Boston Gray Build Thread

parameter416 · 06-02-2023, 05:07 PM

If you're curious about the intake boot you can read about it here: https://www.1addicts.com/forums/show...ight=mishimoto.

It doesn't add any power, although it does seem to respond more quickly to throttle inputs. The main benefit is subjective - the intake noise above 4k. Some people will like it, some people may not. A cheap and easy upgrade, and easily reversible if you don't like it. If you do it, just be careful not to damage the MAF sensor during the install.

HappyDuck · 06-03-2023, 10:00 AM

Almost every time I reached over to the glovebox I got a terrible paper-cut like slice, but deeper, and bloodier. The small chrome strip on my glovebox had delaminated and created a nearly perfect blade. Finally, this week I had enough and some time to deal with it.
I expected to disassemble the glovebox and simply replace the latch. But the interior flocking doesn't appear to be removable, it looks to be painted on the plastic. Which meant, if I wanted to get to any screws or snaps I'd have to destroy the finish. I looked at a used panel for about $75 from eBay but decided to fix it myself instead. I thought: Even though the chrome trim makes design sense, as it helps makes the latch visible. There is no other chrome in the dash, everything else is silver or aluminum. So I took the home strip off the latch, sanded it down and used rubberized undercoating to match the dash texture as best I can.

HappyDuck · 07-29-2023, 02:15 PM

Finally got around to a few of the misc parts I had collected for the 128i.
Added the performance spoiler, black mirror caps and black grille.

I used some spray semi-gloss clear coat to turn the gloss black grills to a semi-gloss, but I still don't like the way they look.

carscatscoffee15 · 07-30-2023, 01:08 PM

Noticed you have iDrive.. for a pure usability mod (and arguably the one that has had the most impact on my driving experience) I recommend an Android Auto/MMI interface box. Most people here use generic boxes found on Alibaba/online, I went bimmertech.

Cleaner look than an AC vent clip and easier to see.. makes drives with nav and listening to music 10000x easier.

Build looks great! Blacklines are the way to go, any plans for the front headlights?

HappyDuck · 07-30-2023, 03:50 PM

carscatscoffee15:

I totally agree about the Blacklines.

My headlights are beginning to yellow and age. I'm going to replace them with something that has angel eyes.

I don't have iDrive.

JoeH128 · 07-30-2023, 06:02 PM

Not wanting to distract from the OP’s thread…

Quote:

Originally Posted by carscatscoffee15

I went bimmertech.

Did you install the MMI unit in the location shown in Bimmertech’s 1-series installation video?

HappyDuck · 07-31-2023, 02:06 PM

More bling: a Year One of the 1 Start-Stop button ring.

HappyDuck · 10-04-2023, 03:44 PM

What do you think?

HappyDuck · 10-06-2023, 10:19 AM

I replaced my M-Sport muffler with a BMW Performance. Wow, what a great change. It finally sounds like a proper sports car and is shedding it's as the entry-level BMW-ness.

Link to a video of the first cold-start:

WrathOTM · 10-06-2023, 12:14 PM

Sounds pretty good man

Donkeyshins · 10-06-2023, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HappyDuck

I replaced my M-Sport muffler with a BMW Performance. Wow, what a great change. It finally sounds like a proper sports car and is shedding it's as the entry-level BMW-ness.

Link to a video of the first cold-start:

Where on earth did you find a BMW Performance exhaust? They've been NLA everywhere I've looked.

HappyDuck · 10-09-2023, 10:03 AM

I found the performance exhaust here, on the Bimmerpost 1Addicts' buy-sell forum.

Donkeyshins · 10-09-2023, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HappyDuck

I found the performance exhaust here, on the Bimmerpost 1Addicts' buy-sell forum.

Not just a HappyDuck, but apparently a lucky one as well.

krhodes1 · 10-09-2023, 07:43 PM

The OEM Performance Exhaust is great - along with the Performance Intake I've had one on my 328i from new. But as my 128i is a convertible, I wonder if it would be louder than I would like?

Not a big fan of the red dash trim - it's a bit much. But I am old school and went poplar wood trim on my car (also Space Grey) to get rid of the base black plastic it came with. Goes great with the Savannah Beige interior. But I don't think that would look good with Coral Red.

Looking great though, I'd love to add a coupe to my little collection.

