chris_flies' 128i thread

[BimmerAg]

Originally Posted by chris_flies

I was happy with having the choice offered to me!

I'm torn between the 1M and M-Tech bumper (Stock 135i, or M-Sport 128i). The only issue with the 1M is that I'd have to modify my exhaust (probably a muffler delete with Y-pipe to left and right dual exits) for it to fit right.

One thing I've been considering (inspired by Matticus91 ) is to do the quad exhaust with the left side being left essentially stock, and then running an electric cutout with a straight pipe to the right side. I'm not sure if there's room under there to do it, but it sounds like a cool idea if you're doing a custom exhaust anyway!

[Matticus91]

Originally Posted by BimmerAg

One thing I've been considering (inspired by Matticus91 ) is to do the quad exhaust with the left side being left essentially stock, and then running an electric cutout with a straight pipe to the right side. I'm not sure if there's room under there to do it, but it sounds like a cool idea if you're doing a custom exhaust anyway!

Definitely a cool move!

[Esteban]

Originally Posted by BimmerAg

One thing I've been considering (inspired by Matticus91 ) is to do the quad exhaust with the left side being left essentially stock, and then running an electric cutout with a straight pipe to the right side. I'm not sure if there's room under there to do it, but it sounds like a cool idea if you're doing a custom exhaust anyway!

I think I remember reading where something had to be relocated if you were to put an exhaust pipe on the right (passenger) side. Can't get to my car right now so I can't look, but I'm sure someone else knows.

[chris_flies]

Originally Posted by BimmerAg

One thing I've been considering (inspired by Matticus91 ) is to do the quad exhaust with the left side being left essentially stock, and then running an electric cutout with a straight pipe to the right side. I'm not sure if there's room under there to do it, but it sounds like a cool idea if you're doing a custom exhaust anyway!

I've been thinking of this before I began browsing the forums! I guess great minds think alike . This is where dad would step in and say "Small minds seldom differ..."

Execution would be interesting, I'd have to have the pipes routed very precisely to avoid a) the subframe, battery tray, and bumper cover b) the fuel vapor filter, which is presumably filled with fuel vapors, and won't take kindly to heat. I could also just swap battery trays and heat shields like you're supposed to, and make it all easier...

[Matticus91]

Originally Posted by Esteban

I think I remember reading where something had to be relocated if you were to put an exhaust pipe on the right (passenger) side. Can't get to my car right now so I can't look, but I'm sure someone else knows.

Yup it's the battery tray you have to swap out......

Originally Posted by chris_flies

I've been thinking of this before I began browsing the forums! I guess great minds think alike . This is where dad would step in and say "Small minds seldom differ..."

Execution would be interesting, I'd have to have the pipes routed very precisely to avoid a) the subframe, battery tray, and bumper cover b) the fuel vapor filter, which is presumably filled with fuel vapors, and won't take kindly to heat. I could also just swap battery trays and heat shields like you're supposed to, and make it all easier...

....BUT, you don't technically HAVE to. You can actually have a shop weld in a re-routed pipe directly off the stock exhaust that just tucks in behind the diffuser. I've seen a few examples of this but can't find any pics at the moment. It looks great and is technically functionally but mostly for show.

[chris_flies]

Originally Posted by Matticus91

Yup it's the battery tray you have to swap out......



....BUT, you don't technically HAVE to. You can actually have a shop weld in a re-routed pipe directly off the stock exhaust that just tucks in behind the diffuser. I've seen a few examples of this but can't find any pics at the moment. It looks great and is technically functionally but mostly for show.

I'd like to do it right, though...

But for the money this'll all cost, I could also just get a Limited-Slip Diff, which means endless mad skids...

[Matticus91]

Originally Posted by chris_flies

I'd like to do it right, though...

But for the money this'll all cost, I could also just get a Limited-Slip Diff, which means endless mad skids...

There happens to be a group buy going on right now if you didn't already know. I was considering it myself but the $1700 price point for the diff I need is keeping me at bay. Not sure if they have the one for your car but worth a look:

https://bmw.***********.com/threads/...roup-buy.2774/

Edit: Ok.... apparently not allowed to link that website, here's the URL just remove the space:

https://bmw.spool street.com/threads/mfactory-lsd-group-buy.2774/

[chris_flies]

Originally Posted by Matticus91

There happens to be a group buy going on right now if you didn't already know. I was considering it myself but the $1700 price point for the diff I need is keeping me at bay. Not sure if they have the one for your car but worth a look:

Edit: Ok.... apparently not allowed to link that website, here's the URL just remove the space:

https://bmw.spool street.com/threads/mfactory-lsd-group-buy.2774/

$1800 is steeeeep! Is the $500 core charge refunded when they receive your stock pumpkin? $1300 is still a lot though!

Luckily, the 128i's have bolted ring gears, which means, with major patience, I could possibly swap the diff myself. That'd supposedly ring out to a mere $850...that's $450 in labor savings! Oh, all the skidding about I could do!

EDIT: I just looked at the process for installing an LSD into your own diff. It looks very technical, but not difficult or laborious for someone with the right tools.

