What was your top 3 best VALUE modifications??

b1aze · 10-29-2019, 02:25 PM

I know we all like to make our cars our own and throw endless money at them but in terms of how much additional enjoyment you get out of your vehicle per dollar spent, what are your top 3??

I think it will be important to indicate which model were talking about but overall, it should be a good discussion.

For me personally, on my 128i, the top 3 best-value mods are as follows:

1. eBay (BMS) clutch stop - $10 - Holy cow does this thing change the driving experience! Not only can my seat go another 2 notches back, the take-up is quick and very drive-able! If you own a 6mt, you MUST spend the $10.

2. BMW Performance Short Shift Lever - $85 (incl. additional bushing and clip) - The throws on the 1er 6mt can be long but this shortens them up SO much. Engagement into first is very "digital" and the 2-3-4 throws are a wrist-flick at most. Prior, I had to move my elbow position to get fast shifts in early gears.

3. eBay smoked side markers - $17 - Especially on a black car, old hazy looking side markers can really kill a car. The lights are plug and play and don't throw codes (because they utilize the bulb connection im assuming).

ShocknAwe · 10-29-2019, 02:31 PM

Best value? To me that means my best mechanical mods, things I now know I couldn't live without.

No particular order...

Aluminum RSFB

Drexler LSD

Clutch stop

If I had to add visuals... Top 3 would be the PIAA yellow ring bulbs, CSR eyelids, and Blacklines

N54Yankee · 10-29-2019, 02:49 PM

M3 front control arms- now car isn’t spooky going into corners a bit to hot
Cobb tune- added about 80hp and 100ft lbs in only 15m with touching a wrench, not bad for $250
That’s basically all I did performance wise but it’s my DD and does exactly what I wanted it to do

Mr Gasser · 10-29-2019, 02:55 PM

Subframe bushings, expensive but worth it...saves tire wear.

Ric in RVA · 10-29-2019, 03:02 PM

Things that are truly free

CDV removed. Free
Clutch return spring removed. Free
Pedal covers removed and skateboard grip tape applied. Scraps are free at board shop usually. extra points if color matched. Free

M3 control arms.

Some aural enhancement.
Exhaust.
Golf tee mod FREE.
PE then aftermarket.
Intake
Cut a hole in airbox lid FREE
Buy an aftermarket intake kit

Summer tire / winter tire if you live somewhere with seasons.

gjm120 · 10-29-2019, 11:33 PM

Greatest Impact -

M3 control arms (front and guide rod in rear)
BMWP springs with Koni Yellows
tossing the run flat tires

The following are less costly and good value for the money -

adjustable front ARB end links.
Monroe rear upper shock mounts
RSFB inserts

6ixSpd · 10-30-2019, 07:51 AM

PE mod and PPK1 tune for sure. Not that I have many mods to begin with, lol.

CH400EM · 10-31-2019, 02:02 AM

MHD tune

BMW coding software + cables

Red push to start button

Edrift · 10-31-2019, 04:38 AM

MHD tune (cheapest kw gain per dollar) $200
Golf tee mod free
Blow off valve mod $3

Jordan's World · 11-11-2019, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by b1aze

I know we all like to make our cars our own and throw endless money at them but in terms of how much additional enjoyment you get out of your vehicle per dollar spent, what are your top 3??

I think it will be important to indicate which model were talking about but overall, it should be a good discussion.

For me personally, on my 128i, the top 3 best-value mods are as follows:

1. eBay (BMS) clutch stop - $10 - Holy cow does this thing change the driving experience! Not only can my seat go another 2 notches back, the take-up is quick and very drive-able! If you own a 6mt, you MUST spend the $10.

2. BMW Performance Short Shift Lever - $85 (incl. additional bushing and clip) - The throws on the 1er 6mt can be long but this shortens them up SO much. Engagement into first is very "digital" and the 2-3-4 throws are a wrist-flick at most. Prior, I had to move my elbow position to get fast shifts in early gears.

3. eBay smoked side markers - $17 - Especially on a black car, old hazy looking side markers can really kill a car. The lights are plug and play and don't throw codes (because they utilize the bulb connection im assuming).

