Help me decide...

BBK · 01-19-2010, 04:35 AM

My birthday is coming up... I can't think of anything else to get but things for the car (which my wife isn't too happy about

) but I am not sure what to get.

* New wheels, thinking about 19's but not sure as I'll need new tyres too. I also have a set of standard run flats spare at home

* Coilovers, just KW V1's most likely

* Stereo overhaul, some may know, I am big on stereos so this most likely could get expensive... but thinking about a set of 3-ways for the front and a sub.

Any other ideas? Probably $2k max. Speed/power has already been taken care of.

sparoz · 01-19-2010, 04:43 AM

With Speed/Power, next step would be handling - probably KW I would say. If you want to go faster, than a lighter set of 18s would be better than 19s.

amk2912 · 01-19-2010, 05:57 AM

Don't think you'd get a new set of wheels for under $2k unless you go some dodgy Chinese made brand - which you'd be nuts to do. I'd get myself some nice tools, a few gallons of engine oil, some oil filters etc and do a few oil changes yourself. That way you SAVE some money....and the wife's gotta be happy with that!

BBK · 01-19-2010, 06:08 AM

I'm not too concerned about cheap wheels...

Brissie · 01-19-2010, 06:36 AM

I vote for 19" wheels.
Haven't really found any that have the correct off set for the 1 series, in a staggered set up, unless you want to go all square.
The only possible fit are the Foregstar from the states I think. I like the VMR wheels, but need to run skinny tyres which I don't like.

alik01 · 01-19-2010, 06:42 AM

BBK I'd do the KWs as well. Getting it suspended better and maybe killing the understeer would help make great use of the power/speed upgrades! My new tires have really helped with that too!

Can't really justify the audio upgrade, I have the Logic 7 audio in mine and that plenty good for me, I hear the standard system is shocking though - don't know what you have.

Amk2912, really like your idea and have been considering doing this myself. What oil and filter do you use and where do you source from? Already have the nice tools! I'm assuming all you need is the socket for the sump plug?

BMW86 · 01-19-2010, 06:47 AM

Happy Birthday in advance

I vote for wheels. It's ultimately the best thing you can do in terms of appearance and it will transform your car completely. I have noticed that you requested a price in the Alufelgen wheel thread for the SF-71's. I don't think you'd be able to fit these to our 135i's without some rubbing in the front. The 8.5 runs too wide up front. Alufelgen have a 18 inch CSL C7 wheel with the correct offsets that should be coming out any day now. I'm in that group buy. If you don't go with wheels I would go with an exhaust and then a set of coilovers.

amk2912 · 01-19-2010, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alik01

Amk2912, really like your idea and have been considering doing this myself. What oil and filter do you use and where do you source from? Already have the nice tools! I'm assuming all you need is the socket for the sump plug?

I haven't done any oil changes on the M3 yet, other than the 2000km service that was covered by BMW. I would source the filter from the spares dept or if it was ridiculously priced I'd see if was cheaper to import, with the AUD so strong against the USD. Castrol's special brew for the M3 is a problem though as it seems to be only available from BMW at about $50 a litre - the M3 needs 9.5 litres! The M3 apparently has two sumps and it's not simply a case of removing the sump plug - but I'm sure there's a heap of info on how to do it. I know it's not everyones thing but I love doing my own thing. My next thing is to learn how to change the brake pads on an X5 as I just got stung close to $1000 for a new set of fronts and rears!!!!

oldman · 01-19-2010, 03:07 PM

You can get the BMW oil "Castrol SLX Professional BMW LL01" from Supercheap Auto in a 20 litre drum @ $245.00. That's what I use.

Get 3 oil changes for a 135i out of the 20 litres and obviously 2 for an M3 @ 9.5 litres per change.

Liub · 01-19-2010, 03:36 PM

I'll be looking at audio options around 1.5-2k mark on arrival of my car, so if you do go down that route please share your setup!

Really need to see if I can listen in on Taka's Alpine upgrade...

MikeVictor · 01-19-2010, 04:09 PM

Happy birthday mate.

Stereo? I would have thought 19's might spoil the ride quality a bit. I'm with Sparoz too, if you're after something more drive oriented go the suspension route.

BBK · 01-19-2010, 07:19 PM

Thanks guys!

As I said, I am pretty big on stereos, used to have a $10k+ system in an older car and competed in competitions. But that was when I couldn't afford fast cars, so now I have something more fun to drive it isn't as big a deal for me. But I still am an audiophile in hiding.

If I can get wheels, they are going to be around $1400ish US shipped (18's). Like BMW86 said, doesn't look like I can find many 19's in the right size that won't cost an arm and a leg.

I am still so undecided...

delete-this-account · 01-19-2010, 07:32 PM

spend it on a holiday

TimMc · 01-19-2010, 08:11 PM

I'd spend it on all your 1addict mates who live in your city. Imagine how good it will make you feel!

05C4R · 01-19-2010, 08:18 PM

some fluffy dice

amk2912 · 01-19-2010, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldman

You can get the BMW oil "Castrol SLX Professional BMW LL01" from Supercheap Auto in a 20 litre drum @ $245.00. That's what I use.

