[XxThe_RemedyXx]

Hi everyone...I've been contemplating on either:

- Tune with Cary Jordan.
- Dinan springs and bump stops.
- M-Sport conversion of bumpers and side skirts.

Which one of the three would you guys do first?



Moderator note: Fixed. Please leave street racing out of modifications discussions.

[rjd_F30]

I'd do the tune. A good flash tune is one of the best modifications you can do. But the answer to your question totally depends on your priorities. If you prioritize looks/handling, do the springs, if you put power and acceleration above that, do the tune. If you prioritize wasting money, do the M-sport conversion

[IK6SPEED]

Originally Posted by rjdnyy224

I'd do the tune. A good flash tune is one of the best modifications you can do. But the answer to your question totally depends on your priorities. If you prioritize looks/handling, do the springs, if you put power and acceleration above that, do the tune. If you prioritize wasting money, do the M-sport conversion

Cosmetics is not a waste of money. If you believe that, why would anyone purchase your “cosmetic parts” in classifieds?

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1563868

OP, Just put the money on your priority. (1) Performance or (2&3) Cosmetic.

[rjd_F30]

Originally Posted by IK6SPEED

Cosmetics is not a waste of money. If you believe that, why would anyone purchase your “cosmetic parts” in classifieds?

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1563868

OP, Just put the money on your priority. (1) Performance or (2&3) Cosmetic.

Roasted!

Of course it's not a waste of money, look at my signature I've done a ton of cosmetic modifications. It was supposed to be a joke hence the ""... But I would say M sport bumpers (which is what OP listed as an option) isn't worth the money in my opinion. I don't think the cost of bumpers plus paint and install is worth the cosmetic gain, as I don't mind the way base/sport bumpers look. Spoilers, skirts, grilles etc. are "worth the money" cosmetics (in my opinion of course) as they're much cheaper and simpler than bumpers.

But like you said, to the OP, it's all about your priorities, my first would be a tune. But as he pointed out, I do have some skirts for sale

[XxThe_RemedyXx]

Originally Posted by rjdnyy224

Roasted!

Of course it's not a waste of money, look at my signature I've done a ton of cosmetic modifications. It was supposed to be a joke hence the ""... But I would say M sport bumpers (which is what OP listed as an option) isn't worth the money in my opinion. I don't think the cost of bumpers plus paint and install is worth the cosmetic gain, as I don't mind the way base/sport bumpers look. Spoilers, skirts, grilles etc. are "worth the money" cosmetics (in my opinion of course) as they're much cheaper and simpler than bumpers.

But like you said, to the OP, it's all about your priorities, my first would be a tune. But as he pointed out, I do have some skirts for sale

Haha!

So I decided to go with the tune. Thanks for the suggestions fellas. After tuning I think I'll do the springs and maybe the cosmetic stuff after all is said and done.

[rjd_F30]

Originally Posted by XxThe_RemedyXx

Haha!

So I decided to go with the tune. Thanks for the suggestions fellas. After tuning I think I'll do the springs and maybe the cosmetic stuff after all is said and done.

Good choice A good tune is worth every penny...

[N26Ghost]

A tiny piece of advice...dyno your car before and after your tune. Seeing the data can really make a difference.

[sspade]

I would handle the suspension first. In fact that's exactly what I did.

A thousand dollar bill into your suspension (plus or minus) will do wonders!

Dont try and get away with just springs/bump stops. Trust me... we all tried!

A quality set of coil overs or damper/spring combo will give you more confidence on the road.

Next I would go tune. Then M-Sport conversion.

[cfm56d7b]

Originally Posted by sspade

I would handle the suspension first. In fact that's exactly what I did.

A thousand dollar bill into your suspension (plus or minus) will do wonders!

Dont try and get away with just springs/bump stops. Trust me... we all tried!

A quality set of coil overs or damper/spring combo will give you more confidence on the road.

Next I would go tune. Then M-Sport conversion.

I tend to agree with this sequence of suggested upgrades.

First - suspension: the driver lives with the suspension behavior more frequently than any other component of driving. Excellent advice to consider coilovers. Trying to match springs and shocks never designed to work optimally together is not a good use of time and money. Of course the mileage will vary with many satisfied buyers of lowering springs. Friend of mine - F30 owner - purchased lowering springs, then aftermarket shocks and still could not get the right balance of performance and comfort for Chicago area roads. He called me for advice. We had a lengthy conversation about a simple topic of suspension dynamics.

What makes the suspension feel comfortable? Relaxed compression and aggressive rebound. The shock quickly absorbs the road imperfection, has enough travel to absorb the height of road imperfection, and quickly returns to the original position. If the rebound were more relaxed, the vehicle would feel as if it's floating. As a result - the vehicle maintains the same position, does not bounce, and creates the impression of gliding over road imperfections.

What makes the suspension feel more sporty? Just the opposite. Compression is no longer relaxed. It's more resistive to reduce body roll while helping tires maintain contact with the road surface. Progressive rate springs are often employed to provide progressive resistance. As compression becomes less relaxed, the shock doesn't travel as much. The rebound has to be much more precise and even more aggressive to return the suspension geometry to the previous optimal position even quicker.

In short - coilovers with independent compression / rebound controls and matching springs provide the answer. My friend agreed. He purchased these coilovers (no need to mention brand to make this post entirely non commercial) and began to tune the suspension for Chicago roads. He sold both aftermarket springs and shocks regretting duplicate labor costs.

The result: great summer driving experience with 19" wheels and equally satisfying winter driving experience with 18" wheels.

Then MPPSK arrived (factory tune) and a steady stream of cosmetic mods.

[IK6SPEED]

Originally Posted by N26Ghost

A tiny piece of advice...dyno your car before and after your tune. Seeing the data can really make a difference.

Not sure that “seeing the data really makes a difference”.

It’s good for baselines, but if you need to see figures to convince yourself their was a difference.....

I do it...but not for any reason you listed.

[XxThe_RemedyXx]

Great advice everyone, really appreciate it. I actually spoke with Cary yesterday (wonderful guy). I decided to go tune first (was excited at the potential of power and drivability). Suspension is coming very soon after the tune is buttoned up for sure.

Still on the fence with the M-Sport conversion to be honest. I feel like that money could be better spent elsewhere. I actually like my SportLine look except for the rear bumper.

[N26Ghost]

Originally Posted by IK6SPEED

Not sure that “seeing the data really makes a difference”.

It’s good for baselines, but if you need to see figures to convince yourself their (*there) was a difference.....

I do it...but not for any reason you listed.

Good for you.

For those that don't need to see the data, good for them, and for all the money they save.

For those that don't believe hype, claims or impartial dyno sheets, seeing the gains you make along your tuning journey brings a lot of satisfaction.

[XxThe_RemedyXx]

Flashed Cary's base map for the drive home. Holy shitballs... It's absolutely amazing. Can't wait to get logs to him.