325xi performance

sfoster13 · 08-26-2003, 10:27 AM

I just bought an 03 325xi automatic. Between the all-wheel drive and the automatic, it feels underpowered. I've looked at sites that offer aftermarket performance parts and see that cold air intake kits and chip tuning seem to be two common choices for boosting HP/Torque.

Am I off my rocker for considering this? If not, are these the two things I should be looking at? Is there any downside? Will they void my warranty? How much could they help? Help!

Eli at Pelican Parts · 08-26-2003, 11:40 AM

I only wish you had tasted the boards before making your purchase.

If you asked for power when making your purchase you would have been pointed in a different direction.

Of course the M3 would have a first choice at about 50K but not all of us have that amount of money to throw around. Second I would have recommended the 330. In answer to your questions "YES" those modifications will definitely void your warrantee and should be left alone unless you plan on removing them each and every time you take your car in for service.

On the other hand there are many options that available to help increase HP but the warranty and reliability are key factors that I'm sure you'll have to consider first. . . .

Good Luck & give us some feedback,

Jared at Pelican Parts · 08-26-2003, 11:45 AM

If you choose Dinan components, your warranty will not be voided, however the parts are very expensive and there are other parts that work better than Dinan stuff IMO.

sfoster13 · 08-26-2003, 01:07 PM

Thanks for the advice. I would have opted for the 330, but the xi seemed like a good idea given the 30+ feet of snow last year. I opted for the all-wheel when I probably should have opted for more ponies (throw in sports package, premium package, cold-weather package and this sucker adds up).

I'll check out Dinan, thanks for the idea. You mentioned other options for increasing HP. What would some of those options be?

I appreciate the help.

Jared at Pelican Parts · 08-26-2003, 02:55 PM

You are sorta limited in th bottom end by the fact that you have an automatic. I would maybe try focusing on the high end, but you are also limited because you have an Xi. I would change the engine managment software for beginners, i think you can pick up about 15 HP with the use of high octane fuel. From there i would also suggest a cold air intake, and maybe an exhaust eventually. That should net you about 30 or so HP. I think you can also get software to change the program on the tranny as well.

yogi799 · 08-26-2003, 08:51 PM

I know this sounds crazy, but I'd do something different - I'd suggest getting a bimmer with standard TWO wheel drive, and use a different vehicle for the snow driving. I happen to have a 4WD toyota for the winter, so having a RWD bimmer is the best of both worlds (it's quicker and much more fun to drive... spinning the rear...). On the other hand RWD bimmer shouldn't really drive that bad in the snow - doesn't traction control take care of the spinning wheels?
A 2WD 330i would probably cost you just a bit more than your 325xi and you'd have TONS of power and fun....

Eli at Pelican Parts · 08-27-2003, 12:17 PM

Yogi,

Yes, this is inline with what I said earlier. . . . . . .but I'm not sure he's looking to swap vehicles at this point. Right or Wrong?

sfoster13 · 08-27-2003, 01:13 PM

Not looking to swap just yet...only had the car for two weeks. Don't get me wrong. I really like the way it drives, it's just that it seems slugglish in certain situations. More than I thought it would when I test drove it. I was hoping there would be a way to goose it a little.

Eli at Pelican Parts · 08-27-2003, 03:07 PM

If you’re just looking for a “little” more and not looking to compete with cars featured in the Fast & Furious then I’d have to agree with some of Jared’s recommendations. You may have noticed how nice it is on a circular on-ramp or depending on where you live a turn-about.

Put your foot on the brake as you approach and nail it on the inside going through. My Jaguar has all-wheel and it’s fun watching other cars fall far behind. If this is your winter driver then I would keep it. . . .

Besides you just got it!

yogi799 · 08-28-2003, 06:41 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by sfoster13
Not looking to swap just yet...only had the car for two weeks. Don't get me wrong. I really like the way it drives, it's just that it seems slugglish in certain situations. More than I thought it would when I test drove it. I was hoping there would be a way to goose it a little.

One more thing you could do.... check your 0-60 time. Maybe there's somthing wrong with your engine? I do that occasionally, just to see if my performance is according to the book. If it's off, that'd be something to check.

jens_uk · 08-28-2003, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by yogi799
On the other hand RWD bimmer shouldn't really drive that bad in the snow - doesn't traction control take care of the spinning wheels?

