Ready to start modding!

[gpchamp]

My '09 135i is about to be out of warranty, so I'm ready to start modifying. What do you recommend for an intake, upgraded intercooler, and exhaust system? I'm not looking for huge power gains, as I want to maintain every day driveability. I certainly don't want droning from the exhaust.

Your feedback is appreciated.

[Cavpilot2k]

I have BMW perf. Exhaust (with N55 Y-pipe, so no secondary cat, no resonator). I f'in LOVE it! I used to ride around with my stereo blasting in my 135, now I drive around with the stereo off just to listen to its beautiful exhaust note. Sounds truly bad ass.

[AB M2C]

JB4 first, then exhaust (definitely do downpipes), then intake, then intercooler. You're gonna want to do a charge pipe too. Have you done anything handling/ suspension related yet?

[Cavpilot2k]

meh on intake.
Intakes on these cars have negligible impact on performance until FBO, and even then it's marginal.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by gpchamp

My '09 135i is about to be out of warranty, so I'm ready to start modifying. What do you recommend for an intake, upgraded intercooler, and exhaust system? I'm not looking for huge power gains, as I want to maintain every day driveability. I certainly don't want droning from the exhaust.

Your feedback is appreciated.

Since you are not looking to track your car often and it does not sound like you will be running crazy mix of e85 ( E60 + ), i recommend you get Jb4, VRSF downpipes, VRSF or ER Charge Pipe , VRSF or AA intercoooler, BMS DCI
In that order.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by Cavpilot2k

meh on intake.
Intakes on these cars have negligible impact on performance until FBO, and even then it's marginal.

intakes add 10 whp when FBO, that a good gain for $95 ( BMS DCI).
But i do agree, i would not consider it until FBO

[Cavpilot2k]

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

intakes add 10 whp when FBO, that a good gain for $95 ( BMS DCI).
But i do agree, i would not consider it until FBO

Exactly.
BMS claims a 10 HP jump with their intake, but you ABSOLUTELY will not get that if you just have JB4 or a tune. The stock airbox is actually quite good in this car. Good enough to handle pretty much any tune out there if that is all you are running. But I'm preaching to the choir - that's just info for the new guys here.

[onefastsvt]

What is FBO?

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by onefastsvt

What is FBO?

Full bolt on ... in this case tune, intake, downpipes, intercooler and charge pipe.

[ChiBimmer]

Originally Posted by ThatOneKid

JB4 first, then exhaust (definitely do downpipes), then intake, then intercooler. You're gonna want to do a charge pipe too. Have you done anything handling/ suspension related yet?

Where would you recommend starting with handling and suspension mods?

[ChiBimmer]

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

Since you are not looking to track your car often and it does not sound like you will be running crazy mix of e85 ( E60 + ), i recommend you get Jb4, VRSF downpipes, VRSF or ER Charge Pipe , VRSF or AA intercoooler, BMS DCI
In that order.

Thanks for the recs. Why did you choose those?

[GrizzNazzty]

Fun Mods: JB4 or Cobb/ ER Chargepipe/ ATM Intercooler/ VRSF Downpipes/ (in that order)

[mistawall]

am i living in the dark age with my JB3? my car came with it... haven't seen a need to upgrade..

[gpchamp]

Thanks for all the great feedback. What are your thoughts about the Corsa exhaust? How does it compare to the BMW Performance exhaust?

[135TX]

Originally Posted by ChiBimmer

Where would you recommend starting with handling and suspension mods?

This greatly depends on your budget and goals. but i think nearly everyone can agree that the rear subframe bushings need to be addressed ( either replacements in various forms or through adding an insert)..

Originally Posted by GrizzNazzty

Fun Mods: JB4 or Cobb/ ER Chargepipe/ ATM Intercooler/ VRSF Chargepipes/ (in that order)

I think you meant VRSF Downpipes...

[GrizzNazzty]

Originally Posted by 135TX

I think you meant VRSF Downpipes...

Sure did

[Cavpilot2k]

Originally Posted by gpchamp

Thanks for all the great feedback. What are your thoughts about the Corsa exhaust? How does it compare to the BMW Performance exhaust?

