Cadeez’s 2009 BMW 550i M-Sport Project Thread

[Cadeez]

I’m starting this project thread mainly so I can keep track of maint/mileage/dates, etc., but also so I can still be part of the ZHP gang, in spirit. The E60 550i is a wildly different animal than the ZHP, in literally every way. But I’m finally getting used to the bigger, more luxurious, automatic, V8 5 series. And my mods are coming along nicely. What’s good and bad about the E60 platform however, is the aftermarket for these cars is almost nonexistent. Good because it’ll save me $$, but also bad because when I run out of parts and/or projects…that usually means it’s time to sell. Also the gas mileage is atrocious! I’m all city, only driving a few miles at a time, hardly any freeway miles which doesn’t help. But all in all, this thing is pretty freakin badass.

I've always loved the E60 550i M-Sport's, it's almost an M5 but without the unnecessary V10. I found this one by accident through a friend in the biz, so he and I shot up to Kirkland (which is a suburb of Seattle for those who aren't familiar) the following day and I came home with it! Car is a one owner and was serviced it's whole life at BMW Seattle. It is FULLY optioned with gadgets and electronics quite foreign to me living in the E46 world. Heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, eleventeen billionty way adjustable front seats, heads up display, etc. I got a print out of all the options on BMWVIN.com which is pretty cool

The reason behind the purchase of this new ride lies sadly in the below link/thread…
http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?19738-Cadeez-s-Titanium-2004-ZHP-General-Project-Thread&p=559374#post559374

Summary
Year: 2009
Model: 550i Sedan M-Sport
VIN: WBANW53589CT55595
Build Date: 10/9/08
Exterior Color: Platinum Gray Metallic (A68)
Interior: Black Dakota Leather w/ Anthracite Bamboo Trim
Transmission: 6-speed SAT (S2TBA) w/ paddle Shift
Engine: 4.8L V8 N62
Output: 362 HP/ 361 FT-LB
Purchased Date: 3/24/18
Purchase Price: $11k (friend deal)
Mileage at purchase: 100,186 miles

Mods & Maint
4/7
RPI V3 Ram Air Induction Scoop
Gloss black kidneys
Gloss black 550i badge
Black aluminum ///M pedals
LED halo bulbs
LED license plate kit
Passenger fog light
Painted calipers & hubs anthracite metallic

4/10
PPI (post purchase inspection @ Matrix Integrated)
Pass rear seat heater fixed

4/14
Grille ///M stripes
Plasti-dipped rear diffuser
Aquapel windows
Custom E39 M5-esque brake duct holes

4/28
K&N Air Filter
Charcoal filter delete
Clean MAF
Body color roof spoiler
Body color trunk spoiler
Clear side markers w/ mirror bulbs
Xenesis Xenon fog light bulbs
Passenger cup holder
Rear floor mats

5/19
Roundel

5/31
ECS 17.5mm wheel spacers - rear
NGK Spark Plugs 4294

In the mail / On the workbench
GodSpeed tow hook license plate holder
Door handle recess trim

Misc Maint Items on the List...
Update DME software
Transmission fluid/filter
Paint lower grill
Leatherique seats & wheel
Driver seat rear rail trim
NAV DVD
Owner’s manual/books
Paint front fender reflector inserts A68
Clay bar, polish & wax
Front bumper crack
Rock chips



Purchased at VW of Kirkland, WA
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Quick purchase mileage shot
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Somewhere along I-5 on the drive home
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Post first wash photo shoot
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/899/40370607304_264260642e_b.jpg
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https://farm1.staticflickr.com/801/40370606924_9b4bf3f576_b.jpg

[Cadeez]

Options List...
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/898/41584896221_b5e0ba8b8f_b.jpg
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/921/41584896241_768ce75102_b.jpg

[Cadeez]

E39-esque lower grille brake duct intakes. These are "hand fabbed" using marine (boat) cup holders with the bottoms cut off, and hose clamps. Mine will be the only E60 on the road with these, and I think it looks sweet

BEFORE
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/790/40822152314_5a17bbbdde_b.jpg
AIR DUCTS
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/797/26632170087_f28aa5b58c_b.jpg
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/894/26632170117_d8ca8bc214_b.jpg
AFTER
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/792/41550248862_1a45f8431d_b.jpg

Gloss black kidneys with ///M stripes, of course. Opted for the new double slat style and I think they look great.
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/864/26632170077_3e720d587e_b.jpg

