New Owner- Give me the quick and dirty for what mods are absolutely essential.

zenmoused · 06-13-2010, 08:37 PM

Like the title says, I recently added a 2007 328i to my garage. I'm coming off of an RX-8 that I modded the hell out of, and I'd like to take it a bit easier on this car. From you veterans what are the most important, essential mods or tips that you would do upon getting this car? For example my RX8 got protective screens for the oil coolers and condensers at about 200 miles and they've saved my butt from many rocks.

Also, just want to take a moment and thank all of you in advance for the information on this forum. I've had a chance to peruse the DIY's (and actually use one of them). It's forums like these that make it a joy to own and work on our cars.

Alexander · 06-13-2010, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zenmoused

Like the title says, I recently added a 2007 328i to my garage. I'm coming off of an RX-8 that I modded the hell out of, and I'd like to take it a bit easier on this car. From you veterans what are the most important, essential mods or tips that you would do upon getting this car? For example my RX8 got protective screens for the oil coolers and condensers at about 200 miles and they've saved my butt from many rocks.

Also, just want to take a moment and thank all of you in advance for the information on this forum. I've had a chance to peruse the DIY's (and actually use one of them). It's forums like these that make it a joy to own and work on our cars.

Trade and buy a 335i, get a proceed, meth, DCI, FMIC, OC.

For N52
BMS Powerbox, Clutch Delay valve (MT), charcoal filter and intake resonator delete a long with a aFe drop in filter.

zenmoused · 06-13-2010, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aonarch

Trade and buy a 335i, get a proceed, meth, DCI, FMIC, OC.

For N52
BMS Powerbox, Clutch Delay valve (MT), charcoal filter and intake resonator delete a long with a aFe drop in filter.

Thanks Aonarch. I guess I should add that this isn't a balls to the wall performance car for me- the RX8 fills that role. I bought it to be a fun commuter that gets decent milage.

Terrance28 · 06-13-2010, 09:23 PM

What have you gotten doen to your rx8? I use to have one with a greddy turbo kit on it, it made it quick but still not fast enough, bolt ons really didn't do much for that car so you had to go FI to get any real gains. The one thing I loved was the handling and the butter smooth tranny.

smallseafishie · 06-13-2010, 10:17 PM

Post some pictures and we'll start from there for cosmetics.

tony20009 · 06-13-2010, 10:21 PM

NO mods are "absolutely essential." It's a totally fine car without any of them.

That said, if it's going to be your daily driver, tinting the windows is a good start as well as being a good place to stop.

NaTuReB0Y · 06-13-2010, 11:05 PM

slammed it like it's hawt!

zenmoused · 06-14-2010, 10:46 AM

Tony- Good idea with tinting. I'm not used to having a car that's "fine as-is." My other two cars (RX8 and VW Phaeton) are kindof oddballs, so they have lots of things that can use some improvement. The 3-series is a pretty refined car, but I didn't know if there was say a great ECU reprogram out there or some M3 splitter that made it handle super great.

Terrance- I stayed away from FI since the RX8 wasn't about straight-line speed for me as much as it was for handling. It had enough mechanical problems as it was without adding a turbo haha. I lowered it, lightened it as much as possible, upgraded anti-sways and struts, AFE short shift of course, super sticky tires.. stuff like that.

Thanks everyone for the congrats and kind words. I'll post pictures of my car at one point or another. I can describe it though- it's white, has four wheels (all roughly the same size and shape), it has red lights in the back and black "pleather" on the inside, which I'm told is faster than real leather. There's actually an interesting story about how I got the car that I'll share someday.

Chriztofor · 06-14-2010, 11:04 AM

Only essential mod is the badge delete.

zenmoused · 06-14-2010, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chriztofor

Only essential mod is the badge delete.

Good call. Any holes or can I just dental floss it?

Eights-n-Aces · 06-14-2010, 11:18 AM

I'm not much of a mod-expert but I think the first question would be, what areas are you interested in?

Comfort
Style
Performance
Maintenance

Chriztofor · 06-14-2010, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zenmoused

Good call. Any holes or can I just dental floss it?

Dental floss and goo gone

zenmoused · 06-14-2010, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eights-n-Aces

I'm not much of a mod-expert but I think the first question would be, what areas are you interested in?

Comfort
Style
Performance
Maintenance

I suppose no-loss mods that have a good cost-benefit ratio. Most mods are ultimately about gaining in one area and sacrificing in another (harder struts with ride quality for example). I'd put myself a little more into the performance category than comfort, and I don't think I care that much about style.

Chriztofor · 06-14-2010, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zenmoused

I don't think I care that much about style.

