[Hadley]

Originally Posted by Torgus

So the winter beater(maxima) had a new rad put in because the old one was cracked and it would overeheat. So I drive it for the second time since the rad was replaced a month ago and BOOM needle is pinned out on H for the coolant. Supposedly a metal coolant pipe rusted through and was weaping coolant...this thing is turning into a money pit.

At least you have a winter beater

[zero2sixtyZ]

Originally Posted by Torgus

So the winter beater(maxima) had a new rad put in because the old one was cracked and it would overeheat. So I drive it for the second time since the rad was replaced a month ago and BOOM needle is pinned out on H for the coolant. Supposedly a metal coolant pipe rusted through and was weaping coolant...this thing is turning into a money pit.

Radiator and water pipes. Always. I had to do mine on the Maxima before. Cheap pipes though, and the Koyo radiators are dirt cheap.

[Torgus]

Originally Posted by vilord

Which fender liner and which bottom liner do you need? i have an extra new fender liner passenger side, cheap! maybe free. Might also have an extra front lip bottom liner (won't know 'til i put it all together the next warm day)

E90 front passenger side liner. Are you coming to the meet this weekend? I could pick it/them up then...

Originally Posted by Hadley

At least you have a winter beater

True...I guess I shouldn't bitch...

Originally Posted by zero2sixtyZ

Radiator and water pipes. Always. I had to do mine on the Maxima before. Cheap pipes though, and the Koyo radiators are dirt cheap.

The parts being cheap is the saving grace

[vilord]

Originally Posted by Torgus

E90 front passenger side liner. Are you coming to the meet this weekend? I could pick it/them up then...

I can't this weekend, going to florida for a wedding... I'm in Somerville, which may not be super convenient for you, but if someone from around here is heading to the meet i could hand it off to them. i think it was only 20 bucks, but its taking up space in my basement
i have an '07 e91, so it should fit yours

[zero2sixtyZ]

Originally Posted by vilord

I can't this weekend, going to florida for a wedding... I'm in Somerville, which may not be super convenient for you, but if someone from around here is heading to the meet i could hand it off to them. i think it was only 20 bucks, but its taking up space in my basement
i have an '07 e91, so it should fit yours

I'm always in Somerville. LMK if you need me to pick it up Torgus.

Markup is gonna be a b**** though...

[Torgus]

Originally Posted by zero2sixtyZ

I'm always in Somerville. LMK if you need me to pick it up Torgus.

Markup is gonna be a b**** though...

please, but only if it is convenient for you.

[Torgus]

6266 bottom mount kit $5000 shipped the age of cheap turbo kits is coming.

http://www.shaudfab.com/product-p/bsb68tw.htm

[Island Road]

Originally Posted by Torgus

6266 bottom mount kit $5000 shipped the age of cheap turbo kits is coming.

http://www.shaudfab.com/product-p/bsb68tw.htm

Any reviews on this yet?

[SLOWER]

Originally Posted by zero2sixtyZ

GP Thunder 7500k H11s.

Whoops. H11 is not the right part for an MSport fog light. Luckily they are the right part for the low beam in my Tundra, so those got installed in the truck and I ordered some HB4 for the car. Guess I should have

[Torgus]

Originally Posted by Island Road

Any reviews on this yet?

Nope he just started selling the kits. I think we'll see ST kits even lower next year but nothing at or below 4k unless a cast log style ST manifold ever comes to market, which it should as the n54 market is huge...compared to others...

Something like this kit but for the N54: http://fsrmotorsports.com/component/...d=29&Itemid=87

Give me a bottom mount twinscroll cast mani, quick spool valve, and I'll be happy as a pig in shit. 550whp on 93 would make my day.

[zero2sixtyZ]

My bad SLOWER, I didn't know the E90 and E92 M-Sport fogs were different bulb sizes.

Don't know if this helps anyone, but stumbled on this gem of a thread: http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=603745

[Torgus]

Originally Posted by zero2sixtyZ

My bad SLOWER, I didn't know the E90 and E92 M-Sport fogs were different bulb sizes.

Don't know if this helps anyone, but stumbled on this gem of a thread: http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=603745

that is awesome. That and the parts finder thingy: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1051854

[SLOWER]

Originally Posted by zero2sixtyZ

My bad SLOWER, I didn't know the E90 and E92 M-Sport fogs were different bulb sizes.

Not your fault, I should have checked. Worked out OK I put them in the truck and then ordered fog bulbs to match for it.

[zero2sixtyZ]

Who here has done the battery swap themselves? Looking for advice on what battery to replace with.

[Island Road]

Originally Posted by zero2sixtyZ

Who here has done the battery swap themselves? Looking for advice on what battery to replace with.

Curious about this also as my battery is on its way out.

[Torgus]

When I was looking into battery replacement the main issue was coding the car. You have to tell it it is a new batttery so it will charge it correctly, the new amp hours of the battery, and the type SLA vs. AGM. AGM is arguably better but for the the SLA will work fine. BMW shipped the cars with both depending on build date. You can buy a SLA with more aH for less than a AGM with less aH. Again the main part is coding the car. A battery is a battery don't buy into the hype and Optimas SUCK.