Get 3 oil changes for a 135i out of the 20 litres and obviously 2 for an M3 @ 9.5 litres per change.

Is that a 10W50?

takahashi · 01-19-2010, 08:47 PM

Happy birthday mate

Audio I would say.

I tend not to replace parts that is lower quality than OEM. If you find some $2K 19" better quality than OEM. By old means let us know. I am thinking about $6K with tyres.

Coilover is personal. I will start with sway bar. You may find you are saving $2K after that.

oldman · 01-19-2010, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amk2912

Is that a 10W50?

It's the same oil my dealer is going to use in my car as I asked them so I could get the same stuff. I do believe Castrol is now selling this same oil under a different name now.

There are quite a number of recommended Castrol Oils for BMW that are listed in the BMW TIS.

There is a screenshot on one of the posts here with a list of all the BMW recommended oils from the TIS.

"SAE 5W-30 API SJ/CF ACEA A3,B4"

If that's not correct for the M3, then Supercheap should still be able to get you the correct Castrol oil.

sparoz · 01-19-2010, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by takahashi

Happy birthday mate

Audio I would say.

I tend not to replace parts that is lower quality than OEM. If you find some $2K 19" better quality than OEM. By old means let us know. I am thinking about $6K with tyres.

Coilover is personal. I will start with sway bar. You may find you are saving $2K after that.

+1 to the sway bar - I know the 19s looks better, but unless you are going to be putting on bigger brakes, all you are adding is unsprung weight which means more fuel, harsher ride, and slower. If you are going with wheels, some 18 Breytons are light and cheap

BBK · 01-19-2010, 09:41 PM

Yeah might be right about the wheels... forgot about swaybar too!

TimMC has a great idea though, didn't think of that :-p

sparoz · 01-19-2010, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BBK

Yeah might be right about the wheels... forgot about swaybar too!

TimMC has a great idea though, didn't think of that :-p

Aria?? :P lol

oz125 · 01-19-2010, 10:30 PM

beemer bet me to it.

$2k you say???
Fluffy dice, red NOS seat covers plus for the back seats, matching shag pile steering wheel lambswool, plus dash mat, neon's, some adhesive checker plate, plastic drilled aluminium pedal covers, garnish with choice of NRNR or bullet hole stickers and budget should just about see it done. Maate, that's what I am gonna do, make it fully sic mate impress da chix..

second thoughts, go the suspension what was I thinking.
enjoy your BD.

