[GOS7]

So as some of you may know I have a stock pre LCI e90 335i. I decided to start modifying and I have decided to limit myself $1000 for my first mod. The issue is that i'm loosing sleep trying to figure out where to start. Maybe you guys can shout out some ideas?

Note: I plan on doing FBO and JB4 with BMS OCC all at once this fall. I already have a modified version of the mr5 intake i'm waiting to install. Cleaning intake valves either this weekend or next.

I'm considering:

-Corbeau RRS seats (I am not liking the ride height and feel of the sport seats at all so if I get these I could sell my stock seats and have a return)
or
-M3 rep front bumper or mtech? (The seats and front face of this car are the main things that bug me )
or
-AutoCarbon Alcantara & carbon fiber flat bottom steering wheel (I have high gloss, 5d carbon fiber wrapped interior and will be doing headliner in micro-suede once I have a break from school and work)

Feel free to add to the list and thanks!

[bimmette]

Post pics please! I'd sway towards exterior cosmetic mods before seats, if I were you.

[stewey]

I think seats will hurt resale FWIW. I would do the bumper

[AllBlackBimmer]

If you plan on modifying the performance...

I'd start with:

Spark plugs
Charge pipe
Walnut blast

[Vitalität]

I would do Dinan stuff for perfromance. But first, get some more sleep, it's not worth loosing sleep due to mods.

[jmastro100]

M3 rep bumper looks better on pre lci than m tech imo.

[Mezzy113]

I'd start with the bumper for sure. I went M3 rep but really I don't think you can go wrong with either one (M3 or MTech). They both have a pretty stylish and aggressive look.

I think one thing to take in to consideration is if you plan to add anything to the bumper itself (splitters, front lip, etc.). That could really change the look of either one so check out some pics of different set ups and see what you like.

[jt335i]

Eh. Forget that cosmetic stuff and concentrate on the performance mods. It’s what’s under the hood and how your car performs that defines the image.

[supergoat]

Originally Posted by AllBlackBimmer

If you plan on modifying the performance...

I'd start with:

Spark plugs
Charge pipe
Walnut blast

I agree. How long have you had it? $1000 would go a long way in preventative maintenance items first. I'd add coils to the list as well.

[brewnami]

$1000 can get you JB4, DCI, downpipes and plugs.

[GOS7]

Originally Posted by bimmette

Post pics please! I'd sway towards exterior cosmetic mods before seats, if I were you.

I'll post a pic as soon as i'm out of class

Originally Posted by AllBlackBimmer

If you plan on modifying the performance...

I'd start with:

Spark plugs
Charge pipe
Walnut blast

Originally Posted by jt335i

Eh. Forget that cosmetic stuff and concentrate on the performance mods. It’s what’s under the hood and how your car performs that defines the image.

Originally Posted by supergoat

I agree. How long have you had it? $1000 would go a long way in preventative maintenance items first. I'd add coils to the list as well.

Originally Posted by brewnami

$1000 can get you JB4, DCI, downpipes and plugs.

Thanks for the replies everyone!

What I forgot to mention is that I have money aside for maintenance that is completely separate from the mod money. So even if my turbos went out tomorrow there shouldn't be an issue with ordering the parts and getting the car back on the road while still having the money for mods.

Also I live in San Antonio and it is 100+degrees on average during the summer so I really didn't want to do performance upgrades without FMIC, and i'm still researching oil coolers. In addition i'd like to just do FBO and tune all at once.

[GOS7]

It seems the front bumper is the most popular vote. I'm about to head over to a couple body shops now to get quotes on getting a front bumper painted blended and installed, and getting the door trim painted (shadow line).

Also my paint, (jet black) is not in the best condition so I will ask about what detail, or restoration service they have. I'll let you guys know the price they quote me an take a pic of the condition my paint is in currently.

@ Meezy113 and jmastro100 About the M3 rep - does it it look out of place without the M3 hood to anyone else besides me? I have a feeling that it's going to bug me in the end without the hood.

[Mezzy113]

I personally don't think it looks "out of place" but I'm sure most people will tell you anything other than a stock hood would look cleaner.

I think the M3 bumper is subtle enough that it won't undermine the rest of the body of the vehicle that is still stock.

I have a Vorsteiner vented hood on mine and I think it really sets it off since I have a white body/black accent thing going, but of course it's all up to preference.

[GOS7]

Originally Posted by Mezzy113

I think the M3 bumper is subtle enough that it won't undermine the rest of the body of the vehicle that is still stock.

Thanks for the feedback. Just got back from a shop and showed a pic of the m3 rep and they quoted me 250-300 based upon how much prep work needed to be done on the new bumper. Does this sound about right to you?

[Mezzy113]

I'm guessing that is with you providing the bumper and them doing the prep work, painting and install?

If so then yeah I'd say that's about right. You could shop around but that seems like a decent price to me.

[bimmette]

For prep, paint and install, that sounds like a good deal!

[GOS7]

Originally Posted by bimmette

For prep, paint and install, that sounds like a good deal!

Oh yeah, here is a pic I took a not to long after I bought the car. Didn't have a chance to wash her today and figured there was no point to take a pic of it dirty lol. Of course this pic doesn't show all the flaws in the paint.