Moderenization and updating modifications

[SparkyVonHoggsworth]

Hello all,

I recently picked up a 84' 533i in amazing condition. 

I'm currently updating the gauge cluster with new SI board, LED lights and odometer gears. I reflowed all the solder joints in case any were cracked. 

Next I'm going to update the fuse box to blade fuses.

What other updates/mods are there to improve these cars? Part substitutions to discontinued parts? Not looking for performance gains, just reliability and functionality. 

Thanks!

[Blue Shadow]

16” wheels with 205-55/16 tires of choice. Or for more steering effort from the driver and possible front strut rub and rear drivers side quarter panel rub. Bump up the tires to 225-50/16.  Rolled quarters might help.  Of course, these issues are wheel width, offset and specific tire dependent. 

Short shift kit increases the effort needed to shift so it matches the effort needed to steer and brake. Nicely balances the drivers input experience. 

[vinceg101]

Some non-performance items to look into:
-Keyless Remote system is always kind of handy
-H4 low beams to replace the sealed beams
-Rear Tail Light/Brake Light modification (refer to Mr.Fixit for mod)
-Reflow the solder joints in your ECU

If you want more performance leaning mods, but still 'mild':
-Big Brake Upgrade (Stage IV: E32 750 Fronts/E34 540 Rears)
-Replacing the single port Fuel Injectors with later Bosch III four port models

I won't go into the whole list of preventative maintenance items if you haven't done yet, you really should be focusing on instead of mods & upgrades

[Fanclutchnut]

The George Graves interior light delay is a nice upgrade we just installed in our car. 

[szacsi72]

• E46 heater valve -  Original unit is very expensive, rebuild kits are shit and they all seem to fail nowadays. I have ktis in EU
• Subframe reinforcement - they like to break where the steering box sits. Angry-Ass sells the repair kit.
• Injector mod - There's Bosch 4 hole injectors that are the same spec, but newer, quiter and better idle. Available in basically any parts store
• Clutch mods - The bracket for the clutch likes to crack, this is a reinforcement/fix. Ireland engineering and others sell it. Clutch over center spring - Angry-Ass sells the upgrade.
• E34 CSB - stronger unit, if you are in there I would get this one instead of the original unit.

Most OEM parts are really well built so just replace them with OEM if you want reliability, they lasted 40+ years. However, many many things fit from newer cars, mostly E34. So take a look first.
Some more mods:

• E31 front control arms front suspension
• Moosehead rear control arms front suspension
• E34 brakes
• Coilovers --> if you lower the car, get the bump steer spacers I engineered - Angry Ass sells them
• M5/635 steering rack
• If you do clutch service: stainless steel pivot, 3.5/3.6 M5 clutch kit from Sachs

It's an endless list

[Shawn D.]

M5/635 steering rack
 

Since you've used the bolded word twice recently, I feel the need to point out that our cars do not have racks, they have boxes.

(yes, your mount/box thread had the proper term in the title, I'm talking about the body text)

[szacsi72]

M5/635 steering rack

 

Since you've used the bolded word twice recently, I feel the need to point out that our cars do not have racks, they have boxes.

(yes, your mount/box thread had the proper term in the title, I'm talking about the body text)

Sorry, you are right. Really tired lately. Steering box.

[stuartinmn]

If  you haven't already, read through the posts in the Tech FAQ section.  It's mostly ways to fix various common failures but it can also tell you things that are worth upgrading proactively.  
Another place to look is the M535i.org website.  There's a section there on e28 upgrades; it hasn't been updated for years but most of the info is still relevant.

[Blue Shadow]

Another place to look is the M535i.org website.  There's a section there on e28 upgrades; it hasn't been updated for years but most of the info is still relevant.

not like there are many new parts to make a mod since those upgrades were the thing. Most upgrades will be old history for our cars.  

[SparkyVonHoggsworth]

thank you all for the replies!!

it's good to know what other BMW model parts are compatible with the e28.

this gives me a good start on planning projects.

[Tiit]

16” wheels with 205-55/16 tires of choice. Or for more steering effort from the driver and possible front strut rub and rear drivers side quarter panel rub. Bump up the tires to 225-50/16.  Rolled quarters might help.  Of course, these issues are wheel width, offset and specific tire dependent. 

Short shift kit increases the effort needed to shift so it matches the effort needed to steer and brake. Nicely balances the drivers input experience. 

You're speaking the truth! 100% agree with you.

[Blue Shadow]

You're speaking the truth! 100% agree with you.

Coined in 1974, “The ultimate driving machine” was real during the E28 production run and using the correct sized and selected parts made a big difference to how these cars felt to the driver. And isn’t having a great driving experience the goal for most folks?  

Sure some are willing to sacrifice the balance that combination brings to the way the car feels to have bigger wheels, 17s, for example, but the increased steering effort, increased wear to the suspension bushings and other degradations to how it feels from the drivers seat are just not worth the change in the look of the car. 

Spinedoc picked up a car in California and got as far as Utah with the car doing what it wanted to do, wandering on the highway, when he swapped the 17s for some smaller, tired 16s that came with the car and the rest of the ride to PA was a real treat. 

[Foonfer]

You're speaking the truth! 100% agree with you.

Coined in 1974, “The ultimate driving machine” was real during the E28 production run and using the correct sized and selected parts made a big difference to how these cars felt to the driver. And isn’t having a great driving experience the goal for most folks?  

Sure some are willing to sacrifice the balance that combination brings to the way the car feels to have bigger wheels, 17s, for example, but the increased steering effort, increased wear to the suspension bushings and other degradations to how it feels from the drivers seat are just not worth the change in the look of the car. 

Spinedoc picked up a car in California and got as far as Utah with the car doing what it wanted to do, wandering on the highway, when he swapped the 17s for some smaller, tired 16s that came with the car and the rest of the ride to PA was a real treat. 

 

 

I have driven on 215/55 R16s for most of my 10+ year E28 ownership (same car) and hey - this might just be the magic sweet spot.  Tire diameter is a tiny bit oversized, but the 55 profile ensures there's enough tire between the street and your wheels (very important here in NYC), they are not as heavy steerers as 225s, and they do not require any fender modification because there's no rubbing anywhere (on stock springs and stock height).   That, or go narrower to 205/55s, not wider.  The old Pirelli ad where the M5 is shown floating in the air, inches above an illuminated pavement?  Yeah, that ad damaged all of us into thinking "whoa look at those fat tires, soo cooool"