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01-07-2023, 12:40 AM | #1 |
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08 128i N52 Manual
Had this vehicle for 10+ years now. Never had any upgrades, it’s complete stock.
Want upgrades now. What can I do to increase performance? Where do I go to get it done? I’m not car savvy and live in an apt so self upgrades is basically out of the question. Live in Seattle area. |
01-07-2023, 07:34 AM | #2 |
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Drives: 09' 128i MT e88, 24'G05 X5 50e
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01-07-2023, 11:24 AM | #4 |
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#1. driving schools
#2. tires [Michelin PS4S or similar] #3. rear sub frame bushings/inserts #4. change all fluids #5. change air filter #6. get a good inspection at a BMW indy garage for oil leaks [OFHG, VCG, oil pan gasket] |
01-07-2023, 08:23 PM | #6 | ||
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Quote:
Could you link what TRW M3 arms you're referring to? What are your thoughts on the bimmerpost tune? Quote:
Do I find one of those from a junkyard or can I purchase this online? Also, how difficult is it to self install? |
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01-07-2023, 09:15 PM | #7 | |
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Drives: 09' 128i MT e88, 24'G05 X5 50e
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Quote:
Tunes thoughts: Stage FP was the final choice and looked at a few, I felt SFP was in the spirit of OEM and reliable. I did look at Bimmerworld if I memr the research check engine light came on more with Bimmerworld than SFP, I don't think there's a wrong answer. If i was doing heavy mods I'd have done AA header, exhaust and tune. Diff thoughts: I personally would do a Helical LSD 3.64 $3200cost instead of throw a poormans used $150-300 3.73 auto diff if I was to change it. again I want to keep my car light mod and in the spirit of oem, changing the diff def not oem like. |
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01-08-2023, 02:15 PM | #8 |
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Suspension. Of all of the mods I've done, suspension has been the most noticeable. Bushings, chamber plates, good springs and shocks or coilovers. I went with Dinan fixed chamber plates and Bilstein coilovers to keep the German spirit.
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Olgeezer1193.50 |
01-08-2023, 05:07 PM | #9 |
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Weakest suspension points are the shocks/struts and the rear subframe bushings. If it's a street driven car, that plus quality tires is all you need to do. For power the best single thing you can do is a 3 stage DISA intake manifold with a tune from someone like Active Autowerk. Again, for a street car, that's all you need and further power mods won't gain you much. Find an independent BMW shop to do the work. BMWCCA or bimrs.org can help.
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01-10-2023, 09:44 PM | #11 |
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I'll echo all of the responses saying suspension, but I'll also add in an SSK+a good shift knob. Those two drastically improve one of the most common and critical interactions between you and the car.
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01-10-2023, 10:04 PM | #12 |
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Hey man! First upgrade you should do is m3 front control arms. Very cheap mod and improves the handling drastically. You should also do coilovers, I have ST XTA's which are made by KW and have adjustable dampening they're expenaive but worth every penny. Then catless headers, n54 intake manifold & tb, lighter flywheel and 3.91 diff out of the auto car and a stage fp tune. I saw someone else mentioned the 3.73 diff but it's not aggressive enough you definitely want the 3.91 I have it in my car and it's perfect. I have all of the above done to my car and it feels pretty comprible to am e46 m3 now. You can also get rid of some weight by removing the back seat and doing bucket seats. I have my car down to about 3000lbs and it feels very quick for what it is. Good luck with the car!
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01-16-2023, 01:35 PM | #13 | |
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Quote:
enjoy the opening up the potential of the E82 N52, just be honest on how you plan to use it, upgrade accordingly.
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