what to buy next for 335i coupe?

[thatguyn8]

Hi all,

I would like to eventually get all of the following items for my 335i coupe, but would like to get your opinion on priorities and/or specific brands/models if applicable. It's a black, black, and black coupe w/ lots of options, 6-speed, and M-sport suspension, if it's pertinent to your answers. Obviously I will be only addressing one or two of these items per month as I'm not Warren Buffett.

1) alarm system (thinking of just getting the factory one from Tischer and installing myself)

2) My mechanic just gave the car a clean bill of health but mentioned that one of the front wheels had a little bend in it (that I can't detect, and I'm a pretty sensitive driver.) Fix it? They're 19s... I can't remember if that was the wheel that had evidence of prior curbing or not.

3) Window tint. Primarily for keeping it cool in the summer, but as far as looks go would prefer a grey tint to Vaderize a black car.

4) Tune - just too tempting. JB4? any reason not to go Stage 3 on an otherwise stock car? What other mods (not looking for a project, in fact that is why I bought this car, so I wouldn't be tempted to work on it too much - but I am a fairly accomplished mechanic and could handle bolt ons easily) would be advisable to help "wake up" a tune?

5) spare tire bag - I got the Tischer spare tire kit but not the bag, because I've been spending money like a drunken sailor. So I will pick it up eventually.

6) blendmount or similar product for V1? (I have the V1) I have a feeling this may be important. Also is there somewhere handy in the overhead console that I could tap power to hardwire a V1?

7) possibly an exhaust? In a weird way, I'm thinking that a louder exhaust might actually help save my driver's license because I wouldn't have to stick my foot so far into it to make the happy sounds.

8) Aftermarket extended warranty. Yes or no? Have about 71K miles on the car now.

I've already got winter tires and a Thule roof rack.

Edit: I also already have the Euro headlight switch so my rear fogs work. And no, I'm not one of those d-bags that would use them when it's not foggy and/or otherwise inclement and of limited visibility. I also already got the rubber floor mats from the stealership to keep my carpets nice.

What else would you consider a "must have" for this car?

thanks!

[gliding serpent]

The only must is to sign up for a BMW high performance driving school.

[thatguyn8]

I'd actually love to do that, I have had some DE years ago when I used to work in the auto industry, but that was something like 10 years ago... damn I feel old.

[cheech1]

Bet you're still a lot younger than me.

[gpb]

A lot of it depends on your particulars and what you're wanting to accomplish.

For example - tint - if you park outside a lot then it's probably very worthwhile. If instead you have covered parking at work and at home, then perhaps not so important.

Alarm - I'm skeptical about this one. What do you want to accomplish? Factory alarm didn't do a darn thing to keep someone from smashing a window and stealing stuff out of a 4runner I had years ago. Adding a blinking light is a cheap mod and will do as well as anything to suggest to a crook that he move on to the next vehicle.

[NFerber]

1) Not huge on alarm systems, seems to be a thing of the past. Don't personally see the point, if someone really wants to break into/steal your car, an alarm system isn't going to stop them.

2) If it's not noticeable, I wouldn't worry about it. With potholes and bad roads, 19's with low-profile tires will get small bends over time. No reason to replace when it isn't noticeable.

4) 3 major tunes I would look at: Procede, JB4, Cobb. Other good starting mods would be intake, downpipes... There are many threads on this, so I won't go into a lot of detail.

6) My preferred mount for my V1 which I have done in all my cars. Use factory V1 suction cup mount, mount it above the rearview mirror. Run wire across under the headliner, down the passenger side A-pillar, and down into the fusebox area behind the glove box. Go to your local auto-parts store, and buy a add-a-fuse kit for mini-fuse (http://www.amazon.com/Littelfuse-FHA200BP-ATO-Add-A-Circuit-Kit/dp/B0002BGELQ/ref=pd_sim_auto_1). Hook it up to the homelink fuse (only powered when car is on). This way you don't have to splice into existing wiring in the front dome-light area, and very easy to remove when needed. Then I have the concealed display mounted in front of the gauge cluster, it partially covers the temp gauge, you can see the needle posision, just not the bottom numbers. This way everything is a nice clean install, and you have your display right by your gauge cluster, and the actual V1 display is dark, so people behind you can't obviously see you are running a radar detector.

7) I'd go for the Performance Exhaust from BMW. It's OEM, so everything fits perfectly, and gives you a nice throaty sound without drone or being obnoxiously loud.

[mryakan]

+1 on the alarm being redundant for the most part (unless you live in a high crime area and it so happens those criminals are scared of alarms, most people ignore alarms sounding off anyway).

