[Grentz]

Starting a thread to capture my DIY / mods, pics coming shortly

Just picked up a 2016 M235i xDrive:
Black Sapphire Metallic w/ Orbit Grey Wheels
Terra Dakota / Fineline Wood Trim
CW / DA / Tech / HK









DIY and Modification Log:

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Window tint
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50% on sides, back and sunroof. Done by the dealer, state legal limit.

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Upgraded Cabin Audio
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After reading about the so-so HK performance and seeing how cheap/easy it was to upgrade, I opted for the ETON B100W / JL C2-400x speaker drop-ins. I also grabbed a BMW audio harness kit from eBay to make the JL's an "OEM" snap in solution for wiring.
Great thread here: http://www.2addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1236238
Install Details: http://www.2addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1258290
Speaker Harness for JLs: http://www.ebay.com/itm/161420349903...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Next I grabbed an Technic ASD removal harness. I did not like the fake sound and this removed both the hiss and annoying drone in the cabin. Well worth the $$ IMO.
http://www.2addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1202389

Finally I disconnected the center dash speaker. Only takes a few minutes, pop the vent, unscrew the speaker (T20 driver), unplug, then reinstall.

This made a DRAMATIC difference in the sound quality. Removed the harshness of the HK and really opened up the soundstage of the system.


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New Kidney Grills
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My Car came with the black kidneys already, but I wanted to add a bit of color since the car is all black. Queue some M style double slat kidneys with M stripes.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/331740138160...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

For install, simply open the hood, unscrew the couple screws on the top under the weather stripping. Pull back the front bumper enough to reach your hand in, unclip the top and sides while pulling out. Once one kidney is out you can get the other by reaching over from the just removed grill's hole. The new ones snap right in. This took 5min total and was super easy.


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Smoke Side Reflectors
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Get rid of the yellow but retain some reflectivity.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/121506704728...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

These were a real PITA to take off. There are two torx screws in the wheel arch that you can remove to get behind the bumper, but the clips are very tough and it feels like you are ripping the side of the car off. The right tug, finally able to get the job done.


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Mirror Covers
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I did not like the light silver mirror covers on the BSM car. Picked up some OEM BSM painted covers from IND. Perfect match, easy install with a pry tool. The OEM ones just pull off (with some nasty plastic snap sounds) and the new ones pop right on.
http://ind-distribution.com/ind/bran...d-mirror-cover


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BSM Painted Lip Spoiler JB Speed
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Extended lip, paint matched. Install is straightforward, biggest annoyance is removing fresh 3M tape from stock spoiler. Used fishing line to cut it off, then googone and claybar to remove the rest of the adhesive.

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MPE / Diffuser
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This still needs to get put on, but upgrading to the M Performance Exhaust and diffuser (leaving unpainted). Grabbed both from Brian over at Sun Motor Cars for a great price. Also picked up the M Chrome Tips.


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License Plate
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Not a huge fan of drilling my bumper and don't love the stock location, found the Sto N Sho. They even have a M235i model. Unlike many other removable plate options, this one is all metal and very robust in its construction. I mounted mine under the front lip and with the plate removed, you cannot see that anything is on the car.
http://shop.bigmikesperformanceparts...235i-SNS64.htm

[mikeyymonster]

In for the pics! I have the same sto n sho for the front plate.. works awesome!

[Dylan86]

Nice car!

What's up with the 225's in the rear? Is that an x-drive thing?

[Grentz]

Originally Posted by Dylan86

Nice car!

What's up with the 225's in the rear? Is that an x-drive thing?

Thanks.

The 225 all around setup is stock for all seasons. You can get the xDrive with performance tires as well which would give you the staggered setup stock. Living in MN I needed the all seasons

[VMRWheels]

Nice car! Any plans for wheels and/or suspension?

[BMWFrenzy]

nice car

[PARTS@STBMW]

Looks amazing, well done!

[Grentz]

Today went for the full detail. Trying out CarPro cquartz UK. Supposed to last around 2yrs as a protectant/sealant. Full wash yesterday. Today some light polishing with a porter cable 7424 and Menzerna Micro Polish (great for light correction on dark color cars). Then CarPro Eraser to remove any oils, cquartz uk, and finally carpro reload.









I am happy with the results. Time will tell on durability. This is my daily driver. Application went ok. Love the eraser and reload, the cquartz took some muscle to buff off. I have used the Menzerna and Porter Cable before and both perform excellent.

And my cocomats arrived! Black w/Terra, looks great with the terra seats.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Nice!