I can't speak for 30 feet of snow, but SE Michigan got a bit last year. I ran Blizzaks on my rwd 328i and it was cake to drive. I was even caught in the first 4" snow of the year on ContiSports summer-y tires, and it was more or less manageable, if I drove responsibly. Stop and go traffic on a cambered ramp was a little white knuckle, but I found the car to be extremely well balanced and easy to drive in snow. I'd take an E46 with snow tires over say, my wife's Neon on all season tires, any day.

Please note that I only have ASC, not DSC, so I'd guess that a newer E46 with snow tires and DSC would be fine to drive in snow.

Plus, with rwd, when you WANT to have fun in the snow, it's a blast. - just turn off the electronic aids and have at it. It's really easily to modulate the drift - more tail out, just turn in a little or a little more gas, less tail out, countersteer a bit. I had fun throwing huuuuuge, long, controlled drifts around my parking lot last winter. MMmm.....snow....

sfoster13 · 08-28-2003, 09:51 AM

Now I'm starting to feel stupid. I thought the 17inch spinners on the back of a 330 would be a big problem in the snow. We had several weeks last winter where I had trouble getting around in a honda accord. Sounds like it might not be so bad afterall. I've learned my lesson. 2 weeks into owning the 325xi, I'm already planning the upgrade (I'm thinking m3/m5). I'd better start saving

In the meantime, if I were to do the aftermarket parts (chip tunning and cold air intake) how would 10-15hp increase translate into performance (top speed?, 0-60). Please excuse the novice question.

Thnx

jens_uk · 08-28-2003, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by sfoster13
I thought the 17inch spinners on the back of a 330 would be a big problem in the snow.

For reference, my car has 17" alloys, but I ran 16" snow tires (up sized sidewall to maintain rolling diameter).

Jared at Pelican Parts · 08-28-2003, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by sfoster13
Now I'm starting to feel stupid. I thought the 17inch spinners on the back of a 330 would be a big problem in the snow. We had several weeks last winter where I had trouble getting around in a honda accord. Sounds like it might not be so bad afterall. I've learned my lesson. 2 weeks into owning the 325xi, I'm already planning the upgrade (I'm thinking m3/m5). I'd better start saving

In the meantime, if I were to do the aftermarket parts (chip tunning and cold air intake) how would 10-15hp increase translate into performance (top speed?, 0-60). Please excuse the novice question.

Thnx

Dont expect huge gains with the chip and intake. It's more in throttle response where you will feel it. For example, I have my high beam headlight removed from my car to facillitate cold air entering the engine. Behind that is a shield to isolate the cool air. With the chip and the cool air intake, you can feel a big difference in how the car accelerates.

Eli at Pelican Parts · 08-28-2003, 10:34 AM

Don't expect to brake off your headrest from the force alone though......

Jared at Pelican Parts · 08-28-2003, 10:44 AM

Just keep in mind that you have an automatic, so any gains wont really be noticed on the low end, unless you upgrade the software for the tranny. Check this out....

www.dinanbmw.com

sfoster13 · 08-28-2003, 11:07 AM

Thanks for the advice. How hard are the chip and cold air intake to install? I checked out the site, looks pretty good. Are there any other manufacturers I should consider?

Jared at Pelican Parts · 08-28-2003, 11:09 AM

well techincally, it isnt a chp on the E46, it's software that is downloaded inot the computer. It's not too hard to do. As for the cold air kit, very easy to do if you have a general knowledge of tools.

Halm · 04:05 AM

I have had my 325Xi for a little over a month now, so let me give you a bit of perspective. Mine was a special order with the only options being Sport Package, leather and bi xexons.

When I first got it, it did seem very sluggish. I originally thought this was because I was coming out of a Volvo T-5... LOTS of power. However, the more I drive it, the better it now seems to respond. In other words, the more it breaks in, the better it feels. And this motor seems to really like to be above 3k rpm.

Give it a chance. I bet you will be very pleased.

Eli at Pelican Parts · 08-29-2003, 07:57 AM

It’s a “smart car” it will adapt to your normal driving habits. . . .