Do you mind posting a link to those side markers? I can search eBay, but want to make sure I'm getting the right ones, was worried about throwing a code or something.

Thanks,

Rikx1M · 11-11-2019, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by b1aze

I know we all like to make our cars our own and throw endless money at them but in terms of how much additional enjoyment you get out of your vehicle per dollar spent, what are your top 3??

I think it will be important to indicate which model were talking about but overall, it should be a good discussion.

For me personally, on my 128i, the top 3 best-value mods are as follows:

1. eBay (BMS) clutch stop - $10 - Holy cow does this thing change the driving experience! Not only can my seat go another 2 notches back, the take-up is quick and very drive-able! If you own a 6mt, you MUST spend the $10.

2. BMW Performance Short Shift Lever - $85 (incl. additional bushing and clip) - The throws on the 1er 6mt can be long but this shortens them up SO much. Engagement into first is very "digital" and the 2-3-4 throws are a wrist-flick at most. Prior, I had to move my elbow position to get fast shifts in early gears.

3. eBay smoked side markers - $17 - Especially on a black car, old hazy looking side markers can really kill a car. The lights are plug and play and don't throw codes (because they utilize the bulb connection im assuming).

Easily my best mod, a bit pricey, was Xpel entire front of 1M....after that black side markers for looks and AP Racing brakes to stop on a dime.

olds350 · 11-12-2019, 07:36 AM

I've done a few mods to my 128 and one was to add the injen CAI. What a glorious sound at WOT. I was going to install a catback, but this is all I need for now and it's been this way for the last year. Quiet when I need it, but when I drop into sport mode and play with the paddle shifters, I dig the noise....

Rmtt · 11-12-2019, 12:15 PM

For my 128i

1. Rear diff going to a 3:73 ratio. Found one out of a car that was wrecked in the front with less than 22K miles on it and paid less than $250 shipped to my door.

2. CDV Removed. This was free.

3. BMS Clutch Stop. This was less than $20.

For around $300 and a little labor on my part....it totally transformed the driving characteristics of this little car!

Tuxedo · 11-12-2019, 05:16 PM

in order
1- ZHP knob $116 most can do this for $75-85 but had one custom made without the ///M logo
2- CDV M6 valve $9 part easy replace if on a lift, changed everything
3- Alpine hifi retro $450
4- 1M/M3 TRW control arms $300
5- Turner shift kit $130 made the down shifts perfect and at will
6- square set Michelin PSS $670

I have it set up as a Chicago commuter easy ride no tracking

tock172 · 11-13-2019, 01:16 AM

Upsized Michelin PSS 225/255 section
Dinan S2 Software
BMW Performance Exhaust w/ Y-pipe

Tommm · 11-14-2019, 08:35 AM

ZHP Shift knob
Multiple autocrosses
Multiple DE days

Just Apex It · 11-14-2019, 02:59 PM

Top 3 Free Mods
Golf Tee Mod
CDV Delete (add in the clutch stop for a few bucks)
PPK Flash and coding (and 135iS/Alpina Flash for the DCT/Auto guys)

Top 3 Mods for the money
MHD Tune
Monoballs w/ M3 control arms
Good spring/shock combo or coilovers

desertman123 · 11-14-2019, 03:36 PM

For N52, definitely the 3 stage intake manifold. Combined with Bimmerlab's free 130i tune it's a no brainer. With some good junkyard skills, DIY install, and a $60 K+DCAN cable, you can add ~30hp for like $200.

Otherwise the short shifter at $80 and rear subframe bushing inserts at $40 are fantastic deals and stiffen up some of the loosey goosey feeling the car has from factory, without adding NVH.

NorthernDancer · 11-19-2019, 11:25 AM

On my 128:
1. tires, MPSS
2. brakes, Cool Carbon
3. BMW Performance Exhaust

I have RSFB inserts [Whiteline] in the future

Gangplank · 12-04-2019, 05:27 AM

In order:

Best Value mods:
• M3/1M "TRW" front control arms
• Rear Sub-Frame Bushing (RSFB) inserts
• Rear Differential Lockdown Bracket

Those three transformed the basic handling from schizophrenic to more consistent with feedback.