HappyDuck · 10-10-2023, 09:57 AM

It's not loud at all. Just a nice burble at idle and some raspiness when revved.
Let me know if you come down to a cars and coffee at Larz Andersen and I might be there too.

HappyDuck · 10-12-2023, 04:23 PM

Instead of adding BMW Performance brake set, I decided to use the front from a 135i since they are mechanically identical and I prefer the grey caliper to the acid yellow of the Performance kit. I also changed the lines to stainless from ESC tuning.
installing was plug-and-play. Everything came off and went on was it supposed to.
I did buy new dust shields, but they didn't fit. Either I bought, or was sent, the wrong part. I'll rectify this the next time I have the car up.

Donkeyshins · 10-12-2023, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HappyDuck

Instead of adding BMW Performance brake set, I decided to use the front from a 135i since they are mechanically identical and I prefer the grey caliper to the acid yellow of the Performance kit.
installing was plug-and-play. Everything came off and went on was it supposed to.
I did buy new dust shields, but they didn't fit. Either I bought, or was sent, the wrong part. I'll rectify this the next time I have the car up.

I'd suggest at the very minimum upgrading to 328i rears (2mm larger diameter piston) as well as coding in reinforced brakes , otherwise your brake bias is going to be wonky.

If you are planning on installing the 135i rears, you should still do the coding, but ignore the comment about 328i rears.

HappyDuck · 10-13-2023, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Donkeyshins

I'd suggest at the very minimum upgrading to 328i rears (2mm larger diameter piston) as well as coding in reinforced brakes , otherwise your brake bias is going to be wonky.

If you are planning on installing the 135i rears, you should still do the coding, but ignore the comment about 328i rears.

I am planning on 328i rears. I'm looking for a pair that are rust-free so I can paint them to match these fronts.

Thanks for the link to coding for reinforced brakes too.

HappyDuck · 10-13-2023, 02:40 PM

Happiness is a warning-free BMW dashboard.

Donkeyshins · 10-13-2023, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HappyDuck

I am planning on 328i rears. I'm looking for a pair that are rust-free so I can paint them to match these fronts.

Thanks for the link to coding for reinforced brakes too.

I think I might have an extra set I can send you for free, if you don't mind paying for shipping. I'll check my garage this evening when I'm off from work.

Donkeyshins · 10-15-2023, 05:32 PM

Yep. Still have 'em. They'll need some cleanup (obviously), but only a couple of small spots of surface rust that should come off easily.

@HappyDuck Let me know if you want them.

HappyDuck · 11-03-2023, 12:30 PM

The Boston Grey is nearly 100K miles so I've begun having the various seals and gaskets replaced on an as-needed basis.
This week was:
- Rear Differential Output Shaft Seals
- Shift Shaft Seal
- Front Thrust Rod Bushings

