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      09-09-2017, 10:38 PM   #1
MattF407
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Matt F's 128i Build Thread

Hey all,

This thread is to chronicle my build for my 2013 128i. Factory optioned she sits as follows:

Mineral Grey / Black
<45k miles
6 MT
N51
Sunroof
Leatherette heated seats
Fog lights

In my closet:
Full SuperSprint exhaust (w/cat & resonator delete)
ER competition oil cooler

Completed Mods & Added Goodies:
- OEM Side & Rear Sunshades
- Ditched factory runflats for BFGoodrich G-Force COMP-2 A/S (@~42K)
- Rear Seat Delete (9/10/17) - Including seat belts & seat latches.
- AFE Air Scoops & BMS Cabin Intake Cowls (9/24/17)
- CDV Delete & BMS Clutch Stop (11/19/17)
- AFE Pro Dry Stage 2 Intake (11/26/17)

Mods in progress:


Next planned mod:
ER Competition Oil Cooler

Work planning:
Ceramic coating headers (sourcing good local options)

Glad to finally be introducing myself to the community, I'd like to thank so many of you for putting in the legwork on the front end and giving me the motivation to move forward. More to come soon.

Cheers

-Matt F

Seattle, WA
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Last edited by MattF407; 11-26-2017 at 03:52 PM..
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      09-10-2017, 08:16 AM   #2
Ric in RVA
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Send that Burger CDV back and save your money. Disconnect lines from each side of CDV and the reconnect without CDV.

Even if you wanted a CDV body there (back when car was in warranty) you just push the guts of the valve out with a screw driver..

No one should spend money on a CDV and those that sell them should be ashamed of themselves.

Great car and nice list of mods....get those M3 control arms on that list soon. Nice improvement.
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      09-10-2017, 09:33 AM   #3
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Might want to mix suspension refresh into it.

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on full SS header-exhaust setup!
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      09-10-2017, 11:40 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ric in RVA View Post
Send that Burger CDV back and save your money. Disconnect lines from each side of CDV and the reconnect without CDV.

Even if you wanted a CDV body there (back when car was in warranty) you just push the guts of the valve out with a screw driver..

No one should spend money on a CDV and those that sell them should be ashamed of themselves.

Great car and nice list of mods....get those M3 control arms on that list soon. Nice improvement.
Unfortunately, the valve was bought around the time of purchase(~32K) while i was still under warranty, but I appreciate your advice and input on the subject. I am going to do the delete in a week or so, and figure out if anyone would really want the valve on the FS section (maybe someone under warranty).

Thanks for the recommendation on control arms, this is definitely on the list. It just so happened to be a sale + new financial situation that motivated the current purchase list. I will be looking at sourcing control arms and a few other suspension goodies around Dec - Feb, if things continue along this path.
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      09-10-2017, 12:06 PM   #5
MattF407
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sprp85 View Post
Might want to mix suspension refresh into it.

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on full SS header-exhaust setup!
Same, I will be trying to do some audio recordings and a little write up on the new setup by the end of the year, looking into some dyno time / BPC tune in october to pair with all the goodies.

My concern at this time is the combination of full exhaust & my rear seat delete, which already makes road noise & exhaust sound from the rear louder. I am looking into sound dampening in the trunk if it is too loud after the install.
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      09-10-2017, 04:02 PM   #6
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Like the person above said, post sound clips of that exhaust when its installed. I'm really looking forward to hearing it
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      09-11-2017, 12:18 AM   #7
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Good start! You have OEM sunshades in the side and rear windows as well. They're a nice little add on, I love mine.
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      09-14-2017, 02:16 PM   #8
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      09-22-2017, 11:33 AM   #9
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How's the rear seat delete affect noise in the cabin? Contemplating doing it myself, because race car.
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      09-23-2017, 02:40 PM   #10
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Why the rear seat delete? I mean, I guess I could see it if you were super competitive in autocross or something, and were looking for the last couple of tenths of a second to shave off, but even then there are a TON of more important things that need addressing (e.g., suspension). I suppose it is a free mod. What are your plans for the car?

Also, isn't that oil cooler for a 135i? I didn't think anyone made one for the N51/N52. Also not super important on a NA engine for typical street use, IMO. Are you going to alter it in some way to make it fit?

