Must have mods for e46 330CI

[djetaine]

Well, since im new to the e46 community (a recent convert from e36) I'm looking to find out what are the "Must have" mods for this car. Stance, suspension, power, aesthetics, etc..
Of course it's all based on taste and my own taste is where the final decisions come from on my car but just out of curiosity-
What does YOUR list of must haves contain?

[WoLF]

My list contains: all maintenance items up-to-date. And stock parts in pristine condition. I'm a perfectionist at heart.
Don't care for mods, personally.

[2bms]

The paid-for and maintained car is the best mod there is! After that, we all have different tastes, as you say.

[e30hijinks]

Mine includes clear corners/sidemarkers/red/white striped tail lights. Suspension: Bilstein Sports and H&R springs, maybe golf-tee mod for the exhaust, synthetic fluids, stainless steel brake lines, ZHP front and back bumpers, ZHP control arms, Poly front cab bushings (rear TABs undecided)

thats what I have in mind for my car so far. First I'm doing all maintenance. I just did my cooling system... nightmare job. The E36 M3 was way easier.. take your time on the cooling system and above all else: make sure the expansion tank is firmly seated and its locking clip locks and clicks securely into place. Trust me on this... this needs to be triple checked before driving.

[AngelsNeverLose]

ZHP front bumper? lowered via sport kit...

[Edison@Jlevi SW]

First thing I would do is to get rid of the front reflectors. Either go body color or clear to match your corners.

[TJQMaster]

Cold Air Intake!

[dabdibridgep]

good tires, high "W" or "Y" rated. short shifter for the manual. VANOS seals replacement no doubt. vacuum hose/intake boot replacement regardless of codes or not. DISA airflow valve cleaned thoroughly and lubricated/sealed. window tint everything but the windshield (someone broke into my car through front window, got window replaced and other windows tint removed, but need to re-tint myself).

if i had money to piss, a conforti chip, intake, and exhuast. some coil overs, style 72 wheels, probably a rebuilt head.... umm, actually even if i did have that money to piss, i still wouldn't piss on mods for my 330, i would turn around and get an M3 and be done with it... probably save some money even.

[WoLF]

good tires

Definitely a good one!

[2kBMW3Series]

First and best mod you can do to any car is:
A very good set of tires.


-Afterwards, buy CSL reps.
-Then, the $500 Coilover set from ECStuning perhaps?
-Followed by Exhaust.
-CAI
-Shark Chip

Just my list..

[rayzah blade]

lol, first thing 'I' would have done, already being a bf.c member... would have been to look at the parked threads, and I would have then realized there is actually a thread in this forum titled 'post your modifications' and would have realized it's exactly what I was looking for when I started this thread....... but that's just me, and everybody's different.
Underglow kit, flashing corners, clear vents for your windshield washer reservoir, altezzas, a shocker decal and for God's sake man MOAR LOW!!!!!

[lug]

First and best mod you can do to any car is:
A very good set of tires.

Some sticky tires are cool but what's that going to do except reduce wet perfomance if you don't plan on pushing your car every day on the way to work? If performance is the case, go with serious weight reduction and then tires, but I feel like that's not what kind of mods he's talking about.

I'd go with very simple aesthetics to keep it as stock looking as possible except cleaner like as mentioned, clear corners, markers and tails; license plate delete; a conservative tint; either getting rid of chrome trim or making it all chrome whatever is the preference to make it uniform; iPod integration or AUX cable; akebono Euro Ceramic Pads; and most importantly definitely maintenance.

Don't forget M3 style gills...

[genuity]

Orion V2 Angel Eyes

[djetaine]

lol, first thing 'I' would have done, already being a bf.c member... would have been to look at the parked threads, and I would have then realized there is actually a thread in this forum titled 'post your modifications' and would have realized it's exactly what I was looking for when I started this thread....... but that's just me, and everybody's different.
Underglow kit, flashing corners, clear vents for your windshield washer reservoir, altezzas, a shocker decal and for God's sake man MOAR LOW!!!!!

I've been a bf.c member for 5 years, i think i know how the forums and search function work. I read through the entire "post your mods thread" and there are 160 posts of every mod imaginable, thats not exactly a "must have mod" thread.
I sincerely thank you for your input though on your must have mod list though I dont agree with a single one.

[rayzah blade]

Meh, different strokes for different folks. Funny, cause when I read that thread, quite a few common items seem to repeat themselves... Ah well. As long as we all look the same, moar power to teh people!!!

[mimalmo]

The E46 mods are similar to the E36. Most start with the basics of clear corners, drop and wheels. After that it gets into more personal taste.

[Jetblack2000Ci]

When I joined the community I saw all the cool looking rides everyone had and wanted to get down to modding right away. But after awhile I came to appreciate how nice a clean and well maintained stock e46 is in its own right. Mine is far from perfect but I still appreciate it in its almost 100% stock form.

My advice is to keep it minimal and clean. Clear corners and reflectors for a more euro look (if you're into that), a good set of tires (wheels too if you want), and angel eyes (if you like that look - I do).

[Tom D]

after awhile I came to appreciate how nice a clean and well maintained stock e46 is in its own right.

My advice is to keep it minimal and clean.

couldn't have said it better!

well maybe, just add that you get some extra brake pads and join BMWCCA.

www.BMWCCA.com

[CRXnut]

couple of things that are wrong with the stock e46:
offset (especially rear) - easily fixed with spacers
bumper reflectors - clear
corner lights - clear

nice upgrades:
mtech bumpers
m3 style trunk lip spoiler
ZHP shift knob

[M0nK3y]

Actually having properly maintained paint. I hate when people completely look past the paint and try to show off their sun and my eyes are completely directed to the swirls on your hood that can be corrected easily and makes the car look 100000% better.

[danewilson77]

Aslo check the mod thread for ideas.......welcome.

[R1200RT]

If it is a manual make sure the CDV has been removed.

[NDubSki]

Underglow kit, flashing corners, clear vents for your windshield washer reservoir, altezzas, a shocker decal and for God's sake man MOAR LOW!!!!!

I saw at least all of these this weekend

[rayzah blade]

I saw at least all of these this weekend

lol, right?!!

dude guy bro sh!t that e46 vert was wretched. Couldn't even bring myself to snap a pic.. altezza's, chrome, more chrome, alpina badges, more chrome.. just horrible. If you're a member, I apologize for my bluntness, but I can see why you may not have ever posted pics here, and suggest you never do.

[djetaine]

I think over the long run ill end up with:
clear reflectors, Dynavin v5 nav system, m3 quad exhaust, painted brakes and slotted rotors, new bumper to match exhaust (havent decided on which) projector fog lamps and angel eyes.

When i bought the car it had the zhp shifter (needs to be replaced as its peeling, probably replace with illuminated zhp), mtech wheels, cf roundel (will probably go back to stock)
Needs some paint as well.
Got a long road ahead of me, lol.