[thomas_fla_pcb]

Hello All,

I am new to the BMW world, as-well as modding (my car) - and not to mention I am a newly registered member here -- had been reading the forums for awhile, never got around to registering till now...

I am somewhat familiar with modding due to my brother. He owns a sickkkkk Supra, and before that he had a RX-7 - that was very nice.

Anyway - I now have a decent ride. I decided to buy a 2007 328XI.

Things I have thought about doing:

New Headers
New Camshaft
Cold Air Intake
Performance Exhaust
Adjustable Coil-overs
VMR Rims (thinking 19")
Switching from Halogen lamps to HID Projection
Amber Reflectors Delete
ECU Programmed (REV and Speed Delete - Remapping)
Sub-woofer Install
Rear lights switched to LED's


If you guys could post some insight into the above modifications/additions please do so - or if you know of anything else I could do to my vehicle... I am kinda in the dark. It might be some-time before I can start these mods as I am a deployed gov't contractor. But, I am looking to atleast start ordering the parts, etc. Thanks.

[David1]

Save your money on the motor mods since you won't gain much.

[thomas_fla_pcb]

Originally Posted by David1

Save your money on the motor mods since you won't gain much.

I bet I could get at-least a 45-60 HP gain in total... You do not think it is worth it???

[donsgolf2012]

that 45-60 will still be less hp than a 335. soo yea

[overkill1125]

There is so much more esthetics to do then performance wise on our NA cars.

[thomas_fla_pcb]

Originally Posted by donsgolf2012

that 45-60 will still be less hp than a 335. soo yea

Understood. I did not buy a 335 though... If I want anything turbo it is going to be a Supra, RX7, or a WRX....


I bought the 328XI because it is my first BMW and I wanted something NA -- less problematic (especially in the long run).

Eventually, I plan on getting a new M3... But as for now my next buy is a condo -- depending on my next job of course. Then I will get my M3...

I am really just starting out in the work-force and in life for that matter. I am a young guy, 22. Please do not bash the fact that I did not buy something turbo-charged.

[thomas_fla_pcb]

Originally Posted by overkill1125

There is so much more esthetics to do then performance wise on our NA cars.

I will take it into consideration. Although - I would still like to try...

Any interior or exterior mods I could do, esthetically speaking -- Any that I did not list???

Thank You.

[TommyK]

A good exhaust intake and tune will make the the N52 very pleasing. The gains are minimal and the horsepower to price ratio isnt great but welcome and enjoy modding. you will have a lot of fun

[Phil325]

i agree with the suggestion to not do much modding on the engine (especially since you said you want it to be reliable in the long run). you could definitely concentrate on aesthetics and the outcome would be worthy of your time and money alone. save your extreme modding on a better engine imo

[thomas_fla_pcb]

Originally Posted by Tom@Modprojekt.com

A good exhaust intake and tune will make the the N52 very pleasing. The gains are minimal and the horsepower to price ratio isnt great but welcome and enjoy modding. you will have a lot of fun

Will do... I will keep it in mind. I will also have to bookmark your website. Might have to order the exhaust and wheels from you...

[rice4u]

sounds to me like too much JDM influence from the brother. you asked for insight so i'll put my 2 cents:

-New Headers
-New Camshaft
-Cold Air Intake
-Performance Exhaust
+Adjustable Coil-overs
+VMR Rims (thinking 19")
+Switching from Halogen lamps to HID Projection
+Amber Reflectors Delete
-ECU Programmed (REV and Speed Delete - Remapping)
-Sub-woofer Install
+Rear lights switched to LED's

you bought a luxury car, it was designed for a smooth ride, and handling. not 0-60. not trying to be a d*ck. just my opinion regardless... have fun with whatever mods you get! and congrats on the new car.

[RaceBlood]

Forget the engine mods, a 335i will still kick your arse, should of bought that.

