In What Order To Get Mods?

[bodega_bladerunner]

2012 135i AW msport here 9 months into ownership, looking to soon start going crazy with the car.

From everyone's experience, what have you all found to be the most appropriate mod route to go with this car?

I already have a jb4 and a charge pipe. But in addition, I'm thinking of picking up some kw v1 coils and RSFBs first, then some tints, an intake, then an ebay trunk spoiler and kerscher front lip.

Then onto a downpipe, an intercooler, perhaps an axle-back, and then finish it off with wheels and black roof wrap.

Does this sound appropriate? Would anyone suggest a different order? Anyone have any tips/suggestions/lessons learned?

[KNS]

If you're doing any suspension work get rid of the run-flats too.

[bodega_bladerunner]

Originally Posted by KNS

If you're doing any suspension work get rid of the run-flats too.

run-flats long gone

[desertman123]

Being in the south I'd might get the tint first. Not sure how hot Atlanta been though lately - that plus the BMW sunshade made MASSIVE difference when I parked my car outside. The official sunshade is a bit pricey for a sunshade but it fits like a glove and I don't have to fight with it like my friend did with his. In a parking garage you can hardly see inside. I got like a 40% I think, I really like it.

Rear subframe bushings are also big though, are you looking to get full on replacements? I hear real good things about the Whiteline KDT917 (find it for a better price if you don't get the Whiteline name stamped on it - I forget the name, Nothaline or something??). I just got the inserts (kdt918) and even on a 128i it was a nice difference.

[iminhell1]

What are your goals for the car?
Street, track, daily or combination there of?


IMO, suspension should be the first thing. Bushings/inserts and depending on your track usage you may want to do the M arms, upgraded sways, etc.
In stock form the car has fair power and that power can be too much for the suspension. So that's why I say it's the first upgrades that should be done.

After that, track the car and get a feel for what it's lacking. Is it lack of punch out of corners, too little power in the straights or just outright not enough power to keep up with the new suspension mods?

[Gangplank]

Sub frame bushings or inserts (this is a must do & first mod on the e82 imho), then:

Suspension upgrades
Wheels
Tune
Brakes
Fancy/flashy exterior bits (if that's your thing)
Repeat

[bodega_bladerunner]

Yeah I was thinking suspension first because in stock form the handling leaves much to be desired.
I just finished putting on a front sway today. Went for a drive and yup, def needs coilovers. So that's next on the list along with rsfb inserts.
After that I I'll do tint and a downpipe and go from there.

[bodega_bladerunner]

for those that had suspension installed, how much did your shop charge you?

I have extra spending money in hand now and trying to figure out the best course of action for the $$$.