[Matticus91]

Originally Posted by chris_flies

$1800 is steeeeep! Is the $500 core charge refunded when they receive your stock pumpkin? $1300 is still a lot though!

Luckily, the 128i's have bolted ring gears, which means, with major patience, I could possibly swap the diff myself. That'd supposedly ring out to a mere $850...that's $450 in labor savings! Oh, all the skidding about I could do!

EDIT: I just looked at the process for installing an LSD into your own diff. It looks very technical, but not difficult or laborious for someone with the right tools.

If you have the bolted ring gear you can definitely DIY it, it just takes time and patience. Since you're only doing the ring gear and not the pinion you'll only need to adjust backlash, which sounds scary but is simple as measuring movement and then putting a shim on one side or the other of the diff housing.

We just did exactly this on my buddies WRX, if you come to the go-kart meet he'll be there and I'm sure he'd be happy to talk more about it lol.

Removing ring gear:
20171229_125435 by Matt Steele, on Flickr

Measuring and adjusting backlash:
20171229_141309 by Matt Steele, on Flickr

[chris_flies]

Originally Posted by Matticus91

If you have the bolted ring gear you can definitely DIY it, it just takes time and patience. Since you're only doing the ring gear and not the pinion you'll only need to adjust backlash, which sounds scary but is simple as measuring movement and then putting a shim on one side or the other of the diff housing.

We just did exactly this on my buddies WRX, if you come to the go-kart meet he'll be there and I'm sure he'd be happy to talk more about it lol.

Cool! Thanks for the info...now I'm less intimidated...

But, can I live with that wound on my car?

[Matticus91]

Originally Posted by chris_flies

Cool! Thanks for the info...now I'm less intimidated...

But, can I live with that wound on my car?

What this gaping hole of doom?? Lol

20171229_125454 by Matt Steele, on Flickr

[chris_flies]

Originally Posted by Matticus91

What this gaping hole of doom?? Lol

Very funny! I'se talkin' 'bout the scrape. I don't think I could live with seeing that and thinking "Huh, I could've had a cool looking bumper, with a cool diffuser, and a wonderful-sounding exhaust. Oh well, at least I can drift..." I'm so torn, and waiting for this check isn't making it easier, it gives me more time to explore and do research and second guess myself! I am leaning towards the LSD, at the moment, though...

[Matticus91]

Originally Posted by chris_flies

Very funny! I'se talkin' 'bout the scrape. I don't think I could live with seeing that and thinking "Huh, I could've had a cool looking bumper, with a cool diffuser, and a wonderful-sounding exhaust. Oh well, at least I can drift..." I'm so torn, and waiting for this check isn't making it easier, it gives me more time to explore and do research and second guess myself! I am leaning towards the LSD, at the moment, though...

Personally I'd probably do the bumper/exhaust first. LSD is an increasing curve of expense...due to...you know...tire costs lol

[chris_flies]

Originally Posted by Matticus91

Personally I'd probably do the bumper/exhaust first. LSD is an increasing curve of expense...due to...you know...tire costs lol

Very true!

[JimVonBaden]

Originally Posted by chris_flies

I have video, but no photos yet...

619, a fun 10 or so mikes, especially in a sporty car or on a motorcycle.

[chris_flies]

Originally Posted by JimVonBaden

619, a fun 10 or so mikes, especially in a sporty car or on a motorcycle.

Yessir, it is most definitely fun! The best road I've had the opportunity to take my car on, so far...I still want to do Tail of the Dragon and LA Crest.

[chris_flies]

Well, the offer is in...

$580 (Mass spitting out of drinks in the background)

Not really enough to do anything exotic or special, like a diff. I guess I'll just have them fix it, and hope that the paint won't match right...

[Esteban]

Originally Posted by chris_flies

Well, the offer is in...

$580 (Mass spitting out of drinks in the background)

Not really enough to do anything exotic or special, like a diff. I guess I'll just have them fix it, and hope that the paint won't match right...

Damn, that's not much. What does that cover?

[chris_flies]

Originally Posted by Esteban

Damn, that's not much. What does that cover?

Replacing the bumper guide (hollow plasticky thing behind the bumper), refinishing/repairing the current bumper, and priming and painting and clear coating the thing.

[JimVonBaden]

Originally Posted by chris_flies

Well, the offer is in...

$580 (Mass spitting out of drinks in the background)

Not really enough to do anything exotic or special, like a diff. I guess I'll just have them fix it, and hope that the paint won't match right...

Keep in mind, you do not have to take the first offer. You can also ask for lost value due to accident, and lost time from work.

[chris_flies]

Originally Posted by JimVonBaden

Keep in mind, you do not have to take the first offer. You can also ask for lost value due to accident, and lost time from work.

I'll let the local body shop handle it, if there's more damage than was thought to be there, everything will be covered, and I'll be happy in the end. Maybe they'll even detail the car for me!

[Esteban]

After a detail would be a great time to take some pics. Don't go out for any backroad hooning first that will get your car all dusty and dirty. I'd go straight home for a photoshoot. Or bring your camera and shoot them right there. lol