Just trying to sort out what I should do to my car... with a limited budget.

I'll be getting a 2008 328xi, no sport package, so the stock 16s, double spoke, jet black exterior, black leather inside (prem package) with aluminum trim. I will have the aluminum window trim too. silver grille. all-season tires.

Any suggestions?

For me, definitely wheels are #1 esp. if you have the non-sports package ones. The staggered look is worth every penny.
#2 would be an aero kit, but I don't think I'll be getting it since not worth to put on a leased car that I will only have for another 2 years, would have put it if I was planning to keep the car longterm.
Can't think of anything else that is a must unless you have the stock unfinished exhaust tips, then get some chrome tips.

If I didn't have the sports package, and the car wasn't leased, I would definitely look into better seats; the sports package is worth its $ value in the seats alone. Everything outside the car is cosmetic, but the interior could use some work.

Is there a chip mod for the 328i that will remove the limiter and improve the performance and/or fuel economy? Sometimes a software tweak is all it takes to make the car better. I know there's one for the 335i but how about the 328i ?

Good point, I am leasing the car for 3yrs, so I'm a little hesitant to do anything to it, even new tires/rims (which would be #1 on my list). If I got new tires/rims, what do I do with them 3 years from now? I wouldn't want to limit my new car options just because of the four tires I have... but maybe I'm just being paranoid.

What does the aero kit give you?

Good point, I am leasing the car for 3yrs, so I'm a little hesitant to do anything to it, even new tires/rims (which would be #1 on my list). If I got new tires/rims, what do I do with them 3 years from now? I wouldn't want to limit my new car options just because of the four tires I have... but maybe I'm just being paranoid.

What does the aero kit give you?
The nice thing about wheel upgrades is that you can either move to another car after your lease is up (if they fit) or you sell them and get some of your money back. Tires usually don't last longer than the lease term so no worry about that, they are wear items.

Car control, race school. then LSD and speed limmiter delete

Car control, race school. then LSD and speed limmiter delete
race school is always a good suggestion, but it is not a mod, it is an entertainment expense ;).

What is car control btw?

What is car control btw?

taking the car out with an instructor and do some panic braking on different surfaces, around cones under braking. emergency lane changes, blowout control, wet/frozen surface control. how to drive without a fkng cellphone attached to your head/reading/makeup. etc.

taking the car out with an instructor and do some panic braking on different surfaces, around cones under braking. emergency lane changes, blowout control, wet/frozen surface control. how to drive without a fkng cellphone attached to your head/reading/makeup. etc.
in the old days they used to call that just driving lol :D.

Good point, I am leasing the car for 3yrs, so I'm a little hesitant to do anything to it, even new tires/rims (which would be #1 on my list). If I got new tires/rims, what do I do with them 3 years from now? I wouldn't want to limit my new car options just because of the four tires I have... but maybe I'm just being paranoid.

What does the aero kit give you?


You can sell wheels and put the stock ones back on...you'll recoup about 1/2 of what you paid if you take care of them

Wheels will make any car look better.

Do not pay extra for tips. All 2008 328 come with stainless brushed tips now. (much better and finished than years past)

The chrome window trim was the first mod I was considering for my lease. $1,000 defianitely not worth it though. The black trim has grown on me, and I like the way it looks. How much are you getting yours for?

Other than that, no mods to report yet

1. Wheels if on a budget I suggest Velocity wheels CSL replicas
2. Air intake
3. Tint
4. Decent tips for the stock muffler (or if budget will allow replace with upgrade)

Do not pay extra for tips. All 2008 328 come with stainless brushed tips now. (much better and finished than years past)

The chrome window trim was the first mod I was considering for my lease. $1,000 defianitely not worth it though. The black trim has grown on me, and I like the way it looks. How much are you getting yours for?