06-02-2023, 05:07 PM	#23
parameter416 Second Lieutenant 568 Rep 247 Posts Drives: 2012 128i M-Sport Coupe 6MT Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	If you're curious about the intake boot you can read about it here: https://www.1addicts.com/forums/show...ight=mishimoto. It doesn't add any power, although it does seem to respond more quickly to throttle inputs. The main benefit is subjective - the intake noise above 4k. Some people will like it, some people may not. A cheap and easy upgrade, and easily reversible if you don't like it. If you do it, just be careful not to damage the MAF sensor during the install. Last edited by parameter416; 06-02-2023 at 05:09 PM.. Reason: typo.
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06-03-2023, 10:00 AM	#24
HappyDuck Private First Class 106 Rep 108 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 128i 6MT M-Sport Join Date: May 2019 Location: Boston, MA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 BMW 128i [0.00]	Does your glovebox make you bleed? Almost every time I reached over to the glovebox I got a terrible paper-cut like slice, but deeper, and bloodier. The small chrome strip on my glovebox had delaminated and created a nearly perfect blade. Finally, this week I had enough and some time to deal with it. I expected to disassemble the glovebox and simply replace the latch. But the interior flocking doesn't appear to be removable, it looks to be painted on the plastic. Which meant, if I wanted to get to any screws or snaps I'd have to destroy the finish. I looked at a used panel for about $75 from eBay but decided to fix it myself instead. I thought: Even though the chrome trim makes design sense, as it helps makes the latch visible. There is no other chrome in the dash, everything else is silver or aluminum. So I took the home strip off the latch, sanded it down and used rubberized undercoating to match the dash texture as best I can. Attached Images __________________ 2011 128i M-Sport 6MT Coupe Space Gray Style 372 Wheels Red Manual Sport Interior
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07-29-2023, 02:15 PM	#25
HappyDuck Private First Class 106 Rep 108 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 128i 6MT M-Sport Join Date: May 2019 Location: Boston, MA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 BMW 128i [0.00]	Added some bling and non-bling Finally got around to a few of the misc parts I had collected for the 128i. Added the performance spoiler, black mirror caps and black grille. I used some spray semi-gloss clear coat to turn the gloss black grills to a semi-gloss, but I still don't like the way they look. Attached Images __________________ 2011 128i M-Sport 6MT Coupe Space Gray Style 372 Wheels Red Manual Sport Interior
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07-30-2023, 01:08 PM	#26
carscatscoffee15 Lieutenant 257 Rep 437 Posts Drives: BMW 128i ZED Package Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: New York City, NY iTrader: (0)	Noticed you have iDrive.. for a pure usability mod (and arguably the one that has had the most impact on my driving experience) I recommend an Android Auto/MMI interface box. Most people here use generic boxes found on Alibaba/online, I went bimmertech. Cleaner look than an AC vent clip and easier to see.. makes drives with nav and listening to music 10000x easier. Build looks great! Blacklines are the way to go, any plans for the front headlights? __________________ Mods Done: AA Exhaust/Headers \| 3SIM \| MILVs \| StageFP Dyno Tuned \| Euro Box Intake Swap \| LCI Blackline Tailights \| OEM Euro Bi-Xenon Swap from Halogen \| Rear Bumper M-Sport Swap \| Rear PDC Retrofit \| BMW OEM CF Diffuser/Spoiler \| BMW Front Aero Kit \| Supersprint Sec 1 Cat Delete Straight Pipes To Do: Ohlins R n T Suspension \| Front/Rear Sway Bars \| M3 Front Control Arms/Bushings Eventually: AT -> MT Swap (!?)
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07-30-2023, 03:50 PM	#27
HappyDuck Private First Class 106 Rep 108 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 128i 6MT M-Sport Join Date: May 2019 Location: Boston, MA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 BMW 128i [0.00]	carscatscoffee15: I totally agree about the Blacklines. My headlights are beginning to yellow and age. I'm going to replace them with something that has angel eyes. I don't have iDrive. __________________ 2011 128i M-Sport 6MT Coupe Space Gray Style 372 Wheels Red Manual Sport Interior
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07-31-2023, 02:06 PM	#29
HappyDuck Private First Class 106 Rep 108 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 128i 6MT M-Sport Join Date: May 2019 Location: Boston, MA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 BMW 128i [0.00]	More bling: a Year One of the 1 Start-Stop button ring More bling: a Year One of the 1 Start-Stop button ring. Attached Images __________________ 2011 128i M-Sport 6MT Coupe Space Gray Style 372 Wheels Red Manual Sport Interior
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10-04-2023, 03:44 PM	#30
HappyDuck Private First Class 106 Rep 108 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 128i 6MT M-Sport Join Date: May 2019 Location: Boston, MA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 BMW 128i [0.00]	What do you think? Attached Images __________________ 2011 128i M-Sport 6MT Coupe Space Gray Style 372 Wheels Red Manual Sport Interior
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10-06-2023, 10:19 AM	#31
