1985 BMW 557i with Corvette V8 Heart Transplant

Owning a mint condition E28 BMW 5 Series would be a dream come true for most bimmer fans. However, the owner of this Euro-spec 1985 528i was probably not impressed by the stock 2.8-liter powerplant’s 184-ponies, so he performed an engine swap.

If it was up to me and money wasn't an object, I would've probably tried to fit a V12, but the 1999 Chevy LS1 V8 isn’t a bad fit either - that is, if you really feel the need to hear an American V8 burbling under the hood of a vintage German sedan.

The seller of the car claims that the new engine has clocked up only 6,600 miles since the open-hood surgery was performed and that he has invested more than $35,000 in the vehicle over the years.

According to the description, the spiced up Bimmer features a set of 750iL-sourced front and 540i rear brakes, custom headers and exhaust, modified suspension (with Bilstein shock absorbers and H&E springs) and wheels from a 540i.

There are interior appointments as well, such as power sport seats, XM radio and improved soundproofing. Judging by the photos, it’s looks like the car was taken care of. The body looks OK, the engine bay is neat and the seats have just the right amount of wear and tear, which gives the leather character.

Furthermore, the car’s papers seem to be in order, too, so it could make someone very happy in the future. For now the seller’s reserve was not met, as the bidding stopped at $11,400.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: eBay , Via: Jalopnik

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AC Schnitzer Tunes the F11 BMW 5-Series Touring [with Video]

AC Schnitzer has released a comprehensive tuning program for the new F11 BMW 5-series consisting of power upgrades for all diesel engines, suspension tweaks, aerodynamic components and interior bits.

The German firm's engineers started with the 2.0-liter four-pot found on the 520d, raising output to 218 hp, and continued with the more noble 525d, which has a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine. In this case peak output was boosted to 245 hp, same as the stock 530d. After AC Schnitzer's tune, the latter is now rated at 286 hp, while the range-topping 535d churns out an impressive 360 hp.

Complementing the tuned engines is a sport silencer with two choices of tailpipes. The "Racing" variant is offered for all diesels, except the 535d, while the "Sports Trim" will be available shortly for the 520d, 530d, 535d, 535i and 550i.

A modified suspension, fitted with new springs, is also on the menu with the Aachen-based tuner claiming it offers an improved balance between "sporty performance and comfort".

Visual upgrades for the estate version of the new 5er come in the form of a bodykit with new bumpers, side skirts and a roof spoiler plus chromed air intakes and bonnet vents. To complete the look, buyers can choose from a variety of alloy wheel designs in sizes from 18 to 21 inches.

For the interior, AC Schnitzer has developed a range of accessories including carbon fiber decorative trim, aluminum iDrive cover, pedals and footrest, plus a new sports steering wheel.

By Csaba Daradics

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Kelleners Sport Spices Up the F10 BMW 535i

Fans of the BMW 5-Series were a little disappointed with the new F10, as it shed some of its sportier genes in favor of a more luxurious character. Kelleners Sport intends to change this, by offering a host of exterior and interior appointments, plus performance upgrades for the 535i. It will debut at this month's Essen Motor Show.

The German tuner developed a complete aerodynamics package, designed to make the car more "athletic" - or so they claim. At the front, there's a new bumper, with integrated (and ever so popular) LED daytime running lights and oversized air intakes. Aggressive front spoiler lips widen the car, as do the beefy side skirts.

The rear end of the modified 535i boasts a boot lid spoiler and a redesigned bumper incorporating a diffuser. Kelleners also added a four-pipe stainless steel exhaust system.

A choice of 19- or 20-inch lightweight wheels, codenamed "Hamburg" and "Berlin", replace the standard alloys. The new rims are shod in 255/35 front and 285/30 rear high performance tires and come in different finishes, such as Matte Black, Polished Graphite Silver or Polished Platinum Silver.

Under the hood, the 306 hp 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six was fitted with the KS Power35 module, boosting peak output to 367 hp and 480 Nm (354 lb-ft) of torque. No performance figures were released. Kelleners also mentions the lowered (-30 mm) sports suspension, which, it claims, improves handling.

Interior appointments were kept to a minimal and consist of personalized floor mats and aluminum pedals, both available as standalone options.

By Csaba Daradics

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US Trying to Perfect its Safety Rating System; Can't we Just Meet EU Standards and Call it a Day?

US Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood has announced a new and improved 5-star safety rating system for 2011 vehicles. If you're interested about your new car, scroll on down for some of the vehicles tested. As of now, the BMW 5-Series (RWD) and Hyundai Sonata are the only vehicles to be top-rated (33 of the 55 models to be tested have been graded thus far).

The NHTSA says the new protocols will also test "side-pole" accidents and crash-prevention systems, as well as using new dummies (hopefully these will be set up properly). One new addition will be the use of a smaller "female" dummy to gauge accidents involving women. Also, new "injury criteria" will be implemented, as well as the use of an Overall Vehicle Score.

NHTSA Administrator David Strickland says, "We want consumers to embrace these new safety technologies as a way to make vehicles safer. We believe electronic stability control, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning offer significant safety benefits and consumers should consider them when buying a new car." Well, yeah.

By Phil Alex