[cam_lg]

Can't decide If I should get new wheels and tires or a lsd :/ the wheels would be apex's arc-8 with 255 front and 275 rear with michelin pilot super sports rubber or a quaife lsd, I know I can get either for around the same price installed but can't decide. Can anyone who's had either of these 2 mods chime in and tell what was more bang for the buck or most worth it in the end? Thanks!

[e90fun]

wheels and tire should be your first performance upgrade IMO.

[cam_lg]

Btw Im Cobb stage 2+ and traction is a bit of a problem for me now

[PR3CI5N]

If you're stock then get wheels/tires. If your performance modded then get the LSD.

[Brey335i]

LSD

[tscdennab]

You already have wheels and tires. You don't have a LSD. The choice is simple

By the way, I did the LSD first, and lightweight wheels/tires after (Sportline CS.16 semi-forged and Nitto 555R/Continental DWS). I felt a significant improvement in acceleration after I added the wheels and tires, over my stock rims with run-flat tires (the weight difference was like 6-10lbs per wheel).

If you are looking for acceleration only (more perceived power) I would advise to switch the Michelin PSS tires to Continental DW. Why ? Because the PSS are heavier (though not by much) and much more expensive.

Wheels and tires deliver more bang for the buck in perceived power increase.

[Beemw335]

Stock 189s are good enough, I say tires then if you have the money lsd. Wheels are optional, not necessary.

[oshusttoley]

Originally Posted by tscdennab

You already have wheels and tires. You don't have a LSD. The choice is simple

By the way, I did the LSD first, and lightweight wheels/tires after (Sportline CS.16 semi-forged and Nitto 555R/Continental DWS). I felt a significant improvement in acceleration after I added the wheels and tires, over my stock rims with run-flat tires (the weight difference was like 6-10lbs per wheel).

If you are looking for acceleration only (more perceived power) I would advise to switch the Michelin PSS tires to Continental DW. Why ? Because the PSS are heavier (though not by much) and much more expensive.

Wheels and tires deliver more bang for the buck in perceived power increase.

what happened when you get a flat =P

[MKE_M3]

I think you're missing an important consideration, you will eventually need to replace your tires, so wait 'til then and get your new wheels.

If your tires are good for a while, and you have the 18's, get the LSD. Best mod I did (other than replacing the 335 with my M3 I keed, I keed).

[tscdennab]

Originally Posted by oshusttoley

what happened when you get a flat =P

Nothing. I have a ContiComfortKit in the trunk.

[MilehighM3]

Originally Posted by tscdennab

You already have wheels and tires. You don't have a LSD. The choice is simple

By the way, I did the LSD first, and lightweight wheels/tires after (Sportline CS.16 semi-forged and Nitto 555R/Continental DWS). I felt a significant improvement in acceleration after I added the wheels and tires, over my stock rims with run-flat tires (the weight difference was like 6-10lbs per wheel).

If you are looking for acceleration only (more perceived power) I would advise to switch the Michelin PSS tires to Continental DW. Why ? Because the PSS are heavier (though not by much) and much more expensive.

Wheels and tires deliver more bang for the buck in perceived power increase.

Too bad the contis can't get any traction! The PSS kill the DWs in the performance category. Let's not forgets he's pushing a lot of power.

[CJ421]

Here's how I personally approach modding the BMW 335i.

#0 [manual trans. only] - CDV modification

#1: TIRES - it's the only part of the car that actually touches the ground (hopefully ). Using the RFT tires BMW sends is like using tap water in a $5,000 espresso machine

#2: LSD+M3 subframe bushings - the 335i can't even put down its stock power effectively. The open differential is a bit of a joke when it comes to performance. The stock 335i does not in my opinion qualify as a sports car until it has an LSD. Do the M3 subframe bushings at the same time; the rear end still squirms around with the standard rubber bushings

#3: Adjustable rear toe arms - the final step to effectively getting power to the ground. I like the Rogue toe arms. They will prevent any changes in toe under heavy acceleration

#4: SS brake lines - improve brake pedal firmness and consistency. Also do fluid if you track/autocross

I could go on but those are my 5 'essential' performance mods.

[AWD Addict]

Originally Posted by tscdennab

You already have wheels and tires. You don't have a LSD. The choice is simple

+1

You're already rocking great wheels. 18" 189s are fine. Get the LSD, and depending on what rubber you're running, look to upgrade that when you can.

[tscdennab]

Originally Posted by AWD Addict

+1
You're already rocking great wheels. 18" 189s are fine.

Sorry, but at 25lbs front and 26.2lbs rear, the style 189 are not great at all. Apex ARC-8 are 18-19 lbs front and rear. There is a huge difference.

[happy4nk8er]

I think you get way more smiles and bang for the buck with an LSD, new tires and wheels can happen later.

[GeorgiaTech335coupe]

Plus, it would be a stretch to fit 275 on the stock rims.

[rader1]

Wheels and tires IMO. With a decent det of tires you shouldn't have too much problems with traction. Running Cobb stage 2+ on my 135i I have good traction(in anything but 1st gear) on 225 Hankook V12s. The wheels also change the way you feel about the car, I find it much more enjoyable driving the car after swapping to VMRs. I'm sure it's more psychological than factual, but it is what it is.

[illrider]

Originally Posted by Bmw135er

Too bad the contis can't get any traction! The PSS kill the DWs in the performance category. Let's not forgets he's pushing a lot of power.

I'd have to disagree with that satement. I put a set of Continental ExtremeContact DW tires on my car and they made the world of difference. No more traction issues at all. I am FBO with meth. I'd agree that the PSS are better performance, but I wouldn't say they kill the DWs. My DWs have plenty of grip.

[happy4nk8er]

Originally Posted by rader1

Wheels and tires IMO. With a decent det of tires you shouldn't have too much problems with traction. Running Cobb stage 2+ on my 135i I have good traction(in anything but 1st gear) on 225 Hankook V12s. The wheels also change the way you feel about the car, I find it much more enjoyable driving the car after swapping to VMRs. I'm sure it's more psychological than factual, but it is what it is.

Hankook V12 in terms of traction are terrible. I thought the same thing about them till I put on a set of Michelin PSS. Not even comparable.

[tscdennab]

Originally Posted by rader1

225 Hankook V12s. The wheels also change the way you feel about the car, I find it much more enjoyable driving the car after swapping to VMRs.

Sorry but I think that performance-wise, you couldn't have found a worse combination. The VMRs are some of the heaviest wheels out there (I had a set...noticeable worse performance).

[secretsquirrel]

You guys are being silly. The real answer is that he should do BOTH. This car gets expensive...

[GeorgiaTech335coupe]

On the topic for LSD, what are people paying for one installed with a welded diff? I probably shoud get one.