[nazali]

Hey, just wondering,
now this may be either, retroactive, what you would advise or what you would do or are in process of doing.



What are the first Top 5 Things to do/mods for for your BMW 2 series ?

[KennyFSU]

BimmerCode (for customizations)
wheels/tires (lighter and grippier)
flash tune
upgraded intercooler
tint

[Finn Germai-Yaz]

clear bra
tint
Grill
mirror caps
exhaust

[Sportstick]

1) M2 Lower control arms
2) Rogue short shift kit (if manual)
3) Dinan Shockware (for MAdaptive suspension)
4) Exerior trim (body color calipers/mirrors, MPE spoiler/black grilles)
5) Intercooler/Chargepipe
6) Strut tower brace (you get an extra past 5!)

[nazali]

does a flash tune, invalidate warrantee and if BMW re-flash your car do you loose the tune ?

[Sail Boat]

1. Bilstein B14 or similar coilovers
2. Lighter, lower offset 18" wheels with better tires
3. F8X LCAs
4. Hawk HPS or better brake pads
5. Stud conversion kit

[dradernh]

1) Wavetrac LSD with Turner Motorsport Solid Aluminum Subframe Bushings
2) TCKline Racing Coilovers with Camber Plates
3) Alignment & Corner-Weight Car
4) Doran Racing Central Side Jacking Points
5) TCKline Racing Wheel Studs & Nuts

My cost for parts and installation: $8,570

[nazali]

mine where (if I can remember them)

1> Number plate relocate - tow hook
2> BMW door projector lights
3> Floating Hub caps
4> Hardwire Dashcam
5> Hand detail (mobile to home)

[freakystyly]

My car's a CPO so...

Key fob battery - dead 2nd key
Windshield wipers - originals sucked
Clutch stop - not needed but it helps
Speakers x6 - base hifi is lame
Engine/Cabin Air filters - probably never were done

I'll probably never track the car so keeping it healthy trumps performance mods for me. Handling/braking before power when the mod itch kicks in.

[dradernh]

Originally Posted by freakystyly

Handling/braking before power when the mod itch kicks in.

Handling definitely. There's nothing like being able to safely snap the steering wheel left and then instantly back right when the vehicle you're following too closely at 75+ mph suddenly uncovers a pothole. I consider it a form of autocross-on-the-highway.

A quick glance in the rearview mirror will generally show the vehicle behind you making that pothole just a little bit deeper.

[nazali]

considering my current battery woes

1> Auto Club Membership
2> Noco Battery Jumper
3> Battery tester
4> Ctek 4.3
5> warm clothing

<tongue in cheek mode off>

[dradernh]

Originally Posted by nazali

considering my current battery woes

1> Auto Club Membership
2> Noco Battery Jumper
3> Battery tester
4> Ctek 4.3
5> warm clothing

<tongue in cheek mode off>

Appreciating your ability to still exhibit a sense of humor as you wrestle with your car's gremlins.

[nazali]

I am beyond stressed TBH. I have yet to cry into my pillow, $50k on this car, and I'm not loaded by no mean's my 1st brand new car, off my own money, I am sadder than f*q, I just want it back the way it was, am begining to be so pissed I sold the 1 vert, started everytime all the time, even dead of winter after leaving for 2 weeks

stop stop stop>>>> must change subject and keep my mind of it

LOL !

txs dradernh

Originally Posted by dradernh

Appreciating your ability to still exhibit a sense of humor as you wrestle with your car's gremlins.

[dradernh]

Originally Posted by nazali

I am beyond stressed TBH. I have yet to cry into my pillow, $50k on this car, and I'm not loaded by no mean's my 1st brand new car, off my own money, I am sadder than f*q, I just want it back the way it was, am begining to be so pissed I sold the 1 vert, started everytime all the time, even dead of winter after leaving for 2 weeks

stop stop stop>>>> must change subject and keep my mind of it

LOL !

txs dradernh

Cars are way too complicated now.

I went down to VIR over the weekend to work with a friend who has a new-to-him Porsche race car. The car quickly demonstrated a willingness to exhibit extremely nasty behavior in critical braking zones. At its worst, it put him off the track. He's a quite capable driver; otherwise, the car might well have been seriously damaged.

Nevertheless, it's a constant psychological challenge when a driver is waiting for his car to bite him in the most challenging places on the track. His Porsche race car shop, which sold him the car and was available for consultation, on a Sunday no less (!), was, unfortunately, unable to offer useful assistance: "Gee, it was working fine when we had it." Oh, that's nice to hear when I'm spending $2K+ and expecting to have a car that works properly!

