BMW OEM Performance Part Upgrade

PerthBMW · 05-13-2012, 02:21 AM

Hi

I have a 2010 e90 325i M Sports and was thinking of doing some mods using OEM Performance parts. I was thinking of adding the Performance carbon fibre Air Intake System which looks like it costs around $750 on eBay.

I was then thinking of adding either the Performance Carbon Fibre Strut Brace (around $1,200) or just the Aluminium one for $250.

What do you guys think - the intake system is meant to give you more power and I guess I can install myself so the cost isn’t too prohibitive.

The strut brace is the killer - carbon fibre would look cool but can I justify $1,200 when the same thing can be achieved with the aluminium strut for $250.

Appreciate thoughts and feedback especially from anyone who has installed either product already on their machine.

Thanks

rayz · 05-13-2012, 03:37 AM

Here's my 2 and half cents worth.

I was in the exact same situation as you two months ago.

Was looking at putting in the BMW PI, but then started reading compares between BMW PIs and the Euro Air Intake - apparently they are similar (using the cone filter instead of the drop-in), with the exception that the BMW PI sucks air in through a small section close to the windshield area I think. I haven't really checked, but I'm guessing our AU versions have Euro intakes (I haven't opened up the air box to check - someone here can confirm). I think the power gain claim of 3hp may not be night and day difference, just that your engine breathes better with more cold air; however, folks on the other side of the pond claim that the BMW PI and Performance Exhaust combo does give power gains.

With the front strut brace, I was thinking of the Alu strut brace as the CF strut is really just bling factor (both materials are light so weight diff is negligible). I researched a bit more and it appears that the M3 strut brace (to replace the current OEM strut) is better value for performance as they cost around $3XX shipped.

Fast forward to now, I've decided on neither at the moment and looking at the BMW PE instead. Issues with the PE is that it's not ADR compliant, so you run a remote chance (or just pure bad luck) of getting your car defected IF caught. So, it's a risk vs reward situation. But seriously, that PE sure gives your N52 a more meaner growl than the silent fart wheezes with the OEM exhaust.

RaihaX · 05-13-2012, 06:25 AM

IMO get the BMW PE and the chances of your car getting defected by the cop when it has BMW stamp all over is quite low.

Unless that cop is a major BMW fanatic...

rayz · 05-13-2012, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RaihaX

IMO get the BMW PE and the chances of your car getting defected by the cop when it has BMW stamp all over is quite low.

Unless that cop is a major BMW fanatic...

If only the price for the e9X BMW PE was the same as for the 1-ers...

RaihaX · 05-13-2012, 08:10 AM

How much is it for the n52 e9x

rayz · 05-13-2012, 08:18 AM

From BMR, 125i is $899 vs 325i $1099 excl. shipping.

RaihaX · 05-13-2012, 08:24 AM

Is the same price as the 135 I know how you feel

Still so worth it though!

PerthBMW · 05-14-2012, 08:45 AM

Hey

I just purchased a brand new OEM aluminium strut for $200 so I'm happy...just the carbon fibre air intake to think about...mmmmmmm

Stuart@BMRAutowerkes · 05-14-2012, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rayz

From BMR, 125i is $899 vs 325i $1099 excl. shipping.

lol first time I've seen someone quote my prices...

Yeh these prices are a bit on the highside, most of our OEM/BMW Performance Parts stuff is as we haven't established a strong supply chain/link yet.
Once we can get good prices on OEM stuff I'm really looking forward to passing on the savings

rayz · 05-14-2012, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PerthBMW

Hey

I just purchased a brand new OEM aluminium strut for $200 so I'm happy...just the carbon fibre air intake to think about...mmmmmmm

That's a great price if that includes shipping! Mind sharing where you got it from?

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmroxm5

lol first time I've seen someone quote my prices...

Stu, you're our goto guy for bimmer parts at great prices yea?

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmroxm5

Yeh these prices are a bit on the highside, most of our OEM/BMW Performance Parts stuff is as we haven't established a strong supply chain/link yet.
Once we can get good prices on OEM stuff I'm really looking forward to passing on the savings

This sounds like I should be patient and wait

PerthBMW · 05-15-2012, 02:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rayz

That's a great price if that includes shipping! Mind sharing where you got it from?

Stu, you're our goto guy for bimmer parts at great prices yea?

This sounds like I should be patient and wait

Hi

I just got it off eBay from Autopartsmate who are in Hindmarsh. The price included freight and it is in OME BMW original packaging and brand new so I'm really happy. They were good to deal with and have shipped it already and I just purchased it last night!

insane79 · 05-15-2012, 11:00 AM

The air intake does look sweet, i never knew there is a performance exhaust for the 325i, is the performance exhaust for the 2.5ltr version of the 325i? does the ecu need a remap for the exhaust to work best?

Thanks..

rayz · 05-15-2012, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by insane79

The air intake does look sweet, i never knew there is a performance exhaust for the 325i, is the performance exhaust for the 2.5ltr version of the 325i? does the ecu need a remap for the exhaust to work best?

Thanks..

Hey there, yup there is a BMW PE for the N52s. I believe with the Euro versions it's only the muffler box while the US you get the pipes as well. No ECU remapping required.

udm328i · 08-18-2012, 02:53 AM

with the bmw pi, do you still have to change your engine air filter yearly?

insane79 · 08-23-2012, 05:10 PM

Hi,
anyone here can give me the bmw e90 lci 325i(2.5ltr) performance exhuast part number?

Thanks..

QLD · 08-31-2012, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PerthBMW

Hey

I just purchased a brand new OEM aluminium strut for $200

You bought a $1,200 part for $200?

