Introduction and 128i build

[Ryan13]

I've been pouring over the threads for the last month or so...the first big decision was to go 128 or 135. Picked up a 2009 128 manual earlier this week after working thru all the different options. The car is going to be a track car for my wife...I have a couple ZMs with Z4MC being the track car for myself.

The 128 is a non-sport version, so it doesn't have all the suspension bits. But I got a smoking deal on the car, so putting money into won't be painful. On to the upgrade list.

First the maintenance items...gaskets for the Oil Filter Housing, Oil Pan, and Valve Cover. The OFHG is definitely leaking, I'm changing all the others as insurance. The other items are standard fair...fluids for brake, coolant, transmission, power steering, air and cabin filters.

For suspension, I went with the ST-XTA coil overs. Added front and rear sway bars from ECS (28mm front, 15mm rear) along with HD control arms in the rear (non-sport has no rear bar, so had to add all the bits). M3 subframe bushings, M3 differential bushing, RE transmission mounts. Haven't picked a motor mount yet, but will probably just stay stock or grab the 335is passenger side mount.

For brakes, I just kept the rotors and added cool-stops. I can't see a real need to upgrade yet, but let's see how she works them on the track.

I'm still on the fence about which LSD. Talked with Performance Gearing and MFactory, just haven't landed on final.

Not doing exhaust, headers, or engine mods at this point. Seems like a lot of cash for so little return. It's her car that she will probably street from time to time, I can't see her liking extra volume for the sake of volume.

I was all set to add Msport Seats from a seller in the classifieds section, but they were black, she only wants tan. Still searching, but it may be black ones after he first track day in the standard seats.

The wheels are stock 17x7...I'm planning to go square with 225/45 Continential ExtremeContact DW. Can pick them up from Tire Rack for $115 per tire, seems cost effective for a tire.

Am I missing anything? Change anything??

[Kgolf31]

IMO If you're going to get a differential pony up the cash and get a DiffsOnline differential.

Myself, along with others have had nothing but great success running the diff and custom ramps are a nice add for lock up under deceleration. Other autocrossers have had some serious issues with MFactory and developing too much push off-throttle.

Definitely get the headers. Easily is a +20 HP add, even without a 3 Stage Manifold. Headers and a tune change the whole behavior of the car.

Lastly, if it's going to be a track car I'd invest in some stickier tires, or another wheel set that can run a stickier set. DWs are good but you'll quickly find the limit of grip.

[Ryan13]

So I just found a DISA off an 2006 330 for $215. So ok...I'll do the headers and intake manifold. Suppose the tune to get is Evolve?

Which headers would you recommend?

I looked at Diffsonline as well, forgot to mention them. Haven't eliminated any choices yet, just would like to have a fully built pumpkin so I don't have to worry with setting up a rear end...definitely not a skill I have. I'm thinking 3.73.

[sprp85]

Do you have N52 or N51?

[Ryan13]

N52

[Ryan13]

Well...I may take that back. The emissions badge says "California:ULEV II PC".

So I'm not sure now. It doesn't say SULEV.

Which is it?

[squidge]

Originally Posted by Ryan13

The wheels are stock 17x7...I'm planning to go square with 225/45 Continential ExtremeContact DW. Can pick them up from Tire Rack for $115 per tire, seems cost effective for a tire.

Am I missing anything? Change anything??

I just went to 225/45/17 square Pilot Super Sports and they were only a few bucks more per tire than the Contis. I've had Conti DWs and DWSs and it's definitely worth the small premium to go Michelin. You'll likely have slightly better life from what I've seen as well.

[Velomobile]

If you put your VIN in below I think you can figure out if it's N51 / 52 ... SULEV

http://www.bmwvin.com/

If you bought the car on the east coast and it was originally sold out there I would think there's a high probability it's not?

I'd actually be curious if you use carfax and let us know where it was originally sold and whether or not it's SULEV.. Thanks!

[sprp85]

Originally Posted by Ryan13

Well...I may take that back. The emissions badge says "California:ULEV II PC".

So I'm not sure now. It doesn't say SULEV.

Which is it?

Most likely N51..

Punch in your VIN @ http://www.bmwvin.com/

If you have N51, you can forget about 3-Stage, as it is already equipped with it. Also, Evolv can't tune N51s as far as I know. So the only legitimate tuning option would be ActiveAutowerke.

