e60 M5 - mods?

macl

Hey guys,

Sold my E46 and picking up my m5 tomorrow - cannot bloody well wait. It's all stock outside (good few upgraded bits on interior) but was wondering if anyone has done anything with their: Alloys, Bumpers or exhaust. Any recommendations?

I've been checking out some of the HARTGE stuff and it looks pretty nice. Just concerned about going from 19" to 21" from a comfort-of-ride point of view. HARTGE dont appear to do anything less than 21"s

Cheers

Fey!

I'm green with jealousy here!! I'd love an M5.

Have you looked at any of the Schnitzer stuff? They did some really nice bits for the e39.

Best of luck with the new car.

Anan1

macl wrote: »

Just concerned about going from 19" to 21" from a comfort-of-ride point of view. HARTGE dont appear to do anything less than 21"s

Cheers

I wouldn't put 21"s on a 520d, much less an M5. They'll slow you right down - you'll have to treat potholes as if they were landmines. Congrats on the car!

neilthefunkeone

E60 or E39..

Get over to bmw-driver.net..(irish site) few m5's over there so they might be able to help you out with choices! Marlow has an e39 M5 with a few mods.. he might fill them in if he pops in here!

homer90

Two words

---

> Eisenmann exhaust..

Tasty bit of kit, well wear with it.

Henry Ford III

Leave it stock. That car needs nothing.

Stevie Dakota

A Tracker and a shotgun maybe?

Don't mess with it, anything you add to it will only cheapen it.

CosmicJay

1 word. Eisenmann :pac:

An Eisenmann cat back exhaust. Make it sound even better.

Any of the usual tuning bits like Aplina or the Hartge catalogue.

Make it nice and sleek. Don't just stick on bits which will ruin the lines of the car. Make it slightly better in some areas maybe make the styling more aggressive.

Pull it off right and you have a seriously cool car.

Something along these lines.

Clicky

subway

nothing, get it detailed and debadged.

interlagos blue?

Anan1

+1 for the standard look, recent M5s are already teetering on the edge of wide boy. They're wonderful cars, but they have little of the classic elegance of a handbuilt E28 M5. I'd go for something like a dark green with black heritage leather.

Idbatterim

the price you can get the E60 m5's for now is unreal! A few 05's on carzone are looking for 25k, anyone any idea what they are actually selling for? Id leave the 19" on it, also if you put on bigger heavier alloys the bushings etc will wear quicker...

listermint

I agree with Subway,

Detail and debadge. Then add a GPS tracker to it (or a dummy and and actual GPS tracker) then leave it be. It wants for nothing.

macl

Thanks for all that.

It's an e60 alright. Agreed on the 21s - I'll stick 19s I think.

Fey - will check out Schnitzer for sure

Eisemann can be a little 'Loook at meeeee' from a noise point of view but I do like their work in general.

Tracker and shotgun - half covered :P I never had a tracker in the e46. Had an attempted steal once before but the sticker in the windows might have done the trick besides. Def something to consider.

Will check out that site - been reading m5boards also

Cheers guys..will post a pic once I collect!

macl

Idbatterim wrote: »

the price you can get the E60 m5's for now is unreal! A few 05's on carzone are looking for 25k, anyone any idea what they are actually selling for? Id leave the 19" on it, also if you put on bigger heavier alloys the bushings etc will wear quicker...

Got a pretty good deal with a trade in. 2 years full warranty as well so I have some decent piece of mind costs wise.

These days the e92 m3's are very strong against the m5s price wise.

Idbatterim

Recent testing by Car and Driver magazine has shown that the 2011 M3 equipped with an M-DCT transmission accelerated from 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds and went on to record a 12.4 second quarter mile time.[26] This is almost half a second quicker than 2008-2010 M3 models with the same engine and transmission. The quarter mile time is quicker than the V8 Audi R8 by .2 sec!

Matt Simis

Eisenmann exhaust and MTM wheels, 19" max due to the reality of Irish roads. Dont listen the the keep it OEM types, its your car, not BMW's, personalise it (with taste)!

Detailing would be an idea too. And photos here.

Midnight_EG

Idbatterim wrote: »

Recent testing by Car and Driver magazine has shown that the 2011 M3 equipped with an M-DCT transmission accelerated from 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds and went on to record a 12.4 second quarter mile time.[26] This is almost half a second quicker than 2008-2010 M3 models with the same engine and transmission. The quarter mile time is quicker than the V8 Audi R8 by .2 sec!

Still doesn't mean anything to the OP, he's bought an M5!

no1beemerfan

macl wrote: »

Hey guys,

Sold my E46 and picking up my m5 tomorrow - cannot bloody well wait. It's all stock outside (good few upgraded bits on interior) but was wondering if anyone has done anything with their: Alloys, Bumpers or exhaust. Any recommendations?

I've been checking out some of the HARTGE stuff and it looks pretty nice. Just concerned about going from 19" to 21" from a comfort-of-ride point of view. HARTGE dont appear to do anything less than 21"s

Cheers

I seriously think you need to let me and a few others on here take her for a "spin" to make sure you haven't bought a dodgy one

(insert name)

I know they don't belong on M cars but I think a set of Alpina Dynamic wheels would look the business (with BMW centre caps if possible).