At the price he's into the car for, and for what he's paid the shop to get it ready for the track (tires, fluid changes, fresh brake pads, et al. - at Porsche prices, mind you, which are a minimum of double what BMW owners pay), their inability to diagnose his issue stands out in stark relief to what the car can do when it's working properly. Pardon me while I go deeper here - what good would a supermodel girlfriend be if she was always "sick" when it came time to take her out and show her off? I mean, really.

Today's cars are pretty nice when they're working properly; when they're not, and when they won't (for whatever reason), it's time to move on. Like I said, I believe they're way too complicated now. I'd like to think that honest dealership personnel would likely agree.

Clearly, this is an old guy speaking, so take it for what it's worth. I don't see reverting to an E30 or an E36/E46 as a solution; parts availability and host of other issues make them problematic as daily drivers for all but the most committed and capable of DIYers. As always, this is just my 2¢, of course.

I continue to really, really enjoy the marque, warts and all. But if my car turns into a problem, I'll be out of here in a New York minute.

Honestly, I'd probably just revert to doing what I do 355 days per year now: drive the wife's 2.5-liter 6-speed Mazda 3 and marvel at what Mazda can do with your basic grocery-getter!

[nazali]

what good would a supermodel girlfriend be if she was always "sick" when it came time to take her out and show her off? I mean, really.

Now that is some really funny and bang on accurate statement right there

[nazali]

I'd maybe go back to a 1 series vert, or maybe a 3 series, but the 3 series boot is nasty small. Not sure I wanna stand with the brand any more. The OH's caravan is fantastic, I mean it does go wrong, but, remote start, dvd, power doors, OH does NOT take care of car, but it can always be relied upon to start and go where I need it to go

Maybe a dodge convertible of some sort, mustang vert, vette'

merc c class vert ?

[nazali]

anyway back to the fast/first top 5's !

[nazali]

too scared to Bimmercode @ the moment
looking at winter RFT's Pirrellis on the same rims
flash tune.. too scared
tint.. 35% and it's on my hunney do list

Originally Posted by KennyFSU

BimmerCode (for customizations)
wheels/tires (lighter and grippier)
flash tune
upgraded intercooler
tint

[dradernh]

Originally Posted by nazali

I'd maybe go back to a 1 series vert, or maybe a 3 series, but the 3 series boot is nasty small. Not sure I wanna stand with the brand any more. The OH's caravan is fantastic, I mean it does go wrong, but, remote start, dvd, power doors, OH does NOT take care of car, but it can always be relied upon to start and go where I need it to go

Maybe a dodge convertible of some sort, mustang vert, vette'

merc c class vert ?

There are so many perfectly adequate vehicles to choose from out there. Car-wise, we are now living in the best of all possible worlds.

I think North America continues to be an automobile owner's paradise, especially at the prices we pay compared to the rest of the world. Taking all factors into account, the E39 520i I had in Singapore cost almost exactly 4X what an E39 530i cost in the US at the time (1995). That is, $140K vs. $35K.

For Americans who don't follow this sort of thing, that pricing variation is not uncommon in other parts of the world.

/OT

[Nickies]

Originally Posted by dradernh

There are so many perfectly adequate vehicles to choose from out there. Car-wise, we are now living in the best of all possible worlds.

I think North America continues to be an automobile owner's paradise, especially at the prices we pay compared to the rest of the world. Taking all factors into account, the E39 520i I had in Singapore cost almost exactly 4X what an E39 530i cost in the US at the time (1995). That is, $140K vs. $35K.

For Americans who don't follow this sort of thing, that pricing variation is not uncommon in other parts of the world.

/OT

In Singapore, people just have one car because they are so expensive and they are mandatory to be sold after 4 years (if I remember) for a new one.

[Nickies]

Originally Posted by nazali

anyway back to the fast/first top 5's !

I just have OEM accessories and would never waste money on aftermarket. This keep the value for any potential buyer when time will come for the 2023 M240i RWD.

- MPE exhaust with diffuser and chrome tips.
- Black kidney grille.
- Tint
- Others..... Fully detailed and waxed every other week which means
immaculate but still a daily driver from new.

[NateEsq.]

Mine is just a daily beater I'll keep it until the warranty is up and buy a new BMW.

1. OEM carbon AT shifter and console, to match my OEM CF interior trim - done

2. Tint including windshield - done

3. 19 inch staggered wheels and PS4 tires - up next

4. Probably an AWE Touring exhaust

5. IND paint matched reflectors

I already ceramic coated my car but that's not a "mod" IMO - but it's necessary