[sprp85]

Hm nevermind, if it says ULEV, it seems to be N52?

[Ryan13]

VIN long WBAUP73559VF06730

Type code UP73

Type 128I ML (USA)

Dev. series E82 ()

Line 1

Body type COUPE

Steering LL

Door count 2

Engine N52K

Cubical capacity 3.00

Power 172

Transmision HECK

Gearbox MECH

Colour MONTEGOBLAU METALLIC (A51)

Upholstery LEDER BOSTON 2/BEIGE (LWB4)

Prod. date 2008-09-08

[Ryan13]

It was originally sold at Passport BMW in Maryland.

So it looks like an N52. I did a quick Google to try and find the difference between LEV, ULEV, SULEV. I found the standard gov definitions. But I also found a post stating the difference in the N52 LEV and ULEV is supposedly emission catalytic converters.

Anyone know if this presents an issue for software tune when adding headers and/or 3-stage manifold?

[RyanDavies]

It is an N52. Most of them are ULEV II (which means it has secondary cats). No issue. I'm 10 miles away from you and have had a 15mm rear bar laying around collecting dust forever, wish I'd known someone wanted one .

[AlexR6]

Originally Posted by Ryan13

Am I missing anything? Change anything??

For track days:

• stickier and wider tires
• steel brake hose
• front m3 arms (more camber is always good)
• No m sport seats but bucket seats
• LSD is a nice to have but also the standard e-diff is enough to avoid crazy wheel spinning

[chris82]

Definitely stickier tires and camber plates for a good alignment.

[Ryan13]

SS brake lines were on order, just forgot to mention them. They will go on when subframe bushings are installed.

The reason I passed on the M3 front control arms is due to the ST-XCA Coilover having camber plates already. Presumed enough negative camber could be gained without having to spend on the control arms. Am I wrong? Do the arms make any other improvements??

RyanDavies...sorry I didn't post earlier, would have definitely taken you up on the sway bar. Are you planning to attend the HPDE at Summit next month? I'll be there with my Z and wife will be driving the 1.

[hoki06]

DiffsOnline for the diff, the rest really aren't even comparable. I put one in my M3 recently and it's fantastic.

[RyanDavies]

Originally Posted by Ryan13

SS brake lines were on order, just forgot to mention them. They will go on when subframe bushings are installed.

The reason I passed on the M3 front control arms is due to the ST-XCA Coilover having camber plates already. Presumed enough negative camber could be gained without having to spend on the control arms. Am I wrong? Do the arms make any other improvements??

RyanDavies...sorry I didn't post earlier, would have definitely taken you up on the sway bar. Are you planning to attend the HPDE at Summit next month? I'll be there with my Z and wife will be driving the 1.

I won't. It's a dedicated autocross car, I have an E46 time trials car. Haven't done a DE in ~8 years or so now.

Depending upon spring rates / how much camber you can get, I would absolutely get aftermarket arms. If you'd post a picture of your strut tower (showing the plates set to max camber), I'll be able to tell if you'd need more. There are other ways to do that, less expensive than the M3 arms...shoot a PM.

[Taskmaster]

Originally Posted by Ryan13

So I just found a DISA off an 2006 330 for $215. So ok...I'll do the headers and intake manifold. Suppose the tune to get is Evolve?

Which headers would you recommend?

I looked at Diffsonline as well, forgot to mention them. Haven't eliminated any choices yet, just would like to have a fully built pumpkin so I don't have to worry with setting up a rear end...definitely not a skill I have. I'm thinking 3.73.

The tune to get would be AA or BPC. That's it.

[ATH_M2]

ESS for the tune or an ESS Supercharger.

[RyanDavies]

Having had an AA tune earlier this season and having just moved over to an Epic Motorsports tune, the *only* thing the AA tune has going for it over epic is a bunch of marketing fluff.

I got excellent customer service, complete honesty, a product that was exactly as promised, and better power from Epic. I haven't had any experience / know anyone who has with BPC, but I couldn't hold an opinion more strongly between Epic / AA....

[Taskmaster]

Originally Posted by AndyPac

ESS for the tune or an ESS Supercharger.

As far as I know, ESS doesn't have a header specific tune, just a CEL removal. In fact, outside the supercharger, they really don't have any showings honestly.