Help me spend $2K of "BMW money"

[///M1]

I have a BMW credit card on which I have accumulated a hefty amount of reward points. I can technically use it for travel, but their travel agent is an outsourced outfiit and frankly they are very subpar.

Last time I used pts was to get a BMW mountain/road hybrid bicycle and love it (at $1K it was expensive though!) This time I am thinking of getting some goodies for the 135i. I have about $2K of reward pts, good to go against any purchase at a BMW parts dealer. I also get a 20% BMW CCA discount, so can technically get a few things.

I am most intrigued by the BMW performance exhaust, and less so inclined to spend it on aero-cosmetic parts. However the thought of a $1K+ BMW exhaust is a bit tough to swallow, considering for that money pretty much most tuners have an exhaust (e.g. Remus et all). I don't expect gains from either, so it is about sound mostly, and looks of course. I've seen the BMW Performance exhaust in person (but not running), and was very nice in terms of fit and finish.

Another option taunting me is the Performance Steering wheel, very cool, and I guess I can always sell my stock ///M wheel and get something for it. I was also thinking of perhaps retrofitting a BMW alarm (though not looking frwd to pay hrs to the dealer to re-program it).

What do you guys recon, how is $2K of 'free money' best spent for the 135i?

Cheers

[ruffstik]

I'd get the exhaust...you wont regret it.

[BlackjackMulligan]

Exhaust, and SSK

True other vendors have exhausts for less, but like you said this is "free" money.

Hit up Dan @ United and see if he can put together a nice package deal for you.

[anthony @ eas]

Wheels!

[Excitmnt94]

chip tuning...exhaust

[ben14142001]

If you can get the parts through Dan, which I assume you could, then the SSK and exhaust are great. I have both and love them.

-Ben

[JimD]

What about a Garmin? The mount/BMW version would be a nice addition if you do not have the integrated unit already. You can do it a lot cheaper, however, by buying the non BMW branded Garmin (I'm planning a nuvi 760 which is about $200 with Garmin on it and about $600 with BMW on it). The 760 gives you a MP3 and bluetooth capability in addition to the GPS (4.3 inch).

Jim

[Alow]

I guess it depends on what you like. I have a 128i, but I have the exhaust and the sound is awesome. nice roar when WOT, burbly when you let off. Sporty, yet sophisticated. Louder, yet not too loud.

But I also have the SSK and the perf. steering wheel and they changed my enjoyment of the driving experience. The SSK is top-notch. The shifts are short, and feel so smooth and crisp. You can handle quick shifts effortlessly, accurately and most of all, they are _very_ satisfying.

The perf steering wheel is so much fun. The grip of the alcantara feels very nice. The shift lights are great. They really serve their purpose. THey are not too distracting but call your attention just enough to remind you you are where you want to shift. The g-force indicator is another fun toy. I keep trying to do better under braking, acceleration and turning. On the street, so far my record is 0.45 accelerating, 0.55 braking and 0.76 cornering without breaking a sweat. Need to push harder, obviously

[ptack]

You might want to sit on that and wait to see if BMW announces the performance engine upgrade.

[scorcherjf]

I love the performance steering wheel! Really having a hard time convincing myself that an intercooler is what I should be getting instead.

[///M1]

Thx guys. It seems the exhaust is an overwhelming recommendation. I'll drop Dan a note to that avail. Plus comes with the benefit that this is an 'approved' BMW part and no issues as far as warranty. I wish I could hear it in person though first...

The steering wheel is a close 2nd, I'll try and see it in person (saw in on the 135i booth/exhibit car at the NY Auto show, but not when it's lit up with all its functions). Def a worthy upgrade too.

Jim: on the Navi - I bought a Garmin which I am really happy with. Wide screen, real time traffic, bluetooth. Saved me a bundle with the BT retrofit I was considering. If I have some funds left, I may do the Sirius retro, though that company is still teethering on the brink of default.

Anthony: as far as wheels, def great eye candy, but would rather spend it on performance mods, and cosmetics will be stage II

[///M1]

Originally Posted by scorcherjf

I love the performance steering wheel! Really having a hard time convincing myself that an intercooler is what I should be getting instead.

Speaking of intercooler, I happened to be in Miami over the long weekend and visited ActiveAutowerke. I gotta tell ya - an impressive shop! Loved their IC, I will most likely jump on it, just worried about warranty issues. Going to the dealer on Sat for routine maintenance, will poke the ice and see what their sentiment is...

Active is about to come out with another version of their chip (this time you need to send them the ECU), I am anxiously awaiting to hear from them when the release is happening...

[///M1]

Originally Posted by ptack

You might want to sit on that and wait to see if BMW announces the performance engine upgrade.

I've been waiting and waiting He he, from what is speculated, it will be marginal relative to other options (e.g. Vishnu, JB, Active, Dinan). If Dinan still keeps their warranty trump card (rumors at high BMW circles seem to suggest they will sever that relationship), I may consider them, but honestly not been happy with some of their products (and after-sales servicing) on my M5...

[scorcherjf]

Originally Posted by ///M1

Speaking of intercooler, I happened to be in Miami over the long weekend and visited ActiveAutowerke. I gotta tell ya - an impressive shop! Loved their IC, I will most likely jump on it, just worried about warranty issues. Going to the dealer on Sat for routine maintenance, will poke the ice and see what their sentiment is...

Active is about to come out with another version of their chip (this time you need to send them the ECU), I am anxiously awaiting to hear from them when the release is happening...

Hehe yea. Most of the time the aftermarket intercooler will go unnoticed since it's pretty far down there. I'm probably gonna go with theirs as well, just a question of when...

Their new flash for the 135 is great! Guess who's car they developed it off of? =)

[BForbes]

Originally Posted by ptack

You might want to sit on that and wait to see if BMW announces the performance engine upgrade.

I'm with you on this one Ptack.

[///M1]

Originally Posted by scorcherjf

Hehe yea. Most of the time the aftermarket intercooler will go unnoticed since it's pretty far down there. I'm probably gonna go with theirs as well, just a question of when...

Their new flash for the 135 is great! Guess who's car they developed it off of? =)

Small world!

Indeed it is, I saw a friend's car there (S/Ced E39 540i) that made it's way to them all across the Atlantic states it seems. It sounded like nothing else I've seen, very impressive work by these guys. The S/Ced E90 M3 also looked vicious, too bad they are not into Audis, would have given them the RS4 for a supercharger test mule! LOL

Glad you are happy with their product, very reassuring, pls keep us updated!

[S54dan]

I hope this exhaust sound helps your decision http://www.youtube.com/unitedbmw

As far as the BMW "Engine Kit," guys... it's COMING! Just wait!

Back on topic, $2,000 worth of BMW money will get you an exhaust easily!

[JimD]

If you have the Garmin wide screen did you get the installation kit to give it a permanent mount on the dash and avoid the dangling wires? That is what I am planning and I saw the DYI but it seems to be the narrower Garmin so I'm wondering how the newer wide screen mount looks.

Jim

[JasonCSU]

Damn, that sounds pretty good.

[subscience]

I personally would spring for a SSK and exhaust. The engine kit seems compelling, but it'll probably (definitely) be more expensive and produce less power than tunes like JB3, Procede, etc. However, the upside (a very big one) is that you get to retain your warranty.

[cagekicker]

i'd get that high priced hooker who got the gov. of newyork fired.

[yourfriend]

performance suspension?