Stephen Roberson

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.

Stephen Roberson 1998 BMW 540i TBGLIVE-5

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

Stephen Roberson 1998 BMW 540i TBGLIVE 2

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)

Stephen Roberson 1998 BMW 540i TBGLIVE 6

CHASSIS & SUSPENSION:
Air Lift Performance air ride w/ 3P management system

BRAKES:
R1 Concepts cross-drilled and slotted rotors w/ ceramic pads (f/r)

Stephen Roberson 1998 BMW 540i TBGLIVE 5

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

Stephen Roberson 1998 BMW 540i TBGLIVE 1Stephen Roberson 1998 BMW 540i TBGLIVE-6

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

Stephen Roberson 1998 BMW 540i TBGLIVE 1