New here and looking for ideas

[Boilerbacker]

Hi everyone,

Great to find this forum! Just took delivery of my new baby on 12/16. Here's what I have:

2004 325Ci - 5 Speed Manual
Jet Black / Black Leather
Premium Package
Cold Weather Package
Zenon's
H/K Sound

I love this car as is but would like to add some special touches to make it even better.

My question is, if this were your car, what would be your plan of action to upgrade your vehicle? I pretty much clueless as to where to start. What would you consider the most important things to tackle first?

Thanks in advance for your help. Great to be here and I hope to be able to contribute after a while.

Boilerbacker

 

[bmwrocks]

Are you looking for aesthetic improvements or performance upgrades?

 

[bmwrocks]

Or maybe adding a 6 CD changer, alarm system or bluetooth phone?

 

[Sexualwasabi]

Hi there I kinda new here too... uhm for aesthetic upgrades check this site: http://www.bimmian.com/

I've already ordered the interior xenon lights, and plan on getting more stuff like the keyhole cover, devil eyes or angle eyes... etc etc....

some rims sites:
http://www.carxpressions.com/wheels/falken.htm
http://www.racerwheel.com/wmay-dtu.html


I'm not the one to ask for performance upgrades, I'm still trying to read up on all that myself

 

[Boilerbacker]

Thanks for replying. Looking for both aesthetic and performance. CD changer and phone will come at some point but they are not at the top of my list.

Given that aesthetics & performance are most desirable, what would you do first, second, etc...

 

[Sexualwasabi]

uhm well aesthetics are way way cheaper

I spent way too much money last month, so doing the cheap upgrades right now myself... my first performance upgrade will be rims and tires hopefully in a couple months.

I do plan on researching more about the bluetooth phone option myself, I need to upgrade my v60i anyways...

 

[Boilerbacker]

Know what you mean about $$$$. Cheap is good.

Thanks for the ideas and website info. I've already checked the first one out. Good stuff!

Where to begin, oh where to begin. This should be alot of fun.

 

[MrElussive]

For performance mods, I would do chip, air intake, and exaust. Personally, I would get an ASE Chips ECU chip, AEM cold air intake, and Remus or Borla exhaust (or SuperSprint).
For aesthetics, I'm not sure. [???1]
Either way, welcome to the forum.

 

[Boilerbacker]

Thanks for the ideas guys! Great to be here. Appreciate the help!

 

[Beemerworld]

Hi

All performance upgrades even suspension upgrades will affect your warranty.

 

[MPOWERATL]

For performance upgrades visit www.m3motorwerks.com

 

[Abdoman]

Be careful not to void your warranty - especially on a 04.

 

[Boilerbacker]

Thanks. I've already agreed to run everything by my dealer first. He warned me about that when it was delivered.

 

[lpquick]

Dinan upgrades do not void your warranty. I admit there is more available for less from different companies, but only Dinan keeps your warranty intact. I enjoy the increased performance. and fuel efficiency from Dinan. Drove from CO to AL and back during the holidays, averaged over 82 mph and over 27 mpg. Traveled over 1,400 miles ea way in less than 24 hr's. Nothing cruises like a bimmer doing over 90 around the turns, in and out of light traffic between midnight and dawn. Thank god for my Valentine One RDRD. Saved my butt many times during the trip.

 

[Beemerworld]

Hi

Yes Dinan is the way to go in your case.

 

[MrElussive]

Aftermarket parts only void your warranty IF they are the cause of the problem(s). In that case, you would just have to pay to get the problem(s) fixed, but other than that, your warranty is not void.

 

[frolf]

hey welcome to the site start with a chip friend.

 

[Akakubi]

Dinan upgrades do not void your warranty. I admit there is more available for less from different companies, but only Dinan keeps your warranty intact. I enjoy the increased performance. and fuel efficiency from Dinan. Drove from CO to AL and back during the holidays, averaged over 82 mph and over 27 mpg. Traveled over 1,400 miles ea way in less than 24 hr's. Nothing cruises like a bimmer doing over 90 around the turns, in and out of light traffic between midnight and dawn. Thank god for my Valentine One RDRD. Saved my butt many times during the trip.

One note: Dinan does VOID the factory warranty. What Dinan does is offer their own coverage instead to replace the OEM one. In theory it should be OK, but only in theory.... And these days it's getting harder for you to prove that it was Dinan's part fault to collect $$ for repairs. Do a search on Roadfly.com for some of the horror stories....

 

[Harman1]

K & N air filter. Not to dismiss what anyone has said but all thoes upgrades to get more HP to me are not worth the HP return for the $ spent, you would be better off in the long run to get the 330. You could easily spend on performace upgrades what it would have or coast to get the 330. That's just my thought on the subject.

 

[Section_8]

Welcome aboard boiler! I'm new here too, but the guys here are great with ideas and help - very knowledgable!

Wheels and tires are always a good upgrade, you'll instantly feel the difference (good and bad) with a package there.

MrElussive gave you a few good ideas on where to start. But keep in mind the words from many people about your warranty.

For a cheap thrill upgrade. Put clear lights bumper to bumper. Haven't seen a bimmer yet that didn't look sexier with clears over yellow. (Getting mine this weekend!)


interior trim, different shifter, emergency brake, and steering wheel, are all common interior modifications you'll find people talking about around here.

I'd ride that new puppy for a while, and be 'sure' that you really want engine upgrades. Again back to the warranty. Might find it's as fast as you need it to be once you're comfy with it.