[billabum]

Hi, guys. I've been lurking around here for a while so thought I'd break my silence and make a build thread. I drive an auto 2011 320i and have done a few basic mods since owning it. There are a couple things I'm planning on doing soon like install a new exhaust system and angel eyes to replace the dull yellow lights.

Aside from cosmetic mods, I am mainly interested in improving the overall performance (everything under the hood is stock) but I'll need some guidance here from people who are more informed as I am certainly no expert. I know, I know, there's not much I can do for gains on a 320i other than make it 'sound' fast but I'm not looking to compete with an M5 for example, just make it decent enough to feel the way I like to drive.

Any input will be much appreciated! Thanks, fellas!



Current mods:
- Pirellis P Zero Dragon Sport
- 19" BM CSL WHEELS
- Eibach Pro Kit
- Gloss black grilles
- Vinyl wrapped gloss black trim

[billabum]

Post vinyl wrap:

[bradsm87]

Grab a 325i or 320d, swap wheels and springs. Job done.

[Boganian Rubes]

Originally Posted by bradsm87

Grab a 325i or 320d, swap wheels and springs. Job done.

hahaha lol 320d brad

You could try leaf blower intakes? :P

There should be someone making a supercharger or turbo kit for a 320i, the Rotrax website claims to have one for a E90 320i but doesn't sell anything directly, and It's aussie supplier doesn't seem like it even does the 320i so idk pal

Flamethrower kits I guess, some front splitters would look nice on the bumper

[billabum]

Originally Posted by Boganian Rubes

hahaha lol 320d brad

You could try leaf blower intakes? :P

There should be someone making a supercharger or turbo kit for a 320i, the Rotrax website claims to have one for a E90 320i but doesn't sell anything directly, and It's aussie supplier doesn't seem like it even does the 320i so idk pal

Flamethrower kits I guess, some front splitters would look nice on the bumper

I looked into it and you're right, they do advertise a kit for the 320i. Definitely interested. I'll do some more research and try to source it from somewhere.

I just ordered OEM style splitters from JBSpeed to cover up some scrapes on the front lip. Damn driveways!

[Trev88]

320d FTW better still 320d with the performance power kit.

Get a good exhaust system would make your drives better.
Think you can get the gruppe m air intake that's in carbon fiber (looks sick) and get a tune that's about it for power I guess unless like Rubes said supercharger.
Lose weight with a cf boot and hood I guess.

[billabum]

What should I do with the exhaust? There are so many options I'm not too sure where to start. Muffler delete? Resonator delete? Catless? What tips do you guys recommend? Intakes?

[Socket]

Originally Posted by billabum

What should I do with the exhaust? There are so many options I'm not too sure where to start. Muffler delete? Resonator delete? Catless? What tips do you guys recommend? Intakes?

Wouldn't start with exhaust tbh. Depends on how much you want to spend but fitting a turbo or supercharger will cost a bomb and likely to have issues. In my humble opinion, I would not spend money on trying to get more power from the car. It is simply not cost effective. It's pretty quick as stock so would be better to spend money on cosmetic mods or audio etc. if you want more perfornance then the best thing to do would be to sell and buy a 2008 or 2009 335i. Might even get one with all the mods done already. Just saying you can spend a bucket load trying to get more power from ur whip, might be cheaper to just trade up.

[Boganian Rubes]

Originally Posted by Socket

Wouldn't start with exhaust tbh. Depends on how much you want to spend but fitting a turbo or supercharger will cost a bomb and likely to have issues. In my humble opinion, I would not spend money on trying to get more power from the car. It is simply not cost effective. It's pretty quick as stock so would be better to spend money on cosmetic mods or audio etc. if you want more perfornance then the best thing to do would be to sell and buy a 2008 or 2009 335i. Might even get one with all the mods done already. Just saying you can spend a bucket load trying to get more power from ur whip, might be cheaper to just trade up.

What he means to say is 4 inch straight pipe

but yeah I keep forgetting about 335i's I guess it's a better option

[billabum]

My 320i isn't going anywhere lol. Making the most of what I have. What to do with the exhaust? Go cheap and get it custom made? Eisenmann exhausts sound nice.

