[prolific]

About to get my hands on a 335i coupe - either an 07 or 08, both with roughly ~15,000 miles on them.

I've been browsing this forum for a while and I'm just looking to get all my questions and further advice dumped into this one thread.

Basically, looking to add some performance mods first then eventually move to aesthetics later on. What are some recommendations? Thanks in advance.

-edit-
First on my list is definitely looking like the Dinan Stage II upgrade, considering a Stage III but unsure whether or not it's worth it - have seen plenty of contradicting posts out there, not sure what to do. As I mentioned, any advice is much appreciated.

-edit2-
I will not be modding right away, rather, I started this thread in order to get a list of some "essentials" together, if you will.

Also, driving courses will be taken as well as ample time to get familiarized with the new ride itself.

[Nedim]

JB4
DCI
Downpipes
Meth
IC

Find more info in the tuning section

[sickem]

Originally Posted by prolific

About to get my hands on a 335i coupe - either an 07 or 08, both with roughly ~15,000 miles on them.

I've been browsing this forum for a while and I'm just looking to get all my questions and further advice dumped into this one thread.

Basically, looking to add some performance mods first then eventually move to aesthetics later on. What are some recommendations? Thanks in advance.

-edit-
First on my list is definitely looking like the Dinan Stage II upgrade, considering a Stage III but unsure whether or not it's worth it - have seen plenty of contradicting posts out there, not sure what to do. As I mentioned, any advice is much appreciated.

what kind of car are you coming from? Are you familiar with higher HP cars? If so, then the list above is a great start. If not, why don't you start with some aesthetic mods and get used to the N54 first? That's what I'm doing...Just an idea...

oh and if you are going to mod the 07 heavily, I would make sure it has an oil cooler. some earlier 07 did not. I recommend searching this before you buy...

[prolific]

I'm coming from an 06' Lexus IS-250, nothing too boring but this will definitely be a bit of a change I suppose. I've always been a huge BMW fan and just recently settled down and have acquired the means to pursue something.

So far, so good - thanks for the replies thus far. Keep them coming, anything and everything is appreciated at this point.

[sickem]

Originally Posted by prolific

I'm coming from an 06' Lexus IS-250, nothing too boring but this will definitely be a bit of a change I suppose. I've always been a huge BMW fan and just recently settled down and have acquired the means to pursue something.

So far, so good - thanks for the replies thus far. Keep them coming, anything and everything is appreciated at this point.

you'll be amazed at the power/acceleration of this car even stock. (I haven't modded my motor yet and my dad drove it the other day and was speechless...he has an 09 corvette.)

that's why I'm going to wait until I get used to it to mod the N54. doing DiMisa powdercoated exhaust tips, led blacklines, m3 spoiler lip, black shadow badging, already have black matte kidney grilles...just my two lincolns...

[prolific]

Thanks for the insight bro, really appreciated.

I can definitely go ahead and put money down on a M3, which is something that I was strongly considering for a bit but I figured that with a 335, even with some added cash put into mods (like Stage 3, etc etc) I can still come out saving roughly 10k or so. Hopefully I'm not overlooking something here in regards to that tradeoff - I've read a few threads and accounts where 335i owners say that their cars have definitely out-handled and outperformed M3's in almost every category. Any insight on that?

[FVM3]

get the jb4, dp, intake exhaust and you are all set

[Outlaw 06]

As others have already said, the N54 has ample power for daily driving so it's premature to want performance mods already (before buying a car). What are your intentions for the 335i besides daily driving it in New York?

[prolific]

Originally Posted by TJDiCandido

As others have already said, the N54 has ample power for daily driving so it's premature to want performance mods already (before buying a car). What are your intentions for the 335i besides daily driving it in New York?

Haven't really thought that far ahead to be honest; I'm more or less interested in putting added performance into it just because it would be the first time I'd be doing something like that - it all interests me. And, as I said, I'd like to be able to justify the purchase of a 335 instead of, as I mentioned, an M3 or something - trying to get the most "bang for my buck" I suppose.

[Outlaw 06]

Originally Posted by prolific

Haven't really thought that far ahead to be honest; I'm more or less interested in putting added performance into it just because it would be the first time I'd be doing something like that - it all interests me. And, as I said, I'd like to be able to justify the purchase of a 335 instead of, as I mentioned, an M3 or something - trying to get the most "bang for my buck" I suppose.

The best advice I can give to anyone is DON’T modify anything on your car before tracking it on a road course, ESPECIALLY not the motor. A majority of drivers will run out of skill well before running out of 300 horsepower.

[str8nm]

Originally Posted by TJDiCandido

The best advice I can give to anyone is DON’T modify anything on your car before tracking it on a road course, ESPECIALLY not the motor. A majority of drivers will run out of skill well before running out of 300 horsepower.

Great advice.

[prolific]

Noted, definitely noted - thanks again.

Can anyone touch on the 335 vs. M3 discussion though - how far apart are these two out of curiosity?

[tibra1]

If your solciting tuning opinions i would most def go for a reflash over a piggy..Dinan stg 2 is a very reputable reflash..but it is expensive and not really as agressive as some others out on the market

As far as m3 vs 335i... apples and oranges especially if you consider the m3 engine is handbuilt and the suspension and chassis is comprised of mostly light weight aluminum components and an LSD stock..U certainly can rob some of the m3 parts and put them on the 335i as I am doing

[prolific]

By aggressive I'm assuming you mean more horsepower or something along those lines? And what kind of cost differences are we talking about? I know that the Dinan Stage III is around $1700-2000 or so. Always interested in weighing other options.

[tibra1]

Well speaking only from my experience.. the reflash i run is GIAC..their Stg 1 adds approx 60hp n is equivalent or even slightly more powerful than Dinan stg 2 and it costs $800...

I would say continue ur research and talk to more people to obtain more feedback

[W.WCherry]

If you are interested in the Dinan Stage 3, then you will also be required to purchase the Dinan intercooler and oilcooler.

[prolific]

Originally Posted by B.Corso

If you are interested in the Dinan Stage 3, then you will also be required to purchase the Dinan intercooler and oilcooler.

Yeah, I would plan on grabbing these parts as well, not only because I have too, but because it seems like Dinan is nothing but reliable when it comes to performance.

[jocamryn]

Good luck, you're not counting on warranty work once something breaks right?

[prolific]

From what I've read, it looks like the Dinan parts and upgrades are still under the warranty, which is a big plus - that is, of course, if I'm reading that right.

[LAE92]

As many others have said, tune, FMIC, DPs, exhaust and maybe some suspension and brake upgrades to be able to compensate and balance off all that power. With that said...I would recommend GIAC II or COBB AP, study your tunes extensively, make sure you get the one that matches your needs and wants best. Dinan III, I am sure is good but is the most expensive of all the tunes so you might want to do some more research.

[sickem]

not trying to belabor the point here, but I would recommend taking some of that mod money and enrolling in a performance driving school first. As TJCandido said, all that power is useless if you don't know how to use it. I am new to these types of cars so this is likely the route I will take...keep us in the loop as to what you end up with. oh and welcome to the club!

[prolific]

Driving classes, definitely noted. I don't claim to be the best driver out there, and coming from a Lexus this is definitely a new experience for me I suppose.

Originally Posted by Nedim

JB4
DCI
Downpipes
Meth
IC

Find more info in the tuning section

If you guys can please elaborate on suggestions like the above. As I mentioned, I'm an avid reader and fan but this is my first go-around. What do these abbreviations mean and where would I go about further researching and eventually ordering said parts?