Thinking about a 3 series, I'll definitely be modding, opinions please

[duffman13]

Right now I'm driving an audi a4 2.8QM. I've put quite a bit of time and effort into the car between a custom exhaust, suspension, stereo, and intake. My car is a 1996 so i've hit about all I can do with the exception of a full engine rebuild for more performance. I'm also getting tired of all wheel drive, moving back to florida in the next year so i won't need it anymore

My questions are as follows:
1. I'm looking at 1999-2000 e46's and trying to decide between the 323i and 328i. Is the 20 extra hp worth the money?
2. As far as suspension goes what is reccommended? I'm thinking an eibach full sport kit with sway bars etc, but if anybody has any other recommendations ie koni coilovers, h&r cup kit etc i'd like to hear. I don't need the adjustability of coilovers, so I'd tend to just look for a good spring/shock combo or kit.
3. Engine management? The only thing i found on the web was the turner shark obdII software, if there are any others i would appreciate the reccomendation, as well as intakes. I've looked at the K&N filtercharger as well as some AEM short RAMs and CAIs.
4. Anyplace to get good but inexpensive wheels? I got my 18"wheel/tire combo brand new for my audi for $1K shipped, and I'd like to find something similarly priced i i decided to replace my rims

I can worry about stereos on my own, but the rest i'd rather ask seasoned experts like yourselves for help. Thanks.

 

[Average Jae]

hi James, welcome aboard, i take you are a simpsons fan?

i prolly won't be much of a help, but iirc 1999 e46 had some issues w/ steering. mainly that it didnt' act "BMW like" ie: loose and not connected to the road. i think it was 99, but not sure, it was before the facelift tho. avoid that model year. i'd opt for the 330 if possible, as you do get 225 horses. but going from a 2.8 quatro, the 328i will be faster.

4. what type are you looking for replicas or aftermarket rims? i found some cheap replicas over at aaa something, can't remember.. thewheelexchange.com is also pretty good. i know other members use them and had good experience.

 

[Tom]

Welcome aboard,

1. I'm looking at 1999-2000 e46's and trying to decide between the 323i and 328i. Is the 20 extra hp worth the money?
The hp difference is more like 14hp and not 20. What you do get more is torque and between the two, I would probably get the 328i. Sadly both the 328i and 323i were short run models so you probably won't find alot of aftermarket parts for them other than the basic bolt-ons. If you plan on heavily modding your car, I would suggest bumping up to a 330i.

2. As far as suspension goes what is reccommended? I'm thinking an eibach full sport kit with sway bars etc, but if anybody has any other recommendations ie koni coilovers, h&r cup kit etc i'd like to hear. I don't need the adjustability of coilovers, so I'd tend to just look for a good spring/shock combo or kit.
Both Bilstein and Koni would be the best setup for the E46. If you want to go the cheaper route, getting an Eibach Prokit would also be ideal.

3. Engine management? The only thing i found on the web was the turner shark obdII software, if there are any others i would appreciate the reccomendation, as well as intakes. I've looked at the K&N filtercharger as well as some AEM short RAMs and CAIs.
Dinan and SuperChips also make ECU upgrades for the E46. For aftermarket intakes, check out M Motorwerks, they have a fairly good selection of what's currently available in the market.

4. Anyplace to get good but inexpensive wheels? I got my 18"wheel/tire combo brand new for my audi for $1K shipped, and I'd like to find something similarly priced i i decided to replace my rims
www.wheelmax.com www.wheelnext.com www.thewheelexchange.com www.buywheelstoday.com are good places to start.