01-19-2010, 04:35 AM	#1
BBK Banned 88 Rep 3,070 Posts Drives: A boring one... Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Australia iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 BMW 135i [5.76]	Help me decide... My birthday is coming up... I can't think of anything else to get but things for the car (which my wife isn't too happy about ) but I am not sure what to get. * New wheels, thinking about 19's but not sure as I'll need new tyres too. I also have a set of standard run flats spare at home * Coilovers, just KW V1's most likely * Stereo overhaul, some may know, I am big on stereos so this most likely could get expensive... but thinking about a set of 3-ways for the front and a sub. Any other ideas? Probably $2k max. Speed/power has already been taken care of.
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01-19-2010, 04:43 AM	#2
sparoz Brigadier General 191 Rep 4,848 Posts Drives: VO 1///M; Macan Turbo Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Sunshine Coast iTrader: (0)	With Speed/Power, next step would be handling - probably KW I would say. If you want to go faster, than a lighter set of 18s would be better than 19s. __________________ Macan S Diesel - Carrera White Macan Turbo - White 1///M - Valencia Orange
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01-19-2010, 05:57 AM	#3
amk2912 Lieutenant Colonel 87 Rep 1,663 Posts Drives: '10 X5 40d & '12 F10 520d Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Perth iTrader: (0)	Don't think you'd get a new set of wheels for under $2k unless you go some dodgy Chinese made brand - which you'd be nuts to do. I'd get myself some nice tools, a few gallons of engine oil, some oil filters etc and do a few oil changes yourself. That way you SAVE some money....and the wife's gotta be happy with that! __________________ 2012 BMW F10 520d M-Sport 2010 BMW E70 X5 xdrive40d
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01-19-2010, 06:08 AM	#4
BBK Banned 88 Rep 3,070 Posts Drives: A boring one... Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Australia iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 BMW 135i [5.76]	I'm not too concerned about cheap wheels...
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01-19-2010, 06:36 AM	#5
Brissie Lieutenant 36 Rep 579 Posts Drives: 135 Join Date: May 2009 Location: brisbane, Oz iTrader: (0)	I vote for 19" wheels. Haven't really found any that have the correct off set for the 1 series, in a staggered set up, unless you want to go all square. The only possible fit are the Foregstar from the states I think. I like the VMR wheels, but need to run skinny tyres which I don't like.
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01-19-2010, 06:42 AM	#6
alik01 Lieutenant Colonel 51 Rep 1,792 Posts Drives: Slowly & Responsibly Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Darwin, Australia iTrader: (0)	BBK I'd do the KWs as well. Getting it suspended better and maybe killing the understeer would help make great use of the power/speed upgrades! My new tires have really helped with that too! Can't really justify the audio upgrade, I have the Logic 7 audio in mine and that plenty good for me, I hear the standard system is shocking though - don't know what you have. Amk2912, really like your idea and have been considering doing this myself. What oil and filter do you use and where do you source from? Already have the nice tools! I'm assuming all you need is the socket for the sump plug?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-19-2010, 06:47 AM	#7
BMW86 Major General 398 Rep 9,156 Posts Drives: RS3 Sedan / Macan S Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Australia iTrader: (0)	Happy Birthday in advance I vote for wheels. It's ultimately the best thing you can do in terms of appearance and it will transform your car completely. I have noticed that you requested a price in the Alufelgen wheel thread for the SF-71's. I don't think you'd be able to fit these to our 135i's without some rubbing in the front. The 8.5 runs too wide up front. Alufelgen have a 18 inch CSL C7 wheel with the correct offsets that should be coming out any day now. I'm in that group buy. If you don't go with wheels I would go with an exhaust and then a set of coilovers. Last edited by BMW86; 01-19-2010 at 05:22 PM..
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01-19-2010, 03:07 PM	#9
oldman . 31 Rep 439 Posts Drives: 09 135i AW Coupe Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: NSW Australia iTrader: (0)	You can get the BMW oil "Castrol SLX Professional BMW LL01" from Supercheap Auto in a 20 litre drum @ $245.00. That's what I use. Get 3 oil changes for a 135i out of the 20 litres and obviously 2 for an M3 @ 9.5 litres per change. __________________ __________________ MY09 135i AW \| Manual \| Pro NAV \| CA \| Logic 7 Hi Fi \| BMW Performance Exhaust \| BMS Dual Intake \| iCarbon CF Rear Diffuser \|
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01-19-2010, 03:36 PM	#10
Liub Captain 44 Rep 782 Posts Drives: E8 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Melbourne, Australia iTrader: (0)	I'll be looking at audio options around 1.5-2k mark on arrival of my car, so if you do go down that route please share your setup! Really need to see if I can listen in on Taka's Alpine upgrade...
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01-19-2010, 04:09 PM	#11
MikeVictor Brigadier General 210 Rep 3,288 Posts Drives: anything given a chance Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: .au iTrader: (0) Garage List 2016 Mazda ND MX-5 [10.00]	Happy birthday mate. Stereo? I would have thought 19's might spoil the ride quality a bit. I'm with Sparoz too, if you're after something more drive oriented go the suspension route.
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01-19-2010, 07:19 PM	#12
BBK Banned 88 Rep 3,070 Posts Drives: A boring one... Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Australia iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 BMW 135i [5.76]	Thanks guys! As I said, I am pretty big on stereos, used to have a $10k+ system in an older car and competed in competitions. But that was when I couldn't afford fast cars, so now I have something more fun to drive it isn't as big a deal for me. But I still am an audiophile in hiding. If I can get wheels, they are going to be around $1400ish US shipped (18's). Like BMW86 said, doesn't look like I can find many 19's in the right size that won't cost an arm and a leg. I am still so undecided...
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-19-2010, 07:32 PM	#13
delete-this-account Private 7 Rep 98 Posts Drives: DD Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: DD iTrader: (0)	spend it on a holiday __________________ 130i m-sport
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01-19-2010, 08:11 PM	#14
TimMc Lieutenant Colonel 44 Rep 1,883 Posts Drives: E90 M3 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Brisbane, Australia iTrader: (0)	I'd spend it on all your 1addict mates who live in your city. Imagine how good it will make you feel!
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01-19-2010, 08:18 PM	#15
05C4R Major 62 Rep 1,147 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: sydney iTrader: (0)	some fluffy dice
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01-19-2010, 08:47 PM	#17
takahashi Retired trackie 36 Rep 1,527 Posts Drives: 1///M Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Melbourne, Australia iTrader: (0)	Happy birthday mate Audio I would say. I tend not to replace parts that is lower quality than OEM. If you find some $2K 19" better quality than OEM. By old means let us know. I am thinking about $6K with tyres. Coilover is personal. I will start with sway bar. You may find you are saving $2K after that. __________________ TAKA 一仔BLOGブログ: BMW 1 series M 2011! Delivered 18/11/11.
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01-19-2010, 09:41 PM	#20
BBK Banned 88 Rep 3,070 Posts Drives: A boring one... Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Australia iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 BMW 135i [5.76]	Yeah might be right about the wheels... forgot about swaybar too! TimMC has a great idea though, didn't think of that :-p
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01-19-2010, 10:30 PM	#22
oz125 Private First Class 2 Rep 118 Posts Drives: AW 125M sport convertible Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: down under iTrader: (0)	beemer bet me to it. $2k you say??? Fluffy dice, red NOS seat covers plus for the back seats, matching shag pile steering wheel lambswool, plus dash mat, neon's, some adhesive checker plate, plastic drilled aluminium pedal covers, garnish with choice of NRNR or bullet hole stickers and budget should just about see it done. Maate, that's what I am gonna do, make it fully sic mate impress da chix.. second thoughts, go the suspension what was I thinking. enjoy your BD.
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