[cb1111]

Given all the "if I do this, will my warranty blow up in my face" and "why'd I get pulled over for my 20000k headlights and my .5% tintz" posts, I thought that I would give my take on modding.

Don't be a lemming. Just because others are doing a particular mod doesn't mean you do.

Decide what advantages a certain mod have for you. Be honest - is it sound, appearance or performance. Remember that very few mods will actually improve performance or real world handling.

Do your research. What disadvantages does this mod have? Will it affect your warranty? What can some of the unintended consequences be? Has BMW (or another manufacturer) specifically warned against this type of mod? What are the legal implications? Do the cops in your area enforce that particular law? Is it unsafe to you or others?

Is the full cost of the mod (parts, labor, increased operating costs) worth the benefit?

And finally

Are you mentally and monetarily prepared to pay for both the mod and the consequences of the mod? This includes paying for damage that the dealer refuses to fix under warranty because they believe it was caused by the mod.

[BTM]

[sleepyx637]

just exactly how old are you, cb1111?

[cb1111]

Originally Posted by sleepyx637

just exactly how old are you, cb1111?

I started modding cars in the '70's

[BTM]

60?

[cb1111]

Originally Posted by BTM

60?

and it matters why?

My first car to mod was an older '68 Dodge Dart GT with a 273 V8 and a torqueflite with the console mounted shifter. It was green metallic with a vinyl roof.

[BTM]

Haha it doesn't - but since you made it such a point to preface everything as coming from an "old guy" I figured I'd take a stab

[Nikolas]

My first car was a '72 ford station wagon with fake wood paneling, so don't feel too old. It was a beast though!

[IN54NITY]

I check with my doctor for every mod I make on the car. I don't want to risk losing my Viagra prescription (Extenz doesn't work for me) or doing anything that would possibly warrant a colonoscopy.

[NFS13]

I am not quite sure why you are even on this forum? Your signature is appropriate as you seem to have a negative post for most everything on modding! Yeah, yeah, I know you will say its an objective view, but this forum is for people that love and many want to add personal touches to their vehicles. This group is such a small percentage of "3" owners, probably less than 1% that are true car enthusiasts, so why be such a kill joy?

[cb1111]

Originally Posted by Nikolas

My first car was a '72 ford station wagon with fake wood paneling, so don't feel too old. It was a beast though!

I had a 74 LTD that I bought from a moonshiner. I had that thing in Germany and it would certainly move.

[cb1111]

Originally Posted by NFS13

I am not quite sure why you are even on this forum? Your signature is appropriate as you seem to have a negative post for most everything on modding! Yeah, yeah, I know you will say its an objective view, but this forum is for people that love and many want to add personal touches to their vehicles. This group is such a small percentage of "3" owners, probably less than 1% that are true car enthusiasts, so why be such a kill joy?

You obviously didn't

The point is not to dissuade anyone from modding - just to be aware of the consequences.

I'd much rather that you thought about a mod in advance than come back here and moan about a mod gone wrong.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with modding your car to personalize it as long as you do the right things for the right reasons.

There is an entire industry built around producing illegal and unsafe crap for the wannabe modder. I want people to think about what they are doing before they spend their parent's hard earned money.

On the other hand, there are lots of tastefully (that's obviously subjective) and properly modded cars on this board.

If you want to wrap your entire car in carbon fiber burlap then that is your decision and affects nobody but yourself, but when you modify a perfectly good headlamp to blind oncoming drivers and reduce your own visibility then somebody needs to step up to the plate and say "have you really thought about what you are doing?"

[NFS13]

I did read the thread but I do not interpret it the way you say its meant to be interpreted. Instead I see someone preaching about cost, warranty and cops. I would think most of the people on here are fully aware of the consequences on modding. Or if they don't, this is one of the great things about the forum, being able to talk to others how might have the answers.

[BenTrovato]

Originally Posted by cb1111

There is absolutely nothing wrong with modding your car to personalize it as long as you do the right things for the right reasons.

Well now... who is to decide what is right and what is wrong?

I think your advice is sound, but whether or not people choose to follow it should be acceptable one way or the other. How else can wisdom be attained if not by making silly mistakes?

[cb1111]

Originally Posted by BenTrovato

Well now... who is to decide what is right and what is wrong?

I think your advice is sound, but whether or not people choose to follow it should be acceptable one way or the other. How else can wisdom be attained if not by making silly mistakes?

Let us talk about some of the wrong reasons:

Modding a car just because all your friends are doing the same mod

Not researching the mod - benefits and consequences

Making a mod that breaks the law - then moaning about getting caught

Making a mod that negatively affects others - high K bulbs, removing cats etc

[dcm52]

Couldn't agree more

[spdy330]

[cb1111]

Originally Posted by NFS13

I did read the thread but I do not interpret it the way you say its meant to be interpreted. Instead I see someone preaching about cost, warranty and cops. I would think most of the people on here are fully aware of the consequences on modding. Or if they don't, this is one of the great things about the forum, being able to talk to others how might have the answers.

Many here are clueless about the consequences. How many "I got stopped for no front plate WTF?" "I've only got no cats, a tune and a intake and the dealer wants to void my warranty WTF?" "why do people flash their lights at me? I've got those cool 8000k lights" posts are done every day.

That doesn't even cover the "I got coils and now my tires wear hella quick, WTF?" and" "I got coils and have a clunking noise" threads.

I believe we (collectively) have an obligation to help people mod their cars without doing stupid things. You can learn without learning the hard way.

[CT_335i]

cb111,

I get your point. I think when we see folks ask about modding consequences, sometimes I get the feeling that they are looking for ways around the rules. They are looking for affirmation from the group collective. Most of the folks here (I hope) are aware of the consequences.

I for one, am prepared. Hey, if you want to mod and the turbos blow, man up and just upgrade to new turbos .

[Express]

Originally Posted by cb1111

I want people to think about what they are doing before they spend their parent's hard earned money.

I LOVE IT. well said my friend.

[NFS13]

Originally Posted by cb1111

Let us talk about some of the wrong reasons:

Modding a car just because all your friends are doing the same mod

Like watching sports, modding can be a form of bonding for some. Its not like we are jumping off of bridges dad : )

Not researching the mod - benefits and consequences

Really? This is not investing in the market or buying a house. Its a hobby for god sake.

Making a mod that breaks the law - then moaning about getting caught

I see you do not fall into the "bad boy" catergory.... even a little! Besides, some of the laws are just plain stupid.

Making a mod that negatively affects others - high K bulbs, removing cats etc

Yeah well, my neighbor leaves his stinky garbage in the heat near by bedroom window, so I hope my exhaust note bothers him!

[jmar0351]

I do have to agree that if a mod is a true danger to others (for example blinding bulbs) it should be explained to the person. It is funny when you read a post that goes something like:


So the other day I was arrested by this douche bag cop! He said that he put his lights on but I couldn't see that *** because I got these sweet 1% tints! Then this asshole said he turned on his sirens to pull me over since I didn't get over for his lights... but man, I got 2 1000w amps and I was listenin' to fuck da police reallllll loud bro! I saw people pointing at me lookin all mad cuz they hatin on my pimp ass ride... this piggie told me those haters were trying to let me know he was behind me.... but I know this guy was just making shit up!
Now I have like 5 tickets, what the fuck man, what do I do?!!
(Yeah, I'm exaggerating, but some of the posts here I have seen in my limited time have looked too close to this one...)