First mods & Intake suggestions!

[fredg]

Hey friends!

I've posted on here semi occasionally but I always love seeing people's modifications however small.

I recently picked up some LCI side repeaters and a “sports” aerial – I went straight to BMW in Warrington who actually quoted a lower price than what people online were offering, which was nice!

Really like the new look, especially the LED indicators, and the chrome actually looks nicer in the flesh than in photos I think.

Also gave the old girl a much deserved clean :driving:

Next mod – an intake of some description. Does anyone have any recommendations?

I’m also currently chatting to BCS/PowerValve in Haydock about getting a custom Stainless valved exhaust made…very exciting.

I’ve got the Dinan tune and I think it's ... “fast enough” at the moment so looking to make her sound a little more aggressive.

 

[R.E92]

Depends on the model and mileage. That looks like a 35i badge in the picture so I'll go with that.

If you have over 30k miles on the clock then get the intake ports walnut blasted. I had it done recently and it makes a huge difference. BlueBell BMW in Crewe will do it for £200. I really can't stress how much it improves the smoothness of the engine and throttle response, best £200 I've spent on the car so far.

The Dinan tune is quite conservative but worth keeping hold of until you get bored of the power. You can get another 50hp out of the engine using the likes of MHD Flasher so keep that in mind if you ever fancy more.

Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres are a good upgrade next time you need to change the rubber. The standard runflat tyres are poor.

For noise you want to try the Golf-T exhaust mod. I have done it on my 35i and really enjoy the exhaust sound now.

 

[fredg]

Depends on the model and mileage. That looks like a 35i badge in the picture so I'll go with that.

Thanks for the advice! Yeah it's a 35i, it's a 2010 but only has 32k on the clock. I've heard about Walnut blasting and it's nice to see it doesn't cost an arm and a leg (and that someone nearby does it), but I've often heard people say it should be done at more like 60/80k miles...isn't 30k miles a bit low to be intake port blasting???

And regarding the tyres - I'm waiting for the tread to wear on the current set, then I'll upgrade to a set of non-RFT...considering a set of 19" alloys but that might be a bit further away as alloys are really expensive!

 

[imported]

And regarding the tyres - I'm waiting for the tread to wear on the current set, then I'll upgrade to a set of non-RFT...considering a set of 19" alloys but that might be a bit further away as alloys are really expensive!

Upgrade to a set of non-rft and get your alloys repainted in black — you'll be surprised at the difference, it makes a set of stock dated alloys suddenly look trendy especially when they're already 19s.

Get the side repeaters painted black (probably at the same time), they come apart easily so you only have to hand in the chrome bit (no led attached) to the guy. Also consider getting any chrome painted black or just remove it.

Either detail the car yourself with a DA polisher and some 3m or chemical guys compound or get the car detailed (approx £200 for z4). It's 4-5 years old but detailing it will give it the same dealer showroom finish.

 

[R.E92]

Depends on the model and mileage. That looks like a 35i badge in the picture so I'll go with that.

Thanks for the advice! Yeah it's a 35i, it's a 2010 but only has 32k on the clock. I've heard about Walnut blasting and it's nice to see it doesn't cost an arm and a leg (and that someone nearby does it), but I've often heard people say it should be done at more like 60/80k miles...isn't 30k miles a bit low to be intake port blasting???

And regarding the tyres - I'm waiting for the tread to wear on the current set, then I'll upgrade to a set of non-RFT...considering a set of 19" alloys but that might be a bit further away as alloys are really expensive!

I bought my car at 28k miles and it felt the same at low revs as it did until 52k miles before the walnut blasting. I've always driven it hard and used high quality fuel which I think helps prevent carbon buildup but I'm pretty sure the previous owner babied the car too much and as a result accrued some serious carbon.

If the throttle response at low revs feels sharp then you may not need it doing. I was shocked at how huge the improvement was on a car that has only covered 52k. Feels almost like an electric car pulling from 1.5k revs.