Advise on modifications of BMW 2000 328Ci

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#1
Hello Everyone,

I'm new to this forum, actually never been a part of a BMW forum before. I have a question, I have a 2000 328Ci, and wanted to know if I could raise my horsepower via having the BMW tech to alter the software without buying any new chip or software, if so, how much of a gain would I have?
 
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#2
Hi, welcome to the forum.
Unfortunately, what you want is not really possible as that directly voids the warranty. If you want more power out of your 328Ci, follow the basic rule of thumb: chip, air intake, and exhaust for starters.
 
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#3
My warrenty is already over, BMW didn't mention anything about extended warrenty, until my warrenty was up. So I'm not too concerned about voiding anything.......so it is possible?
 
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#4
I also have another question, currently my day time and high beams are the yellow light, can I change them to HID lights with a simple bulb change or is it a major rework of the light system. Is it simpler to just put in blue lights, with the same type of bulbs?
 
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#5
Simpler to buy blue tinted bulbs. You want real xenons (and there is a huge difference), you have to replace the whole assembly. Costs a few hundred bucks.

I don't believe a BMW Tech can alter the software to give you more horsepower. That's what aftermarket chips are for.

If you want basics and options, do a search on www.e46fanatics.com Those people are heavily into modding their cars, including upgrading parts like xenons and stuff.
 
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#6
Thanks codex57, that is an awesome site. I think going with the blue light bulb is easy for now, do you recommend any brands? I was thinking about putting in angle eyes, how difficult is that?
 
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#7
I'm sorry if I'm asking too many question, just paid off my car so now I'm ready to play :)
my car idles funny in the morning, kind of rough, do you think if I change the spark plugs it will make a difference? If so which one's are the best? I also looked at my air filter and let's say I can't see the sun thru it, can I go to autozone and replace it?
 
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#8
air filter is easy. Go ahead and just buy one at an autoparts store and replace it. Well, call and check how much an OEM one costs first. OEM usually feels much better in quality than the ones you find at autoparts stores.

Spark plugs might make a difference. If you're mechanically inclined, you can pull yours out and take a peek at em. They're supposed to last 100,000 miles so something else might be wrong.

Angle eyes is more involved than just replacing the bulb. It involves some minor cutting and use of a dremel. I don't have one which is why I haven't seriously considered adding them yet.

As for which bulb is better, people have their preferences. Just search on that site and see what people say and if they posted pics. Unmitza is a cool guy/company. You can check his site and see what he recommends.
 
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#9
I took a look at my air filter and boy, it didn't look like it was letting any air in. Which was strange, since the last 15K mile service they said they replaced the air filter. I decided to go with a K&N air filter. Do you think that's ok? I keep hearing K&N filters are excellent and help with horsepower gain.

I looked at the site you mentioned 'Unmitza' and didn't get a real definite answer on whether he thinks the light bulb are good or not.

As for angle eyes, I saw a kit or something for 299 on the same site I saw the light bulbs, but I'm not sure if that's for a pair or each headlight...

As for spark plugs, I just was thinking maybe if I switch to a platnum series, I'll get better performance out of the car........I have no idea what OEM spark plugs are.........are autolite platinum ok?
 
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#10
I read some where on this message board about a option called 'visual entry'....do you know what that is and is it an option on the 2000 model.........
 
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#11
$299 is for both lightbulbs. Same goes for his lightbulbs. The "Vizu" bulbs he sells are a pair. Umnitza is a sponsor on the e46fanatics board. I remember seeing him posting pictures of samples and asking what people thought before he offered them for sale. There's another sponsor on the board who did the same thing, I just can't remember his name off the top of my head right now and they might actually work for the same company. But, Umnitza seems to have consistently good feedback about his products while Bimmian (another store) gets both good and bad feedback which is why I didn't recommend them (plus Bimmian is in Canada so it takes forever to ship).

Visual Entry is when your car will flash its turn signals to indicate you've locked/unlocked your car. The dealer can turn it on but he has to plug your car into the computer. The stupid dealers claim you can't do it unless you have an alarm. The dealers who's techs know what they're doing won't give you a problem if you don't have an alarm. Finding out which dealer can do the visual entry thing is a good way of determining whether your dealer's service department is competent and if they'll give you a hard time if your car is modded.

Oh, and your OEM spark plugs should be platinum already, which is why I suspect something else is wrong besides the spark plugs if your engine is running rough. Even if the plugs are bad, they're not supposed to go too early (dunno what your mileage is) so if it's well under 100,000 miles, something else might be fouling the plugs and you may need to have your car checked out.

K&N is like the standard aftermarket air filter. Long history. Reputable company.
 
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#12
oh, another mod to consider is changing your regular bulb tail lights into the LED ones that come on the 2004 coupes. No one's figured out how to get the full adaptive braking to work, but even without it, the brake lights still work the same as your current ones. But, they look cooler IMO.
 
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#13
can I find the brake lights your talking about on the same site?

Are the angle eyes easy to intall, that is what the website claims. I probably need 4 bulbs for it right?

Does the K&N filter give better performance?

Is there a place or document that gives a list of all the codes that can be programmed or turned on in the car or key.

Here is a way out question, I have been looking for a alarm/remote started, but keep getting the run around about you can't just install it, it will screw up the electrical system on the car. also I was looking for a heated steering bar, I thought they could replace mine with the new one's in the x3, but they say it's impossible, is that correct?

By the way I just wanted to thank you for taking the time to answer my question, I greatly appreciate it.
 
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#15
Brake lights are an OEM item. Just ask pacificbmw or circlebmw.com's internet dept's how much they cost. If you search "LED* brake*" on e46fanatics, you'll find someone who did it. His website has the parts number, directions, everything. I think it runs about $400 w/out the LCM. Your car may or may not need the LCM to control the brake lights. People generally give prices out for pairs (if applicable) cuz that's what most people need.

There's a list of stuff that can be programmed, but my link to it is on my other laptop where the hard drive failed. If you search here you can find it. Otherwise, maybe some kind stranger will repost it. it's a common question.

K&N supposedly gives better performance. Won't be too noticeable though. If you want performance, it's one of the first things added tho.

Not sure how easy the angel eyes are to install. I've never done it myself. I believe the vendors usually have a link to instructions tho. Umnitza seems to suggest professional installation so it might be kinda complicated.

You can get a remote start on your car. The shop will make you sign a waiver b/c there are some issues involved, I think safety related. But it can be done.

No idea about the heated steering wheel. Sorry.

Edit: check this site out for the LED brakelight retrofit. http://www.alkanol.com/e46/index.html
 
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rjp325i

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#19
Contact Turner Motorsport (www.turnermotorsport.com) for a software upgrade that can be installed and removed indefinitely by the owner. The hp gains are modest (up to 16 hp but not at peak hp rpm) but still an improvement. The software was developed by Jim Conforti, the noted BMW electronics guru. Price is about $350.
 
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#20
Has anyone installed the following:

VIZU - H7 light bulbs

I wanted to replace the amber lights, which I have for high beam and Daytime running lights.

Do I need to worry about the amount of heat produced and do I have to do something in special to rectify it?
 


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