[tcollier91]

I've had my alpine white 240i for a little over a year now, and I've been itching to really make it my own. This is the first car I've had I'll be modifying. I've done just a few cosmetic things so far - painted front reflectors, gloss black 240i badge.

I want to make sure my modifications are not detrimental to the cars performance IE form over function, and I would like to keep an "OEM+" look. This is my DD and needs to remain somewhat practical.

I'm of course tempted to just go for more power but I'm under the impression that wouldn't be a balanced approach.

One of the first things I want to do is get it sitting right. I've been looking at the MSS springs or KW DCC coilover. I wouldn't be interested in getting a coilover that didn't maintain OEM functionality. But $3k is a hard price to swallow. I'm just not sure if I'd regret spending $800 on springs later down the road when it could have gone towards coilovers.

Then on to wheels and tires. Do I just add spacers all around, or do I do M LCA/TS on the front and add spacers on the back, or do I get new wheels and tires? I have the staggered non-RFT (MPSS) setup right now, from what I've found the OEM wheels weigh about 24 lbs each. Does adding an inch of width on each wheel and reducing weight by 4 lbs a wheel really make a difference you can feel?

Or maybe, before I get into all of this, I just need to drop the $2k on the LSD.

Where to start, folks.

[dradernh]

Originally Posted by tcollier91

But $3k is a hard price to swallow. I'm just not sure if I'd regret spending $800 on springs later down the road when it could have gone towards coilovers.

This is always an issue when you don't know exactly where you're going to eventually end up. It's frequently true even when you think you know where you're going to end up. Even worse, unless you have a fair amount of experience modifying your cars, or you can find other 2 Series owners with the types of mods you think you're interested in and who will let you drive their cars, it's inevitable that you'll make some missteps along the way.

One solution to that is to take your time by making one mod at a time and then only after thorough pre-purchase research and post-purchase evaluation. The latter enables you to determine if the mod met your goals before you move on to the next one. A knowledgeable shop specializing in BMWs can sometimes be of help with all of this, as long as you understand that they're in the business of selling parts and services.

Originally Posted by tcollier91

Or maybe, before I get into all of this, I just need to drop the $2k on the LSD.

That's where I'd start, although unless you install it yourself you're probably looking at $2500+. I'd also recommend installing these solid subframe bushings while you're in there; they'll ensure that you're getting the most out of the diff: https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-3...ame-mount-kit/

[Finn Germai-Yaz]

I wouldn't ask random people on the forums what I should do with my car. Since you asked you should do this:

Clear bra: $750
Ceramic Tint: $300

AWE Exhaust: $1800

H&R Springs: $500 with installation and alignment

Enkei Raijin: $911
Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+: $588

[4Hockey4]

Catted Downpipe, I went Active autowerkes, nice bump in power (my 235i 30 WHP from stock, no other mods) and lil more growl at start and higher RPM's

Upper thrust arm bushings. Tightens up steering and handling at higher speed. I went Powerflex, very little NVH


Better pads and fluid an option if getting close. I'm going Ferodo DS2500 for street and light track. Lil better then stock, no noise.

Cheers and have fun.

[XutvJet]

LSD. Period.

[Apo Zubulthums]

Originally Posted by XutvJet

LSD. Period.

This! Going from 1 wheel drive to 2 would make the biggest performance difference. It's a crime that it didn't come standard with your car.

[B58togo]

Another vote for the LSD. It's taken me three years to get my car where I want it aesthetically, handling and power wise. I waited 2 yrs to do the LSD, and wish I had done it sooner.

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by nawfoo

Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+: $588

With you in Vegas and him in Florida, wondering why all seasons are top of mind? Why not PS4S?

[tcollier91]

Originally Posted by nawfoo

I wouldn't ask random people on the forums what I should do with my car. Since you asked you should do this:

Clear bra: $750
Ceramic Tint: $300

AWE Exhaust: $1800

H&R Springs: $500 with installation and alignment

Enkei Raijin: $911
Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+: $588

Why not? This is a fairly knowledgeable forum. What's wrong with asking peoples thoughts/opinions?

These "mods" you've mentioned are already done. I am referring to performance mods at this point, like my post refers to.

Front half of the car is clear bra'd, ceramic tint is installed.

I have the m performance axleback. Until I go for more power I won't be modifying exhaust anymore, already planning on a downpipe when my warranty is closer to being over and I want to get a flash tune.

I've heard bad things about H&R springs wearing out the factory struts prematurely.

You didn't really answer any questions in regard to wheels, just recommended a set. And I don't know why you would recommend A/S tires when I've already mentioned I'm on PSS.

[230iZTR]

1. Get the LSD
2. Dial in the stance - coilovers or springs, camber plates or control arms, wheels, Sport Cup 2's or better
3. Visuals - front lip, rear spoiler, diffuser, black grills, vented hood
4. More power if you want it

[Finn Germai-Yaz]

Originally Posted by Sportstick

With you in Vegas and him in Florida, wondering why all seasons are top of mind? Why not PS4S?

One of the members mentioned that they are on sale right now on tire rack.

[B58togo]

Such a shame to run all seasons on these cars.

[RvR]

Originally Posted by B58togo

Another vote for the LSD. It's taken me three years to get my car where I want it aesthetically, handling and power wise. I waited 2 yrs to do the LSD, and wish I had done it sooner.

I should have done mine sooner, too.

[Mehim]

Originally Posted by B58togo

Such a shame to run all seasons on these cars.

Its like giving lebron loafers to play in. Smh

[j2dad5389]

I'm a big fan of "OEM+, OP". I like to mod my cars tastefully but not to the point of where it looks too agressive. I followed the same path you did:

IND paint match reflectors
M2 style mirrors
Avante Garde M359 wheels
Black kidney grill
Black bmw badge
Red start stop button

Wish I did springs to lower that would've completed the look I feel like

In terms of performance I did VRSF charge pipe (stock sucks), intercooler, and catless downpipe + BM3 stage 2.