2011 BMW E90 328i Modification List - FINALIZED

Here it is: my finalized modification list. All of the criticism about the 328i being inferior to the 335i has been received (but disregarded), so hopefully we can all move on from this

Features:

Engine: N51 (SULEV, let's goooooooo!)
Transmission: Automatic
Drivetrain: RWD
Exterior Color: White or Black - not sure yet. suggestions?

Modifications - Exterior:

Matte Black Kidney Grills for E90 LCI: $100 (link)
BMW OEM M-Tech Aero Kit (Front Bumper, Side Skirts, Rear Bumper): $2140 (link)
3D Design Carbon Fiber Diffuser for 2-tip Exhaust (Matte Black): $1440 (link)
3D Design Front Lip Spoiler (Matte Black): $1050 (link)
Karbonwerke CSL Style BootLid for LCI E90: $1300 (link)
BMW Carbon Fiber Roundel Overlays - $45 (link)
Carbon Fiber Mirror Covers: $170 (link)
Vorsteiner BMW E90 Vented Race Hood (1x1 Mesh, Single Sided): $1300 (link)
AutoTecknic Painted Side Bumper Reflectors: $60 (link)
BMW E90 Painted Front Bumper Reflectors: $65 (link)
Vorsteiner Carbon Fiber License Plate Frame w/ logo: $55 (link)
Pre-Painted Key Hole Covers for BMW E9X: $35 (link)
Carbon Fiber Vinyl Door Sills: $50 (link)
BMW License LEDs: $25 (link)

Modifications - Interior:

Escort Passport 9500ix Radar/Laser Detector (Blue Display): $475 (link)
E90 Full LED Interior Kit: $75 (link)
AC Schnitzer Aluminum Pedals: $100 (link)

Modifications - Wheels / Tires / Suspension:

SUMMER:

Avant Garde M359 Wheels – 19” Silver [F: 19x9 ET35, R: 19x10 ET38]: $1100 (link)
Hankook Ventus V12 EVO K110 Tires (F: 235/35/19, R: 265/30/19): $1000 (link)
Tire Pressure Monitoring System: $250 (link)

WINTER:

Factory Wheels (Either 16” or 17”)
Bridgestone Blizzak Tires (confirm size with TireRack before purchasing)

KW Variant 1 Coilover System: $1500 (link)
Tire Garage: $50 (link)

Modifications - Lighting:

Lux H8 LED Angel Eye Upgrade v3: $245 (link)
Philips 5000K Capsule D1S HID Bulbs: $140 (link)
Philips Crystal Vision 9006 HID Bulbs: $35 (link)
WeissLicht LED Turn Signal Bulbs (Front): $70 (link)
E92-Lighting LED Turn Signal Bulbs (Side): $6 (link)

Modifications - Performance:

BMW Performance Intake: $850 (link)
K&N Replacement Air Filter: $50 (link)
Eisenmann Racing Exhaust BMW E90 335i: $2200 (link)
*will require custom work to allow 335-type exhaust (one tip on each side)*
Active Autowerke E9X Performance Software: $500 (link)
BMW OEM Front Strut Tower Brace: $260 (link)

Modifications - Mechanic Services:

Paint carbon fiber parts with clear coat to prevent from yellowing
3M ClearBra
Convert 328i-type exhaust to 335i-type exhaust (one tip on each side)
Hardwire Escort Passport 9500ix Radar Detector
Fully black out headlights (delete amber corner if legal)
35% tint
Paint side-view mirror caps
Paint calipers matte black
Carbon fiber wrapped interior

Hope you can all benefit from this, and I hope we can all improve on this to the point of perfection! 3-series FTW!

Originally Posted by drewski554

Here it is: my finalized modification list. All of the criticism about the 328i being inferior to the 335i has been received (but disregarded), so hopefully we can all move on from this

Features:

Engine: N51 (SULEV, let's goooooooo!)
Transmission: Automatic
Drivetrain: RWD
Exterior Color: White or Black - not sure yet. suggestions?

Modifications - Exterior:

Matte Black Kidney Grills for E90 LCI: $100 (link)
BMW OEM M-Tech Aero Kit (Front Bumper, Side Skirts, Rear Bumper): $2140 (link)
3D Design Carbon Fiber Diffuser for 2-tip Exhaust (Matte Black): $1440 (link)
3D Design Front Lip Spoiler (Matte Black): $1050 (link)
Karbonwerke CSL Style BootLid for LCI E90: $1300 (link)
BMW Carbon Fiber Roundel Overlays - $45 (link)
Carbon Fiber Mirror Covers: $170 (link)
Vorsteiner BMW E90 Vented Race Hood (1x1 Mesh, Single Sided): $1300 (link)
AutoTecknic Painted Side Bumper Reflectors: $60 (link)
BMW E90 Painted Front Bumper Reflectors: $65 (link)
Vorsteiner Carbon Fiber License Plate Frame w/ logo: $55 (link)
Pre-Painted Key Hole Covers for BMW E9X: $35 (link)
Carbon Fiber Vinyl Door Sills: $50 (link)
BMW License LEDs: $25 (link)

