[duncanbstar]

Hey guys I am going to be getting into tuning my 08 335i sport for the first time. I have been stalking these forums for a while and doing my research to the best of my ability (Not the most car savy person, trying to learn). I am wanting to buy the JB4 tune and I was wondering what other mods I should get to increase longevity and reliability. I will not be tracking the car however I do like the have fun and drive fairly hard from time to time. I live in Glendale, AZ and the summers are obviously hot (100+), so wondering also what I should to as regard to cooling. I have the stock oil cooler FYI. Thanks for the help in advance, and for those who cant resist flame on!

PS: I have used the search function to death, however I do not know what the order of importance the mods rank! Thanks again!

[dallas_jeff]

I would say an aftermarket intercooler would be of the most importance. The stock one is tiny. I have a Helix FMIC, but any of the highly reviewed ones should do.

The stock oil cooler seems to be fine for spirited street driving. You'd probably only need an upgrade for the track.

[E90Company]

Originally Posted by dallas_jeff

I would say an aftermarket intercooler would be of the most importance. The stock one is tiny. I have a Helix FMIC, but any of the highly reviewed ones should do.

The stock oil cooler seems to be fine for spirited street driving. You'd probably only need an upgrade for the track.

+1

[WesleyC]

An intercooler is definitely necessary. Like somebody else mentioned, the factory one is tiny.

An intake can help the engine breathe easier, but since you live in a hot place, I don't know if a DCI would be a good option. Maybe look into just upgrading the air filter in your airbox.

[duncanbstar]

Thanks for the fast replies guys. Which intercooler would you recommend? From my reading I am assuming Ets. Does this put more or less strain on the turbos?

[WesleyC]

There are many good options. Asking which one is best is likely going to end with everybody getting into an argument about how their intercooler is the best. Really, it depends on how munch you are willing to spend. For the price, many people like the VRSF intercooler.

An intercooler or any other part (intake, downpipes, etc...) will not put more stress on the turbos themselves, but will allow you to run the turbos at a higher PSI (if you want) which will, of course, put more stress on them.

[duncanbstar]

Originally Posted by Wesley Crusher

There are many good options. Asking which one is best is likely going to end with everybody getting into an argument about how their intercooler is the best. Really, it depends on how munch you are willing to spend. For the price, many people like the VRSF intercooler.

An intercooler or any other part (intake, downpipes, etc...) will not put more stress on the turbos themselves, but will allow you to run the turbos at a higher PSI (if you want) which will, of course, put more stress on them.

By using JB4 map 5 I am going to be running higher psi?

[WesleyC]

Originally Posted by duncanbstar

By using JB4 map 5 I am going to be running higher psi?

Map 5 is the autotuning map. It adjusts the tune depending on your mods, temps, etc... Essentially, by adding more mods, the tune will run at a higher PSI.

I wouldn't worry about it too much, though. With just a few mods (e.g., intake and intercooler), the turbos will not be running at a PSI anywhere near the level of putting any sort of noticeable premature wear on them.

If you want to be safe, you can always use map 1.

[duncanbstar]

Thank you for your help! So just to recap, intercooler, CAI, filter?

[WesleyC]

Originally Posted by duncanbstar

Thank you for your help! So just to recap, intercooler, CAI, filter?

To start, yes. If you want more power, there are other things that you can do (downpipes, meth, E85), but those are things that you can think about later.

The majority of people start with a tune and an intake because it is the cheapest combination of mods that will give you the most power (~100whp). After that, it's a toss up between an intercooler and downpipes. Downpipes will give you more power than an intercooler, but the intercooler has the added benefit of keeping your IAT (intake air temp) down.

Regarding an intake, I am not sure of a exposed DCI is your best bet since you live somewhere that gets really hot. If the engine is just sucking in a bunch of hot air, that's not too good. Hopefully somebody else who lives in a hot place can chime in with a definitive answer. You may need to look into a sealed intake (more costly than a DCI).

[duncanbstar]

Okay! I'm not so much worried about getting crazy power gains right away. More concerned about being safe since my car has no warranty. So ill probably go intercooler and tune and then go to the intake and DP's.

[E90Company]

Originally Posted by duncanbstar

Okay! I'm not so much worried about getting crazy power gains right away. More concerned about being safe since my car has no warranty. So ill probably go intercooler and tune and then go to the intake and DP's.

I'm FBO running a drop in filter with the stock airbox. I had a DCI, but honestly an intake does nothing in my opinion. Get a tune and intercooler together. Then get a filter, downpipes last.

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Skip the air intake, you will not be making enough power to strain the factory one. I run just the JB4 & FMIC. The car is strong, performs well & causes no problems.

Next thing I would suggest is a good set of slightly oversized get flat summer tires since your car with the additions will overpower the stock RFT's.

[duncanbstar]

What FMIC do you run?

[E90Company]

Originally Posted by duncanbstar

What FMIC do you run?

Me? I have Helix. Bear-Av has the ETS 5". Both quality kits.

[duncanbstar]

Would it be okay to buy a used FMIC?

[E90Company]

Originally Posted by duncanbstar

Would it be okay to buy a used FMIC?

Yes, just make sure all the clamps and silicone couplers are included, and that the majority of the fins are straight. You can buy a fin straightener tool, but a small screwdriver also works if their are not that many bent. I would also clean the insides of the FMIC with gasoline to remove the oil. This should be a yearly thing to do even if you buy new, just to keep the FMIC clean and efficient.

[WesleyC]

Like I said, the VRSF intercooler is a good option if you are on a budget. I think it's $400 new. I don't have that one personally, but I wouldn't hesitate to buy it.

[Killerfish2012]

Originally Posted by duncanbstar

Hey guys I am going to be getting into tuning my 08 335i sport for the first time. I have been stalking these forums for a while and doing my research to the best of my ability (Not the most car savy person, trying to learn). I am wanting to buy the JB4 tune and I was wondering what other mods I should get to increase longevity and reliability. I will not be tracking the car however I do like the have fun and drive fairly hard from time to time. I live in Glendale, AZ and the summers are obviously hot (100+), so wondering also what I should to as regard to cooling. I have the stock oil cooler FYI. Thanks for the help in advance, and for those who cant resist flame on!

PS: I have used the search function to death, however I do not know what the order of importance the mods rank! Thanks again!

Save up money for catless downpipes, as a future mod, to help reduce the strain on your turbos.

[duncanbstar]

Originally Posted by Wesley Crusher

Like I said, the VRSF intercooler is a good option if you are on a budget. I think it's $400 new. I don't have that one personally, but I wouldn't hesitate to buy it.

I think I will do this! Thanks, you have been a great help!

[WesleyC]

No problem. I'm happy to help.

[duncanbstar]

Originally Posted by Wesley Crusher

No problem. I'm happy to help.

Do you think I will be able to install myself? I am smart just inexperienced, however I have some minor auto skills (oil change, brakes, plasti dip like a boss)