Aluminum ///M pedals, in black this time
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/900/27629550608_c656f50421_b.jpg
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/787/27629550638_cba48c86a3_b.jpg

Gloss black 550i badge
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/790/27629550468_3517ee4040_b.jpg
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/800/27629550518_01b56cb4bd_b.jpg

Xenesis fog lights installed, only driver side in this pic for the comparison, but even in the daylight you can tell how much whiter it is than stock
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1725/42598318542_91b029320f_b.jpg

Plasti-Dipped rear diffuser – Some may think this is ghetto, but honestly it looks great and you’d never know it was sprayed on. I checked the cost to get it wrapped in Satin black and it was like $200, plus I have to remove the bumper to get the diffuser off. I looked into a CF replacement, cheapest I found was $250 through Mod Bargains. So I spent $5.50 for a can of satin black Plasti-Dip and viola! Very happy with the results. Little tough to see in the pics, but in the sunlight its sweet. Subtlety was the look I was going for.
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/793/26632170037_1dc3999b8c_b.jpg
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https://farm1.staticflickr.com/806/41550248892_4f8b49e986_b.jpg

ABS plastic trunk & roof spoilers awaiting their color. These were dirt cheap Amazon buys, got both for $100 and the fit is fantastic! Brand is Ikon I believe. Both even came with 3M mounting tape and some adhesive, bargain of the century!
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/902/27629550708_e17c3f2e21_b.jpg

[cornercarver]

Congrats on the purchase. That is one sharp-looking 550. I've always loved the wheels on these cars.

[Cadeez]

Congrats on the purchase. That is one sharp-looking 550i. I've always loved the wheels on these cars.

Thank you! Me as well, that's actually what drew me to these cars originally.

[fredo]

Congrats, man. I see Comfort Access in the list. That’s my favorite feature on my 335i. :thumbsup

[Sockethead]

Great to see you getting right back into it! I believe that's the same engine that was in our X5 4.8is we loved it!

[johnrando]

Love this

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[holyc0w]

Those are some aggressive cupholders. They look great. :thumbsup

[BMWCurves]

Hot damn! Nice pick up! I'll have to swing by to see this thing. I can imagine it's completely different from the ZHP. I remember switching for the first time from my father's E39 540i to my car and I just thought "oh...where is the power?" but then I thought "oh, this thing can handle." Trade offs, but man do I miss the GT-esque comfort of the E39, and I'm sure the E60 is even more so.

I am also very envious of that heads up display.

[ZHPizza]

Damn that thing is awesome. Love the wheels. Needs spacers fo sho.

[Cadeez]

Congrats, man. I see Comfort Access in the list. That’s my favorite feature on my 335i. :thumbsup

Is that where I walk up with keys in my pocket and touch the door handle and it unlocks? Because yeah, that's pretty sweet. And TBH, I found out that was an option by accident!


Great to see you getting right back into it! I believe that's the same engine that was in our X5 4.8is we loved it!

Yessir it sure is. I drove an X5 before this and loved the power, glad I went this direction though.


Love this

Thanks John!


Those are some aggressive cupholders. They look great. :thumbsup

Haha right? But if I hadn't told you, would you not think those ducts were factory?? They fit perfect and look great, IMO


Hot damn! Nice pick up! I'll have to swing by to see this thing. I can imagine it's completely different from the ZHP. I remember switching for the first time from my father's E39 540i to my car and I just thought "oh...where is the power?" but then I thought "oh, this thing can handle." Trade offs, but man do I miss the GT-esque comfort of the E39, and I'm sure the E60 is even more so.

I am also very envious of that heads up display.

Thanks man! Yeah we'll have to meet up soon, I've still got your PA Soft-ware. This car is ~750 lbs heavier than the ZHP, but in sport mode it actually handles really well. It's a really nice GT cruiser, I'm liking it more and more everyday. I just need to keep this one on the pavement...

[Cadeez]

Damn that thing is awesome. Love the wheels. Needs spacers fo sho.

Thank you sir! I can't wait until next week when the spacers come...the back end is gonna look STOUT! While I'm in there I'll also get a chance to clean the inner rear wheels and paint my hubs & calipers :roundel

[cornercarver]

Surprised at how little these cars are selling for! I just searched a few of the major used car listings; Under $15k for a 550i M sport with 80-100k miles seems to be the going rate, which sounds like a great deal.

What are the known issues with these cars?

[holyc0w]

Haha right? But if I hadn't told you, would you not think those ducts were factory?? They fit perfect and look great, IMO


Yep, it looks like a factory feature designed as a mini tribute to the M5.