Modifications - Interior:

Escort Passport 9500ix Radar/Laser Detector (Blue Display): $475 (link)
E90 Full LED Interior Kit: $75 (link)
AC Schnitzer Aluminum Pedals: $100 (link)

Modifications - Wheels / Tires / Suspension:

SUMMER:

Avant Garde M359 Wheels – 19” Silver [F: 19x9 ET35, R: 19x10 ET38]: $1100 (link)
Hankook Ventus V12 EVO K110 Tires (F: 235/35/19, R: 265/30/19): $1000 (link)
Tire Pressure Monitoring System: $250 (link)

WINTER:

Factory Wheels (Either 16” or 17”)
Bridgestone Blizzak Tires (confirm size with TireRack before purchasing)

KW Variant 1 Coilover System: $1500 (link)
Tire Garage: $50 (link)

Modifications - Lighting:

Lux H8 LED Angel Eye Upgrade v3: $245 (link)
Philips 5000K Capsule D1S HID Bulbs: $140 (link)
Philips Crystal Vision 9006 HID Bulbs: $35 (link)
WeissLicht LED Turn Signal Bulbs (Front): $70 (link)
E92-Lighting LED Turn Signal Bulbs (Side): $6 (link)

Modifications - Performance:

BMW Performance Intake: $850 (link)
K&N Replacement Air Filter: $50 (link)
Eisenmann Racing Exhaust BMW E90 335i: $2200 (link)
*will require custom work to allow 335-type exhaust (one tip on each side)*
Active Autowerke E9X Performance Software: $500 (link)
BMW OEM Front Strut Tower Brace: $260 (link)

Modifications - Mechanic Services:

Paint carbon fiber parts with clear coat to prevent from yellowing
3M ClearBra
Convert 328i-type exhaust to 335i-type exhaust (one tip on each side)
Hardwire Escort Passport 9500ix Radar Detector
Fully black out headlights (delete amber corner if legal)
35% tint
Paint side-view mirror caps
Paint calipers matte black
Carbon fiber wrapped interior

Hope you can all benefit from this, and I hope we can all improve on this to the point of perfection! 3-series FTW!

Quite complete.

How much are you committed to spend>

I just joined the site today, for the specific reason to find the future mods I want on 328 I'm buying this year. This thread was so helpful and posting the links was even better! Thank you so much for taking the time to post it!

This made no sense the list only listed materials which did not include labor installation why would you want to go this route? Better off save your money and get a used M3 or 335is.

This is a joke no? Why dont you get a newer blown 4 banger w/ warranty and call it a day? Hell, it doesnt have to be BMW, you can look at an Audi or god forbid ass kickin Caddy ATS.

He should be ban from the forum. Lol

If I follow correctly, this is a list of what you'd like to add to a 328, yes? If so, a quick once-over with the calculator shows $16,741 in upgrades before you get to installation costs and all the stuff mentioned without prices in the mechanic section. Then you have the inevitable mechanical gremlins of so many non-OEM parts trying to live in harmony.

Or was I mistaken, and instead you've provided a list of things that are possible?

Originally Posted by 1zamboni

This made no sense the list only listed materials which did not include labor installation why would you want to go this route? Better off save your money and get a used M3 or 335is.

All of that stuff is perfectly DIY'able, with the exception of paint maybe.

Originally Posted by 1zamboni

He should be ban from the forum. Lol

You should be banned for even suggesting that one man's idea of what can and should be done to a car is a bannable offense. This is Bimmerfest, son, not the USSR. Der Kommissar is NOT in town.

Personally, I don't understand all these mods to a 328. But, it is a free country (mostly) and to each his/her own. Have fun with it.

Originally Posted by bluskye

This is a joke no? Why dont you get a newer blown 4 banger w/ warranty and call it a day? Hell, it doesnt have to be BMW, you can look at an Audi or god forbid ass kickin Caddy ATS.

The true Gods of Modification live an Japan, laddie.

That is where OP should go.

Originally Posted by Dork Knight

If I follow correctly, this is a list of what you'd like to add to a 328, yes? If so, a quick once-over with the calculator shows $16,741 in upgrades before you get to installation costs and all the stuff mentioned without prices in the mechanic section. Then you have the inevitable mechanical gremlins of so many non-OEM parts trying to live in harmony.

Or was I mistaken, and instead you've provided a list of things that are possible?

By Gum, DK, I for one salute the OP!

Let's see if drewski does indeed mod....drewski.....keep a photo record of your mods; post here!