There is also an OE oil cooler (it's very small) that was originally fitted to the 528i (I think), so if you have trouble installing that one you could always go for the OE option. Probably most sensible to do it in conjunction with a coolant and oil change.
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      09-24-2017, 11:06 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chris_flies View Post
How's the rear seat delete affect noise in the cabin? Contemplating doing it myself, because race car.
After driving about 6-8 times since the delete, I would say that road noise definitely increases (~10-15%) with a minor increase in exhaust noise (~5%). Since I don't have a better way to quantify, I would say it is quite tolerable, though I am someone who does not mind road noise. Since the rear seat panels are actually quite thick and heavy, I believe the best way to simulate in would be driving with rear seats down for a while to see if you can tolerate it. You could even go one step further and pop out the rear seat bottom (its just 4 clips and a little pry and lift) in addition to riding with rear seats down. IF you go that route make sure to protect your rear seats with some towels from the clips they will press into your seats and potentially leave irreparable markings.

In the end, if it becomes too much reinstall is still an option for you if you do not like it. Not every mod is for everyone.

Hope this helps, and let me know if you have any questions along the way if you decide to move forward.
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      09-24-2017, 12:13 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bimmer-Bob View Post
Why the rear seat delete? I mean, I guess I could see it if you were super competitive in autocross or something, and were looking for the last couple of tenths of a second to shave off, but even then there are a TON of more important things that need addressing (e.g., suspension). I suppose it is a free mod. What are your plans for the car?

Also, isn't that oil cooler for a 135i? I didn't think anyone made one for the N51/N52. Also not super important on a NA engine for typical street use, IMO. Are you going to alter it in some way to make it fit?

There is also an OE oil cooler (it's very small) that was originally fitted to the 528i (I think), so if you have trouble installing that one you could always go for the OE option. Probably most sensible to do it in conjunction with a coolant and oil change.
Hey Bimmer-Bob, I appreciate your interest, and would like you to know your build and forum involvement was 1 key drives that pushed me to get involved here. Props on a beautiful ride.

This mod is the start of a small design project I am beginning, one I have seen various interpretations of on the forum. I am working on mock ups for a rear cleanup panel(s), think a raised box like you might see in a Cayman. I am still in the infancy of this project, but I hope to have a rough visual prototype in the next month or so. So yes, free mod = fun project = I enjoy my days more. In the end, I could hate all of it and put the seats back in, but had a little fun along the way.

I agree with all your points, I am not competitive, in fact me and the car have never seen track time. Also, without a doubt suspension mods would have some of the greatest impacts in improving this cars performance & handling on the track.

My plans for the car will be staged over the next ~3-6 years. Stage 1: Power, Stage 2: Handling, Stage 3: Drivetrain, Seats, Exterior beautification. With some minor tracking and mountain driving along the way. Who knows though, my plans will change along the way.

As for the oil cooler, this was a bit of research & a bit of praying it would work out without serious modification. I have the package waiting for me at fedex, and a decent amount of stuff waiting for me to get to first, but once I pick it up I will do some comparisons on the oil filter housings and check into mounting points for the coolers. AFAIK, oil filter housing should be direct bolt on, mounting coolers & lines may be of some issue, but I will tackle that challenge when I get there. I can report back if you are at all interested, and I appreciate the alternate you proposed from the 528i. I was reading a thread where I believe you and others discussed the use of this, but ultimately decided to go a more robust direction. My current fear on this mod is that I will have to replace my front bumper ahead of schedule to fit shrouding, or run without shrouding until i can source the bumper that I feel fits the car best.

Thanks again for your input & interest, I'd be glad to talk further on any of these item!

PS: Just realize you're in WA too!
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      09-24-2017, 07:12 PM   #13
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Installed BMS intake Cowls & AFE air scoops today. Installs were easy. AFE scoops needed a T20 not a T25 like their manual reads. BMS intake cowls needed to remove the 3 cables that run across the front and slightly underneath the cowl before pulling it out (Instructions lack this direction).

Impressions, modest (~10-15%) increase in engine noise while driving. All in all worthwhile for the BMS intake cowls as the OEM was quite an obstruction. AFE scoops provide no noticeable difference to sound or performance, both as expected. They will however be a nice complement to my AFE intake when I install in a weekend or so.

My biggest annoyance in the install is that you are left with 3 cables running over the top of your engine that the OEM cowl originally supported. A few zip ties later and I was a little happier with end results, though they still sag and touch at points.
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      09-25-2017, 08:27 AM   #14
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Where'd you manage to find those sunshades

Also would HIGHLY recommend the short shifter and ZHP knob
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      09-25-2017, 09:26 AM   #15
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Hey desertman123, ordered the set from BMW South Atlanta in about Feb of 2016. Best of luck finding a set, parking in a lot for work these and the sun visor really made life better in the Florida heat.

Thanks for the input on the shifter, I have hopes to squeeze this mod in as a Christmas present to myself along with some pedal covers, do you mean the OEM short? Or do you have any thoughts / recommendations on different products? I see TWM now produces but it's for the 135i and from my understanding the mounting and geometries are a bit different between the two models.