Other than that, no mods to report yet

I don't have any mods. The car comes standard with the chrome window trim because I didn't get the sport package. When you get the sport package, they make the window trim black. I wanted chrome, but the more and more I get into learning about cars, the more I see this "murdered-out" all black look and it makes me question chrome exterior anything. However, I have to say, I'm not a Californian, and I'm not out to look like some over-the-top drug dealer wannabe, so chrome is where I'm at. For midwest drivin' it's still fine. :round

I don't have any mods. The car comes standard with the chrome window trim because I didn't get the sport package. When you get the sport package, they make the window trim black. I wanted chrome, but the more and more I get into learning about cars, the more I see this "murdered-out" all black look and it makes me question chrome exterior anything. However, I have to say, I'm not a Californian, and I'm not out to look like some over-the-top drug dealer wannabe, so chrome is where I'm at. For midwest drivin' it's still fine. :round
Both looks are fine and you'll get used to either, the black is usually considered sporty and the chrome more luxury style. Now you want a :eyecrazy, I just saw the e93 M3 at the dealer today and it had a high gloss black trim for the miserly sum of 750$ :eek:.

Yah, I know "everyone" puts on the CSL replicas, but I really like them, and I don't want to be too flashy with some unique, odd looking rims. So if/when I get a rim upgrade, I'll most likely go the route of Mryakan (those look great imo).

I also think tinting the two front windows would be something I would do. Question on that: Is it hard to take it off when in three years I have to give the car back in it's original state?

Edit: Do you have to tint the back windows too?

Yah, I know "everyone" puts on the CSL replicas, but I really like them, and I don't want to be too flashy with some unique, odd looking rims. So if/when I get a rim upgrade, I'll most likely go the route of Mryakan (those look great imo).

I also think tinting the two front windows would be something I would do. Question on that: Is it hard to take it off when in three years I have to give the car back in it's original state?

Edit: Do you have to tint the back windows too?
Well IMO tinting the back windows and the rear window is nicer and maybe a lighter tint on the fronts. You also have to keep your local regulations in mind when tinting, most limit the tint darkness to some # or even ban it altogether on the front windows. I personally didn't go with a tint for fear the kids would ruin it which is a high risk in my case. I don't think you have to take the tints off when you return a lease, it is one of the allowed addons, but check with BMW FS or your contract to be sure.

I don't have any mods. The car comes standard with the chrome window trim because I didn't get the sport package. When you get the sport package, they make the window trim black. I wanted chrome, but the more and more I get into learning about cars, the more I see this "murdered-out" all black look and it makes me question chrome exterior anything. However, I have to say, I'm not a Californian, and I'm not out to look like some over-the-top drug dealer wannabe, so chrome is where I'm at. For midwest drivin' it's still fine. :round

This is intersting. Dealers told me that in order to get the chrome window trim, you have to go with the 335 (as it is standard). I was under the assumption it was NOT standard on the 328xi.

There are tons of cosmetic things you can do. Lips, spoilers, tints. All asthetic stuff. Regarding engine mods, I have read that modding the NA engine is not worth it. Too expensive for what you get. There are intakes, exhaust mods, but you could end up speinding thousands for only 15 HP. If this is in fact true, not worth it IMO.

Regarding engine mods, I have read that modding the NA engine is not worth it. Too expensive for what you get. There are intakes, exhaust mods, but you could end up speinding thousands for only 15 HP. If this is in fact true, not worth it IMO.
definitely not worth it on a leased car with NA engine. With that kind of money you'd have been able to easily upgrade to a 335xi for the term of the lease. I still say Wheels/tires upgrade is the best bang for the buck since it gets you both better looks and somewhat better performance and they are easiest and safest mod.

Most NA engines are NOT going to respond to intake/exhaust. Modern engines are pushed really far and you don't get 100hp/liter engines by having restrictive flow.

I don't even buy you can get 15hp from either modification on NA. There's a sweet marketing trick with dyno work that makes gains look higher.

You change exhaust and intake for looks and sound these days.

FI the exhaust is a different story.

Got this a while back from the dealer rep when asking about the chrome window trim:

"The window trim will be silver (black w/sport package only). The steering wheel will be completely black (silver added to sport package only). The grills are not real metal. "

I wanted the chrome window trim AND the chrome accent edges to the steering wheel :) Guess I only get one!