The bent wheel could be an issue if it causes leaking or the balancing to be off (would be felt as vibration at certain speeds), otherwise it is fine. I was told mine was slightly bent from visual inspection but nothing is noticeable driving at any speed nor does it lose air, so I am not sweating it.

Tint is a personal preference thing, but they do sometimes scratch, so take that into consideration. I opted not to do it since I have kids in the back and that increases the likelihood of scratching (at least for with my kids).

Visit the electronics section for info on radar detectors. Also if you search, you'll find a couple of hardwire DIYs on e9xs.

Lastly, thank you for being considerate and not using the rear fogs when not needed, they are the most annoying thing to be behind.

[thatguyn8]

Thanks guys, appreciate the input. I'm definitely taking notes.

Re: alarm, I am a little worried about people messing with my ride, because while I paid less for that than my roommate did for his Camry, mine is by far the best looking damn car on my street (and most expensive looking for that matter...) you know how people are, they see people with nice stuff and just want to screw with it.

Re: tint, yes the car is outside 24/7 so recommends on a good durable tint that offers heat rejection benefits would be greatly appreciated. My 944 was the same color scheme and it was absolutely miserable in the summertime, even with the A/C working ("working" being a relative term when referring to the factory A/C on that car) I don't have kids nor will I hopefully have to have any immature individuals in this car; this is the first car I've ever owned save for one GTI that I bought new where I actually am ludicrously protective of it. I think after work today I might pull another wheel and clean and wax the backside of it to give you an idea of how stupid it's starting to get :)

Re: RD - I live in VA so obviously I can't use it around here, but am hoping to be able to take some more time off in the vague future and visit some friends out of state. I already own a V1 from years ago living in MD, and I believe it is still current enough that Valentine does not recommend upgrading it, so I might as well use it...

[mryakan]

An alarm won't prevent people from messing with your car. Keying a car will not trigger most alarms (unless you opt for an expensive and annoying proximity alarm), nor will it stop them from smash and grab or smash and run. Those who want to vandalize are usually too drunk to know better or care and those who try to steal usually know better or are too high to know the difference. I'd say save yourself the $$.

[Face]

I'm posting in this guy's thread because I have similar questions about mods for a 2009 335i, as I don't want to clutter the forum with a new thread about a probably repetitive topic.

My ladyfriend has a 2009, and I personally own a 2011 VW GTI. I've done quite a bit to my car, as I'm stage 3 with a k04 turbo kit, intake, intercooler, exhaust, etc.

She's fairly envious as the OP stated of my "happy sounds" as I have a 3" catless turbo back exhaust. Obviously the V6 sounds like sex when allowed to breathe a bit better, and wanted to see what opinions were on certain catbacks, full exhausts, etc. I've seen a few (what looked to be) decent systems on ebay (cringe) which I hate to do shopping on, but it turned up in a google search. Wonder if mandrel bent tubing is any different, as there's several effective test pipes and downpipes on ebay for the GTI, that I've never ran into issues with. I've done installs on all my parts myself, so looking to purchase and install an intake, turbo back, and maybe go stage 2 on the cobb tune on her ride.

My question would be, is 3" piping preferred on a stage 2 tune for the e92 in regards to a TBE? Any preference over intakes to purchase? I'm pretty well set on cobb, so I won't inquire with a generic "Which tune is best" as I know they all have their high points, much like we experience between REVO, APR, and GIAC in the VAG world.

I searched, but my results were rather distorted by irrelevant posts. Even google wasn't much of a help.

[NFerber]

For intake, a simple DCI (Dual Cone Intake, BMS sells one) is really all you need. You can go out and pay a lot more for something that looks a lot nicer... but most of the guys making a lot of power are using a simple DCI.

As far as exhaust, I prefer the BMW performance exhaust.

[thatguyn8]

@Face no worries. Sounds like you are at about the same place I am. Another thing I wan to add is a fire extinguisher - any recommendations for a mount?

[Ian1973]

I'm posting in this guy's thread because I have similar questions about mods for a 2009 335i, as I don't want to clutter the forum with a new thread about a probably repetitive topic.

My ladyfriend has a 2009, and I personally own a 2011 VW GTI. I've done quite a bit to my car, as I'm stage 3 with a k04 turbo kit, intake, intercooler, exhaust, etc.

