PkumarM3 - The New Build - 2012 BMW 128i M Sport

[PKumarM3]

Replaced the aluminum trim on the shifter and storage tray/ash tray area.

You do have to remove the center console.

Three t20 torx under the driver side and a push pin.

Two t20 torx under the passenger side and a push pin.

A few 10mm and some more t20 torx.

Also have to remove the arm rest, so I took the opportunity to delete the arm rest.

Here are some pics from the install. I love the black trim ever since I saw it on the 1 series M.

The two trims are for sale. I am planning on doing the BMW CF trim over the course of the year.

[E91WAG3N]

Love the black shifter trim. I converted mine last year and it's one of my favorite mods, really cleans up the interior. Keep up the good work!

[indafastln]

just found this thread and glad i did. i picked up nearly the exact same spec car a couple months ago.

[nacaruh]

Great buy! The 128 in those options are indeed rare.
I had an Abarth as well, and I agree with everything that you said. Took a big hit in depreciation (not as bad as yours), but I figure I had to do it now before it gets too late. I thought it would have been a keeper, but I was wrong
I couldn't even do a 4 hour roadtrip with that car. I would start getting aches because the seating is just that uncomfortable! But in terms on short distance (grocery, work, etc), it has definitely done its job. I only put around 11k miles in it, and I've had zero issues with the car. Enjoy the car!

[PKumarM3]

Found this CF vinyl wrap on Amazon for $7.99. For that cheap and 12"x60" dimensions; I thought to myself, "how could I go wrong?"

Here is a link to the product: TCBunny 3D Carbon Fiber Vinyl Film Wrap Black 12" x 60" Sheet https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0059XCVVO..._nUwlDA74iAjSK
Took the dash trim and door pulls off and got to work with an x-acto knife and a hair dryer. The hair dryer is your friend. Heat and pull and make sure no bubbles.

My interior is almost complete. Just need the BMW SSK, alcantara ebrake boot, and the p3 vent gauges and we're done.

Here are some pics.

[PKumarM3]

Originally Posted by ubersteuer

Love the black shifter trim. I converted mine last year and it's one of my favorite mods, really cleans up the interior. Keep up the good work!

Thank you! I agree!!

Originally Posted by indafastln

just found this thread and glad i did. i picked up nearly the exact same spec car a couple months ago.

Good luck with yours! Make a progress thread.

Originally Posted by lecaf

Great buy! The 128 in those options are indeed rare.
I had an Abarth as well, and I agree with everything that you said. Took a big hit in depreciation (not as bad as yours), but I figure I had to do it now before it gets too late. I thought it would have been a keeper, but I was wrong
I couldn't even do a 4 hour roadtrip with that car. I would start getting aches because the seating is just that uncomfortable! But in terms on short distance (grocery, work, etc), it has definitely done its job. I only put around 11k miles in it, and I've had zero issues with the car. Enjoy the car!

Thank you sir!

[PKumarM3]

Had some fun at NJMP today.

Car is on stock shocks and springs. E9x m3 control arms, bushings, and sway bars.

Michelin PSS on stock wheels. Hawk pads all around with SS lines.

[Matticus91]

Looks like fun! What app is it that you're using for track data?

[PKumarM3]

Originally Posted by Matticus91

Looks like fun! What app is it that you're using for track data?

Hey sir!

Harry's Lap Timer

[PKumarM3]

Dropped off the car with the guys at AutoCouture Motoring. Tommy, the shop boss, has been working on my BMW for a few years. He is the best.

I added the following
- B12 Bilstein Kit (purchased from Turner for $730)
- new Lemfolder top mounts for the front shocks
- new rear shock mounts
- Dinan Camber Plates (available for Prime shipping on Amazon)
- Rogue Transmission Bushings

A quick review
- car feels way more composed over bumps
- turn in is so sharp it's amazing
- I can feel the car load up so quickly with steering input
- the rogue trans mounts do not add any NVH at all. It's amazing how smooth the gear changes are. Just constant gear engagement with no drivetrain loss. Amazing. Great mod for such a cheap price.

I did not need to replace the mounts, but I wanted to refresh them since the car is coming on 50k miles.

Honestly, incredibly happy with the car. I want to do the following to the car

- CF roof
- Wheels
- tune, headers, and Stage 3 intake manifold

Most likely will just do the wheels as I don't want to go too nuts with this car.

Posted some pics. Excited to see if this will, if anything, improve my lap times.

[BlackLizard]

Originally Posted by PKumarM3

Dropped off the car with the guys at AutoCouture Motoring. Tommy, the shop boss, has been working on my BMW for a few years. He is the best.

I added the following
- B12 Bilstein Kit (purchased from Turner for $730)
- new Lemfolder top mounts for the front shocks
- new rear shock mounts
- Dinan Camber Plates (available for Prime shipping on Amazon)
- Rogue Transmission Bushings

A quick review
- car feels way more composed over bumps
- turn in is so sharp it's amazing
- I can feel the car load up so quickly with steering input
- the rogue trans mounts do not add any NVH at all. It's amazing how smooth the gear changes are. Just constant gear engagement with no drivetrain loss. Amazing. Great mod for such a cheap price.

I did not need to replace the mounts, but I wanted to refresh them since the car is coming on 50k miles.

Honestly, incredibly happy with the car. I want to do the following to the car

- CF roof
- Wheels
- tune, headers, and Stage 3 intake manifold

Most likely will just do the wheels as I don't want to go too nuts with this car.

Posted some pics. Excited to see if this will, if anything, improve my lap times.

Good stuff!

[PKumarM3]

Here is a sweet pic from the NJMP Lightning track day. [IMG][/IMG]

[Kturbos]

Originally Posted by PKumarM3

Here is a sweet pic from the NJMP Lightning track day. [IMG][/IMG]

Love it. Just bought a 128i recently as a new project car as well. 128i FTW. Keep it up, giving me some ideas on my build lol.

[PKumarM3]

Drove the car down to NC.

Averaging 77mph and getting 28.6mpg. I got about 6mpg better on my 2014 991 C2 with PDK.

Here are some pics of the drive. The car is sitting on B12 with Dinan camber kit. I am enjoying the car tremendously. This motor is so silky smooth. The PSS are awesome tires.

[chadillac2000]

Originally Posted by PKumarM3

Drove the car down to NC.

Averaging 77mph and getting 28.6mpg. I got about 6mpg better on my 2014 991 C2 with PDK.

Here are some pics of the drive. The car is sitting on B12 with Dinan camber kit. I am enjoying the car tremendously. This motor is so silky smooth. The PSS are awesome tires.

Glad to hear the trip south went well. I ended up being in Georgia for the entire week of the 4th, but I'm on the western side of NC anyways, so we still would have had some distance between us. You were on the wrong side of NC for all the fun roads!

[PKumarM3]

Originally Posted by chadillac2000

Glad to hear the trip south went well. I ended up being in Georgia for the entire week of the 4th, but I'm on the western side of NC anyways, so we still would have had some distance between us. You were on the wrong side of NC for all the fun roads!

Thanks broski!

The car is fun. I want BMW performance seats and a tune.

[PKumarM3]

added these amazon bulbs to my car

love the ORANGE LED. No warning lights. Plug and play. No super fast blinking either.

https://www.amazon.com/Boodled-BAU15.../dp/B0711KQFG6

[gt-[r]]

hey pkumarm3, in the last few seconds of your video, your taillights arent fully lit up.

When i installed aftermarket turn signal bulbs in my car, it burned out some of the bulbs and it looked like your video. The brake light was fine, i think its the second bulb for the DRL

did yours burn out too?