Please post a direct link to this amazing deal.

rayz · 08-31-2012, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by QLD

Quote:

Originally Posted by PerthBMW

Hey

I just purchased a brand new OEM aluminium strut for $200

You bought a $1,200 part for $200?

Please post a direct link to this amazing deal.

The $1,200 strut is CF not the aluminum one which the priced about $2xx mark. Unfortunately, that was a once off eBay sale. Coz I checked

QLD · 08-31-2012, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rayz

The $1,200 strut is CF not the aluminum one..

oh I see... thx for clarifying

rayz · 09-01-2012, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by QLD

Quote:

Originally Posted by rayz

The $1,200 strut is CF not the aluminum one..

oh I see... thx for clarifying

No worries

There's a CF strut on sale in the states atm for about 4xx. Imagine shipping will cost a bit.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?p=12516444#post12516444

05-13-2012, 02:21 AM	#1
PerthBMW Captain 219 Rep 690 Posts Drives: 2019 X3 M40i Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Perth Western Australia iTrader: (0) Garage List 2019 BMW X3 M40i [0.00]	BMW OEM Performance Part Upgrade Hi I have a 2010 e90 325i M Sports and was thinking of doing some mods using OEM Performance parts. I was thinking of adding the Performance carbon fibre Air Intake System which looks like it costs around $750 on eBay. I was then thinking of adding either the Performance Carbon Fibre Strut Brace (around $1,200) or just the Aluminium one for $250. What do you guys think - the intake system is meant to give you more power and I guess I can install myself so the cost isn’t too prohibitive. The strut brace is the killer - carbon fibre would look cool but can I justify $1,200 when the same thing can be achieved with the aluminium strut for $250. Appreciate thoughts and feedback especially from anyone who has installed either product already on their machine. Thanks Attached Images
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

05-13-2012, 03:37 AM	#2
rayz Lieutenant 8 Rep 425 Posts Drives: E90 323 Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Melbourne iTrader: (4)	Here's my 2 and half cents worth. I was in the exact same situation as you two months ago. Was looking at putting in the BMW PI, but then started reading compares between BMW PIs and the Euro Air Intake - apparently they are similar (using the cone filter instead of the drop-in), with the exception that the BMW PI sucks air in through a small section close to the windshield area I think. I haven't really checked, but I'm guessing our AU versions have Euro intakes (I haven't opened up the air box to check - someone here can confirm). I think the power gain claim of 3hp may not be night and day difference, just that your engine breathes better with more cold air; however, folks on the other side of the pond claim that the BMW PI and Performance Exhaust combo does give power gains. With the front strut brace, I was thinking of the Alu strut brace as the CF strut is really just bling factor (both materials are light so weight diff is negligible). I researched a bit more and it appears that the M3 strut brace (to replace the current OEM strut) is better value for performance as they cost around $3XX shipped. Fast forward to now, I've decided on neither at the moment and looking at the BMW PE instead. Issues with the PE is that it's not ADR compliant, so you run a remote chance (or just pure bad luck) of getting your car defected IF caught. So, it's a risk vs reward situation. But seriously, that PE sure gives your N52 a more meaner growl than the silent fart wheezes with the OEM exhaust.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-13-2012, 06:25 AM	#3
RaihaX Major General 156 Rep 4,995 Posts Drives: 08' 135i Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Australia, Perth iTrader: (2)	IMO get the BMW PE and the chances of your car getting defected by the cop when it has BMW stamp all over is quite low. Unless that cop is a major BMW fanatic...
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-13-2012, 08:10 AM	#5
RaihaX Major General 156 Rep 4,995 Posts Drives: 08' 135i Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Australia, Perth iTrader: (2)	How much is it for the n52 e9x
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05-13-2012, 08:18 AM	#6
rayz Lieutenant 8 Rep 425 Posts Drives: E90 323 Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Melbourne iTrader: (4)	From BMR, 125i is $899 vs 325i $1099 excl. shipping.
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05-13-2012, 08:24 AM	#7
RaihaX Major General 156 Rep 4,995 Posts Drives: 08' 135i Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Australia, Perth iTrader: (2)	Is the same price as the 135 I know how you feel Still so worth it though!
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05-14-2012, 08:45 AM	#8
PerthBMW Captain 219 Rep 690 Posts Drives: 2019 X3 M40i Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Perth Western Australia iTrader: (0) Garage List 2019 BMW X3 M40i [0.00]	Hey I just purchased a brand new OEM aluminium strut for $200 so I'm happy...just the carbon fibre air intake to think about...mmmmmmm
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05-15-2012, 11:00 AM	#12
insane79 Major 83 Rep 1,093 Posts Drives: E90 lci Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Earth iTrader: (0)	The air intake does look sweet, i never knew there is a performance exhaust for the 325i, is the performance exhaust for the 2.5ltr version of the 325i? does the ecu need a remap for the exhaust to work best? Thanks..
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08-18-2012, 02:53 AM	#14
udm328i Lieutenant 57 Rep 503 Posts Drives: e92 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Westchester🇺🇸 iTrader: (3) Garage List 2008 BMW 328i [9.00]	with the bmw pi, do you still have to change your engine air filter yearly? __________________ ZSP/ZPP/BMW PE&PI/ BMW CF STRUT BRACE/ EIBACH PRO SYSTEM / H&R WHEEL SPACERS
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08-23-2012, 05:10 PM	#15
insane79 Major 83 Rep 1,093 Posts Drives: E90 lci Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Earth iTrader: (0)	Hi, anyone here can give me the bmw e90 lci 325i(2.5ltr) performance exhuast part number? Thanks..
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