Stephen Roberson says there’s a certain timelessness to the 1998 BMW 540i that attracts him to the build. “The E39 chassis from BMW is the most beautiful sedan ever built,” he writes. “Fast, reliable and sexy.” There’s been quite a few changes to the 540i since the initial purchase, including a Dinan intake manifold and throttle body, Xtreme Xhaust 2.5-inch cat-back exhaust, Air Lift Performance suspension and Corbeau USA seats. Plans for the future also include a hydro-dipped splitter, 3-piece wheels, a wide body kit, audio upgrades, custom trunk presentation with carbon fiber trunk lid and a forced induction installation.
Owner: Stephen Roberson
Location: Vallejo, California, United States
Vehicle: 1998 BMW 540i
Horsepower: 350 whp
Club: Bay Area Lowlife
SOCIAL:
Facebook: Stephen Roberson
Instagram: bay_area_lowlife
Photography by GMB Snaps, Keegan Matthewson, RPM Photography.
ENGINE & PERFORMANCE:
Dinan intake manifold & throttle body
Mass Air flow sensor
Cold air intake
EXHAUST:
Custom Xtreme Xhaust 2.5-inch cat-back
Delete (catalytic converter, resonator, muffler)
Custom H-pipe w/ dual exits
PERFORMANCE ELECTRONICS:
Dinan Stage 5 tune
DRIVETRAIN:
Centerforce Performance dual friction clutch
UUC short shifter & shear selector
WHEELS & TIRES:
ESR S01 - 19x9.5 (f), 19x10.5
Triangle Tire - 245/35-19 (f), 275/30-19 (r)
CHASSIS & SUSPENSION:
Air Lift Performance air ride w/ 3P management system
BRAKES:
R1 Concepts cross-drilled and slotted rotors w/ ceramic pads (f/r)
EXTERIOR:
Multistage pearl and flake paint
Carbon Creations CF (hood (f), lip (f), diffuser (r))
Aluminum front and side splitters
LIGHTING:
Umnitza headlights
Tinted taillights
Complete LED conversion
XKGLOW (underbody, hood, trunk)
INTERIOR:
Custom trim w/ hydro-dipped skull pieces
M5 illuminated shift knob
Corbeau USA seats
AUDIO & MULTIMEDIA:
Pioneer headunit
COMPETITION EVENTS, CLASSES & AWARDS:
2016 Bimmerfest - 2nd Place: Best of Shop
CHELU 4th Annual Show and Hop - 1st Place: Best Euro
Multiple Top 20 awards
Multiple Best Engine Bay awards
FAVORITE MODIFICATION:
Corbeau USA seats
SPONSORS:
West Coast Creationz
West Coast Hydrographix
AE Auto Spa
Audio House
Buztd Knucklz Garage
SHOPS / MECHANICS:
Buztd Knucklz Garage