I'm with GreenThree as in this is the first I've heard of non-Sport e90 328's with chrome trim, or e92 Sport 328's with matte black. Is the car a sedan or coupe, build-to-order or off the lot? If lot, how many miles are on the car?

it's a build to order sedan. does that tell you anything? i'll let you guys know on saturday!

If you ordered it as an option, how much did you pay for it? When I asked my CA, he said it would be $1000 additional.

I am sure the chrome window trim does not come standard on the sedan. sport or non sport. If its the coupe, then it should be standard.

If you ordered it as an option, how much did you pay for it? When I asked my CA, he said it would be $1000 additional.

I am sure the chrome window trim does not come standard on the sedan. sport or non sport. If its the coupe, then it should be standard.
I assume you are talking just about the 328 since the 335 sedan does come with chrome trim.

2008, 328xi sedan, NO sport package, premium package YES.

That's my car. Dealership says it comes with the chrome window trim standard.

Who knows?
:confused:eek::rolleyes:help:devillook:smash

2008, 328xi sedan, NO sport package, premium package YES.

That's my car. Dealership says it comes with the chrome window trim standard.

Who knows?
:confused:eek::rolleyes:help:devillook:smash
dealers say a lot and not necessarily any of it true. Mine said all cars in Canada come with heated mirrors although the manual said the 323 doesn't have them. Guess who was correct in the end (hint: *ehem* salesman BS *ehem*).

I assume you are talking just about the 328 since the 335 sedan does come with chrome trim.

Correct, just 328 - per my previous post: "This is intersting. Dealers told me that in order to get the chrome window trim, you have to go with the 335 (as it is standard)."

2008, 328xi sedan, NO sport package, premium package YES.

That's my car. Dealership says it comes with the chrome window trim standard.

Who knows?
:confused:eek::rolleyes:help:devillook:smash

I would double check what they are telling you. So you diddnt pay extra for the trim? Hmmm. I dont think it comes with premium package either. Something doesnt add up. I am going to say it is not standard on the sedan, only on the coupe. Let us know how it goes.

I'm very curious what I'll actually drive home with. Maybe since they told me I was getting the chrome trim, if I REALLY wanted it and my car doesn't have it, I can demand it for freeeeeeeeee :)

I kinda do really want it though.... I think... i think?

I'm very curious what I'll actually drive home with. Maybe since they told me I was getting the chrome trim, if I REALLY wanted it and my car doesn't have it, I can demand it for freeeeeeeeee :)

I kinda do really want it though.... I think... i think?
lol good luck with that, they'll tell you it was a mistake or you heard wrong or some other BS. The best line I heard from my SA was "You believe a salesman?" :rolleyes.

lol good luck with that, they'll tell you it was a mistake or you heard wrong or some other BS. The best line I heard from my SA was "You believe a salesman?" :rolleyes.

+1

When I originally asked for chrome trim I was told the job would be $400. Obviously I was mis quoted, and the job for parts alone is $1000. That was the only hicup in my buy, very minor actually. (otherwise my CA was completely honest, he made a mistake) If it was something more major, I certainly would have taken it up with mngmt. But the point is beware, they may just tell you it was a mistake.

I considered getting it "Free" or at a discount, but did not make a big deal of it becuase they would have ben losing money on the car at that point. And I already got a really good deal. I suppose if you really wanted to raise hell you could, be my guest!

Coupe? ... painted reflectors, 19 csl reps, drop springs, oem lip

sedan? ... Hartge lip (rep), drop, 162 wheels

im not sure of your budget but this shouldnt bust your bank too bad.

Coupe? ... painted reflectors, 19 csl reps, drop springs, oem lip

sedan? ... Hartge lip (rep), drop, 162 wheels

im not sure of your budget but this shouldnt bust your bank too bad.

It's a sedan...
What's Hartge lip?

