[rayz]

Hi, I'm new here and recently took delivery of a 2011 e90 Black Sapphire 323i LCI Msport Sedan. This is my first upgrade to a Bimmer so am getting used to driving it but absolutely loving how it handles on the road.

I have been following the forums prior to picking the car up and was keen to do some mods - some basic mods/retrofits, not performance ones yet. So keen to get some suggestions from you seasoned modders.

So far, I'm looking to do the following (in order of priority and in so far my budget allows):
1. Paddle shift retrofit (really wanted this when I was looking to buy, but finding a runout model with paddle shifts was like searching for a needle in a haystack!).
2. Replace the OEM grills with matte black ones.
3. Folding mirror retrofit (rookie mistake - thought folding mirrors were standards with bimmers but no, it was an option *facepalm*. However, I've read from the forums that i. the OEM parts are $$$$, ii. it's a PITA to install and iii. it requires a program flash from the dealer to activate it)

With #1, I've been reading a lot of the DIYs and comments on the retrofit and it's doing my head in as I have an LCI model with no paddle shifts and some of the DIYs are more suited pre-LCI models only. This is basically the setup I think I require for the retrofit:
1. M-Tech Sports steering wheel with paddle cutouts
2. LCI paddle shifters
3. BMS harness

From what I've read, the BMS retrofit harness doesn't play well with LCI paddle shifters (which is what I want) and apparently I would have to get new MFB buttons for paddles too! The only other option for the LCI paddle shifters to work is to get them from Nexon, which I understand charges a premium for the modified paddles ($400+!!!)

I have absolutely nil knowledge on electronics and on a fairly lean budget, so looking to be able to get it done for around $600 - $700. I'm already searching the forums for the wheel, but can't afford take a gamble on the LCI paddle shifters and harness if I don't know 100% they're gonna play nice.

Any help/experiences with retrofitting an e90 LCI model with LCI paddle shifters here in Melbourne is most appreciated!

Thanks!

[luster]

Welcome to the forums!

For your paddle shifters, you want to get a steering wheel with the shifters already integrated, it will work out much cheaper. You can get brand new for about $600, second hand would be between 20% - 35% cheaper. I got my rare M-Sport LCI from eastern europe, for $550 and took about 5 weeks to arrive.

As for your wiring harness, bmroxm5 gets custom made harnesses for any wheel type for a very good price, hit him up. (He also has an M3 paddle shift wheel going cheap too I believe).

For your matte black grille, you can't go past Jason @ Euro Division also in Victoria, they have local pickup or can ship. Euro Division Sales <sales@euro-division.com>. Always plenty in stock. They costed me $90 to my door

[rayz]

Thanks luster!

I initially looked at the wheel with shifters integrated, but from reading the posts it seems the retrofit harnesses like BMS will only work with SSG and not LCI paddles, and the only other option recommended is to get the paddles from Nexon which is already modified.

However, if the custom harnesses made by bmroxm5/Stu can do away with all of these issues, I'm back in the market for the integrated units! and maybe the M3 wheel with paddle shifts too if Stu has it and if the price is right; though I still prefer the perforated leather atm. I can't PM him directly as I don't think I've my post count up yet.

And thanks for the tip on Jason - I am just waiting for him to re-open in the new years. This week just can't go by any faster!

[Stuart@BMRAutowerkes]

feel free to email me, bmroxm5@hotmail.com

[obert]

Congrats and welcome

[rayz]

Hrmnn...just saw the look of the BMW Performance kidney grills in gloss black. Anyone's got it on a black car? Wonder how it looks against black....

[335i-boy]

Well done on the new purchase rayz and welcome.

[spho4]

Congrats on ur purchase. I have same black 323 with
M sports pack. I ordered the matte black grills from
Jason via eBay (look under euro division) and was couriered within 1-2 business days - highly recommend it.

[Ninjaoz]

congrats on the purchase and welcome to the forum.

what interior colour did you get?

[rayz]

Thanks guys!

spho - Yeah, I saw your other thread as well. Can you post some pics of your new grills? All of a sudden, I've been tempted by the BMW performance grills (gloss black). I'm afraid I'm being pulled to the Dark Side....

[RaihaX]

Welcome

[rayz]

Thanks Ninja. I got the Dakota black leather - I did mull over the Coral Red before but couldn't take the leap of faith...it was just too....out there for me.

[RaihaX]

Originally Posted by rayz

Thanks Ninja. I got the Dakota black leather - I did mull over the Coral Red before but couldn't take the leap of faith...it was just too....out there for me.

Coral red is awesome!

[rayz]

Originally Posted by RaihaX

Coral red is awesome!

Alas I went with black, plus the Coral red was with another dealer and was quoting about $5k more driveaway.

Ironically, I tinkered around with the BMW configurator earlier this arvo with a Coral Red interior. It didn't go well with the Aluminum trim...best with CF but that's an M3 option.

[rayz]

Originally Posted by bmroxm5

feel free to email me, bmroxm5@hotmail.com

You got mail

[RaihaX]

Originally Posted by rayz

Alas I went with black, plus the Coral red was with another dealer and was quoting about $5k more driveaway.

Ironically, I tinkered around with the BMW configurator earlier this arvo with a Coral Red interior. It didn't go well with the Aluminum trim...best with CF but that's an M3 option.

Fair enough.

You can get BMW performance cf interior trim

Or wrap it with vinyl!

[kaitan]

pmed u about the steering.