Bang for the buck mods

[NoSoupForU]

I'm still on the fence about buying a Evo X GSR or a 135i.
What are the best bang for the buck power mods for a 135i? DPs and tune? Maybe a few other supporting mods? How much would that run me for parts and labor?

What about suspension mods? Sways and springs? Coilovers (these tend to be costly for the good ones)?

I do not want to spend money on major mods. Just simple bang-for-the-buck mods.

[NoSoupForU]

BTW...I like to do about 15 track days a year.

[randomquickness]

the tunes are definitely the best 'bang for buck" mods. The next best would prob be catless DPs and then have an exhaust shop fab up something FAR less restrictive than OE

[NoSoupForU]

I already know the difference between the Exo X and the 135i as far as prestige and luxury goes. I am only concerned with their overall performance on the track. I've seen the Motor Trend comparo and that doesnt really count since I know that a few simple mods to a car can really make a difference.
If I got an Evo I would have to work on increasing power. If I got the 135 I would most likely work on the suspension/chassis.
I am wondering how the two cars would compare if both had:

- Downpipe and tune
- Sways and coilovers
- Wider wheels and better tires (like Dunlop star specs)
- camber plates

[gtaday51]

The Evo will have the AWD advantage. Plus the exceptionally good dual clutch tranny.
Now if the 135i gets M-DCT then it would be a whole different ball game...but until then as far as ultimate track car goes...I would say the Evo.

[Krugar]

Suspension, Wheels/Tires/camber, ext., Tune, Intake/DP/Exhaust. In that order. =)

[1013mm]

Originally Posted by gtaday51

The Evo will have the AWD advantage. Plus the exceptionally good dual clutch tranny.
Now if the 135i gets M-DCT then it would be a whole different ball game...but until then as far as ultimate track car goes...I would say the Evo.

he wasnt asking for a comparison...

[gtaday51]

Originally Posted by jzhang

he wasnt asking for a comparison...

Originally Posted by NoSoupForU

I am wondering how the two cars would compare if both had:

- Downpipe and tune
- Sways and coilovers
- Wider wheels and better tires (like Dunlop star specs)
- camber plates

I beg to differ.

If they both have similar mods the Evo would still have those advantages over the 1er as a track car. The 1 series is a great car...but it is not designed to be an ultimate track car...thats the Evo's market.

[guardianangel3290]

Originally Posted by NoSoupForU

I already know the difference between the Exo X and the 135i as far as prestige and luxury goes. I am only concerned with their overall performance on the track. I've seen the Motor Trend comparo and that doesnt really count since I know that a few simple mods to a car can really make a difference.
If I got an Evo I would have to work on increasing power. If I got the 135 I would most likely work on the suspension/chassis.
I am wondering how the two cars would compare if both had:

- Downpipe and tune
- Sways and coilovers
- Wider wheels and better tires (like Dunlop star specs)
- camber plates

downpipes and tune= 135i would have more power, but the evo still has super all-wheel yaw control.

sways and coilovers= EVO. not faster in a strait line but AWD cant be beat

wider wheels and tires= this is where the evo really shines. ive seen guys throw 11" wide tires on the back. the 1er can go up to about 9.5"

i was cross shopping the same two cars before i got the 135i. All i can say is test drive em both. the evo had the great turbo rush, but it felt huge and it didnt have anything at all down low.

[NoSoupForU]

I've test driven an Evo X GSR already and it felt pretty good but there is no way that I'm going to push the car to track-like conditions during a test drive.

I already have an 09 335i sedan as a family car so I can imagine the 135i will feel somewhat the same as far as power goes.

I know BMW has an awesome warranty but I figure if I track the car, I will need to swap out the brake pads and fluid to something track worthy. Also, if I get sways, coilovers and a tune, the warranty will be voided.

[Heinzftw]

As far as mods go your going to want:
JB3
Downpipes
CAI
Rims and 9.5' rubbers to put the power down

[SV Concepts III]

So far I have done aFe Intake, RR Downpipes, RR Exhaust, AA BOV, AA Processor software and RR Scoops. I noticed the largest gains with the Software and downpipes/exhaust. Make sure to pair the software with the mods so you can fully take advantage of the improved power.

[NoSoupForU]

what about suspension mods?

[Robert]

I am still waiting for ground control to roll out its product for e82

[themyst]

JB3, intake, SSK (if 6MT), CDV mod (if 6MT), after that the back-for-the-buck factor goes way down and I'd go with DPs, Intercooler, Exhaust and LSD. Go with non-RFT's when the stock tires are about finished. Don't forget the DR's if you plan on taking that to the strip.

[SlickShift]

If you're going to be tracking the car quite often, I'd go with the EVO. I'm sure there are much more "track-oriented" mods for the EVO compared to the Bimmer. That's just a speculation though.

[NoSoupForU]

Originally Posted by SlickShift

If you're going to be tracking the car quite often, I'd go with the EVO. I'm sure there are much more "track-oriented" mods for the EVO compared to the Bimmer. That's just a speculation though.

Yeah, I was afraid of that. I was hoping to get a more adult and track worthy car for around 35k. Maybe that m version 1 series will make it here? I'd be willing to pay a little more for that.