Add M3 rear lip, front M Tech spoiler, rims/summer tires/wheel spacers, tint windows and de badge...

all under $1200

Is it s 6 MT?

Get a decent stereo and kick back and dream about power..

[Bimmer This]

if you plan on getting a M3, then I wouldn't waste any money on engine and suspension mods. Just get some exterior mods and a drop with nice wheels.

[tdotrider]

Hey We're on the same boat man, I recently purchased a 2007 328i and want to mod it to look more aggressive. I'm also very young like you 18 years old to be exact I wanted to purchase the 335i but couldn't afford the insurance, as it is turbo charged so I went for the next best thing the 328i. I can't help you much in terms of giving you advice or tips as I just started learning about the different mods out there but, we can share ideas and try and help each other out. I bought matching covers to cover up the amber reflectors on the headlights, however I'm starting to dislike the covers because they make the light appear smaller, which in my opinion looks awful.

[thomas_fla_pcb]

Originally Posted by RaceBlood

Forget the engine mods, a 335i will still kick your arse, should of bought that.

Add M3 rear lip, front M Tech spoiler, rims/summer tires/wheel spacers, tint windows and de badge...

all under $1200

Is it s 6 MT?

Get a decent stereo and kick back and dream about power..

lol I would get my arse kicked by quite a few vehicles, ie: supra, or my buds 2010 gtr - god I love to drive his car. If any of you get a chance to drive one, you will die in love with it, ha. Anyway - I think I will just go with advice and wait to get a m3. In the mean time I will drop this one; throw on some vmr wheels and the blisten suspension-lower it a bit. Windows are already at 20% illegal in Florida but oh well. I thought about tinting the windshield like to 40% I have seen a few bimmers with their windshield tinted slightly.. Think that will look okay?? Also, I really would like to get the depo e90 projector hid light kit, blackline led tail lights, and led turn signals, LEDs on the interior aswell. Any other ideas??

[thomas_fla_pcb]

Originally Posted by thomas_fla_pcb

lol I would get my arse kicked by quite a few vehicles, ie: supra, or my buds 2010 gtr - god I love to drive his car. If any of you get a chance to drive one, you will die in love with it, ha. Anyway - I think I will just go with advice and wait to get a m3. In the mean time I will drop this one; throw on some vmr wheels and the blisten suspension-lower it a bit. Windows are already at 20% illegal in Florida but oh well. I thought about tinting the windshield like to 40% I have seen a few bimmers with their windshield tinted slightly.. Think that will look okay?? Also, I really would like to get the depo e90 projector hid light kit, blackline led tail lights, and led turn signals, LEDs on the interior aswell. Any other ideas??

also was thinking audiobahn subwoofer, just one - and a modest amp.. Hmmmm

[thomas_fla_pcb]

Originally Posted by tdotrider

Hey We're on the same boat man, I recently purchased a 2007 328i and want to mod it to look more aggressive. I'm also very young like you 18 years old to be exact I wanted to purchase the 335i but couldn't afford the insurance, as it is turbo charged so I went for the next best thing the 328i. I can't help you much in terms of giving you advice or tips as I just started learning about the different mods out there but, we can share ideas and try and help each other out. I bought matching covers to cover up the amber reflectors on the headlights, however I'm starting to dislike the covers because they make the light appear smaller, which in my opinion looks awful.

def. Bro I would get the depo projector kit, it does not have amber turn signals.

[thomas_fla_pcb]

Originally Posted by thomas_fla_pcb

def. Bro I would get the depo projector kit, it does not have amber turn signals.

hell I do not even get a chance to drive
Mine but twice a year lol. It is in the states and I live abroad for now. I have lived outside the us for two yeArs now... I come back twice a year... Lol but I am planning to come back soon, hopefully...

[E90E]

Why dont you just save all your money and dont drop a dime on anything and then buy a used m3 or 335 in the next couple years, both cars are not exactly cheap to maintain in the long run, so if I were you, I would just count my pennies and then by something that would be slightly more performance oriented.