[joeybananaz18]

Thats one good looking car and a nice upgrade. Congrats to you! Why is the E60 so polarizing? Some angles really dont do it any favors. And then you see an M-sport or M5 and all is right in the world.

[danewilson77]

Daaaaamn.... Jelly

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[mikebmooney]

Congrats buddy......I have always loved the msport 550.....

[PetesZ]

Great pick up. I daily drive a 2008 550i Msport.
Mine has a heads up display and nav. Going to have a hard time ever giving that up.

I actually get great gas mileage on mine. 26-27 on highway and 21-22 around town.

A couple of the standard maintenance items really suck. The alternator bracket gasket is a joy to behold. Also the valve cover gasket suck a mean one.

Just got done with swapping out the cooling pipe. Highly recommend the AGA replacement pipe kit. Those guys rock.

Overall I love the car beast on the highway just gets up and rolls. I expect you will have a great time with it.

I’ll have to look at the deck spoiler

Pete


About the only thing I hate is that the stock exhaust is way too quiet. The ZHP exhaust sound is amazingly better.
32750

[JPMo]

Thats one good looking car and a nice upgrade. Congrats to you! Why is the E60 so polarizing? Some angles really dont do it any favors. And then you see an M-sport or M5 and all is right in the world.

That is so true. I hated the E60 a few years ago, mostly for how the rear quarter looked and the shape taillights but damn does that 550 and M5 look good nowadays. They've really grown on me

[Oli77]

That is really nice looking. Not as nice as your crotch shot in the reflection of the car on the up close pic of the new kidney grills ;).

[holyc0w]

That is really nice looking. Not as nice as your crotch shot in the reflection of the car on the up close pic of the new kidney grills ;).

LMAO

[Cadeez]

That is really nice looking. Not as nice as your crotch shot in the reflection of the car on the up close pic of the new kidney grills ;).

Hahaha!!! No way! I didn't even notice that, clearly! That's rich, might have to update that one ;)

[Cadeez]

Surprised at how little these cars are selling for! I just searched a few of the major used car listings; Under $15k for a 550i M sport with 80-100k miles seems to be the going rate, which sounds like a great deal.

What are the known issues with these cars?

I thought the same thing! This was on the lot for $16.9, walked away at $11k due to a solid friend hookup who knew the GM. The major problem area I've heard about is the coolant pipe, runs along the top of the engine under the manifold.


Yep, it looks like a factory feature designed as a mini tribute to the M5.

Exactly what I was going for :) And soon they'll be functional as well


Thats one good looking car and a nice upgrade. Congrats to you! Why is the E60 so polarizing? Some angles really dont do it any favors. And then you see an M-sport or M5 and all is right in the world.

Completely agree!


Great pick up. I daily drive a 2008 550i Msport.
Mine has a heads up display and nav. Going to have a hard time ever giving that up.

I actually get great gas mileage on mine. 26-27 on highway and 21-22 around town.

A couple of the standard maintenance items really suck. The alternator bracket gasket is a joy to behold. Also the valve cover gasket suck a mean one.

Just got done with swapping out the cooling pipe. Highly recommend the AGA replacement pipe kit. Those guys rock.

Overall I love the car beast on the highway just gets up and rolls. I expect you will have a great time with it.

I’ll have to look at the deck spoiler

Pete


About the only thing I hate is that the stock exhaust is way too quiet. The ZHP exhaust sound is amazingly better.
32750

Gorgeous car! Is that carbon black? I have no idea in hell how you're able to get anywhere even near the 20's for city mileage, I'm like 12-14, which is what the OE specs are. Freeway miles aren't bad though, almost equal to the ZHP

What is this alternator bracket gasket?? How'd the coolant pipe DIY go? Or did you have it done? And how do you know when it's going out/bad? Do you have a link for the AGA kit?

And yes, it's a straight beast when you want it to be. The one thing that really bothers me is the throttle response, it's absurdly mushy unless you stand on it from a stop. In Sport mode, it's waaaaay better, but I think it could still be improved. I've been looking into the Sprint booster actually

Naturally I'll snap and post some pics of both spoilers once I get them back, hoping by Friday!!

[PetesZ]

Yeah, let me get on the comp and I’ll get those links. I used the pelican write up for the alt bracket gasket and all German auto has a couple of videos.

For throttle response reset the throttle and transmission adaptions. Also you can update to the latest software and it is a ton better.