Best overall Ohlins R&T coilovers without a doubt. It transformed the car's handling to it being planted and controllable.

I also upgraded to the PPK tune but will eventually look to either Dinan S2 or MHD stage 1. On a daily driver I don't have a need for more than 350 HP & 400 TQ.

JM98 · 12-05-2019, 08:42 PM

Hands down a tune. As long as you aren't hot lapping, you could run the an MHD OTS E30 map on an otherwise stock car and make 100hp more for a couple hundred bucks. Can't argue with that.

YearOneOne · 12-06-2019, 02:25 AM

No particular order also

1. Tires mps4s

2. Quaife lsd

3. Mhd tune

Turbo upgrade coming soon

10-29-2019, 02:25 PM	#1
b1aze Just one more taste... 566 Rep 2,011 Posts Drives: 2013 128i 6MT MSport Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Uxbridge MA iTrader: (18)	What was your top 3 best VALUE modifications?? I know we all like to make our cars our own and throw endless money at them but in terms of how much additional enjoyment you get out of your vehicle per dollar spent, what are your top 3?? I think it will be important to indicate which model were talking about but overall, it should be a good discussion. For me personally, on my 128i, the top 3 best-value mods are as follows: 1. eBay (BMS) clutch stop - $10 - Holy cow does this thing change the driving experience! Not only can my seat go another 2 notches back, the take-up is quick and very drive-able! If you own a 6mt, you MUST spend the $10. 2. BMW Performance Short Shift Lever - $85 (incl. additional bushing and clip) - The throws on the 1er 6mt can be long but this shortens them up SO much. Engagement into first is very "digital" and the 2-3-4 throws are a wrist-flick at most. Prior, I had to move my elbow position to get fast shifts in early gears. 3. eBay smoked side markers - $17 - Especially on a black car, old hazy looking side markers can really kill a car. The lights are plug and play and don't throw codes (because they utilize the bulb connection im assuming).
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10-29-2019, 02:31 PM	#2
ShocknAwe 1Addict 3233 Rep 7,894 Posts Drives: E82 Mutt, M57 Truck Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Charleston iTrader: (22)	Best value? To me that means my best mechanical mods, things I now know I couldn't live without. No particular order... Aluminum RSFB Drexler LSD Clutch stop If I had to add visuals... Top 3 would be the PIAA yellow ring bulbs, CSR eyelids, and Blacklines __________________ 2010 135i 6MT Jet Black N54/3 FE82 Mutt \| BUILD THREAD \| GARAGE SALE Last edited by ShocknAwe; 10-29-2019 at 02:36 PM..
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10-29-2019, 02:49 PM	#3
N54Yankee Lieutenant Colonel 2707 Rep 1,916 Posts Drives: N54 135\|Cobb\|M3 control arms Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	M3 front control arms- now car isn’t spooky going into corners a bit to hot Cobb tune- added about 80hp and 100ft lbs in only 15m with touching a wrench, not bad for $250 That’s basically all I did performance wise but it’s my DD and does exactly what I wanted it to do __________________ __________________ "The Constitution was never construed to authorize Congress to infringe the just liberty of the press, or the rights of conscience; or to prevent the people of the United States, who are peaceable citizens, from keeping their own arms.” Samuel Adams Last edited by N54Yankee; 10-29-2019 at 03:06 PM..
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10-29-2019, 02:55 PM	#4
Mr Gasser First Lieutenant 73 Rep 341 Posts Drives: 135i 09 M-Sport Black on Black Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	Subframe bushings, expensive but worth it...saves tire wear. __________________ Metallic Black on Black 2009 135i, new waterpump, OFHGs, and VC gasket...RB turbo PCV valve (ooo), NGK performance plugs...V3Cobb access port stage 2+FMIC, Injen intake, Mishimoto clone FMIC, ARM charge pipe, ARM downpipes, Whiteline subframe bushings
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10-29-2019, 03:02 PM	#5