[tony176000]

Originally Posted by Tom@Modprojekt.com

A good exhaust intake and tune will make the the N52 very pleasing. The gains are minimal and the horsepower to price ratio isnt great but welcome and enjoy modding. you will have a lot of fun

He's a vendor, and right on the money. Sure 10-15 grand will give the N52 some major gains in the power dept. Not to mention the excellent suspension mods, and OF COURSE the great aesthetic mods. But, in all honesty, you could spend 50k and still not match the 335. Furthermore, a modded 335 will own most subarus. I know there are plenty of...ahem, "youtube" vids spanking a 335, but that motor is a monster. The N54/55 is a MONSTER. Stock=great. Fully modded and programmed up=BEAST. So, while I am with you on the basic mods even though I am not a mod guy, if you really wanna run around with Supra, and STis, you probably have the wrong BMW.

My opinion, BMW has fallen behind. The 335 is still not a clear champ in the realm of turbo-mod-monsters. But, you're kidding yourself if you think the N52 has ANY chance of keeping up. N52 is a "stocker beater." Meaning, if you wanna do light to light with your average Altima/Accord/WRX you are in the game. My little 328 will go toe to toe and come out ahead of the average non-modified sub-45k vehicle. Sti, Audi S line, Corvette, M-series, Mod-ricers, its not even close. You NEED the N54/55. Its not my bag, baby, but its the truth.

Awesome purchase, though.

PS, 18 y.o. keep it to yourselves. You're spoiled. You should be spending this money on school, folks. Honestly.

[thomas_fla_pcb]

Originally Posted by E90E

Why dont you just save all your money and dont drop a dime on anything and then buy a used m3 or 335 in the next couple years, both cars are not exactly cheap to maintain in the long run, so if I were you, I would just count my pennies and then by something that would be slightly more performance oriented.

I am pulling in 72k a year... I could buy it now if I wanted lol... I just want to save up for a condo.... But, you are right maybe I should save for a M3 starting now.

[thomas_fla_pcb]

Originally Posted by E90E

Why dont you just save all your money and dont drop a dime on anything and then buy a used m3 or 335 in the next couple years, both cars are not exactly cheap to maintain in the long run, so if I were you, I would just count my pennies and then by something that would be slightly more performance oriented.

Originally Posted by tony176000

He's a vendor, and right on the money. Sure 10-15 grand will give the N52 some major gains in the power dept. Not to mention the excellent suspension mods, and OF COURSE the great aesthetic mods. But, in all honesty, you could spend 50k and still not match the 335. Furthermore, a modded 335 will own most subarus. I know there are plenty of...ahem, "youtube" vids spanking a 335, but that motor is a monster. The N54/55 is a MONSTER. Stock=great. Fully modded and programmed up=BEAST. So, while I am with you on the basic mods even though I am not a mod guy, if you really wanna run around with Supra, and STis, you probably have the wrong BMW.

My opinion, BMW has fallen behind. The 335 is still not a clear champ in the realm of turbo-mod-monsters. But, you're kidding yourself if you think the N52 has ANY chance of keeping up. N52 is a "stocker beater." Meaning, if you wanna do light to light with your average Altima/Accord/WRX you are in the game. My little 328 will go toe to toe and come out ahead of the average non-modified sub-45k vehicle. Sti, Audi S line, Corvette, M-series, Mod-ricers, its not even close. You NEED the N54/55. Its not my bag, baby, but its the truth.

Awesome purchase, though.

PS, 18 y.o. keep it to yourselves. You're spoiled. You should be spending this money on school, folks. Honestly.

I am not try to run around Supras nor do I want to attempt... My brother is pulling in around 600 rwhp... He spent 6k alone on his wheels and tires, lol...

I never said I want to beat anyones arse... I just want to mod and produce power from a NA motor. But, I will say again - maybe it is best I wait till I buy an M3... Also, school is not everything, really. I make 72k without a degree...