[DanChapman90]

Hey guys

Newbie here from the UK just popping in to say hello!
Just picked up an LCI 530d M Sport in carbon black with oyster leather and a few nicely specced options such as high beam assist, adaptive headlights, H/K, adaptive cruise, pro media etc and so far loving it!

Coming from a 2013 Audi S5 it's nice to get 600 miles from a tank which I achieved last week!

Got a few mods planned such as BMW performance grills, 20" alloys and possibly a drop in ride height. Also may have a remap to take it to similar power as my stock S5 was.

Any hints or tips will be greatly appreciated although this isn't my first F10 nor my first BMW for that matter!

[DanChapman90]

[AP]

BMW do a performance kit for the 530d
http://www.bmw.co.uk/en_GB/topics/su...ryId=9017.html
no idea of cost though.

Good choice of car, I have a 530d msport myself and am impressed with it overall, very good car.

Only 2 things I think are not so good (and I've mentioned in other threads on this website) are steering, which is lighter than the E39 I came from and not providing as much feedback.
The ride whilst is not uncomfortable .I'm certainly aware of every imperfection in the road. Interesting what you think coming from an Audi, never been in one myself.


You mention about possibly putting 20 inch wheels and lowering, just perhaps worth thinking about the ride after that . You don't say if adaptive drive is on there, that may help . If not though it could be quite a harsh ride on RFTs unless you were going to go with non run flats.

[DanChapman90]

Thanks for the reply AP. I have noticed BMW do a performance upgrade, I believe this consists of an updated intercooler and rear brake set up? Could be wrong

The S5 was running on 20" 275/30/20 tyres with adaptive dampers, I do find the 5 series more comfortable but I agree about it picking up bumps in the road. My previous 520d had Dunlop run flats on, this has Bridgestone RE050 I believe? Which seem worse than the dunlops so I'd probably ditch them in favour for Michelin non RFT if I went down the 20" route. My 5er isn't fitted with variable dampers but from what I've read, going to 20" non RFT gives the same results as 19" with RFT which I'd be happy with.
The steering feels heavier than the Audi but that also has adaptive steering so could be altered.

[lsturbointeg]

Congrats! so shiney! Definitely do some 20's and a drop! Will completely make the car more sporty and aggressive looking

[ezaircon4jc]

VERY nice!!!! BUT..... I think the steering wheel is on the wrong side.

[DDD31]

Beautiful car, congrats!!

I wish here in the states we could get the true digital multi-function display (option 6WB) on the 5-series.

[lsturbointeg]

Originally Posted by ezaircon4jc

VERY nice!!!! BUT..... I think the steering wheel is on the wrong side.

RIGHT! i would totally feel weird driving on the right side haha! but than again that's what they probably say about us

[DanChapman90]

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone

As I've never driven on the wrong side I couldn't possibly comment! Haha
I absolutely love the multifunction display, seems strange you guys aren't offered it though? Sat Nav instructions are very informative through it and it looks amazing in sport mode

I've been looking at Avant Garde alloys, mixed reviews huh?
I've read they're the same manufacturing quality as OEM so should withstand British roads (which in the scheme of the things don't sound half as bad as US roads for potholes!)
What's everyone's thoughts on them? I'd probably go 8.5j front and 10.5j rear with 245/35/20 front and 285/30/20 rear? My car isn't xDrive but I think a 275 rear tyre will look too stretched?

[lsturbointeg]

i'm running their forged series and couldn't be happier. couldn't comment on their alloys tho...

[.BMW.]

Beautiful F10 and a great engine!

[DanChapman90]

Originally Posted by lsturbointeg

i'm running their forged series and couldn't be happier. couldn't comment on their alloys tho...

Do you have a picture please buddy? I'm struggling to find a design I like for the F10

[lsturbointeg]

Originally Posted by DanChapman90

Do you have a picture please buddy? I'm struggling to find a design I like for the F10

i'm running 21's and not 20's so keep that in mind as the roads here in Ohio aren't too bad! these wheels are similar to the ADV1's







i bought these through a site sponsor here GetYourWheels.com and ask for Jason

if you go through the Commercial forum there's a lot of wheels you can choose from. it all depends what's your FANCY!

[DanChapman90]

Originally Posted by lsturbointeg

i'm running 21's and not 20's so keep that in mind as the roads here in Ohio aren't too bad! these wheels are similar to the ADV1's







i bought these through a site sponsor here GetYourWheels.com and ask for Jason

if you go through the Commercial forum there's a lot of wheels you can choose from. it all depends what's your FANCY!

Thanks buddy, wheels look awesome!!
I fancy going for an OEM+ look but 20" genuine BMW alloys for the F10/11 are hard to come by over here without paying £3000+ for them used!

I think I should be fine with the avant Garde alloys, there's a member on here who's car looks perfect on the M5 style avant gardes with a nice drop! But the old CSL style also swings it for me, even if they will be a PITA to clean!
First mod will be the interior trims, I'm having them removed and wrapped by a local company I think to a darker material which will sit in the interior better, probably carbon fibre?

[silo24]

Have a look at some 6 series 373m wheels. Plenty on eBay.

I'm running mine with standard Dunlop RFT's as they came with the wheels, but will probably change them to non runflat when the time comes. Ride isn't too bad although a bit firmer than on the 19's.

[DanChapman90]

Originally Posted by silo24

Have a look at some 6 series 373m wheels. Plenty on eBay.

I'm running mine with standard Dunlop RFT's as they came with the wheels, but will probably change them to non runflat when the time comes. Ride isn't too bad although a bit firmer than on the 19's.

I saw some on eBay and thought they would look good, yours has certainly swayed me a bit as they really suit the car. Have you had them refinished?
Really like the look of that

[silo24]

Actually bought them that way. Seller had them refinished after only about 1000miles than decided to go for M6 style instead.

Did get a hell of a bargain: £1800 all in including new TPMS sensors. Deals are out there!

[The Beast]

Alloy wheels direct sell OEM wheels cheaper than BMW, I got a replacement for cracked wheel from there. If you call up you can also negotiate a bit of a discount

[DanChapman90]

Thanks guys!

I've noticed alloy wheels direct, at least they're brand new! And it would give me other options as well, quite like the new BMW performance 20" alloy (forget the code) as I think it really suits them, £2k without tyres I think.

Where's the best place to get the TPMS sensors from? There's a couple of sets of the 6er alloys on eBay for roughly the same price you paid Silo so that's another option...

[Hasser]

check with the BMW dealer for the TPMS against your VIN number as there are so many options.

i checked and found out i dont have TPMS!! which i thought i did! so saved a few quid here when getting my new wheels.

the RFTs on my LCI 5 er just run of the rolling diameter to identify pressure loss - the idrive doesnt display tire pressure though - just green for good pressure.

[DanChapman90]

Originally Posted by Hasser

check with the BMW dealer for the TPMS against your VIN number as there are so many options.

i checked and found out i dont have TPMS!! which i thought i did! so saved a few quid here when getting my new wheels.

the RFTs on my LCI 5 er just run of the rolling diameter to identify pressure loss - the idrive doesnt display tire pressure though - just green for good pressure.

Thanks buddy
Mine shows temp and pressure so I assume I have TPMS? Are the sensors expensive from the dealer do you know?

[Hasser]

Originally Posted by DanChapman90

Thanks buddy
Mine shows temp and pressure so I assume I have TPMS? Are the sensors expensive from the dealer do you know?

If it shows temp and pressure then sure it has TPMS.

I think a set is about £150, but too sure.