Ric in RVA Bergspyder 1469 Rep 1,212 Posts Drives: '11 BMW 128i Sport 6mt Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Richmond VA iTrader: (1)	Things that are truly free CDV removed. Free Clutch return spring removed. Free Pedal covers removed and skateboard grip tape applied. Scraps are free at board shop usually. extra points if color matched. Free M3 control arms. Some aural enhancement. Exhaust. Golf tee mod FREE. PE then aftermarket. Intake Cut a hole in airbox lid FREE Buy an aftermarket intake kit Summer tire / winter tire if you live somewhere with seasons. __________________ Ric in RVA 2011 128i 6 MT Sport, 2009 Cayman 987.2, 2011 528i N52, 2018 F150 Platinum
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10-29-2019, 11:33 PM	#6
gjm120 Colonel 2182 Rep 2,806 Posts Drives: 2013 128i, 2021 230i Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: East Texas iTrader: (1)	Greatest Impact - M3 control arms (front and guide rod in rear) BMWP springs with Koni Yellows tossing the run flat tires The following are less costly and good value for the money - adjustable front ARB end links. Monroe rear upper shock mounts RSFB inserts __________________ E82 / BMWP Springs / Koni Yellows / M front control arms / Adjustable front endlinks / M rear guide rods / Whiteline Poly RSFB
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10-30-2019, 07:51 AM	#7
6ixSpd Save the manuals! 6015 Rep 6,745 Posts Drives: '16 M3, '23 718 Spyder Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: 416 iTrader: (4)	PE mod and PPK1 tune for sure. Not that I have many mods to begin with, lol. __________________ '16 M3 \| '23 718 Spyder Past: E92 M3, F87 M2, E39 M5, etc
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10-31-2019, 02:02 AM	#8
CH400EM M119 118 Rep 101 Posts Drives: %E2%80%9892 Merc 400E, %E2%80% Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	MHD tune BMW coding software + cables Red push to start button __________________ 2012 Jet Black E82 135i, DCT, PPK, MHD Stage 1 , VRSF UCP, HPF FMIC, Racing Dynamics LCP, Liqui-Moly leichtlauf high tech 5W-40.
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10-31-2019, 04:38 AM	#9
Edrift Private First Class 75 Rep 187 Posts Drives: BMW 135i E88 Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: Melbourne Australia iTrader: (0)	MHD tune (cheapest kw gain per dollar) $200 Golf tee mod free Blow off valve mod $3
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11-12-2019, 07:36 AM	#12
olds350 Needs a long road trip... 347 Rep 527 Posts Drives: '11 e91, '13 e88, '19 golf R Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: NC iTrader: (0)	I've done a few mods to my 128 and one was to add the injen CAI. What a glorious sound at WOT. I was going to install a catback, but this is all I need for now and it's been this way for the last year. Quiet when I need it, but when I drop into sport mode and play with the paddle shifters, I dig the noise....
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11-12-2019, 12:15 PM	#13
Rmtt Colonel 8211 Rep 2,250 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 128i, 2008 LS3 C6 Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: South Carolina iTrader: (3)	For my 128i 1. Rear diff going to a 3:73 ratio. Found one out of a car that was wrecked in the front with less than 22K miles on it and paid less than $250 shipped to my door. 2. CDV Removed. This was free. 3. BMS Clutch Stop. This was less than $20. For around $300 and a little labor on my part....it totally transformed the driving characteristics of this little car! __________________ Everybody has a gameplan....until they get punched in the mouth.
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11-12-2019, 05:16 PM	#14
Tuxedo Bowties r cool ▶:◀ 1409 Rep 796 Posts Drives: 09' 128i MT e88, 24'G05 X5 50e Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 BMW 128i e88 [0.00]	in order 1- ZHP knob $116 most can do this for $75-85 but had one custom made without the ///M logo 2- CDV M6 valve $9 part easy replace if on a lift, changed everything 3- Alpine hifi retro $450 4- 1M/M3 TRW control arms $300 5- Turner shift kit $130 made the down shifts perfect and at will 6- square set Michelin PSS $670 I have it set up as a Chicago commuter easy ride no tracking
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11-13-2019, 01:16 AM	#15
