[tsage]

Hi everybody,

This is my first post so all the advice I can get would be appreciated.

I have had this 335i for about 4 years now. Currently it has around 63,000 miles. I have had multiple random fixes throughout these years. I've had to replace turbo housing gaskets, a fuel injector, a radiator pump, a turbo sensor, and I believe a fuel pump, and currently the abs light is on which may mean I need to replace the abs sensor. The car also does not drive as fast as it used to and I think I am hearing a turbo rattle, but not %100 sure about that. I also have a bad set of tires and the car steers to the left REALLY REALLY BAD( If I let go of the steering wheel the car will pull a u-turn). Long story short, this car has not held up as well as I expected, and there is work to be done to the car. I originally bought it for $30,000 with 20,000 miles. I considered selling the car and getting something more reliable, but when i saw how much these were selling for on ebay( I honestly dont think I will get much more than $12,000) so I figured I am better off keeping the car.

That being said, it is time for me to make some fixes and some upgrades. My budget is between $5-6k to make this happen. This budget I would like to spend for a balance of cosmetics and performance. I figured since I am having the radial pull steering issue with my current set of tires, and my OEM rims have some serious curb rash, I might as well upgrade to some nice 19 inch wheels. I like the VMR's but with new tires I'm looking at around $1800 so if anyone has any other ideas they would be appreciated. As you will also find in the pics, my front bumper has seen better days and either needs to be repaired or replaced as well as the protective plastic cover under the car. I could use opinions on that as well. There are many other things that I would like to do such as new turbos, st suspension kit, BBK kit, a new clutch(will be needed soon), intake, and getting the car tuned. Mathematically this will probably run me at least 8k for all of this without labor..

As far as the labor goes.. I do not have much experience, but I am eager to learn, and I am good at fixing things and following DIY instructions/videos. I have some basic tools but I will probably have to invest in some tools to do some if not all of these upgrades myself. This is where I need your advice. What upgrades should I make? Should I do them myself? Should I replace or repair my bumper? What tools should I buy?

Here is a link with all of the pics of the car..
http://www.flickr.com/photos/105773164@N04/

[Datsik]

As far as the maintenance/performance work you are talking about an intake is really the only thing that is an easy DIY and doesn't require a lift or specialty tools; However, with replacing the front bumper, there are a number of different options that are relatively cheap and can be done DIY. Look through the vendor section to see whats being offered.

As far as new wheels go, those are going to be the cheapest decent set you would be able to find. You could check the "for sale" section of the forum to see if someone is selling a used set near you, but thats about the only other option that would be cheaper.

I would definitely, recommend if you're on a tight budget to get all the mechanical issues resolved before you worry about cosmetics though.

[tsage]

Thanks for you advice Datsik.

I have been looking at some DIY videos on youtube. Here is one that I was thinking would be feasible...but its one thing when you watch a video and a whole other story when you actually have to do it..

Another thing that I will like and have to do probably sooner than later, is upgrade my turbos. There is a shop not far from where I live that sells and installs their own brand turbo for $3500 with installation.

http://www.awdmotorsports.com/produc...et%20turbo.htm

I have been hearing great things about RB Turbos as well, but they are a bit more expensive. Should I wait and have those installed for $4200, or will I be happy with the billet turbos?

As far my bumper goes..does it seem repairable?

[RandyFL73]

You say you only have 63K on your car...are you sure you don't qualify for a turbo replacement for the wastegate rattle? Do you have any low boost codes? Look into it, I just got mine done at no cost to me by BMW and it made a pretty substantial difference. If nothing else, it will buy some time for upgraded turbos later.

If you do have to replace your own turbos...I would hold out for the RB's.

[tsage]

Yup only 63k. I will definitely look into that. Makes a lot more sense to do that under the buget I am working with than to replace them with aftermarkets. How can I check my boost codes? Do I have to take it to a specialist? How low do they need to be in order for me to qualify for a replacement?

[ihc95]

I definitely think you could qualify for the turbo warranty. That would be a huge savings. Also a BBK sounds completely ridiculous to me given your current situation. If your brakes are really that bad, get Z4 35is rotors with new pads and you should be good to go. Also you may want to consider a replacing all of your spark plugs and ignition coils as well as get the valves walnut blasted. It will feel like new car. As for your bumper, you can cover the blends with a lip or splitters which is way cheaper than buying a new bumper. Good luck.

[ad500]

Have you considered having the wheels professionally re-furbed ? They're nice wheels IMO and would likely be 50% (maybe more) less than a new set. You could darken their color for example and the saved cash could go towards your other ideas.

[ad500]

regarding the bodywork, body repair companies like Abra and the like, can do amazing things with your existing damaged plastics.

[Mardio]

Yes I would save money and do maintanance first. Paint out your rims and it will save you a lot of cash compared to full replacement.

[dcn365]

Sell this dam BMW and upgrade to other nice ones. I faced the same situation and I sold mine at a good price. Regret for sometimes but I think I did the right thing. As E90 goes, your pocket is toward empty. And most of the expense is non necessary. Make sure you got your next target before you let it go, and you will be happy.

[Andrey]

Sounds like it your car need some TLC and just regular maintenance, shocks, tie rods, bushings, suspension work, and just regular refreshments.
i do not know how you maintained your car, but these cars need TLC at around 50k to make sure it runs perfectly.
Just send it to one of your mechanics and have him make a list of everything that needs to be done to make it drive like new.

[paddy335]

Based on the second hand price you mentioned in your case I would sell it and stretch to $20k and get another later model one. It sounds a little like you have a lemon on your hands with all those issues.

The second option - I wouldn't be spending money on cosmetics that is for sure, get it reliable first.

[tsage]

Well guys thanks again for all of the ideas, but after all of this thought, I am going to give it some tlc and keep my fingers crossed. It seems to be running fine for now, and I am going to take ihc95's advice on the spark plugs, and ignition valves, as well as the lip splitter for the bumper. As far as my wheels go..since my current set of tires are causing my car to pull to the left which i is driving me insane. I decided to sell them and cash out on a nice set of 19 inch vmr 701's, also got the st suspension kit to drop her a couple inches. When I get the suspension installed ill have my mechanic check my boost codes for my turbos and hopefully they're low enough for bmw to replace them. At the end of the day this is a bmw engine after all, and my tranny and chassis is solid, so I have hope I can make it at least to 115k without too many headaches.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by tsage

Well guys thanks again for all of the ideas, but after all of this thought, I am going to give it some tlc and keep my fingers crossed. It seems to be running fine for now, and I am going to take ihc95's advice on the spark plugs, and ignition valves, as well as the lip splitter for the bumper. As far as my wheels go..since my current set of tires are causing my car to pull to the left which i is driving me insane. I decided to sell them and cash out on a nice set of 19 inch vmr 701's, also got the st suspension kit to drop her a couple inches. When I get the suspension installed ill have my mechanic check my boost codes for my turbos and hopefully they're low enough for bmw to replace them. At the end of the day this is a bmw engine after all, and my tranny and chassis is solid, so I have hope I can make it at least to 115k without too many headaches.

Lots of options for you in terms of performance and wheels.
pm me if you need advice on what to start with and different prices

[Potty_Pants]

Thumbs up for asking the forums for advice before taking action !

I'd offer advice but it would be biased and prob not in your best interest.

good luck with your decisions

ppp