She's fairly envious as the OP stated of my "happy sounds" as I have a 3" catless turbo back exhaust. Obviously the V6 sounds like sex when allowed to breathe a bit better, and wanted to see what opinions were on certain catbacks, full exhausts, etc. I've seen a few (what looked to be) decent systems on ebay (cringe) which I hate to do shopping on, but it turned up in a google search. Wonder if mandrel bent tubing is any different, as there's several effective test pipes and downpipes on ebay for the GTI, that I've never ran into issues with. I've done installs on all my parts myself, so looking to purchase and install an intake, turbo back, and maybe go stage 2 on the cobb tune on her ride.

My question would be, is 3" piping preferred on a stage 2 tune for the e92 in regards to a TBE? Any preference over intakes to purchase? I'm pretty well set on cobb, so I won't inquire with a generic "Which tune is best" as I know they all have their high points, much like we experience between REVO, APR, and GIAC in the VAG world.

I searched, but my results were rather distorted by irrelevant posts. Even google wasn't much of a help.
Well congrats on the purchase, first it's not a V6, it's an I6. :) Second, getting a tune is the most simple and most effective way to wake this car up. I can't speak of longevity and safety of a tune, but I've been running mine for like 6,000 miles or so and no issues to report. I own a Cobb and wouldn't have it any other way. A little more expensive then say a JB, but in line with Procede. Being you are familiar with APR, the price shouldn't be too shocking for the Cobb, but there is more power on the table then VW and Audi tunes.

I don't have any experience with exhausts, to me it sounds fine and I don't want to attract any more attention to myself. My father actually has said my car seems plenty loud stock, that is in comparison to my stock E46 M3 I had prior to this.

I'd recommend doing the golf tee mod first, see how the sound goes from that. That basically unplugs the power from the solenoid that closes a valve in the exhaust that only allows one side to work. With it unplugged both sides are open all the time.

I think downpipes are the next huge increase in power. But again, I don't know much about them or whether it would throw codes and what not. I haven't decided if that is something I would do in the future. I was thinking of intakes, but from my experience with M3's, I'm always leary of them as they don't really help much.

[mryakan]

Well congrats on the purchase, first it's not a V6, it's an I6. :)

that was my 1st reaction, but then upon reading again, I thought he was referring to his GTI, no? Maybe I am giving him the benefit of doubt!

[thatguyn8]

I thought so too... nobody who cares about exhaust sound can confuse a V6 with an I-6 (unless it's a VR6)

forgot to add, I really wish I had the functionality to hit the remote and have the windows and sunroof close, I do not have Comfort Access so adding the alarm would give me that as well if I am reading right...

I found a local tint shop that will use the good 3M film for a legal tint all around for about $250 is that the going rate? Thought about trying to do it myself, but I'm sure I'd mess something up and it'd drive me ape.

[Ian1973]

that was my 1st reaction, but then upon reading again, I thought he was referring to his GTI, no? Maybe I am giving him the benefit of doubt!
Nope GTI has a 2 liter inline 4.

Common error though, so many companies make V6's.

[mryakan]

Nope GTI has a 2 liter inline 4.

Common error though, so many companies make V6's.

I lost touch with VW long ago, when did the GTI ditch the V6. Or was that the Vr6 GTI.

[Face]

Ah, had no idea it was an inline 6. I'm not very astute on the beamer engines. VR6 is retired from the VAG lineup, unfortunately. The last car(s) to make use of it were the 2008 Passat VR6 4motion, and the R32. They had a MK4 VR6 GTI/Jetta back in the early 2000's, but the MK5+ models are strictly 2.5l 5cylinders on the jettas/rabbits, and the GTI/GLI get the 2.0TFSI. The 2.5ls are horrid on MPGs and performance, and should've never been considered for an economical enthused carpooler that the Jetta was always considered to be.

Nevertheless, I'm not big on going with dealer certified performance parts. We have similar parts coming from VW/Audi under the banner of "DriverGear" or VolksMotorsports. None of their parts lineup is really "performance oriented, but more so flashy generic parts with their logo stamped all over it at a premium. Of course the benefit being that it's certified by VW and authorized for warranty work. Warranty isn't a huge deal, as her's is almost up, and I know how to handle smug dealers that wish to talk about voiding warranty over aftermarket parts. Had issues with scoobie and VW/audi dealers in the past.

I think she'd inevitably like to go stage 2, in which I still wouldn't know what sizing of downpipe/exhaust diameter to go with. I'm thinking 3" should suffice much like it would on my engine, and for most FI applications. Anything larger would probably give me a loss of back pressure, and heavy top end, but dumpy low-end torque ratio. Since we live in FL, it's lawless on emissions, so the catalytic converter is probably not going to be a large problem, so I might check out the ebay system assuming it doesn't sound like raspy ricer garbage.