Both are top-notch. Lots of people love both.
Honestly exhaust is so subjective that unless you were to hear them side by side and decide you like one better, there is little to no difference quality-wise. Our cars gain almost nothing from the axle-back exhaust other than sound, so don't expect any gains there.

I personally have several exhausts I like, including my own BMW PE, and would be happy to own any of them: PE, cp-e, Corsa, AA. There really isn't a wrong answer.
I personally like the BMW PE because it sounds a little "coarse". I like that it gives a refined car a little bit of a rough "street-fighter" edge to it. I was sorely torn between it and a cp-e. I would call the cp-e a "growl" and the PE a "snarl".
Berk is popular too, especially the race exhaust, but that has no muffler, and with an aftermarket DP, it is loud as hell.

Bottom line: lots of great options to choose from, and hardly a bad one in the bunch.

[gpchamp]

I'm definitely looking for NO droning. I hear (no pun intended) BMW PE and Corsa are very good in this respect. Am I correct?

Originally Posted by Cavpilot2k

Both are top-notch. Lots of people love both.
Honestly exhaust is so subjective that unless you were to hear them side by side and decide you like one better, there is little to no difference quality-wise. Our cars gain almost nothing from the axle-back exhaust other than sound, so don't expect any gains there.

I personally have several exhausts I like, including my own BMW PE, and would be happy to own any of them: PE, cp-e, Corsa, AA. There really isn't a wrong answer.
I personally like the BMW PE because it sounds a little "coarse". I like that it gives a refined car a little bit of a rough "street-fighter" edge to it. I was sorely torn between it and a cp-e. I would call the cp-e a "growl" and the PE a "snarl".
Berk is popular too, especially the race exhaust, but that has no muffler, and with an aftermarket DP, it is loud as hell.

Bottom line: lots of great options to choose from, and hardly a bad one in the bunch.

[cbl117]

Originally Posted by ChiBimmer

Where would you recommend starting with handling and suspension mods?

Contrary to popular belief on these forums I would recommend changing out the run flats last.

I would start with the dampers first. If you want a little drop then springs too. I have experience with bilstein HD dampers and BMW performance springs and can highly recommend the setup. I have a review somewhere on the forum. After the dampers/springs I would do rear subframe bushings. Either whiteline inserts or M3 bushings. Then I would fine tune with tires and bigger wheels if you desire. Just make sure you get the proper offsets or you enter a new set of problems with fitment and rubbing. This car has a bad suspension feel from the factory but can be corrected easily with a little cash. I did my suspension first then went for the go fast mods. In my opinion 400whp on the stock setup is a little dangerous.

[Cavpilot2k]

Originally Posted by gpchamp

I'm definitely looking for NO droning. I hear (no pun intended) BMW PE and Corsa are very good in this respect. Am I correct?

I get no drone from my BMW PE with stock DP. I have a 6MT. Some with a similar setups but with DCT have complained of some drone. I don't know how or why, unless it is just the RPM range that the DCT settles in at highway cruising speeds. The only noise I could see that could even remotely be construed as drone is around 2k RPM when under light accelerative load. By the nature of it being an accelerative load though, it is a transient condition and goes away as RPM rise to around 2300. I wouldn't classify it as drone though, because it is not continuous. It is just a strong, low-pitched waaaaaaa sound., but only lasts a few seconds.

[Cavpilot2k]

One more note on the PE:

It is going to save my hearing over time.
You see, due to living in a high-noise military environment for many years, my hearing, especially in the high range, is not so good.
Despite that, before I had the PE, I used to drive around with my stereo blasting my angry, aggro music. Blasting. I am sure it was causing my hearing to degrade over time. Now, most of the time, I drive with it off so long as I can have my windows down so I can listen to that gorgeous exhaust sound.
Literally off, not just turned down. The best is when driving next to a concrete highway barrier and getting the sound bounced back at me. Glorious!

So, for the health benefits alone, where hearing is concerned, I suggest the PE.
Consider this a PSA.

[edisapimp]

You have a '14 Tesla Model S, and you're worried about maintaining everyday driveability?