Not sure if they're available with a dish on them but that would look sexy

Couldn't find a photo of them on a 5 series but here's the wheel I mean

macl

no1beemerfan wrote: »

I seriously think you need to let me and a few others on here take her for a "spin" to make sure you haven't bought a dodgy one

Hah She's well checked out don't worry. The pitch perfect roar it makes is enough to confirm

deadlast

stick a TDI badge on it...

TheBazman

It's a matter of preference - I much prefer the M5 as close to standard as possible - outside of possibly tinted windows. I don't think it really needs much to make it stand out. The Americans are big into modding their M5s but I presume they are much more common there and they want to stand out. And trust me 19s are plenty.

Vertakill

I dunno what it is, but I absolutely despise Alpina wheels in nearly every variety of BMW I've seen.
They're so over the top most times it's unreal.


The M5 from CosmicJay's post is pure awesomeness.

(insert name)

Vertakill wrote: »

I dunno what it is, but I absolutely despise Alpina wheels in nearly every variety of BMW I've seen.
They're so over the top most times it's unreal.


The M5 from CosmicJay's post is pure awesomeness.

I really dislike the alpina multispokes that are on about half the e30s you see (well replicas anyways). I think the dynamics are gorgeous though

RandomAccess

Not wishing to rain on the modification parade, but when I see a modified M5 I get to thinking whether it really is an M5 or has someone just modified their 520d to look like one, which really isn't all that hard to do, side vents and all.

I guess you're either in the OEM camp or not I suppose.

Matt Simis

RandomAccess wrote: »

Not wishing to rain on the modification parade, but when I see a modified M5 I get to thinking whether it really is an M5 or has someone just modified their 520d to look like one, which really isn't all that hard to do, side vents and all.

I guess you're either in the OEM camp or not I suppose.

You see tons of Modified M5s then huh? Whats "modified" btw? Tints? Wheels? Exhaust (not that you can "see" the difference on BMWs)?

Anan1

TheBazman wrote: »

It's a matter of preference - I much prefer the M5 as close to standard as possible - outside of possibly tinted windows. I don't think it really needs much to make it stand out. The Americans are big into modding their M5s but I presume they are much more common there and they want to stand out. And trust me 19s are plenty.

I struggle to understand why anyone would want their M5 to stand out. Surely the whole point of the car is to drive in a highly illegal manner?

-Corkie-

Anan1 wrote: »

I struggle to understand why anyone would want their M5 to stand out. Surely the whole point of the car is to drive in a highly illegal manner?

I totally agree. The only thing I would do is install a clifford alarm or a tracker especially after reading threads here about bimmers being stolen.

TheBazman

Anan1 wrote: »

I struggle to understand why anyone would want their M5 to stand out. Surely the whole point of the car is to drive in a highly illegal manner?

I don't think that is necessarily the point. You can drive any car in a highly illegal manner - you don't have to get an M5 for that. Anyway I don't think speed cameras distinguish between an M5 and any other car - unless there is a cloaking button I haven't found yet . The sense of acceleration, the noise etc adds massively to the enjoyment of an M5.

RandomAccess

Matt Simis wrote: »

You see tons of Modified M5s then huh? Whats "modified" btw? Tints? Wheels? Exhaust (not that you can "see" the difference on BMWs)?

I'm afraid you completely miss my point.

I said when I see a car that looks like a modified M5, I wonder if it really is an M5. By modified I mean body kit additions and different wheels.

My point is that once you modify a car like an M5 then it can start to look like a car which has been modified to look like an M5.

I suppose a similar analogy could be applied to the Mk V Gti and R32.
When I see a modified one I double check that they aren't just tarted up TDi's some of which are very convincing clones.

My point being that if you are going down the modification route then keeping it subtle would probably be best.

challengemaster

RandomAccess wrote: »

I'm afraid you completely miss my point.

I said when I see a car that looks like a modified M5, I wonder if it really is an M5. By modified I mean body kit additions and different wheels.

My point is that once you modify a car like an M5 then it can start to look like a car which has been modified to look like an M5.

I suppose a similar analogy could be applied to the Mk V Gti and R32.
When I see a modified one I double check that they aren't just tarted up TDi's some of which are very convincing clones.

My point being that if you are going down the modification route then keeping it subtle would probably be best.

Why should you give a fúck if you're happy with what you're driving and how you've modified/styled it?

Matt Simis

challengemaster wrote: »

Why should you give a fúck if you're happy with what you're driving and how you've modified/styled it?

Basically yeah, it either looks like a nice car or it doesnt. The e60 M5 looks excellent, but you can make any car look better with some mods, subtle or not.
Im not talking Lambo doors and Neon lights here either.

Being an M5 doesnt make it some sort of untouchable work of art, its not, its a car and the most populous M5 to date.

JJJJNR

Eisemann is the only mod for an M5!

