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      09-11-2010, 11:52 AM   #1
Ash-Halim
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What is the Best first upgrade to make to the 128i?

Hello! I have saved up around $2000 to spend on my 128i (automatic). Please dont tell me i should have gotten the manual cause the car was a present(not my choice). So, what will be the best upgrade to make with around $2000???
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      09-11-2010, 12:07 PM   #2
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Depends, what are you trying to do? Make it look good? Performance?

Maybe coilovers first and have some money left over to save for wheels/tires.
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      09-11-2010, 12:46 PM   #3
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If you did not get xenons, then get some Depo projector headlights from Jlevi... wait about a week more or so, and the new upgraded angel eyes should be finished (they are much brighter than the stock Depo AEs).

This is what I did:

Performance
-BMS powerbox (yes, really works)
-BMW Performance Intake

Cosmetic
-BMW Performance grilles
-BMW Performance shifter (alcantra)
-BMW metal e-brake assembly (alcantra)
-BMW Performance sideskirts (still awaiting their arrival)

I love the way my car looks thus far and I only look to please myself with the car's aesthetics/performance... and I'm sure I won't stop making little changes as time progresses Do what makes you happy.
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      09-11-2010, 12:56 PM   #4
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I have heard and seen both the BMW performance intake and exhaust. IMHO: BMW Performance Exhaust.



Last edited by bozola; 09-11-2010 at 02:03 PM..
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      09-11-2010, 06:24 PM   #5
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Im sorry I didnt really specify, but I really want to better my 0-60 time. So, I guess performance. On the other hand, i've heard there is nothing i can really do to make the time better. Will BMW Perf. exhaust help? or their Intake? If so, which one is better for this?

Thanks
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      09-11-2010, 08:06 PM   #6
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For my 125i, the BMS powerbox knocked 0.5 seconds off my 0-60 time. It may not sound like much, but it is an improvement and it is repeatable

Intake and exhaust will give you great sound but not so much in the way of performance.

The best power upgrade however would be to send your ECU to Germany and have one of the tuners there remap your ECU (e.g. wintertuning.de) - that'll give you an extra 40-50hp or so. If you want an easier local option, try oetuning which offers ~20hp via a simple plug-in device.
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      09-11-2010, 08:28 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chylld View Post
For my 125i, the BMS powerbox knocked 0.5 seconds off my 0-60 time. It may not sound like much, but it is an improvement and it is repeatable

Intake and exhaust will give you great sound but not so much in the way of performance.

The best power upgrade however would be to send your ECU to Germany and have one of the tuners there remap your ECU (e.g. wintertuning.de) - that'll give you an extra 40-50hp or so. If you want an easier local option, try oetuning which offers ~20hp via a simple plug-in device.


I wonder if wintertuning's tune is detectable by BMW?
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      09-11-2010, 09:28 PM   #8
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I would not be concerned about the power.wait couple years and there will be better wide range of ecu tuning/header etc. I would touch suspension for now, descent coilover or spring/shock combo. driving will be much more pleasant. after that wheels/tire maybe?
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      09-11-2010, 09:30 PM   #9
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Thanks for the info guys!! What are your opinions on the BMW Aerodynamic Kit? Does it make the car a bit lighter? or heavier?
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      09-12-2010, 01:51 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SchlauCow View Post
I wonder if wintertuning's tune is detectable by BMW?
Most probably yes.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ash-Halim View Post
Thanks for the info guys!! What are your opinions on the BMW Aerodynamic Kit? Does it make the car a bit lighter? or heavier?
It will make your car look faster. Some people want this.
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      09-12-2010, 02:37 PM   #11
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the only mod i have done so far and am very happy about is the injen intake! It sounds awesome : )! and if u want a better exhaust note, i suggest you do the golf tee mod

