm thick in front instead of 22mm and vented rear, because i used e32 rear i swapped trailing arms to deal with the different offset on the caliper/rotor) i have done several 100+ mph stops and they work real good, i like ate gas slotted front discs and have installed them on almost everything i've owned, they do have a better bite on the pads. i like the m5 thrust arm bushings, they have a small air gap and are not totally solid