Based on some of the posts here the 1st thing I'd do is register it in someone else's address, then I would debadge/rebadge it as a 520D 130 to confuse the fcuk out of would be haters, de-exhaust it, hire a security guard and put a fence around the house.

Seriously im joking - wear well.

macl

I have to agree with some of the posters - Subtle is the name of the game. I don't want to turn heads with sound or naffness (the m5 is a thing of beauty in itself no doubt). But there's always scope to personalize it a bit without going down the Neon lights route *shudder*

JJJJNR

I think Neons on a detailed white M5 in California would be ok, driving down the N11 or on the M50 when its pissing rain?? nah

kdevitt

macl wrote: »

Eisemann can be a little 'Loook at meeeee' from a noise point of view but I do like their work in general.

You specify the sound level when buying one - the lowest level is barely above stock, so its not really a look at me type of sound.

I'd be interested in knowing how many people recommending eisenmann exhausts actually have ever had one though - the drone can be a pain for a lot of people.

Anyway - without seeing the car, its hard to suggest mods.

mickdw

€25k for an e60 M5. God they are getting cheap. I see one advertised (with only 40k miles) as having 6k spent on vanos gear. That is scary. If thats what m5 bills are like, I would steer clear.

Gumbo

E60 M5 mods i would do :

1. Eisemann Exhaust (these can be quite raspy so You Tube to see if you like it. Also theres a few guys on BMW-Driver that have Eisemann exhausts on their M3's so they may give you a viewing)

2. Standard wheels are great imo.

3. I would upgrade the Angel Eye bulbs to a white LED or similar.

4. Put petrol in and drive it

Mr Benevolent

Personally I'd rebadge it as a 520d.

kdevitt

Confab wrote: »

Personally I'd rebadge it as a 520d.

Something I really don't understand - and have seen it done. Anyone with a clue will know its an M5, and everyone else couldn't care less!

subway

presuambly its a "seurity by obscurity" tactic. people may be paranoid that if the M5 badge is spotted they will become a target. ie, word gets around etc.
probably for the same reason people feel uncomfortable walking around with a wad of cash in their hands.

persoanlly i dont get it as i dont think the car is that much of a target but i guess maybe it depends on the area, personal attitude, etc.

Matt Simis

subway wrote: »

persoanlly i dont get it as i dont think the car is that much of a target but i guess maybe it depends on the area, personal attitude, etc.

Considering a new Octavia VRS costs upto 5k more than a 2005 e60 M5 and would be easier to sell and easier to "hide" with regular mass produced stock, it makes absolutely no sense these days.

If people think M5s are being stolen to actually commit other crimes, again they arent, if anything is being stolen for that its Audi RS spec models which are a much better getaway car (and the this is backed up by actual thefts).

JimmyCrackCorn

macl wrote: »

Hey guys,

Sold my E46 and picking up my m5 tomorrow - cannot bloody well wait. It's all stock outside (good few upgraded bits on interior) but was wondering if anyone has done anything with their: Alloys, Bumpers or exhaust. Any recommendations?

I've been checking out some of the HARTGE stuff and it looks pretty nice. Just concerned about going from 19" to 21" from a comfort-of-ride point of view. HARTGE dont appear to do anything less than 21"s

Cheers

Supercharger with oem look, after that a set of really good tyres and leave it alone.

cpoh1

Keep her standard looks and performance wise until you are well used to her. Get to know your car well and then decide what you do/dont like and would like to upgrade!

Seperate

I'd just get it clean and keep it standard myself. They're a beautiful car in standard form

What color is it?

macl

Sepang Bronze

Closest car here: http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/attachments/e60-m5-e61-m5-touring-discussion/9032d1127016590-first-aussie-meet-photos-img_0880.jpg

It has some hartge stuff added (alloys / bumper). Pretty nice.

Seperate

macl wrote: »

Sepang Bronze

Closest car here: http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/attachments/e60-m5-e61-m5-touring-discussion/9032d1127016590-first-aussie-meet-photos-img_0880.jpg

It has some hartge stuff added (alloys / bumper). Pretty nice.

That'll come up nice and shiney with a good polish!

Best of luck with it!

paddydriver

OP... Come on, where are the pics?

Leave it as is - they look great in the bare. Can't afford one now but 2 years and I am getting one... well could afford one now but divorce would cost more.

macl

paddydriver wrote: »

OP... Come on, where are the pics?

Leave it as is - they look great in the bare. Can't afford one now but 2 years and I am getting one... well could afford one now but divorce would cost more.

Picking her up about 4. I might have to wait until some decent light in the morning. Otherwise a showroom snap on the phone will have to do!

paddydriver

macl wrote: »

Picking her up about 4. I might have to wait until some decent light in the morning. Otherwise a showroom snap on the phone will have to do!

Good stuff...best of luck with her!

Know two people have got them recently and of course me helped them make the decision; and then they go and get one... can't wait to be in position to get one in year or two. Would probably try have one as a weekender as I do a lot of mileage and couldn't afford it for day to day as they're a bit of an alcoholic:o

btkm8unsl0w5r4

So jeleous.........best of luck its a fantastic car and probably the last of its kind, v10 NA M Car.