The alt bracket gasket about killed me. Had to do it three times. Much much easier after you know what to do. The cooling pipe was not too bad. You will know it is going bad by a weep coming out of the piss hole on the thermostat housing.

Pete

Oh yeah one of the first things I did was replace the ccv gaskets. Eas as crap on the e60 8 banger


AGA kit. Definitely get the kit. Hardest part is making sure the gasket lays flat

http://www.agatools.com/part/bmw-n62-coolant-pipe/pipe-gasket-kit

I forget who I got this from.
http://www.bimmerworld.com/Engine/Crankcase-Vent-Systems-Valves-and-Hoses/BMW-Crankcase-Vent-Valve-11127547058-Bosch.html

[Sockethead]

Yes, leave it to BMW to make an alternator bracket with oil running through it.

(Note to self: Always proof read pictures for reflections and unwanted items in the background before posting) :)

[Cadeez]

Yes, leave it to BMW to make an alternator bracket with oil running through it.

(Note to self: Always proof read pictures for reflections and unwanted items in the background before posting) :)

Hey at least my beans weren't hanging out haha!

[Cadeez]

Yeah, let me get on the comp and I’ll get those links. I used the pelican write up for the alt bracket gasket and all German auto has a couple of videos.

1. For throttle response reset the throttle and transmission adaptions. Also you can update to the latest software and it is a ton better.

2. The alt bracket gasket about killed me. Had to do it three times. Much much easier after you know what to do. The cooling pipe was not too bad. You will know it is going bad by a weep coming out of the piss hole on the thermostat housing.

Pete

3. Oh yeah one of the first things I did was replace the ccv gaskets. Easy as crap on the e60 8 banger


AGA kit. Definitely get the kit. Hardest part is making sure the gasket lays flat

http://www.agatools.com/part/bmw-n62-coolant-pipe/pipe-gasket-kit

I forget who I got this from.
http://www.bimmerworld.com/Engine/Crankcase-Vent-Systems-Valves-and-Hoses/BMW-Crankcase-Vent-Valve-11127547058-Bosch.html

Okay, great info, but I need more details please!

1. Reset the throttle and transmission adaptions. How do I do this? Also you can update to the latest software and it is a ton better. Is this an indy/dealership job? Do I just ask them to update the DME software?

2. Alt bracket. How will I know this needs to be replaced? Coolant pipe. I'll keep an eye out for that leak

3. Replace the CCV gaskets. What is the need to replace these, and how do I know if it needs it? Is this a standard preventative maint item, or does it help performance as well?

Thanks for the links!

It feels so weird being the new guy in town again, I don't like it haha. I know E46 like the back of my hand and have done nearly every job possible on them, but I know nothing about the N62 V8... So I appreciate the help!!

[PetesZ]

No worries. I had the black car almost 3 years now.

I did the alt gasket as preventative maintenance. But it will have an oil leak on the driver side down low. If it is dry leave it alone. I did the timing chain cover gaskets while I was there.

I have a Fox well nt510 and it will reset those adaptations.

The new software is an Indy or dealer item. Mine charged an hour or so of labor.

The ccv vent should be done every 50k.

[Cadeez]

About the only thing I hate is that the stock exhaust is way too quiet. The ZHP exhaust sound is amazingly better.

I agree with you here as well. I looked into maybe getting the RPI axle back, Sounds nice and clean. But for $1k I'm not sure it's worth it, unless I could find a used one for around $500.

https://www.trinityautosport.com/e60-e61-2004-2010/exhaust-bmw-e60-61/rpi-gt-exhaust-for-e60-525i-528i-530i-545i-550i-895432559.html



I have a Foxwell nt510 and it will reset those adaptations.


So you have one of these? What else can it do? is it worth the $180?
https://www.amazon.com/FOXWELL-Professional-Automotive-All-Systems-Diagnostic/dp/B00UJV3EA8/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1524690864&sr=8-4&keywords=foxwell+nt510+bmw

https://www.amazon.com/FOXWELL-Automotive-Transmission-Diagnostic-Functions/dp/B019QCG5RE/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1524690864&sr=8-3&keywords=foxwell+nt510+bmw

[PetesZ]

I have looked into getting the stock m5 exhaust. But not a prime item.

So with the scanner I have done batteries, the transmission, engine adaptions, eccentric gear reset, live feed, and it reset the transfer case gear.

