325I Upgrade Path... Opinions?

Eric-325I · 11-25-2003, 12:12 PM

I've decided to keep my Boston Green over Grey/Black '94 325I for the long term as a second vehicle (cheap insurance, paid for, etc.)... 102,000 miles now, I figure I can get 300,000 based on my previous Bimmer's longevity if I take care of her.

My upgrade plans in order:

Soon (needed):
* High performance clutch kit (Clutchmasters?)
* Lightweight flywheel
* Replace shift bushings, etc. (maybe shoft shift kit)

Spring:
* Upgrade suspension with decent sport shocks/springs
* High performance differential (10% decrease) from BMP (sorry Pelican)

Summer:
* Chip, intake, and exhaust (header, racing resonator , muffler)
* Replace my rotors with vented and decent pads

Next year?:
* Active Autowerke or equivalent SuperCharger kit that I can install myself

Much of my daily drive is rural county roads and I'm not a stop light drag racer, but would like more punch from my baby. What do you all think about the upgrade path I've outlined? Specifically, do you think I'll see/feel gains with my hinder dyno during each upgrade? Lastly, anyone go with a performance differential and what was you experience?

Thanks guys/gals! Have a great day!

Eric-325I · 11-26-2003, 01:14 PM

No opinions?

blkongry · 11-26-2003, 02:02 PM

Yep, everything on there is a solid upgrade with clear improvements. Are you going to do anything with wheels and tires? Or are you already set?

Jared at Pelican Parts · 11-26-2003, 02:47 PM

It's also a good idea to invest in yourself and become a better driver. You might want to check out some driving schools.

Eric-325I · 11-26-2003, 04:37 PM

Yes, I already have 16" wheels... I know, the trend is towards larger but they are a nice pair of alloys and I really like them.

Yes, I live 15 minutes from Road America and plan to get involved with some local clubs. I have a co-worker that autocrosses my old Bimmer and a hot little VW Scirroco that's been after me to become involved.

Do either of you have any input on the high perfromance differential upgrade you can offer? Worth two grand and greasy elbows?

Thanks again!

Eric

blkongry · 11-26-2003, 07:40 PM

That is the only upgrade I would hold off on. I presume when you say a 10% decrease, that you are talking shorter gears (higher ratio). That will make the car more spirited on take off and be more responsive throughout, but it also pushes the rpms up at crusing speeds. Since you do mostly rural country roads, and have average size wheels (you loose responsiveness with the bigger overall wheel/tire combos), you might lose some of your 'cruise-ability'. You can do the calcuations to see where your RPM range will be and see if it is something you would want to live with. If you were making a total track car out of your ride, I'd say for sure to do it... it will be noticable on the road course.

Wayne 962 · Wayne 962's Garage

Hmm, sorry - been away for a couple of days.

Your stock 3-series is such a well-balanced car, you want to make sure you get good bang for your buck. The SC will give you power, but don't expect the engine to last to 300K with that thing bolted on there. You're basically trading engine life for power...

If you're not slipping the clutch right now, then you're going to waste more $$$ on the HP clutch kit. Plus, some of those kits will rattle your teeth loose, so make sure you can live with it.

Most people I know with lightened flywheels don't like them (after installing them). They tolerate them because they don't want to take them out, and they also don't want to admit they wasted their $$$. It changes the car completely, and makes driving in traffic very difficult. Think carefully about this one, or drive someone else's car with one in it. It also won't buy you too much performance increase (lightened flywheels do not inc HP).

Big sway bars and a PSS9 kit would be a fun addition, but unless you are planning on racing the thing, then I would simply go with Bilsteins at all four corners. Bump the springs up to Eibach (a bit stiffer), and you'll probably feel a good improvement. Stiffer bars will help stiffen out the car too...

Chip is good, intake and exhaust will give you tiny gains for signifiant investment. Doesn't your car already have vented rotors in the front?

My thoughts? Go with the suspension, and toss in a '95 3.0 M3 motor in there...

-Wayne

Larry F. · 11-28-2003, 10:14 PM

Hi, Eric.

The first step I would recommend is to "chip your head".

Most of our cars already exceed our ability to drive them - get into a performance driving school pronto! The local BMW chapter here in the Puget Sound has a fabulous program - my son and I have been going for the last 5 years, and I am just beginning to catch up with my car (figuratively). I strongly suspect *your* chapter is similar.

That said, it is a hoot to modify these cars to suit our driving 'requirements'. Don't get caught up in the game of having the longest list of mods in your sig; give some thought to what you want to do with your car, and work to fulfill your plan.

For my money for a daily driver, I get the most enjoyment out of a short shifter, and heavier sway bars. I like to corner flat, but don't need to jounce my kidneys with a Bilstein Sport and Eibach combo, which I have done before. I would follow that with a chip - the rest of the hp upgrades are subtle and expensive. If you go the route of the SC, you will drastically shorten the life of your engine (like Wayne said!) and you'll never get the $$$ back out of it.

Just my thoughts, Larry F.

Eric-325I · 11-29-2003, 10:33 AM

Thanks for replies... Gives me much to consider and I really appreciate it. I guess I knew that an SC would reduce engine life, I just needed others to 'remind' me.

I will do the suspension first and chip the car and see where I'm at... Based on your experieces, it sounds like doing more than that will not provide much for the effort... I'm still considering a new flywheel as I need a new clutch soon anyway (slipping). I'm going to ask my co-worker if I can drive his Scirroco (lightweight flywheel, coil-overs, etc. for autocrossing) and see how it 'feels' rather than just listen to his raving about it... And, as I mentioned, this will be a daily driver for a long time (as soon as last kid is out I'd like to get a toy). Lastly, a driving school is in the near future for sure... Your all right, first I need to get the most out of what I have...

Thanks again for the input, you all have got me thinking...

Eric

Eric-325I · 10:39 AM

where's the pic?