Newbie here! The usual questions...

[m3f_MPOWR95]

Well I got my first M3! I got it because I dont wanted a car that I didn't have a huge urge to modify. We'll see how long that lasts though! They are pretty much a perfect car as is in my opinion. Well...here are my questions/plans for the car. Any input or advice would be awesome, I know NOTHING about these cars besides the fact they are badass! I have a buddy with a turbocharged 99 M3, so he's helpin me learn the basics, but I like to hear different views on things...



My plans for the car are:



Lower it - probably Eibach Pro-Kit (good experience with Eibach)

Give it a little better handling - Bilstein Shocks/Struts

Tint the windows - 5% all around (illegal in CA, but :roll: )

Already has clear corners :thumbsup:

Install my stereo for a little bump in the trunk :rockband:

Exhaust - Borla? Active Autowerke? Dinan?

Short Shifter - Active Autowerke Stage IV (good idea???)

Rims of some kind...not sure yet what kind/size...gonna stay stock for a while seeing how they have new tires.



So that's my plan!



Does anyone have sound clips or reccomendations on the exhaust??? I have NO idea what the exhausts sound like on these cars, I'm used to V8's and dont want anything that will sound too ricey. I had Borla exhaust on my 5.0L mustang and 99 Corvette and LOVED it. I'm not looking for huge power gains, just a nice lookin exhaust with a sweet sound.



Also, is the AA short shifter package a good one to go with? I want to retain a nice feel, but with a shorter throw and shorter appearance.



This Forum looks awesome so far, sweet cars guys :bow:

[m3f_M3AN_5f4dc0ba80]

:bs: :gun: :bugeye: :box: :antismili :spam: :bow: :violin: :chair:



Wicked, new smilies!!



Welcome dude...



You list sounds sweet, there are heaps of people here with all the stuff you're looking at and I'm sure they'll chip in.



Get BBS wheels... yummy...

[m3f_95RogueM3]

i know your buddy probably has the aa turbo and thats why he likes aa parts but there are some other key names out there:



1) www.rogueengineering.com great exhausts and short shift kits



2) www.uucmotorwerks.com also well known to have solid short shift kits, nice exhausts, though some have fitment issues



3) depending upon funding the wheels which are highly respected are www.hrewheels.com and BBS wheels from www.umnitza.com



I have the BBS RG-R and think they look amazing. Hre wheels are the baller wheels that run about $750/wheel for the cheaper models they offer.



good luck.



-RIchard

[m3f_SG_M3_d1201712b5]

My plans for the car are:



Lower it - probably Eibach Pro-Kit (good experience with Eibach)

Give it a little better handling - Bilstein Shocks/Struts

Tint the windows - 5% all around (illegal in CA, but :roll: )

Already has clear corners :thumbsup:

Install my stereo for a little bump in the trunk :rockband:

Exhaust - Borla? Active Autowerke? Dinan?

Short Shifter - Active Autowerke Stage IV (good idea???)

Rims of some kind...not sure yet what kind/size...gonna stay stock for a while seeing how they have new tires.

:



Eibach/blisteins are a nice combo, though bilstiens will make the pretty harsh. Koni's might be a better alturnative.



Search on exhaust there are probably many posts. AA, UUC, SuperSprint, Rogue, Stromung all make nice systems. I used to have a uuc system U, but know have an AA gen 3 and its perfect.



I would also look at getting an intake. ECIS, Jim Conforti, Dinan, all make great intakes.



I would get a UUC or Rogue ssk, try to meet up with some people and try each shifter. Again i've had both and still have my Rogue in the car.

[m3f_Rmeen15]

Maybe an X-brace?

[m3f_MPOWR95]

Thanks for all the responses guys! I really appreciate it.



SG M3 - When you say Harsh do you mean like a rough ride for every day driving? If so, I'm not too terribly worried about it, but since it is my first luxury car, I think a smooth ride would be nice to have. I'll check into it!

[m3f_beguile_5c88ac03e9]

I like the RE SSK over the UUC (I've tried both and the UUC was WAY too notchy feeling, although I think they might have improved upon it since then). I'm a big fan of the AA exhaust. Welcome to the forum!

[m3f_Hellrot99]

Here are some exhaust sound clips and tech writeup.



http://www.europeancarweb.com/tech/0301ec_techbmw/



you can also hear the Stromung exhaust here:



http://www.understeer.com



Have Fun! :beer:

[m3f_PurpleM3Pursuit]

welcome!!! and happy modding

[m3f_mn-m3]

That tech article on the exhaust sounds is great! Never saw that, thanks Hellrot!

[m3f_chemicals_b2f60131b9]

The exhast clip is very good. Not much HP gained though - perhaps U need the intake done to get the best out of the exhaust, or the M3 exhaust is pretty well developed from the factory.

[m3f_ubersnax]

I like the RE SSK over the UUC (I've tried both and the UUC was WAY too notchy feeling, although I think they might have improved upon it since then). I'm a big fan of the AA exhaust. Welcome to the forum!



i wonder why that is!!!