Please repeat after me. Building a project car is a never-ending process. If you buy with that in mind, you'll be less miserable at the end of the day. If your bank account is the same as your phone number, the process will be easier.
Photo: Officially gassed – OG
Think of it this way. Automakers spend tens, if not hundreds of millions of dollars developing new models. Finding the right settings can take years and require multiple teams. With that in mind, let me get to the point. The tuning industry has experienced explosive growth over the past 20 years. Many companies build or sell visual or performance upgrades.
quick ECU If you own a turbocharged vehicle, a reflash can significantly increase horsepower. But it's more complicated than that. If the power numbers start to increase, the initial balance of the car will be disrupted. The brakes, suspension, cooling, and fuel supply need to be upgraded, but it doesn't stop there. So think twice before you think a tuned 540i can take on the BMW M5 and win.
Still, if you want hard evidence, The Next Drag Race provides the answer. The 540i is significantly underpowered in standard form compared to its sportier sibling. The B58 engine delivers just over 330 horsepower and 332 lb-ft (450 Nm) of torque. Although it weighs around 1,760 kg, it can still reach 62 mph (100 km/h) in less than 5 seconds. The M5 is about 100 kg heavier but reaches the same speed in just over 3 seconds.
On the other hand, the S63 engine has two more cylinders and a larger displacement. That leads to more power and more torque. However, owners of both these cars opted for additional upgrades. The 540i gets even more features with the Turbosystems Stage 2+ Turbo upgrade and Snow Performance kit. Performance figures reportedly reach up to 690 hp and 800 Nm.
Gearbox adjustments should also help the owner in today's race, but I wouldn't bet on him yet. The M5 owner says his car has slightly more torque, but power levels should be similar. It took only minor adjustments to get this far, but how much more would he want if he had an M5?In the real world, the 540i would be just as fast as today's rivals. I understand how people think.
But things are different when lining up for a timed quarter-mile battle. There is an eventful race ahead, but I would like to say this. They are evenly matched in most races. But in both cases we are reminded of two ideas. First, there is no substitute for replacement. And secondly, he has a hard time competing with the work of factory engineers.
Everyone is free to watch this race and draw their own conclusions. It might end up being cheaper and just as much fun to buy a 540i and tune it. But it will never actually be his M5. It's the same as the Skyline GTS-T, no matter how much you modify it, it won't become his real GT-R.