As sexy as those license plate LEDs look... they have been NOTHING but a pain in the ass for me. I ordered them - had 1 side fail. Emailed seller - got a replacement. Failed again ( on the other side ) replaced it. The other side failed. Bought a new set from another seller - worked great for a few months. Got pulled over by an CHP officer at 4am in the morning coming home from the studio. He asked DO YOU KNOW WHY IM PULLING YOU OVER. Jokingly I said "Is there any chance that one of my license plate lights are not working" he said HOW DID YOU KNOW. I told him the story - he had a good laugh at my expense and told me he has the same car and had purchased the same lights and went back to the OEM. He said he wouldnt throw me a FIT if i went back to OEM (fix it ticket)... I agreed.

Just my .02 cents. As much as I love the look of the LEDs illuminating the street under the back of my car. Its been a headache im glad to be rid of. Looking into rigging a LED light bar across it - but for now its the ugly yellow OEMs shining down. But at least they dont cause me visits from police officers!!!

Oh - and as far as all those mods... why not just buy a M3? Im telling you those are some mean machines.

I built an old honda civic in a same fashion - a straight laundry list of mods. It was a frankendragger. It was fast as hell - but it was always something to deal with. But I was young dumb and poor and hondas are very cheap to make go extremly fast. I would not do the same thing again...

Originally Posted by CALWATERBOY

Quite complete.

How much are you committed to spend

Do the Math man! It's lots

You should be banned for even suggesting that one man's idea of what can and should be done to a car is a bannable offense. This is Bimmerfest, son, not the USSR. Der Kommissar is NOT in town.[/QUOTE]

+1

His effort in researching and posting the links will likely be helpful to many. That is the point of these forums. Ban people for this type of activity and the forum will be of no value.

Originally Posted by CALWATERBOY

By Gum, DK, I for one salute the OP!

Let's see if drewski does indeed mod....drewski.....keep a photo record of your mods; post here!

I don't discourage mods, most of the time. But if I were in the same position or had that much available cash, I'd buy a higher increment of car as a faster base model, then mod from there. Again, my concern would be that many add-ons either voiding the majority of a warranty, or being a pain to manage, mechanically.

It depends on intent. Some like sleeper cars. Others prefer to advertise up front what their cars can do. But to me, that type of approach is turning a kite into an airplane. You eventually reach the point of diminishing returns.

However, this is the good 'ol US of A and if the OP wants to do it, have at it. Maybe he'll buy from American vendors.

Originally Posted by Dork Knight

If I follow correctly, this is a list of what you'd like to add to a 328, yes? If so, a quick once-over with the calculator shows $16,741 in upgrades before you get to installation costs and all the stuff mentioned without prices in the mechanic section. Then you have the inevitable mechanical gremlins of so many non-OEM parts trying to live in harmony.

Or was I mistaken, and instead you've provided a list of things that are possible?

Sure, this is the GROSS price, but the NET price will be much more manageable. I will be receiving 20% off for all of these parts. Furthermore, I will be shopping around more to hopefully drop an additional 10% by purchasing parts from less expensive vendors. SO, 30% off 16,741 is..........$11,718 (plus labor). If I can make this all happen for less than $13,000, I'll be happy.

As for "mechanical gremlins", there will be none of that. If you look at my proposed "performance modifications", you will notice that I'm only replacing the intake, exhaust, front strut brace, and tuning. The intake is from BMW, so it will be covered under warranty, the exhaust will be installed from a reputable mechanic, and won't pose any possible problems, the strut brace is mostly for cosmetics, and will have no potential cons. The only potential performance issue is the AA stage 2 tune. This can be remedied by using a BMS Power Box piggyback instead, which will not affect the warranty as it can be removed anytime! So I'm not exactly sure why you are so leery of these performance upgrades.

One more performance enhancement to look into would be the 3 stage intake from the 330. Could give you a nice bump in hp using stock BMW parts. I think some of the tubes available for the 328 supprt this intake.

And another thing to look into would be lightweight forged wheels..could help mileage and performance.

I'm all for starting with a 328 btw. Last of the NA engines and relatively light weight.

If you really wanted to make a 328i fast you'd spend your money on M-performance driving school.

And It would cost a fraction of what you plan to spend.

Originally Posted by bmw325

One more performance enhancement to look into would be the 3 stage intake from the 330. Could give you a nice bump in hp using stock BMW parts. I think some of the tubes available for the 328 supprt this intake.

And another thing to look into would be lightweight forged wheels..could help mileage and performance.

I'm all for starting with a 328 btw. Last of the NA engines and relatively light weight.

I know all about the 3-stage intake manifold; I even have a thread about it! The reason why I didn't list it as a possible modification for the 328i is because I will be buying a 328i E90 with a N51 engine. The N51 already had the 3-stage intake manifold! But thanks for the advice.

Interesting. Does that mean its possible to tune an n51 to 330 specs?

Originally Posted by bmw325

Interesting. Does that mean its possible to tune an n51 to 330 specs?

With those modifications, easily!

Do you own the 328 or looking to buy one?

Looking to buy one. Wanted to get everyone's input and make final touches before purchasing. Also, waiting for the perfect 328i to be listed before I purchase.

A 335 with m-sport would allow you to skip about a third of your mods for only a few thousand