Well worth the cost in my opinion. I had mis diagnosed the x3 transfer case without it. Replace the entire case when the crankshaft position sensor was the issue. Car was not driving and I assumed I knew what was wrong.

Other thing on the 550.

Transmission filter fluid change. Do the mechatronics seal while you are there. A friend with a lift is nice for that job. I use the lifts on base for those moments.

I had done that first chasing the sloppy shifting software and erasing the adaptions did the trick. The stupid long life transmission fluid is 25-30 bucks for a liter. 6-8 liters for the job

[Cadeez]

Good info. I may have to pick up one of those scanners

[danewilson77]

That is really nice looking. Not as nice as your crotch shot in the reflection of the car on the up close pic of the new kidney grills ;).Lol. Had to look. Nice boxers.

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[Cadeez]

Lol. Had to look. Nice boxers.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

:roundel :dunno :rockon

[Cadeez]

I'm wayyy behind on some pics for the few things I've had time to do in the last couple months, so here's a TON of pics :)

For whatever reason (CA emissions) there is what's called a "charcoal filter" in the top of the airbox of the E60, along with the standard paper filter. So naturally, I removed it, because no man needs two filters. I also dropped in a K&N while I was in there. It's just barely glued in at a couple points, snapped it off with a flathead screwdriver. Below is what it looks like
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1752/41746766324_aa0305cc95_b.jpg

Finally got around to doing the spark plugs, which was not fun at all... Both rear plugs caused much swearing, but I finally wiggled them out. And they were all in great shape, probably didn't need to be done, oh well.
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1750/41566828455_60aa43f3e0_b.jpg

I bought some 17.5mm spacers from ECS for the rear, wheels are now all nice and flush! Got some 10mm on order for the front now.
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1752/41746544564_df5b82ce79_b.jpg
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1752/41566828725_618398673d_b.jpg
BEFORE
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1742/41746544844_2faa01a61a_b.jpg
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1750/27598618277_07db19dc27_b.jpg
AFTER
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1743/41566828535_fc373ac5f5_b.jpg
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1759/41746544434_4669663b20_b.jpg

I was also able to get both my roof & trunk spoilers painted and installed, and they look awesome!!
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1757/40660553430_a54a353e8e_b.jpg
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1727/41746544934_a54a353e8e_b.jpg
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/885/27598618457_546d09be92_b.jpg
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1728/27598619117_5aa8f5d3f2_b.jpg

And a few more just because...
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1752/40660554110_1d8319319d_b.jpg
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1726/27598619107_31923f86c2_b.jpg

[PetesZ]

Which spoiler did you go with again?

[Cadeez]

Which spoiler did you go with again?

I believe the brand was Icon. I got them off Amazon because they were so cheap, and they actually fit excellent. I was very pleasantly surprised

[PetesZ]

Love the look. I need to get that for my 2008. Spending all my time on the track car here lately.

[johnrando]

Great updates. Car is looking good!

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[BMWCurves]

I said it last time, but your car looks mean.

Nice update.

[Cadeez]

Love the look. I need to get that for my 2008. Spending all my time on the track car here lately.

Thank you! Here's the links if you're interested, I absolutely recommend them. Oh and the brand is Ikon, I misspelled it earlier

Trunk Spoiler
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WJ6KI0A/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Roof Spoiler
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WJ0UV3K/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/902/27629550708_e17c3f2e21_b.jpg


Great updates. Car is looking good!

Thank you sir!


I said it last time, but your car looks mean.

Nice update.

Thanks buddy! I'm super happy with the way it looks & drives now. But it'll be on the back burner as of this Friday...when I get the keys to my house!

[704sw]

Just stumbled on this, and it looks awesome so far! Love those air intakes in the lower grille.

I’ll have to send a link to this thread to my buddy who has an ‘08 550i M-Sport in Space Grey.

[Cadeez]

Just stumbled on this, and it looks awesome so far! Love those air intakes in the lower grille.

I’ll have to send a link to this thread to my buddy who has an ‘08 550i M-Sport in Space Grey.

Thank you! Sounds like your buddy has good taste :)

[Cadeez]

10mm front spacers from ECS are on their way today, woohoo! The site said they weren't supposed to ship until the 12th, which I assumed would be pushed out, so this is great. It took a month for my 17.5mm rears to ship, continuously backordered...

[704sw]

Is the E60 a different hub than the E46? I know the E39 had a weird hub size.

[Cadeez]

Is the E60 a different hub than the E46? I know the E39 had a weird hub size.

That's a good question, and one I don't know the answer to