HappyDuck Private First Class 106 Rep 108 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 128i 6MT M-Sport Join Date: May 2019 Location: Boston, MA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 BMW 128i [0.00]	I replaced my M-Sport muffler with a BMW Performance. Wow, what a great change. It finally sounds like a proper sports car and is shedding it's as the entry-level BMW-ness. Link to a video of the first cold-start: Attached Images __________________ 2011 128i M-Sport 6MT Coupe Space Gray Style 372 Wheels Red Manual Sport Interior Last edited by HappyDuck; 10-06-2023 at 10:26 AM..
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10-06-2023, 12:14 PM	#32
WrathOTM Lieutenant 619 Rep 545 Posts Drives: BMW 128i Join Date: Jun 2021 Location: Rio Rancho, NM iTrader: (0)	Sounds pretty good man __________________ Mods to date: The list grows...
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10-09-2023, 10:03 AM	#34
HappyDuck Private First Class 106 Rep 108 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 128i 6MT M-Sport Join Date: May 2019 Location: Boston, MA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 BMW 128i [0.00]	I found the performance exhaust here, on the Bimmerpost 1Addicts' buy-sell forum. __________________ 2011 128i M-Sport 6MT Coupe Space Gray Style 372 Wheels Red Manual Sport Interior
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10-09-2023, 07:43 PM	#36
krhodes1 Colonel 1587 Rep 2,596 Posts Drives: 2011 328i Wagon Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Westbrook, Maine, Port Charlotte, Florida iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 128i [10.00] 2011 BMW 328i Touring [10.00]	The OEM Performance Exhaust is great - along with the Performance Intake I've had one on my 328i from new. But as my 128i is a convertible, I wonder if it would be louder than I would like? Not a big fan of the red dash trim - it's a bit much. But I am old school and went poplar wood trim on my car (also Space Grey) to get rid of the base black plastic it came with. Goes great with the Savannah Beige interior. But I don't think that would look good with Coral Red. Looking great though, I'd love to add a coupe to my little collection. __________________ '11 328! Touring - Tasman on Chestnut, 6spd manual, factory upside-down "i" option '11 128i Convertible - Space Gray on Savannah Beige, 6spd manual, also '14 Mercedes-Benz E350 wagon, '95 Land Rover Discovery, '74 Triumph Spitfire
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10-10-2023, 09:57 AM	#37
HappyDuck Private First Class 106 Rep 108 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 128i 6MT M-Sport Join Date: May 2019 Location: Boston, MA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 BMW 128i [0.00]	It's not loud at all. Just a nice burble at idle and some raspiness when revved. Let me know if you come down to a cars and coffee at Larz Andersen and I might be there too. __________________ 2011 128i M-Sport 6MT Coupe Space Gray Style 372 Wheels Red Manual Sport Interior Last edited by HappyDuck; 10-12-2023 at 04:26 PM..
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10-12-2023, 04:23 PM	#38
HappyDuck Private First Class 106 Rep 108 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 128i 6MT M-Sport Join Date: May 2019 Location: Boston, MA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 BMW 128i [0.00]	Installing 135i Front Brakes Instead of adding BMW Performance brake set, I decided to use the front from a 135i since they are mechanically identical and I prefer the grey caliper to the acid yellow of the Performance kit. I also changed the lines to stainless from ESC tuning. installing was plug-and-play. Everything came off and went on was it supposed to. I did buy new dust shields, but they didn't fit. Either I bought, or was sent, the wrong part. I'll rectify this the next time I have the car up. Attached Images __________________ 2011 128i M-Sport 6MT Coupe Space Gray Style 372 Wheels Red Manual Sport Interior Last edited by HappyDuck; 10-13-2023 at 09:19 AM..
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10-13-2023, 02:40 PM	#41
HappyDuck Private First Class 106 Rep 108 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 128i 6MT M-Sport Join Date: May 2019 Location: Boston, MA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 BMW 128i [0.00]	Happiness is a warning-free BMW dashboard. __________________ 2011 128i M-Sport 6MT Coupe Space Gray Style 372 Wheels Red Manual Sport Interior
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10-15-2023, 05:32 PM	#43
Donkeyshins First Lieutenant 463 Rep 327 Posts Drives: 2010 128i ZSP 6MT Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Puget Sound Region iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 BMW 128i [0.00]	Yep. Still have 'em. They'll need some cleanup (obviously), but only a couple of small spots of surface rust that should come off easily. @HappyDuck Let me know if you want them. __________________ 2010 128i ZSP 6MT Coupe Deep Sea Blue (Tiefseeblau) Metallic Style 264 Wheels Lemon Boston Sport Interior
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11-03-2023, 12:30 PM	#44
HappyDuck Private First Class 106 Rep 108 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 128i 6MT M-Sport Join Date: May 2019 Location: Boston, MA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 BMW 128i [0.00]	The Boston Grey is nearly 100K miles so I've begun having the various seals and gaskets replaced on an as-needed basis. This week was: - Rear Differential Output Shaft Seals - Shift Shaft Seal - Front Thrust Rod Bushings __________________ 2011 128i M-Sport 6MT Coupe Space Gray Style 372 Wheels Red Manual Sport Interior
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