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      09-12-2010, 04:21 PM   #12
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I would do the intake and exhaust. I have the M sport body kit. It is nice, but I don't know that it makes the car work any better. It all depends on whether you want your car to handle better or go faster. Which wheels do you have? Do you like them? Many wheel and tires sets are nice and quite a bit lighter than stock. Less weight on corners will give you quicker turn in and greater acceleration without any other mods.
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      09-12-2010, 08:31 PM   #13
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a nitrous kit??
the 128i would probably take very well to it..and u would surprise a lot of cars
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      09-12-2010, 08:59 PM   #14
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Good one, put a big smile on my face

Quote:
Originally Posted by rock1t View Post
a nitrous kit??
the 128i would probably take very well to it..and u would surprise a lot of cars
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      09-12-2010, 09:43 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rock1t View Post
a nitrous kit??
the 128i would probably take very well to it..and u would surprise a lot of cars
Umm...I dont know much about nitrous, but dont you have to push a button or something when you want a boost or shot?

I kind of want something that will always be there (in power terms) when you push on the gas pedal...maybe a supercharger kit

However, our magnesium block engines will heat up tooo quickly for that!!
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      09-13-2010, 03:13 AM   #16
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The aero kit will certainly not help your 0-60 time, and will set you back thousands of dollars. I wouldn't waste your time with it.

I would look into the BMS PowerBox. It's supposed to remap the throttle to be more responsive, as well as make some ECU adjustments. It's debatable whether or not the tune offers any demonstrable HP or torque gains, but the more aggresive throttle remap will get you moving quicker. And it's less than $300, and is pretty much plug-and-play.

That said, I think the suspension and tires are a more urgent mod, but they're also pricier and more involved.
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      09-13-2010, 04:27 PM   #17
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Buy an E46 M3 and you're all set. Or find some way to put that beautiful 3.2L NA M-Power engine in your 128i. Aside from that, you're not going to squeeze much more out of the N52 in a truly cost-effective manner (i.e. you could put 20k into it, or you could put 20k into a different car...)

Stroker kit would also be amazing but costs a fortune!
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      09-14-2010, 06:37 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by supraking View Post
Buy an E46 M3 and you're all set. Or find some way to put that beautiful 3.2L NA M-Power engine in your 128i. Aside from that, you're not going to squeeze much more out of the N52 in a truly cost-effective manner (i.e. you could put 20k into it, or you could put 20k into a different car...)

Stroker kit would also be amazing but costs a fortune!
This is a very good point - if you get hung up on trying to do power mods with this engine, you're bound to end up disappointed. Better to just enjoy them for what they are, which is actually pretty sweet.

That said, I think the PowerBox sounds pretty promising and I'll probably give it a try later down the line. I would just like the go pedal to be a little more sensitive to input.
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      09-14-2010, 11:35 AM   #19
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Powerbox will give you the pedal response you're looking for. I'm not so impressed with the gains, but I definitely think it was worth it because it sharpens up the response. Thumbs up on that one.

The N52 is also used in the 130i/330i, if you can figure out what the differences are (has to do with intake and exhaust manifold I believe) you can probably get up to that range. But you'll need the new hardware and a tune as well.
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      09-14-2010, 03:56 PM   #20
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Powerbox?

Quote:
Originally Posted by supraking View Post
Powerbox will give you the pedal response you're looking for. I'm not so impressed with the gains, but I definitely think it was worth it because it sharpens up the response. Thumbs up on that one.

The N52 is also used in the 130i/330i, if you can figure out what the differences are (has to do with intake and exhaust manifold I believe) you can probably get up to that range. But you'll need the new hardware and a tune as well.
Where do most people purchase this "Powerbox"? Is it a "plug n play" system??
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      09-15-2010, 12:43 PM   #21
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It plugs into ECU, you would need to do some wiring. First time will take you about an hour. If you are not handy it's better to take the car to a pro.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ash-Halim View Post
Where do most people purchase this "Powerbox"? Is it a "plug n play" system??
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      09-15-2010, 02:22 PM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ash-Halim View Post
Where do most people purchase this "Powerbox"? Is it a "plug n play" system??
google for it. it's generally the same price everywhere.

i really like mine.. throttle response on "map 3" is great...
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