Potential 750iL (88'-91') performance upgrades

[CHurdzan]

My name is Chris and I have always admired BMW's for their superb combination of luxury, engineering and sport, especially their 7 series. I have always desired to own a 7 series of my own, but being a college student at the Ohio State University I am on a limited budget ($10,000) so owning a new one of these cars is impossible, which is why I am looking at a 7 series from 1988 to 1991. The fact that I live at home makes life easier for creating a performance project car as I have tools and garage space, and as my subject states, a fast ass sleeper BMW is what I aim to create. I have extensive mechanical experience, have already read Bentley Publishings 7 series service manual, and have contacts who can help if find myself in a bind. My question then becomes this: Is a 7 series BMW the route to go if I want to do extensive performance upgrades-500 or more HP (I choose the 750iL solely because it is the flagship car)i.e. 5 series, what parts are out there and who sells thems, i.e. forced induction devices, are 7 series from that year reliable, i.e. will the transmission likely need rebuilding once I buy the car with a probable 120-150,000 miles. Any advice, comments or wisdom would certainly be appreciated as I am all ears. Thanks for possibly taking little of your time to help me.

[childe_r]

I am not sure if Dinan or ECIS sell parts for that old of a car bu those are two good places to start. The problem is that most upgrades are made for the 3 and 5 series cars and not the 7's. I do not know why this is but it is. Good luck and I hope you can supercharge that puppy. I have seen a bunch of supercharged 3's around where I am from but no 7's.

[Alan Wil]

Chris,


Don't buy an E32 750 or any BMW for that matter unless you have:

1: Plenty of money. (To burn)
2: A LOT of time on your hands to effect repairs. (If you can't afford to pay to have it done.)
3: The complete set of repair manuals if you plan on doing ANY type of repair. (E-mail me for info)


I advise you to re-think your battle plan so to speak....Just keeping a "stock" 7 series will keep you "plenty" busy as something is always "breaking" on these cars. (PS: You may have to drop a few classes/ It would be a good idea to have a "Spare Car" to drive while your 7 is down/ waiting on money/ or parts to fix it.)



There are a couple of problems modifying a 7 series for performance.


1: Stock Parts are Expensive (BMW thinks they are made out of solid GOLD, with diamond studded trim. Like they're one-off "custom" made "Race car parts" or something)
2: Hop-up parts are even more expensive, and RARE.
3: The car is too "old" to go hunting for hop-up parts.. (I.e. They will be VERY expensive!)
4: The E32 750 is too heavy. It isn't a race car, and if you make it go faster you will need much bigger brakes /tires, etc to be able to stop. If you want to "go fast" and "stop fast" buy a PORSCHE. Much better starting point to build a Fast car. Parts are expensive, but at least once you fix them they stay 'fixed".




Take my advice from someone who has "PROFESSIONALLY" worked on these cars for many years and has seen the repair bills. Don't buy one of these cars unless you have plenty of time on your hands, and deep pockets to buy parts and have a spare car to drive.



Get a "Jap" car.... Put your money in the bank, Buy some land, buy a house... Finish your college... Then get a job take pays big $$$... Then buy your BMW if you have to have one.


PS: I've got a friend with a 94 740i, his trans just went out.... $6,000 -$ 7000 dollars for a transmission. $400+/- for just the ATF Fluid alone.

[GONSOR]

Chris, Your Desire To Buy A 750 Is One That Comes With A Great Deal Of Responsibilities. The Price Tag On Repairs Can Be Costly. I Own A 89' 750il That Is Highly Modified And Is Giving Me The Common Mileage Break Downs (hoses, A/c, Gaskets To Name A Few). The Person Who Posted That They Have Worked On Them For Years Is Right About All He Has Mentioned. I'm Financialy Comfortable So This Allows Me To Still Love My E32. I Also Own A 85' E23 Manual That Was My First Love! They Both Own A Special Place In My Heart. These 750's Are Incredible To Drive When The Wheels And Suspension Is Set Up Right. My Car Is Dropped 3 Inches And I Run Bbs-rc's On 265,275/35/zr 18's And Brembo Cross-drilled Rotors And Calipers With Eibach Springs. If You Want To See This Car E-mail Me Or Respond To This And I'll Send You Several Photos In And Out. This Car Is Highly Customized. Next Are Some Goodies From The Good People Of Dinan. Good Luck On Your Quest For The Superior Machine.

[Audi Ryder]

I make custom turbo systems for any and all custom applications, including the BMW 12Cyl. In my opinion, I think for now while you are on a budget, opt for a 1990 BMW 5-series, and tune it up. I build a kit for the 2.5L inline 6- which (with your knowledge of mechanics and tuning) could push the inline six to 350+hp, which is good for you now, while you're on a limited budget. The fact is, you will not be able to get 500hp, for anything less than $20-$25K. In any event, check out my website BoykinRacing.us for more information on products, services and a whole variety of performance solutions for those on a budget

[TEXAS-HOTROD]

I have looked all over the net for a set of cams and couldn't find anything. I did find a place that can bore/stroke one for a nice price with something in the 400h.p. range, but still used the same, wimpy manifolds.
I have a V-12 project that I'm working on. I ran the engine on a test stand but since the exhaust comes out of short exit tubes (I plan to make headers for it) from the exhaust ports, I can't tell what the final sound will be. My question is, How does the M-70 engine sound with an open exhaust. Everything that I have heard is the regular cush-mobile, the tires make more noise than what comes out the pipes. Also, how durable is the block/crank/rods/pistons and how much r.p.m. can they handle?
Thanks,
---TEX---