Oh well in that case get this

zenmoused · 06-14-2010, 07:00 PM

I was thinking about mounting some of these babies.

http://media.photobucket.com/image/b.../lsd-e90-2.jpg

I335 · 06-14-2010, 07:07 PM

Most enjoyable, useful, easily reversible mod for the money, IMHO, is an M3 steering wheel.

Verbiage · 06-14-2010, 09:08 PM

Throw some D's on that bitch. Coilovers.

sbce90 · 06-14-2010, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chriztofor

Oh well in that case get this

so... that car has 2 spoilers then right? the lip and the huge wing?

Schm · 06-14-2010, 11:07 PM

Sedan?

Cosmetic:
Badge Delete
Blacklines
Tint Windows

Performance/Handling
What Aonarch said
New rims and a drop if you have the $$

JoeyBananaz18 · 06-15-2010, 12:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zenmoused

I was thinking about mounting some of these babies.

http://media.photobucket.com/image/b.../lsd-e90-2.jpg

not sure if serious?

as far as the mods go, don't take other peoples suggestions. give it some time and you'll find the path YOU want to take the car down. congrats and good luck with it.

BMW4Life66 · 06-15-2010, 12:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zenmoused

Good call. Any holes or can I just dental floss it?

i used dental floss and a hair dryer. had to have someone hold the dryer while i slowly floss down, and after theirs sticky stuff left so i took it off with an alcohol swab and it worked perfectly

i have an 07 328i too. you should get an intake and straightpipes , those are the essentials in my opinion. then the powerbox and some sick exhaust. my lease is up in a month and i think im going to keep it so i could mod it more

zenmoused · 06-15-2010, 08:05 AM

I335- Thanks for the M3 steering wheel idea. I'll have to take a look at what the advantages are (other than the letter M on it).

Schm- I had your same profile picture at rx8club. I was scrolling down and really confused as to why I was giving myself advice, then I realized that I need more coffee. I'll have to look up what blacklines are.

Joey- Yes I am absolutely serious about those lambo doors. Also I already bought some of those sweet engine vent stick-ons at AutoZone and have plastered them all over the front of my car. Sure they don't do anything but everyone on the road will think my engine is crazy powerful and needs to be vented as much as possible.

BMW4Life- Thanks for the quick DIY, I"ll give it a go today. I saw a debadged white e90 yesterday and I really liked it. What did you do for intake- drop-in or CAI? How's the noise level for you? Does it improve the sound? I'll have to search and see what a powerbox is.

Thanks for the ideas guys. Anyone in the Raleigh area know a good place to tint? I have to do that to my VW as well. I had my RX8 done here by some guy named Mike but I lost his number :-/