[cyphr]

Originally Posted by Torgus

When I was looking into battery replacement the main issue was coding the car. You have to tell it it is a new batttery so it will charge it correctly, the new amp hours of the battery, and the type SLA vs. AGM. AGM is arguably better but for the the SLA will work fine. BMW shipped the cars with both depending on build date. You can buy a SLA with more aH for less than a AGM with less aH. Again the main part is coding the car. A battery is a battery don't buy into the hype and Optimas SUCK.

Yeah, the new battery will need to be coded. I'd be happy to do it for anyone that needs it. I would only recommend AGM batteries since SLAs tend to be less reliable and require more maintenance. Optimas have their correct applications, especially if you have additional current-drawing devices, need extra CCAs or want to drop some weight. I've had both Optima Yellow Top and now a Braille and they've been great. The Braille I'd only use on a non-daily.

[Torgus]

Originally Posted by cyphr

SLAs tend to be less reliable and require more maintenance. Optimas have their correct applications, especially if you have additional current-drawing devices, need extra CCAs or want to drop some weight. I've had both Optima Yellow Top and now a Braille and they've been great. The Braille I'd only use on a non-daily.

How does a SLA require maintenance?

I guess you can argue an AGM is more 'reliable' but they considerably more expensive. Both have basically the same lifespan unless I am mistaken. To go on about the reliability SLAs are reliable enough that most auto manufactures ship and recommend replacements with SLAs. I can usually buy two SLAs for one AGM. Given the same lifespan SLAs make more sense imo from a cost, cca, & amp hour perspective.

Optimas have less CCA than the equivalent cost of a SLA. In fact cost wise you can have 20-30% more CCA and amp hours vs an optima for less $$$.

I don't think anyone uses a Optima to drop weight...a tiny AGM is the way to go.

Batteries are my thing...and I really dislike optimas.

[cyphr]

Originally Posted by Torgus

How does a SLA require maintenance?

I guess you can argue an AGM is more 'reliable' but they considerably more expensive. Both have basically the same lifespan unless I am mistaken. To go on about the reliability SLAs are reliable enough that most auto manufactures ship and recommend replacements with SLAs. I can usually buy two SLAs for one AGM. Given the same lifespan SLAs make more sense imo from a cost, cca, & amp hour perspective.

Optimas have less CCA than the equivalent cost of a SLA. In fact cost wise you can have 20-30% more CCA and amp hours vs an optima for less $$$.

I don't think anyone uses a Optima to drop weight...a tiny AGM is the way to go.

Batteries are my thing...and I really dislike optimas.

I'm glad you're knowledgeable about batteries. I'll be sure to consult you on my next purchase.

About your question about SLA vs. AGM maintenance, I've found AGMs tend to have lower self-discharge and higher charge rates. What this translates to in the real-world is less time on a charger for a non-daily car, and thus less downtime. We also travel during the winter and don't want to come back to a dead car if we forget to throw on the charger, although we're pretty good about remembering.

But like you mentioned, it's all about intended usage and how much you're willing to spend to get the features you want. For us, the added insurance was worth the added cost. It may not be to you, but that's the benefit of having options.

Do you have suggestions other than Optima? I'm curious to hear what brands you recommend.

[Torgus]

Originally Posted by cyphr

I'm glad you're knowledgeable about batteries. I'll be sure to consult you on my next purchase.

About your question about SLA vs. AGM maintenance, I've found AGMs tend to have lower self-discharge and higher charge rates. What this translates to in the real-world is less time on a charger for a non-daily car, and thus less downtime. We also travel during the winter and don't want to come back to a dead car if we forget to throw on the charger, although we're pretty good about remembering.

But like you mentioned, it's all about intended usage and how much you're willing to spend to get the features you want. For us, the added insurance was worth the added cost. It may not be to you, but that's the benefit of having options.

Do you have suggestions other than Optima? I'm curious to hear what brands you recommend.

I hope I didn't come off as a jerk by my above post. I just like batteries

SLA and AGM are both categorized as maintenance free batteries afaik. It's not like a serviceable battery where you can check specific gravity of the electrolyte with a hydrometer and add water.

AGMs do hold their charge well so if you don't use the vehicle(sled, bike, car, etc) often they are a great choice if you are willing to pay as you said having options is a nice thing. I prefer a batter tender as they are cheap, that is what I use on my bench top 12V. However if there is a chance power might go out or the tender isn't turned on an AGM would be a better choice. I don't have a sled but if I did I would probably use a AGM.

FWIW healthy SLA will hold a charge over 3 months and still be able to start a car. I leave my beater for months at a time with a 4 year old battery and it starts right up. I should really run it more I know but...meh

As far as what batteries to use almost all batteries are manufactured by the same few plants they just get different wrappers(Duralast ultra gold, interstate, etc.). This is true at least for SLA and I assume many AGMs. But I could be wrong on the AGM. I have semi limited personal experience but the Odyssey, Lifeline, Braille, Deka, MasterVolt, Trojan come to mind as some of the best and most used in my industry. At the end of the day there hasn't been any battery breakthroughs in a while that matters for our application. LAs have been around for 100 years in it's current form.



I can go on and on about why I hate Optimas is anyone wants to listen...

[Hadley]

Z, I blame you for all this battery nonsense

[zero2sixtyZ]

Originally Posted by Hadley

Z, I blame you for all this battery nonsense

You blame me for everything. In fairness, I do want to know these answers, but Torgus' posts make me go cross-eyed.