What to do with 2k??

[csmith7393]

Self explanatory. If you could do any mod's for around $2,000, what would they be?

[KingOfJericho]

I would do an exhaust and new wheels...

[ORIGIN M.]

A real set of tires, w/some M3 suspension components... BAM!

[MarkR171]

Set of Breyton GTS-Rs and R Comp tires for D Stock autocross

[tritonx]

Originally Posted by maxnix

Quaife, the one most important thing BMW omitted.

Yeah, it's a shame. Is 2K enough though for an LSD, with installation and all
?.

[imported_Riq]

It all depends on what do you want...

If its looks, some nice 19" wheels and tires, with a drop from coil springs

For road racing, a new set of non-RFT, some coilovers and sway-bars

Straight line performance - a new set of non-RFT, JB3 , and Catless DP's

[2010MSPORT335i]

Well since he posted in the engine mod section, he probably wants power...
JB3, Catless DP's and the rest save for some coilovers

[shawshank772]

Chip (of your choice) and an exhaust. Chip you can install yourself, exhaust will maybe cost you 150 for someone to install.

[mineo77]

I would do my research on my own and pick out what i wanted.

[Sal@AUTOcouture]

Is the car currently stock? I'd say start with M3 front sway, control arms and tension rods and a set of better tires. The money you'll have left over can go towards a driving event to make you a better driver

[thez99]

Give it to me, ill be ur friend

[ORIGIN M.]

Bingo!

Originally Posted by Sal@AUTOcouture

...I'd say start with M3 front sway, control arms and tension rods and a set of better tires. The money you'll have left over can go towards a driving event to make you a better driver

[ErvGotti]

Good set of non RFT $500 make sure to have 225 in the front 255 rear to help reduce understeer.

Front M3 sway about $400 installed.

Jb3,DCI, and scanner about $900.

All in all close to 2k and you will upgrade your handeling and straight line performance.

Next mods: Exhaust, coilovers, and LSD

[bluephobic(1)]

Definitly some new rubber....Arghh Hate Runflats....and 2ndary cats delete ;P

[dzenno]

For performance get:

1) TUNE
2) DCI
3) Meth
4) FMIC
5) raceland catless downpipes

Just around $2k..boosts power by about 150-180whp..

Looks are not my thing..

[Mark M]

Originally Posted by maxnix

Quaife, the one most important thing BMW omitted.

Yes!!! Agree 100%.

I went from a 135 back to an e46 M3. I hated the lack of LSD in the 135. Could not get great traction during a lauch...would just break free and spin or the traction control would rain on the parade. In a hard corner, could not use the throttle to rotate the car. LSD is a must!

[ryan@ActiveAutowerke]

OP,

If your 135i is completely stock and only have $2K to spend:

1. Active Autowerke Signature 135i Exhaust
2. Performance Software
3. Bilstein Springs

[GaryS]

Tires, shocks, front swaybar.

[michifan]

Shadowline Grill
JB3 Tune
Shocks
Swaybar

[dunny]

My conservative approach:

Shadowline Kidney Grills - $75
Used JB+ - $150
BSH Catch Can - $220
BT Cable - $150
ETS FMIC - $600
M3 front suspension setup - $500 (estimate)
Decent tires - $600 (estimate)

Total = $2,295

Extras:

Better brake pads and brake fluid
Drag radials or slicks
Track wheels/tires
DCI or upgrade stock filter
race gas

A little over budget but that is my plan for the next year or so. The 135i already has adequate power for most driving, so I chose only the JB+ and FMIC as power adders. I know the FMIC won't add much power, but I value the overall benefits....cooler IAT's and decreased chance of detonation just to name a few. These are also both mild mods, ie, warranty friendly....I'd just remove the JB+ when going in for service.

With the suspension and tire improvements, this should make for a decent well rounded ride. I plan on visiting mid ohio this year as well as a few local drag strips.....my goal is mid 12's in the 1/4 and a solid running road course car. If I personally need to go faster I'll just get cracking on the neon again...it is a tune away from low 11's and 350whp