tock172 Beachtown Bill Collector 582 Rep 1,062 Posts Drives: 2012 135i Join Date: May 2011 Location: San Diego iTrader: (1) Garage List 2012 BMW 135i [0.00] 1999 Lexus LS400 [0.00] 1985 BMW 325e [0.00]	Upsized Michelin PSS 225/255 section Dinan S2 Software BMW Performance Exhaust w/ Y-pipe __________________ 2012 BMW 135i Space Grey Metallic M-Sport DCT Dinan S2
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11-14-2019, 08:35 AM	#16
Tommm Driven Crazy 190 Rep 505 Posts Drives: his wife nuts 128i 6m Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: The Mile High iTrader: (1)	ZHP Shift knob Multiple autocrosses Multiple DE days __________________ '08 128i 6M
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11-14-2019, 02:59 PM	#17
Just Apex It Euro Haus Founder 138 Rep 220 Posts Drives: '04 E46 330Ci ZHP Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Florida, USA iTrader: (1)	Top 3 Free Mods Golf Tee Mod CDV Delete (add in the clutch stop for a few bucks) PPK Flash and coding (and 135iS/Alpina Flash for the DCT/Auto guys) Top 3 Mods for the money MHD Tune Monoballs w/ M3 control arms Good spring/shock combo or coilovers __________________ *Euro Haus* - Come for the cars, stay for the people! TheEuroHaus.com Current: '04 E46 330Ci ZHP 6MT Sold: '16 F22 M235i 6MT - '15 F82 M4 DCT - '11 E82 135i 6MT - '07 E90 335i ZSP
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11-14-2019, 03:36 PM	#18
desertman123 E82 Mudflap Ambassador 2214 Rep 2,219 Posts Drives: '08 128i Join Date: May 2016 Location: Orlando, FL iTrader: (0) Garage List 1992 Honda Beat [9.50] 2008 BMW 128i [10.00] 2014 BMW 528i [10.00]	For N52, definitely the 3 stage intake manifold. Combined with Bimmerlab's free 130i tune it's a no brainer. With some good junkyard skills, DIY install, and a $60 K+DCAN cable, you can add ~30hp for like $200. Otherwise the short shifter at $80 and rear subframe bushing inserts at $40 are fantastic deals and stiffen up some of the loosey goosey feeling the car has from factory, without adding NVH. __________________ My 2008 128i - Sparkling Graphite/Beige - Sport pkg - 6MT - Click me! Parents' 2014 528i - Mineral White/Ivory White - fully loaded Instagram @Andreys_128i and @Honda.Bito
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11-19-2019, 11:25 AM	#19
NorthernDancer Colonel 848 Rep 2,276 Posts Drives: 08 Sedona 128 & 06 330xiT 6MT Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Ottawa On Canada iTrader: (3)	On my 128: 1. tires, MPSS 2. brakes, Cool Carbon 3. BMW Performance Exhaust I have RSFB inserts [Whiteline] in the future
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12-04-2019, 05:27 AM	#20
Gangplank Brigadier General 1541 Rep 3,071 Posts Drives: 2011 e82 135i n55 Sport w/ DCT Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Vero Beach, FL iTrader: (2) Garage List 2011 135i [0.00]	In order: Best Value mods: • M3/1M "TRW" front control arms • Rear Sub-Frame Bushing (RSFB) inserts • Rear Differential Lockdown Bracket Those three transformed the basic handling from schizophrenic to more consistent with feedback. Best overall Ohlins R&T coilovers without a doubt. It transformed the car's handling to it being planted and controllable. I also upgraded to the PPK tune but will eventually look to either Dinan S2 or MHD stage 1. On a daily driver I don't have a need for more than 350 HP & 400 TQ. __________________ 2011 135i w/ DCT \| ZSP Sport Pkg \| PPK \| Ohlins R
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12-05-2019, 08:42 PM	#21
JM98 Lieutenant 391 Rep 532 Posts Drives: 2009 135i Join Date: May 2016 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	Hands down a tune. As long as you aren't hot lapping, you could run the an MHD OTS E30 map on an otherwise stock car and make 100hp more for a couple hundred bucks. Can't argue with that.
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12-06-2019, 02:25 AM	#22
YearOneOne Captain 361 Rep 727 Posts Drives: 13 135i mineral grey Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Maryland iTrader: (1)	No particular order also 1. Tires mps4s 2. Quaife lsd 3. Mhd tune Turbo upgrade coming soon
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