Budgeting for mods

[andrey_gta]

Just want to know how you guys make your mods happen?

I figure that since I will not have a rent expense in the summer, that is my budget that I can commit.
The question is one big mod or 2-3 small ones

[Big1]

With my previous vehicles, I've always modded with what I require on the track. Track the vehicle and decide what you need. Tires aren't gripping enough, get better tires (and new wheels while I'm at it). Ride has too much roll, upgrade suspension (coilovers, springs, strut bar, etc). Can't see at night, get HIDs (or upgrade halos). Too slow on the straights, JB4 your car. Ride is too quiet, add a fart can lol.

Others will take a different approach. Some likes to go fast on a straight so they'll take a different route. And others just wants to make their car look nice, disregarding function. It's all upto you and how you want your car to end up like. As for me, picking up the 135 inducted me into the 300+ hp club for the first time, so power isn't my main concern. Handling it during corners would be my main priority, and once I've "mastered" that, then I add additional hp into the equation.

[andrey_gta]

With the 128i there isnt much to make it fast ( BMW 3 stage DISA intake but it requires an AA tune to activate it. If I go this route I would need to do exhaust or headers too since the AA tune is tweak able for the variables)

So I am left with mostly cosmetic, brakes or exhaust related for my budget.

[Big1]

Originally Posted by andrey_gta

With the 128i there isnt much to make it fast ( BMW 3 stage DISA intake but it requires an AA tune to activate it. If I go this route I would need to do exhaust or headers too since the AA tune is tweak able for the variables)

So I am left with mostly cosmetic, brakes or exhaust related for my budget.

If you really want to enjoy your 128, track it first and record some lap times. Then, figure out what might help you bring your time down. If all you want to do is go fast in a straight line, then what you've mentioned above should be a good starting point......

[andrey_gta]

Dont think I can track it anytime soon. I would need to purchase a helmet and new tires.
My tires have one season left on them and I dont want to incur that expense.

If am to get new tires I would just get wheels with them too.

My options this season are in no order ( I can at most choose 1)
-Rear cosmetic:CF spoiler and retrofit a non e82 diffuser and LCI tail lights [ time element due to a rare part]
-Front comstic: Fix the front with a lip or diffuser sides(DIY work as the parts are euro e87 or LCI e92) or go wild for a BMP front
-Exhaust: replace stock exhaust completely with N55 cat-less & 135i specific axle back
(Note: i find it odd that 128i BMP exhaust is just the muffler while 328i is like the 135is and removes the resonator)
- Big brake kit

[M3Newbie88]

I know alot of people wait for their tax return to spend on mods lol..

I mod all my cars so this is a hobbie for me.. but I also can right off alot of stuff due to my occupation so thats a plus

(no daddy and mommys money which would be another way for some lol...)

[wkndwrrr]

I always start from "bottom" up:
so rims, suspension, exhaust, then everything else (exterior mods, various engine performance mods)

and interior mods are relatively cheap, so I do those on impulse (unless you're fitting in a cage or recaros of course)

[andrey_gta]

Back on topic

What are some ways you budget?
How much of your paycheque or what investments fund the mild addiction?

[Big1]

I've always set aside 10% of my GROSS income, in cases of rainy days... or to feed this "mild addiction". But that part of my savings, isn't primarily directed to my 135i. It's basically an emergency source of income, and for the future (ie. house, etc.)

If I can "justify" taking a chunk out, I will..

[JCampea]

Rims, springs & tint...its never going to be fast so enjoy it as is...nice and reliable...and handles much better than most non-pros can handle...I'm 37 and have dumped money into cars that will never be fast (Z24) and would have done things much differently

[R0n1n]

yeah there's not much gains for NA motors without spending a huge penny. come join the turbo world and mods will be a bit more attainable. as lazy said, if your occupation allows you to write off stuff then do it, if not then save for a rainy day. as for myself i usually start modding after a year or so after some parts are wearing out like brakes and tires. So in my case i got new wheels and tires + cobb ap, now needing new rotors and pads to compensate for the additional power.

[M3Newbie88]

Suspension, tires, wheels then power mods.. and last is cosmetics lol.. thats my take on it..

[andrey_gta]

I'm quite happy with NA power. If I wanted turbo I certainly would have had one( had bad VW turbo experience).

I like the idea of replacing parts as they wear out, seems that wheels or brakes would be first.

The Gross income approach is pretty good too.
but since those savings are for life expenses and investments then it must be hard justifying mods. Lol