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I decided that because my car is still under warranty (and because my sister will most likely take this car in a few years) I just want to do simple modifications, mostly exterior. I do not want to change the suspension, exhaust, or software. So far I have:
Predator Chromium Angel Eyes
Clear corners and sidemarkers
Front license plate delete
K40 (found lying around in my parents garage)
I am thinking about ordering the special paint for the calipers. What is best paint kit to get?
I am also thinking about adding a CAI - mostly just for the sound. Which CAI sounds the best?
Also thinking about adding subs + amp.
In the future after my factory tires wear out and need replacing I will find some rims and better tires.
What other simple exterior, maybe even interior changes do you all recommend?
the k40 is an undetectable radar detector, it might be a laser jammer but not sure.
Just out of curiosity and so I can get more information before I order the paint, why do you not recommend painting the calipers?
Has anyone else heard anything about the system from bavariansoundwerks. In the past I have heard good things and their stuff does seem nice.
Does anyone here have their stuff?
If i get the suspension done, I would replace the struts and springs right?
About how much would a good setup cost?
And the CAI?
While your's are better than most, a new set of wheels and a set of mild springs would be the single most dramatic change that is totally reversible.
As for CAI, go Dinan. Yeah there are probably cheaper intakes that are just as good, but these look great, sound better and won't effect your warranty.
The K40 is hopelessly outdated. The SR7 is much better, but even it has gone out of production. If you want one, you better look fast.
well... to be honest, painted calipers, especially red, look very ghetto. everyone knows they arnt brembos or stoptech.
right you need shocks and springs, not just springs. i would recomend, eibach/bilsteins OR the H&R cup kit(or somthing like that)
you should be able to get either of those for about $800-ish retail...i think
AFE makes a good air-intake kit as well. Performance wise, on par with the Conforti, and it has a colored filter... just adds a little som'n som'n to the engine bay.
V1 is the way to go baby. I wouldn't trust any other radar locator after having this guy in my windshield.
Thanks for all the replies guys, keep the advice coming.
No I do not have the factory sport suspension. So I suppose getting the suspension done would be the way to go. I will still hold off on the wheels until I need the tires replaced.
Now I am torn between Dinan and Conforti
The AFE website sounds a little ridiculous with those HP increase claims. http://www.afefilters.com/intakes.htm. Those arent true are they? I would have to change the software and add an exhaust to achieve those numbers right?
And ya the K40 is ancient. didn't know its outdated though
Originally posted by alanh@Aug 3 2005, 01:22 AM right you need shocks and springs, not just springs. i would recomend, eibach/bilsteins OR the H&R cup kit(or somthing like that)
you should be able to get either of those for about $800-ish retail...i think
sorry jllphan but i have to disagree with you... there are better intakes than dinan, iwould recomend conforti's
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Springs will suffice. Yes, springs and shocks (and sways, and trailing arms for that matter) will certainly improve the handling, but the guy drives a touring....I don't think that's the main objective. Many say that droping just springs on otherwise stock suspension is a bad thing to do....I disagree. As with most other aspects of BMW, the oem shocks are sturdy, and ride just fine with a mild set of sport springs.
As for better CAI's, I totally agree. That's why I said there are probably better CAI's out there......but my point was, the Dinan is great looking, great sounding, and can be purchased at your local BMW dealership, thusly having no affect on one's warranty.
Hey Woobie, I'd totally agree that the gruppeM intake looks and sounds awesome, but I remember a while back, they were supposedly discontinuing sales of those in the U.S. due to some issues they had caused on North American spec Bimmers. Did that go away?
the truth was, from my interpretation, gruppmna.com wasnt a legal gruppm distributor for the united states. seems that gruppme finally found them and got them to be shut down.
renn-sport.net at the time was the only distributor of gruppem products.
yeah, afe is the same basic design so...yeah
and everyone does say that the gruppe does sound the best, even though that design seems to be a step backwards
springs alone will work but from what i understand, the bmw oem shocks are not matched for lowering springs, and will quickly wear them out, and hurt your handling
unless your still under warranty i wouldn't consider dinan... dont feed that company
I am going to the dealership early tomorrow morning to get my daytime running lights deactivated, then going to work, and then coming home and installing my angel eyes, clear corners and sidemarkers, and getting rid of the front license plate molding.
I have a few options for the near future:
- Getting rims and tires (not doing it though, rather get other stuff and just replace that when the tires need replacing.)
- Upgrade sound system (definitely doing this, the stuff from bavarian soundwerks seems really nice, does anyone have any reviews about their products, I would either get the Series Stage I Audio Solution or the deck mounted subwoofer system if there stuff is recommended)
- Suspension (Springs and struts, a little confused now because some of you say that I only need to replace the springs and some of you say I would also need to replace the struts, atleast eventually) main point for this would be to slightly lower to car to get rid of the gap in the wheel well. Also I would have a problem when it comes to installation. There isnt really anyone in my town I would trust to tune a BMW.
- CAI (it will take me a while to decide which company to get it from)
Sorry, I know that I am being really repetitive here. (Really tired, has been a long day) Basically I am just trying to say that next I want to mod the suspension and the sound system and the CAI later on. Can someone please get me some reviews of what they have or what they recommend? Such as what company would be the best for what I want to do? Also does anyone know a good place a Louisiana for the installation of the suspension
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