Captain, I Need More Power!!!

[bmwperformance]

Fellow Beemer Lovers,

I have a 1998 528i 5 speed and want to increase its performance. I recently drove
a modified M3 with over 300 HP and MAN! I'm Hooked!!!

I've heard that the Chip and Cold Air Intake can increase HP some, but what can be
done (if anything) to get that kind of performance (>300HP) from a 528i? How much
does it all cost and what kind of performance improvements can you expect?

Thanks for your help!

 

[Abdoman]

Not much you can do with the 2.8l engine, but if you plan to SC or turbo, you would be better off selling it and purchasing a 540i or an M3. E39 540i has 282hp stock.

 

[tool fan]

Or a 2004 545i with 325hp. Been told that you can buy chips for around 600- bucks for an added 70hp's...don't know the validity of that though.
Good Luck (Franklin is a VERY nice area)

 

[Rudy]

Be aware that HP figures alone don't always tell the tale. Torque is a big factor in performance. For example, the E39 (with "only" 282hp) is more powerful than similar cars that quote 300hp due it's unbelievable torque output.

You have to drive a BMW V8 to really feel the turbine-like pull of one of these motors! The power keeps coming on no matter what the rpm -- other cars need to keep the revs high to see any real performance.