[Marimekko]

Been to the BMW service centre recently and saw their offer for BMW performance parts like intake and exhaust.

Also looked into how the exhaust sounds on youtube, which is pretty impressive for my personal tastes.


Anyone have experience with these parts?

My 2006 323i has been on extended warranty, which will end in September this year. Would it be a good idea to get these parts from BMW, with the peace of mind for installation, or to venture out on 3rd party upgrades?

Thanks...

[little_croco]

go ahead if you like the kit, no budget issue, and find more comfortable with BMWHK. most important is "you like", right?

[Marimekko]

Thanks. The reason I'm asking is that I'm new to mods.

I would like to know how are these 'intakes' and 'exhaust' comparable to other mods out there.

1) One problem I see is that I have a 323 where as most mods are available for 335 / 135. Would these 3rd party mods fit?

2) Is there any appreciable performance gain from fitting 'better' intakes and exhaust?

[little_croco]

1) it depends on what kind of mods you are going after. things like rims, suspensions, intake, exhaust are available for 323 for sure.

2) how you drive your 323 and how much you are expecting from it? there will be positive power gain and performance boost with a better air in+out, but still up to your expectations

[Wake27]

Originally Posted by Marimekko

Thanks. The reason I'm asking is that I'm new to mods.

I would like to know how are these 'intakes' and 'exhaust' comparable to other mods out there.

1) One problem I see is that I have a 323 where as most mods are available for 335 / 135. Would these 3rd party mods fit?

2) Is there any appreciable performance gain from fitting 'better' intakes and exhaust?

BMW Performance isn't 3rd party. These are both solid products that many members have and love. IMO, they're going to give as much gain as any intake/exhaust setup, plus won't void warranty and sound baller, not cheap and ricer. They're a solid bet.

[94WK15]

I have the intake and exhaust combo.
If I were to go agian I may not have opt for this combo.
Can be fairly quiet at times.

If it's what you like, go for it.

[Wake27]

Originally Posted by 94WK15

I have the intake and exhaust combo.
If I were to go agian I may not have opt for this combo.
Can be fairly quiet at times.

If it's what you like, go for it.

Pretty sure you're the first person I've ever heard say that.

[Marimekko]

Thanks guys for the input.

So BMW Performance parts are actually good upgrades and not just some 'fanfare' items from BMW? That's good to hear.

Another thing about the exhausts.
Will they be really loud? I'm looking for something not tooo loud as it wouldn't sound polite / out of place at my workplace carpark.

[jtcl]

Originally Posted by Marimekko

Thanks guys for the input.

So BMW Performance parts are actually good upgrades and not just some 'fanfare' items from BMW? That's good to hear.

Another thing about the exhausts.
Will they be really loud? I'm looking for something not tooo loud as it wouldn't sound polite / out of place at my workplace carpark.

I have the intake. Its a nice one. You won't regret.

However, the exhaust will not fit 323.

[Marimekko]

Originally Posted by jtcl

I have the intake. Its a nice one. You won't regret.

However, the exhaust will not fit 323.

Any perceivable difference in the handling / feel / sound?

I'm seeing a lot of "bmw performance exhaust" 323i videos on youtube... Hmm...

[jtcl]

Originally Posted by Marimekko

Any perceivable difference in the handling / feel / sound?

I'm seeing a lot of "bmw performance exhaust" 323i videos on youtube... Hmm...

I triple confirmed with BMWHK that its not applicable with 323. You need to cut the pine in order to fit that may be problematic. So its not as straightforward.

You will feel the roaring sound and also a bit of extra push.

[Marimekko]

Thanks...
A bit disappointed, thought the one for 325 wound fit.

I see you have some mods on your car.
Any thought of getting the ECU swapped / remapped?
Know where can I get this done in HK?

[css]

Originally Posted by Marimekko

Thanks...
A bit disappointed, thought the one for 325 wound fit.

I see you have some mods on your car.
Any thought of getting the ECU swapped / remapped?
Know where can I get this done in HK?

i dont think ecu remap will do much on a N/A car, its better to use the money for better handling imo, a set of good coilovers and it will put on your face

[Marimekko]

Just to throw in something new for discussion.

Check this out:
http://www.dixis.jp/electoronic/upto325/index.html

I saw it in a japanese mag. Says it would give 31ps and additional 50Nm torque.

[GaryL]

There is one other option than installing the BMW performance air-intake. Get an K&N E-2022 filter element to replace the stock one. AFAIK, the BMW performance air-intake also uses an K&N filter element.

Do remember better air flow (hence more power) also means more dirt into the engine. Unless you need to occasionally drive near full throttle, personally I think the stock/OE filter element is the best balance between engine power and engine health.

BTW, since the OE filter element only cost very little and can be DIY in 15-20 minutes, I would suggest replacement for every 5,000 to 7,500 km in light of HK's poor air quality.

[Marimekko]

jtcl,

where did you get your BMW performance parts installed?

I took my car in for regular service, and asked about the performance intake which I was set to get installed.

They quoted me on a price, but said I needed to leave the car with them for several weeks to get the car checked and approved by Transport Department!!
Such a long time for a 1-hour installation job.

Can you please tell me which shop you used to get these imported, and installed?
Also did you need to take your car to get examined?

PM me if necessary. Thanks.

[aeroboy]

Can anyone share with me where I can find the BMW Performance Intake/Exhaust in HK?

I'll be in HK this weekend.

Thanks.