Procede v2.02 (335 only), CAI, wheels would be my top three....but why stop at three:D
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn232/cjfar_2008/DSC_0045.jpg
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn232/cjfar_2008/DSC_0042.jpg

Is your front windshield tinted? It looks like in the pictures. In MN, to be legal you can't have more than 50% tint on the five windows, and then you can't tint the windshield at all... bummer. That looks black as black can get!

Is your front windshield tinted? It looks like in the pictures. In MN, to be legal you can't have more than 50% tint on the five windows, and then you can't tint the windshield at all... bummer. That looks black as black can get!

Nope windshield is not tinted.

lol good luck with that, they'll tell you it was a mistake or you heard wrong or some other BS. The best line I heard from my SA was "You believe a salesman?" :rolleyes.

Just got home and the new car is parked in the garage!
To answer this long awaited question:

THE WINDOW TRIM IS IN FACT... B L A C K.

and I like it like that! :)

It's a sedan...
What's Hartge lip?


I think if youre trying to keep cost down, shoot for some CSL reps or BBS CH and a nice drop!
Heres a Hartge lip on my last car:
http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r205/slammedbimmer/IMG_0452.jpg

Just got home and the new car is parked in the garage!
To answer this long awaited question:

THE WINDOW TRIM IS IN FACT... B L A C K.

and I like it like that! :)

Was never a long awaited question. We were trying to tell you it was black from the start! LOL. As long as you like it, its all good! Congrats, and post some pics

Had to leave it in the garage this weekend, still at the in-laws, but will post pics hopefully later tonight when I get home...

I have not modded my car, but have been tempted by the Turbo Tuner or Vishnu for a little more oomph. I'm very surprised that neither of those have been mentioned here as anyone's top 3.

Who makes an intake for the 335? I really want 3 mods. Intake (for sound) Exhaust (for sound) coilovers (to get rid of the 2 inch gap in the front) Turbo Tuner will come after the car stops feeling fast to me, 5K miles and she still feels fast.

This pic was taken from my iPhone so the quality isn't the best, BUT, it's the first pic of my new 328xi! Yah, sorry it's pretty darn boring compared to most of the cars in this forum, but for now, it is what it is! Mods to come... in time :buttrock

Ah yes, the joys of Photoshop... I'd never put these wheels on my car though, LOL!

You definitely need a wheel upgrade and for sure don't go ghetto like your ps photo, that is just gross.

For 16s, I think that double-spoke is probably the best you can get for stock rims on this car... But yah... this thread has been useful. I think my first mod will be to tint my windows. That's a no-brainer. Will probably hang with the car like that for a while, and then down the road (sorry for the pun) I'll upgrade the wheels and maybe get 18s for sure, if not bigger, like 19s perhaps... maybe CSLs or something a little different. Not sure yet.

For 16s, I think that double-spoke is probably the best you can get for stock rims on this car... But yah... this thread has been useful. I think my first mod will be to tint my windows. That's a no-brainer. Will probably hang with the car like that for a while, and then down the road (sorry for the pun) I'll upgrade the wheels and maybe get 18s for sure, if not bigger, like 19s perhaps... maybe CSLs or something a little different. Not sure yet.
Actually I think the stock 16 on my car look better, but hey beauty is in the eye of the beholder ;).
Check out the Breyton wheels on tirerack.com, some would look nice:
http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/results.jsp?autoMake=BMW&autoModel=328i+Sedan+Sport+Package&autoYear=2007&filterBrand=Breyton&autoModClar=With+Rubber+Valve+Stems

This is my goal:

This is my goal:
Looks promising, which wheels are those?

i don't know, something off of tirerack... they are similar to CSLs but slightly different... I also tinted the windows in that last PSD file.

Me likey likey!

This weekend... I tinted the 5 windows. Here in Minnesota the law says you can't go past 50% tint, so after about a 5 minute personal inner discussion about whether to be lawful or go to 35% and be illegal... I ... stayed within the frameworks of the law.

... I wish I had done the 35 :(

BUT, the 50 is still better than clear windows! I like it. I just think blacker would've been cooler in more ways than one :) Ah well... good times!

HR pics coming one of these days.
I know all of you just can't WAIT to see my car, ha, LOL!