Hey guys, i've been driving my E36 M3 for about 6 years now so I know the ins and outs of it very well; however, I know very little about modding an E90, particularly an Xi model and if that will cause any limitations.

I own the Xi because I need to get to work in the winter here in Pittsburgh; however, the mod bug is biting me in the ass and I want it to feel more like my E36 M3. So here's what I want to do:

1. Adjustable coilovers which would allow me raise/lower the car depending on the season (obviously it would be raised to its original height during winter, with the stock wheels put back on). Who makes good/affordable coilovers for an E90? I have GC Track/School kit on my E36.

2. New wheels. What is a good fit? I'm thinking a set of 19" BBS LM's or CSL reps would look great.

3. Tint. 20%

4. Exhaust - which are the favorites of the E90 crew?

5. Minor cosmetic modifications...can someone detail what is usually done to an E90 which are tasteful? Example, what product is available to rid the car of its amber lighting. New black out grills? etc?

6. New lighting. I believe the E90 lights can be upgraded to 6000k simply by replacing the bulbs, correct? Who makes good bulbs?


Any other suggestions?


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v200/kreit2/DSC00263.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v200/kreit2/DSC00272.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v200/kreit2/DSC00265.jpg

The first mod should be the JB2R...it's an easy installation, completely stealth, leaves no trace if removed and adds some serious horsepower and torque...what fun are the other mods if the car won't move!!

You might find yourself having some issues on the other mods you mentioned. One of the only things that bother me about the xi is you're limited on the mods. Another thing, I saw you justifying your purchase of the xi because of the winter driving...don't EVER feel like you need to justify the superior OVERALL performance of an xi...if more people on these forums understood the true benefits of AWD they'd all pony over the extra $2K for the xDrive...but most think it's only a winter time benefit....NOT TRUE. The xi is factually faster 0-60 than its' counterpart RWD version...and even weighes in about 200lbs. more...so while everyone is trying to squeak that extra 1/10 of a second off their quarter mile time they'd be better off to start with the superior xDrive platform.

The first mod should be the JB2R...it's an easy installation, completely stealth, leaves no trace if removed and adds some serious horsepower and torque...what fun are the other mods if the car won't move!!

You might find yourself having some issues on the other mods you mentioned. One of the only things that bother me about the xi is you're limited on the mods. Another thing, I saw you justifying your purchase of the xi because of the winter driving...don't EVER feel like you need to justify the superior OVERALL performance of an xi...if more people on these forums understood the true benefits of AWD they'd all pony over the extra $2K for the xDrive...but most think it's only a winter time benefit....NOT TRUE. The xi is factually faster 0-60 than its' counterpart RWD version...and even weighes in about 200lbs. more...so while everyone is trying to squeak that extra 1/10 of a second off their quarter mile time they'd be better off to start with the superior xDrive platform.

What's JB2R? :az

I'm more concerned with the ride height and wheel/tire portion of losing the Xi performance in the winter. I just need to make sure I can adjust the height back to stock and put the stock wheels and snow tires back on.


Juice Box something? More info please? Performance gains/price?

New car Brian?

Good to see you here!!!

I think you should spend some time searching on the types of mods and their impact/benifits on performance of the car instead of writing out what mods you are planning to do. Mods require a lot of thought and work (not to mention $$) such that you can't just bolt something onto your car and expect to work.

From the sounds of it you claim to know your E36 M3 very well by driving it for 6 years. I don't mean to be rude but being able to drive a car does not mean you know it well. I spoke to someone yesterday who drove had been driving her car for 10+ years and everytime when a snowstorm hits she will drive her car only at 2nd gear. Does that mean she knows the car? Of course not. I don't think she even knows how to change the tire. To say that you know a car, at minimum you have to be able to take apart every single component and be able to put it back together. You also have to be able to troubleshoot problems before it arises (i.e. E.g. what are the impacts of putting a CAI in a car were it is most often driven in rainstorm where streets are prone to flooding?)

It's good to ask people here but seriously, please read more before modding. Enjoy the Xi. It's a great car to drive.

The Juice Box is made for the N54 engines, which are found in the 335i's, 535i's, and soon the 135i's with the twin turbos. They don't apply to the N/As.

I think you should spend some time searching on the types of mods and their impact/benifits on performance of the car instead of writing out what mods you are planning to do. Mods require a lot of thought and work (not to mention $$) such that you can't just bolt something onto your car and expect to work.

From the sounds of it you claim to know your E36 M3 very well by driving it for 6 years. I don't mean to be rude but being able to drive a car does not mean you know it well. I spoke to someone yesterday who drove had been driving her car for 10+ years and everytime when a snowstorm hits she will drive her car only at 2nd gear. Does that mean she knows the car? Of course not. I don't think she even knows how to change the tire. To say that you know a car, at minimum you have to be able to take apart every single component and be able to put it back together. You also have to be able to troubleshoot problems before it arises (i.e. E.g. what are the impacts of putting a CAI in a car were it is most often driven in rainstorm where streets are prone to flooding?)

It's good to ask people here but seriously, please read more before modding. Enjoy the Xi. It's a great car to drive.

Whoa, totally didnt see that coming.

I think you should spend some time searching on the types of mods and their impact/benifits on performance of the car instead of writing out what mods you are planning to do. Mods require a lot of thought and work (not to mention $$) such that you can't just bolt something onto your car and expect to work.



Also, my list was basically a set of questions. I figured it would be easy for someone to recommend manufacturers for the mods i have listed.

If you dont mind me asking, where do you live in Pittsburgh? In that picture it looks like you could literally live a skip away.

Sorry after reading my post I believe I was a little bit rude. Please accept my apology.

Window tint is always where I would start in terms of modding the car. Keep in mind you want to make sure you will be able to see well in the dark.

I don't know anything about coil-overs so I will leave that to the experts.

If you dont mind me asking, where do you live in Pittsburgh? In that picture it looks like you could literally live a skip away.


Whoa! Another Burgher.

Gary
Moon Township (aka by the airport)