06-13-2010, 08:37 PM	#1
zenmoused Private 6 Rep 67 Posts Drives: 328i, Phaeton Join Date: May 2010 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	New Owner- Give me the quick and dirty for what mods are absolutely essential. Like the title says, I recently added a 2007 328i to my garage. I'm coming off of an RX-8 that I modded the hell out of, and I'd like to take it a bit easier on this car. From you veterans what are the most important, essential mods or tips that you would do upon getting this car? For example my RX8 got protective screens for the oil coolers and condensers at about 200 miles and they've saved my butt from many rocks. Also, just want to take a moment and thank all of you in advance for the information on this forum. I've had a chance to peruse the DIY's (and actually use one of them). It's forums like these that make it a joy to own and work on our cars.
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06-13-2010, 09:23 PM	#4
Terrance28 Brigadier General 109 Rep 3,334 Posts Drives: Crimson Red E92 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Killeen, TX iTrader: (17)	What have you gotten doen to your rx8? I use to have one with a greddy turbo kit on it, it made it quick but still not fast enough, bolt ons really didn't do much for that car so you had to go FI to get any real gains. The one thing I loved was the handling and the butter smooth tranny. __________________ Mods list got too long, lets just say more than enough.
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06-13-2010, 10:17 PM	#5
smallseafishie Colonel 110 Rep 2,017 Posts Drives: AW 07 e92 335i + AW 11 X5 35d Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Atlanta GA iTrader: (13) Garage List 2007 E92 335i [0.00]	Post some pictures and we'll start from there for cosmetics.
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06-13-2010, 10:21 PM	#6
tony20009 Major General 1048 Rep 5,660 Posts Drives: BMW 335i - Coupe Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Washington, DC iTrader: (0)	NO mods are "absolutely essential." It's a totally fine car without any of them. That said, if it's going to be your daily driver, tinting the windows is a good start as well as being a good place to stop. __________________ Cheers, Tony ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ '07, e92 335i, *Sparkling Graphite, Coral Leather, Aluminum, 6-speed*
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06-13-2010, 11:05 PM	#7
NaTuReB0Y Powered By 36DD 337 Rep 7,369 Posts Drives: 2006 E90 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Inland Empire iTrader: (12)	slammed it like it's hawt! __________________ 2006 E90 330i Jet Black \| 20" WORK VS-XX \| FK452 \| H&R Sport on Koni Yellow \| REMUS QUAD
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06-14-2010, 10:46 AM	#8
zenmoused Private 6 Rep 67 Posts Drives: 328i, Phaeton Join Date: May 2010 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	Tony- Good idea with tinting. I'm not used to having a car that's "fine as-is." My other two cars (RX8 and VW Phaeton) are kindof oddballs, so they have lots of things that can use some improvement. The 3-series is a pretty refined car, but I didn't know if there was say a great ECU reprogram out there or some M3 splitter that made it handle super great. Terrance- I stayed away from FI since the RX8 wasn't about straight-line speed for me as much as it was for handling. It had enough mechanical problems as it was without adding a turbo haha. I lowered it, lightened it as much as possible, upgraded anti-sways and struts, AFE short shift of course, super sticky tires.. stuff like that. Thanks everyone for the congrats and kind words. I'll post pictures of my car at one point or another. I can describe it though- it's white, has four wheels (all roughly the same size and shape), it has red lights in the back and black "pleather" on the inside, which I'm told is faster than real leather. There's actually an interesting story about how I got the car that I'll share someday. Last edited by zenmoused; 06-14-2010 at 10:46 AM.. Reason: spelling
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06-14-2010, 11:04 AM	#9
Chriztofor Colonel 103 Rep 2,783 Posts Drives: '06 325i and '13 X5 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Chicago Burbs iTrader: (1)	Only essential mod is the badge delete. __________________ If no codes are being thrown use Chevron Techron fuel injector cleaner (concentrate). It solves rpm fluctuating upon cold start-up. Also, for most BMW problems start off by scanning your car with the Peake Research Tool. It contains the actual BMW codes. If you want to register a newly installed battery for free (just buy a $10 cable) and google/download BMWLogger
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06-14-2010, 11:18 AM	#11
Eights-n-Aces []D []-[] []_[] []< []\[] []_[] '][' 27 Rep 418 Posts Drives: 335i Convertible/Le Mans Blue/ Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Weston, FL iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 335 Convertible [0.00]	I'm not much of a mod-expert but I think the first question would be, what areas are you interested in? Comfort Style Performance Maintenance __________________ 2010 E93 335i M LeMans Blue 2001 E 46 330ci Coupe/silver/black/Sunroof 1999 BMW R1200C Cruiser-Ivory & Blue
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06-14-2010, 07:00 PM	#15
zenmoused Private 6 Rep 67 Posts Drives: 328i, Phaeton Join Date: May 2010 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	I was thinking about mounting some of these babies. http://media.photobucket.com/image/b.../lsd-e90-2.jpg
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06-14-2010, 07:07 PM	#16
I335 Brigadier General 123 Rep 4,249 Posts Drives: '08 335i Coupe Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: New England iTrader: (11)	Most enjoyable, useful, easily reversible mod for the money, IMHO, is an M3 steering wheel.
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06-14-2010, 09:08 PM	#17
Verbiage Dismembered Member 3583 Rep 9,213 Posts Drives: F80 ZCP 6MT, R55 Clubman S 6MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: DMV iTrader: (6)	Throw some D's on that bitch. Coilovers. __________________ My delivery experience and beach photoshoot here.
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06-14-2010, 11:07 PM	#19
Schm Colonel 164 Rep 2,731 Posts Drives: e90 330i Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Missouri iTrader: (3)	Sedan? Cosmetic: Badge Delete Blacklines Tint Windows Performance/Handling What Aonarch said New rims and a drop if you have the $$ __________________ 2006 E90 330i.
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06-15-2010, 08:05 AM	#22
zenmoused Private 6 Rep 67 Posts Drives: 328i, Phaeton Join Date: May 2010 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	I335- Thanks for the M3 steering wheel idea. I'll have to take a look at what the advantages are (other than the letter M on it). Schm- I had your same profile picture at rx8club. I was scrolling down and really confused as to why I was giving myself advice, then I realized that I need more coffee. I'll have to look up what blacklines are. Joey- Yes I am absolutely serious about those lambo doors. Also I already bought some of those sweet engine vent stick-ons at AutoZone and have plastered them all over the front of my car. Sure they don't do anything but everyone on the road will think my engine is crazy powerful and needs to be vented as much as possible. BMW4Life- Thanks for the quick DIY, I"ll give it a go today. I saw a debadged white e90 yesterday and I really liked it. What did you do for intake- drop-in or CAI? How's the noise level for you? Does it improve the sound? I'll have to search and see what a powerbox is. Thanks for the ideas guys. Anyone in the Raleigh area know a good place to tint? I have to do that to my VW as well. I had my RX8 done here by some guy named Mike but I lost his number :-/
	Appreciate 0 Quote