Best mods for a 320i

[Reid95]

So I took the plunge! After several inspections and the second opinion of a mechanic, I bought a 320i

I LOVE the car. And I’m really not bothered too much about increasing the power as most want; it’s good enough for me and my needs. I just want to add some personal touches; make it stand out a little. Maybe give it a bit more noise, and some personality. I wondered what suggestions anyone has for me? I’d appreciate your thoughts

[ZX10R NIN]

Eibach Springs a nice set of alloys & a nice exhaust system.

[rallycross]

have a look on here if you have not already joined, great forum for 3 series.

https://www.e90post.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=...

Does your car have sports seats or plain SE seats? Biggest single improvement you can make to the base models is fit sports seats (very easy job) and same for steering wheel if its got the nasty SE s/wheel swapping it for either of the 2 better model wheel makes the car feel so much nicer day to day.

[bearman68]

Fresh Oil and filters. Spend your money on that and it might actually run.

Noisy exhaust - how old are you? 13?

[BelfastBlack]

Don't forget to consider insurance implications of any mod's. Assuming the 95 in your username is the year you were born, insurance will be expensive enough and you don't want to get caught out with undeclared mod's at an early age.

External mod's are personal preference so I'll leave that up to you but I'd be looking at refreshing the suspensions bushes etc. as they'll probably be worn out. If the car is on ditch finders changing for decent tyres will also make a massive difference.

[p4cks]

I'd save the money you'd be spending on mods for the inevitable repairs you'll need for this particular engine. They were awful I'm sorry to say.

[ZX10R NIN]

bearman68 said:

Fresh Oil and filters. Spend your money on that and it might actually run.

Noisy exhaust - how old are you? 13?

What's wrong with wanting an exhaust note?

[Alucidnation]

Don’t forget da rimzzz and tinted windowz

[Blanco92]

Oil, oil filter and air filter change. A K&N panel filter will give a little bit more induction noise without being over the top.

And a 4-wheel alignment at a reputable place near you. Tyres as well if needed, but no ditchfinders

[bearman68]

ZX10R NIN said:

What's wrong with wanting an exhaust note?

Nothing when you're 13. But for anyone who has grown up they are an impediment to rationality.

[Sensibleboy]

A few ///M badges are a must. And the front grille needs the tragic 3 colours too...

[oldaudi]

M performance sticker at the bottom of the front bumper

[meehaja]

For the least fun... the best mods on an older car (you don't say how old it is, but I"m assuming not new), get some £25 ramps, pull it up and give it a full service, that way you know the oil and filters are good. Then, look at all the bushes and replace anything that doesn't look perfect. Not expensive and takes it back to how its meant to handle. Tyres. 4 decent tyres £4-600, makes a huge difference. Brake pads and discs. Again, an easy job, makes a huge difference. A good detail should make the car look new.

After all that lot, you're £2k in, have a car that should drive, handle and look as new and is ready for performance mods as required.

[Baldchap]

For me, modding has to start with the fastest stock one, otherwise you're chasing something not quite as good as the car you should have bought. More expensive to mod and insure and far less reliable.

So the best mod to a 320 is an M3. If that's too far on price and insurance, a 325.

[thebraketester]

M3 replica wheels

[ZX10R NIN]

bearman68 said:

ZX10R NIN said:

What's wrong with wanting an exhaust note?

Nothing when you're 13. But for anyone who has grown up they are an impediment to rationality.

Well I must have an impediment as every car I've owned has had the exhaust replaced for (Akrapovic etc must be happy that there are lots of people with impediments to buy there exhausts) something that releases the engine note normally along with a replacement panel filter.

Funny that you make a comment like that on PH seeing as it was started for those people that added those very upgrades to their cars.

That must mean you come on here to mock people with impediments seeing as you would never add an upgrade/modification to your car why are you on PH?

[Baldchap]

I've always done exhaust swaps on bikes but never swapped one on a car. Couldn't say why. A decent exhaust note is a good thing. Manufacturers do it with their performance models.

[Mr Ben]

While I won't disagree with sound advice that is make sure it drives straight and stops properly first...

Beyond that mate you do what you bloody like! And to hell with the rest.

Cover it in glitter if that floats your boat..

I've put performance exhausts on a few cars over the years... From a 'Long Life' on a 1.8 Mondeo back in the 90's, to set of Spires back boxes on a 5.0 NA Jaguar XF.

Different price points, stages of life etc... but I loved them! Just don't be a turd and drive through residential areas purposefully making a racket!

Enjoy your car, and then save for a 335i. All you them need do is unplug the vacuum hose and you're in a damn good place!

[HM-2]

Replacing it with a 330i might be a decent start. You're never going to get a great noise out of an N43, and the poster above was entirely right when he mentioned the fact they're notorious for grenading due to timing chain failure. Plus coilpacks, injectors, various sensors...hardly one of BMW's finest moments.

Edited by HM-2 on Sunday 27th January 22:14

[Stu08]

Wow. PH.

OP as stated - give it a service first. I'd focus on upgrading the brakes and suspension first (Bilstein, KW etc. depending on budget). Perhaps some lightweight wheels (with good brand tyres on) if you're looking to reduce unsprung weight a little bit and get a bit more grip. Of course an aftermarket exhaust always makes it a bit more fun.

I'd do -

1) Service
2) Suspension and alignment
3) Wheels and sticky tyres
4) Upgraded discs and pads
5) Exhaust