[fmxomar]

Originally Posted by guardianangel3290

downpipes and tune= 135i would have more power, but the evo still has super all-wheel yaw control.

sways and coilovers= EVO. not faster in a strait line but AWD cant be beat

wider wheels and tires= this is where the evo really shines. ive seen guys throw 11" wide tires on the back. the 1er can go up to about 9.5"

i was cross shopping the same two cars before i got the 135i. All i can say is test drive em both. the evo had the great turbo rush, but it felt huge and it didnt have anything at all down low.

sorry buddy but you are wrong , with the right offset 10.5's will fit for sure

[ptack]

Originally Posted by NoSoupForU

Yeah, I was afraid of that. I was hoping to get a more adult and track worthy car for around 35k. Maybe that m version 1 series will make it here? I'd be willing to pay a little more for that.

Don't hold your breathe. IF it is made it and IF it gets sold in the US, it sounds like it will have just a 4 cylinder so there will be less room to expand the power, but it will certainly cost more. It may be exactly what you want in terms of an affordable (relatively for a BMW) track car, but on the other hand, the M3 is already more or less the BMW track car, so see if you can find an 08 for the $40+k the potential 1 would cost you.

[NoSoupForU]

Originally Posted by ptack

Don't hold your breathe. IF it is made it and IF it gets sold in the US, it sounds like it will have just a 4 cylinder so there will be less room to expand the power, but it will certainly cost more. It may be exactly what you want in terms of an affordable (relatively for a BMW) track car, but on the other hand, the M3 is already more or less the BMW track car, so see if you can find an 08 for the $40+k the potential 1 would cost you.

That would be nice if i could find a used E90/2 m3 for 40k ish. All the used ones Ive seen are asking near new prices.

[Epidemic]

What about the 2009 Nissan 370z. Just as fast as the 1 series stock, though I think the 1 is cheaper and easier to mod. Just saying, something to consider as it's a different look.

[///M1]

Originally Posted by NoSoupForU

That would be nice if i could find a used E90/2 m3 for 40k ish. All the used ones Ive seen are asking near new prices.

It's getting there... Patience my friend, it's a virtue

08 BMW M3

03/27/09 NEVADA Factory $43,000 28,519 Below MELBOURN 8G 6 Yes
03/26/09 RIVRSIDE Lease $51,500 7,676 Above ALPINE W 8G A Yes
03/26/09 RIVRSIDE Factory $50,500 4,138 Avg SLVRSTNE 8G 6 Yes
03/26/09 RIVRSIDE Factory $50,000 9,822 Avg INTERLAG 8G 6 Yes
03/26/09 RIVRSIDE Factory $48,000 4,134 Avg SILSTONE 8G 6 Yes
03/26/09 RIVRSIDE Factory $46,750 5,825 Avg INTERLAG 8G 6 Yes
03/26/09 RIVRSIDE Factory $46,000 6,950 Below JETBLACK 8G A Yes
03/26/09 RIVRSIDE Factory $44,000 7,139 Below INTERLAG 8G A No
03/26/09 OHIO Factory $47,750 4,149 Avg SPACEGRY 8G 6 Yes
03/25/09 NADE Lease $50,000 5,800 Avg JEREZ BL 8G 6 Yes
03/24/09 LAUD/MIA Regular $51,500 7,671 Above DKBLUE 8G A Yes
03/24/09 FAAO Lease $48,600 8,562 Avg MELBOURN 8G 6 Yes
03/19/09 MANHEIM Lease $50,750 1,776 Above SPACEGRY 8G S Yes
03/19/09 MANHEIM Regular $50,000 3,864 Avg WHITE 8G 6 Yes
03/18/09 MANHEIM Factory $51,250 3,308 Above JET BLAC 8G 6 Yes
03/18/09 MANHEIM Factory $50,500 10,474 Avg SPRKGRPH 8G 6 Yes
03/18/09 MANHEIM Factory $49,750 7,226 Avg MELBOURN 8G 6 Yes
03/18/09 MANHEIM Factory $48,500 8,954 Avg MELBOURN 8G 6 Yes
03/09/09 OHIO Factory $49,500 1,877 Avg SPACEGRY 8G 6 Yes
03/09/09 OHIO Factory $48,500 2,864 Avg INTERLAG 8G 6 Yes
03/09/09 OHIO Factory $48,000 2,938 Avg SIVERSTO 8G 6 Yes
03/04/09 NASHVILL Regular $51,500 4,135 Above Black 8G A Yes
03/04/09 BAY CITI Lease $49,750 5,361 Avg ALPINE W 8G A Yes
03/03/09 DRIVE Factory $49,200 7,050 Avg ALPINE W 8G 6 Yes
03/03/09 ARENA Lease $50,000 3,086 Avg WHITE 8G A Yes



08 BMW M3 Sedan

03/04/09 ALOHA Lease $49,500 1,734 Above BLACK 8G 6 Yes
03/09/09 OHIO Factory $48,500 1,268 Above JEREZBLK 8G 6 Yes
03/09/09 OHIO Factory $48,250 1,794 Above INTERBLU 8G 6 Yes
03/18/09 SEATTLE Lease $28,500 11,072 Below BLACK 8G 6 No
03/26/09 RIVRSIDE Factory $46,250 5,508 Avg MELBOURN 8G 6 Yes
03/26/09 RIVRSIDE Factory $46,000 3,513 Avg INTERLAG 8G 6 Yes
03/26/09 OHIO Factory $47,500 1,202 Avg JEREZBLK 8G 6 Yes
03/30/09 OHIO Factory $48,500 1,363 Above INTERLAG 8G 6 Yes