[Socket]

Originally Posted by billabum

My 320i isn't going anywhere lol. Making the most of what I have. What to do with the exhaust? Go cheap and get it custom made? Eisenmann exhausts sound nice.

I hear you mate. All I was suggesting is if ur going to stick with the 320 don't go dumping lots of cash on superchargers. Looking forward to following your build mate

[Montye90]

Originally Posted by Socket

I hear you mate. All I was suggesting is if ur going to stick with the 320 don't go dumping lots of cash on superchargers. Looking forward to following your build mate

Good Advice Socks. Its easy to get too attached to your car and drop bundles of cash and get very little in return. Learnt that lesson the hard way in my early 20's.

[Trev88]

Originally Posted by billabum

My 320i isn't going anywhere lol. Making the most of what I have. What to do with the exhaust? Go cheap and get it custom made? Eisenmann exhausts sound nice.

Custom exhausts IMO may not be as good as an reputable aftermarket exhaust. As shown by the price difference. Sometimes u get what u pay for.

[sbce90]

Trust me from experience.. 320i isn't going to get fast no matter what you do. If you're interested I have a second hand 320i Genuine BMW Performance Exhaust. I also had a K&N air filter and removed the base of the airbox for a bit more vroom vroom noise on mine.

[billabum]

Originally Posted by sbce90

Trust me from experience.. 320i isn't going to get fast no matter what you do. If you're interested I have a second hand 320i Genuine BMW Performance Exhaust. I also had a K&N air filter and removed the base of the airbox for a bit more vroom vroom noise on mine.

'Preciate the offer, man! I'll consider it. So what exactly did you do to compensate for the lack of power? How is the K&N filter in terms of sound quality on the 320i? I would like a bit more "vroom vroom" noise on mine also

[billabum]

Thoughts on this GruppeM intake system, fellas?

www.xposed.com.au/bmw-3-series-e90-e91-320i.html

[MJ80.]

Honestly its nice but theres 0 reason to spend a cent on the performance of this car, its just a waste. For sure if you want to mod it visually ect go ahead but your literally throwing money away by spending 1k on an intake for a 320. Take those savings and buy a 08 or 09 335i is my advice. You'd seriously get more performance out of a Corolla. You like the car i get it, what if you could have the same car AND have performance too ? Enter 335i.

[vtl]

Complete waste of money to do anything performance engine related on a 320i.

Intake will do nothing for power, will just make noise

If you want to genuinely improve the performance of the car you should look at suspension modifications to make the car handle and corner better. Can easily make the steering sharper and turn in better and make it really enjoyable to drive on the mountain roads.

If cornering doesn't interest yo much and you're only interested in making the car go fast in a straight line, then you really need to just get a more powerful car like a 335i

[Brule]

You can just send me money directly if you want to waste money. Pm me for PayPal details

[bradsm87]

Doesn't even need to be a 335i. A 325i will go and sound way better and is extremely close in price to 320is anyway.

[Mayuri Krab]

Just pay anu random exhaust shop $100ish and weld a fart can on the exhuaust if you want it to be loud as there won't be any significant power increase between this or wasting $1k+ on a new exhaust.

Might also consider a sound racer v8/v10 plug in sound box lol

[sbce90]

Originally Posted by billabum

'Preciate the offer, man! I'll consider it. So what exactly did you do to compensate for the lack of power? How is the K&N filter in terms of sound quality on the 320i? I would like a bit more "vroom vroom" noise on mine also

I made do with the lack of power for as long as I could and just enjoyed having decent handling and comfortable interior. I went for aesthetic mods instead. The funny thing is, at the time I specifically chose the "i" over the "d" as i didn't want diesel.. oh the regrets I had later on!

I would suggest the BMWPE for your own overall enjoyment rather than for 'performance.' Forget about that GruppeM intake.. total waste of money. Even the K&N and airbox mod is unnecessary but at least it will only cost you $100 or so to try.

PM me if you want the exhaust. Happy to let it go to a good home and I have no use for it any more anyway