aja540i

You want to get them dip stripped, then powder coated with clear. Unfortunately nice shiny aluminium is one of the worst things for powder coating to stick to!!

If you sand them back they will be a mission to polish again, dip stripping will take off the old coating without scratching the hell out of the rims.

The last set i had done cost about $140 to strip and $100 for powder coating. (For all 4)

I think you'll find that to meet the requirements for a five star rating it has to re-arm itself after30 seconds if no doors are opened, no matter what brand it is, thank the insurance companies!!

I had a mongoose, installed by mongoose on the North Shore in my mitsi legnum, had remote start, 5 star etc, had no problems with it, and got the insurance discount because it was installed "professionally"

Also, when the remote started playing up i went back and they gave me a new one and coded it for me.

Update- ordered today, 14 days to arrive, so in 16 days or so i'll need 1 new tyre !!

I have one of those stick to the windscreen accelerometer dyno things so i'll find a nice flat, straight bit of road with no traffic (i smell a tui ad) and do some numbers before and after.

I know its not as good as the real thing but it should show if there is any difference.

Thanks for that, I'll give it a shot.

Now i just need to dyno this bad boy so i know what difference it makes!

Thats true, it won't be the dumbest thing i've ever spent $100 on!!

You never know, it might even work!

Im pretty realistic about this, i dont expect big power gains (if any) its more of a curiousity thing. I have done the boy racer basics, pod filter and exhaust, its a manual and its my daily get to work car so reliability and economy are factors.

If i want to drive something fast i take out the 540, but if i can get 5hp for 100 bucks i'll give it a go, i just don't want to waste it if they are rubbish!

161.5kw atw

Hi Velocity

Standard M62tuB44

E39 540i touring

That .5 makes all the difference!

I'm thinking of chipping my 318is with one of those dodgy looking chips from Polandvakia that come up on ebay, has anyone had any experience / nightmares with any of these?

I have had3 sets of wheels powdercoated and it works a treat, but preperation is the key! I had mine dip stripped first and dealt to any curbing, then coated.

If you can get the colour you want i recommend it. The finish is tougher and you can clear powder coat over top in matt or gloss.

They clean up easily too!!

Hope that helps.

P.s. i have also painted rims and wouldnt bother again!!

Hi, I did diy sounds in my e39, it is a massive pain in the arse! I assume the e38 will be similar (or worse)

There is a huge amount of wiring involved, and if you don't know what you are doing it is easy to bugger it up.

If you are just replacing speakers, go for it, but a head deck, amp, sub etc take it to the pros.