Last edited by MattF407; 09-25-2017 at 11:24 AM..
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      09-25-2017, 10:15 AM   #16
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Looking great MattF407! I like your efforts toward lightening the 128. They're definitely the best autox platform out of the 1ers IMO, even compared to the 135.

I noticed the oxy on your oil filter housing. Have you done checks for rust? You may want to have the underside/engine bay cleaned/steamed.
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      09-25-2017, 11:22 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Matticus91 View Post
Looking great MattF407! I like your efforts toward lightening the 128. They're definitely the best autox platform out of the 1ers IMO, even compared to the 135.

I noticed the oxy on your oil filter housing. Have you done checks for rust? You may want to have the underside/engine bay cleaned/steamed.
Thanks Matticus91, more to come hopefully! I've done some checks around the wheel wells, suspension components, etc and havn't noticed anything other than the same alum oxi that you're seeing on the oil filter housing in a few areas. I will likely take it in to get the underside and engine bay cleaned. Will make for a better canvas for the remainder of my work for the year, and give me a little peace of mind about rust.

Just figured out how to tag people in replies, hooray for learning...
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      09-28-2017, 01:47 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MattF407 View Post
Hey Bimmer-Bob, I appreciate your interest, and would like you to know your build and forum involvement was 1 key drives that pushed me to get involved here. Props on a beautiful ride.
Thanks, man! Still nice to hear, lol.

Quote:
Originally Posted by MattF407 View Post
This mod is the start of a small design project I am beginning, one I have seen various interpretations of on the forum. I am working on mock ups for a rear cleanup panel(s), think a raised box like you might see in a Cayman. I am still in the infancy of this project, but I hope to have a rough visual prototype in the next month or so...As for the oil cooler, this was a bit of research & a bit of praying it would work out without serious modification.
Got it. Well, kudos on taking a chance on and trying new things. Hope it works out.

Quote:
Originally Posted by MattF407 View Post
Thanks again for your input & interest, I'd be glad to talk further on any of these item!

PS: Just realize you're in WA too!
Yeah man, anytime. If you have any questions along the way feel free to hit me up!
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      11-23-2017, 02:38 PM   #19
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Knocked out my CDV delete & BMS clutch stop installs this past Sunday. So far I have only gone for 1 - 15 min drive after the CDV delete, & 1 - 30 min drive after the BMS clutch stop install.

Overall impressions: The CDV delete has improved pedal feel dramatically. The 'lag' so to speak in the pedal lifting and gummy depression feel non existent. This coupled with the reduced throw from the BMS clutch stops (I used all 3 shims) made shifting feel precise & effortless.

Didnt snag any photos during the process, however both were quite easy to do.
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      11-24-2017, 09:02 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MattF407 View Post
Hey desertman123, ordered the set from BMW South Atlanta in about Feb of 2016. Best of luck finding a set, parking in a lot for work these and the sun visor really made life better in the Florida heat.

Thanks for the input on the shifter, I have hopes to squeeze this mod in as a Christmas present to myself along with some pedal covers, do you mean the OEM short? Or do you have any thoughts / recommendations on different products? I see TWM now produces but it's for the 135i and from my understanding the mounting and geometries are a bit different between the two models.
Yep OEM 128i sport! We were blessed enough to get one. Order it before it goes NLA like every other 1-series specific accessory

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...r/25117542200/

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...g/25111220600/

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...p/25117571899/

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...t/25117580281/

The actual shift lever is the only part you NEED, but while you're in there...


I'm looking forward to seeing more of this build! The world needs enthusiastic 128i owners
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      11-26-2017, 04:03 PM   #21
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Installed AFE Stage 2 intake today with little to no problem, directions were poorly written however procedure was simple enough to not need much direction.

Overall impression:
Thrilled... I took it out for a short drive after, I will update once I have driven it at higher speed & rpms. The sound difference is not noticable till about 2750+ rpm. Once there though, the sound begins to get quite throaty and deep & the pulls feel a decent bit stronger.

Heres a few shots installed & of the detailed engine bay.
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      11-26-2017, 04:49 PM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MattF407 View Post
Knocked out my CDV delete & BMS clutch stop installs this past Sunday. So far I have only gone for 1 - 15 min drive after the CDV delete, & 1 - 30 min drive after the BMS clutch stop install.

Overall impressions: The CDV delete has improved pedal feel dramatically. The 'lag' so to speak in the pedal lifting and gummy depression feel non existent. This coupled with the reduced throw from the BMS clutch stops (I used all 3 shims) made shifting feel precise & effortless.

Didnt snag any photos during the process, however both were quite easy to do.
Yup....best free mod ever on one of these cars....
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