I read up on the golf-T mod, and will look into that. Seems easy enough, but the restrictive cat, and stock exhaust won't be favorable on stage 2 tune power. Eventually it'll have to come off if she wants to go that far. I'm sticking with the COBB tune because of my scoobie familiarity with it, and the results I got then. With the flashloader, I know you can set it to stock when bringing the car in for warranty work. Seems perfect, so long as she remembers to do so.

Thanks for the assistance guys, sorry to clutter up this gent's post. Just seems like we're on the same track.

Bonus:
Little turbo'd VR6 goodness here

utube(dot)com/watch?v=rzGzj6y6O90

[Ian1973]

Some buddies of mine are/were big in the VW scene. Old '90's GTI's running 520whp and such. Eek.

One of them just got a Golf R and seems to like it. Tuned it with the APR and pulled 240whp out of it. Not so bad.

I honestly WOULD not recommend some cheapy ebay headers/downpipes. From my experience in the M3 world, they are garbage and will lead to problems down the road.

Go to modbargains.com and look around there. I can't remember the name of the downpipes I looked at there, but from what I read they are very good. I'd also research if there are options for fooling the ECU without cats. I don't know about you but I'd hate to have to look at an emissions light on the dash all day/every day.

[Face]

Some buddies of mine are/were big in the VW scene. Old '90's GTI's running 520whp and such. Eek.

One of them just got a Golf R and seems to like it. Tuned it with the APR and pulled 240whp out of it. Not so bad.

I honestly WOULD not recommend some cheapy ebay headers/downpipes. From my experience in the M3 world, they are garbage and will lead to problems down the road.

Go to modbargains.com and look around there. I can't remember the name of the downpipes I looked at there, but from what I read they are very good. I'd also research if there are options for fooling the ECU without cats. I don't know about you but I'd hate to have to look at an emissions light on the dash all day/every day.

Stage 2 tune should disable rich readings from the post cat O2 sensors, no?

[gpb]

I really wish I had the functionality to hit the remote and have the windows and sunroof close, I do not have Comfort Access so adding the alarm would give me that as well if I am reading right...

Check out the smartTOP module from EAS: (can't post link, go to europeanautosource dot com and look for smarttop roof top control)

As for tint: I watched the guy put the tint on a replacement window on a 4runner I used to have (same one where the alarm didn't deter a smash-and-grab). I pretty handy with stuff and do a lot of stuff myself, but I'll leave tint to the professionals.

[Ian1973]

Stage 2 tune should disable rich readings from the post cat O2 sensors, no?
I have no idea, I am completely stock beyond a tune.

[cheech1]

I thought so too... nobody who cares about exhaust sound can confuse a V6 with an I-6 (unless it's a VR6)

forgot to add, I really wish I had the functionality to hit the remote and have the windows and sunroof close, I do not have Comfort Access so adding the alarm would give me that as well if I am reading right...

I found a local tint shop that will use the good 3M film for a legal tint all around for about $250 is that the going rate? Thought about trying to do it myself, but I'm sure I'd mess something up and it'd drive me ape.

Leave the tinting to the pros if you want something that will last & look good. The cost of tint varies greatly with the type of tint used, can be from $150 up to more than $400. I just got my car tinted through a friend. The tint used was Llumar (not sure of spelling) and was top of the line. The invoice the shop gave me for warranty purposes was for $450, lifetime warranty as long as I own the car. I paid $100. The tint made a noticeable difference in interior temps, and 99% UV protection, well worth it in this climate.

[07bmw335iguy]

I would def do a tune first just cause of the bang for your buck, I just got jb4 on my 07 e90 w 106k

[Kiff]

A word about the tint. The coupe has those nasty dot matrix lines at the top of the window. I had it done and the shop had to use additional adhesive in that area was o.k. for about 2 days and then developed air underneath and would not stick. Looked like crap, so the only solution that I was happy with was to put on some black vinyl at the top, and now looks decent. Something to keep in mind.
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p67/bpietak/photo.jpg

[Jcerillo70]

give me the yr/make/model and miles and ill tell you what cost is on a warrenty

[IrishE30]

I'd suggest the euro split sliding center armrest. I put this in both of the 335s I had. I found it made a huge difference to my daily commute comfort.

[JinMao]

i think alarms are overrated.

- no one hears them nor does anyone care when they do.
- that's why we have insurance.
- bmw's are already difficult to crack due to electronic keys; if someone's good enough to crack the code, they will side step you alarm with ease.
- your car has gps; bmw can find it if it's stolen (it's like a built in LoJack). personally, if mine is ever stolen, hope i never see it again because who knows what damage was done by the crooks.

anyway, just my thoughts on the subject.

congrats on the new purchase.