What mods would you do on a $10k budget?

[HassanEido]

Cams, airbox, headers and tune 👍
Or... An SC! Depends on what you want out of the car

[cdnabroad]

I haven't really seen a lot of discussion related to cam shaft mod options. I know DINAN used to make a set but curious about that mod. I'd assume Cams and throttle bodies at same time?

[Obioban]

I haven't really seen a lot of discussion related to cam shaft mod options. I know DINAN used to make a set but curious about that mod. I'd assume Cams and throttle bodies at same time?

Dinan sold Schrick 280/272 cams.

Throttle bodies should be the last thing you do on a NA build. No gains on cars anywhere near stock, <7 hp
of gains over a 4000rpm range on a 100hp over stock car.

[Arith2]

I doubt the Megans make as much power as OE euro, and I know they don't fit as well or as well made. I'd get used OE euro at that price point every single time (and did, on the M3 wagon).

... but there's lots of things I'd do before any header, especially because I wouldn't want headers without a catted section 1, which significant ups the price.

Fitment is actually flawless. The welds are very nice quality and if Active Autowerks headers make more than Euro headers then Megan Racing headers do. They're basically the same design. Not everyone cares about cats.
I had buildjournal and Megan's headers making 310whp. 3-5 may have come from my filter, "muffler", and Turner pulley set. The headers did more than the tune. That engine was pretty sluggish stock. We'll see how the new engine does.

[Circa Surviven]

Fitment is actually flawless. The welds are very nice quality and if Active Autowerks headers make more than Euro headers then Megan Racing headers do. They're basically the same design. Not everyone cares about cats.
I had buildjournal and Megan's headers making 310whp. 3-5 may have come from my filter, "muffler", and Turner pulley set. The headers did more than the tune. That engine was pretty sluggish stock. We'll see how the new engine does.

I've seen a couple of people who have had the same experience as you, that megans fit well without a single issue. However, I've seen a lot of people with the same complaints about the flanges not being flat and they were furious. I also went through the 60+ pages of posts on the m3forum.net post and decided after seeing the general consensus, it would be best to go with euro headers or SSv1's. Maybe its because I don't like gambling. It also wasn't just the first batch or two that were having issues with fitment. I think some get lucky, some just don't. Isn't the 02 sensor location or the EGT placement in a weird spot as well? I won't knock someone for wanting to save money, but I would be worried about recommending headers to someone who could end up at a shop with a labor bill that exceeds the cost of more expensive headers if they had done things differently.

[Arith2]

I've seen a couple of people who have had the same experience as you, that megans fit well without a single issue. However, I've seen a lot of people with the same complaints about the flanges not being flat and they were furious. I also went through the 60+ pages of posts on the m3forum.net post and decided after seeing the general consensus, it would be best to go with euro headers or SSv1's. Maybe its because I don't like gambling. It also wasn't just the first batch or two that were having issues with fitment. I think some get lucky, some just don't. Isn't the 02 sensor location or the EGT placement in a weird spot as well? I won't knock someone for wanting to save money, but I would be worried about recommending headers to someone who could end up at a shop with a labor bill that exceeds the cost of more expensive headers if they had done things differently.

Megan Racing had one bad batch, the first one. They literally fixed them for free or gave refunds without hassle. People were annoyed but the issue was fixed and stayed fixed. If someone is still selling the first batch, they will fix the flanges. That is why I still recommend them. EGT is in a weird spot but everything fits. Two days ago I put my headers on and it reminded how flawless they are. Sec 1 fits perfect and everything buttoned up real nice. They took less than and hour to put on. You want to spend more on used headers? Fine. Why when the product is proven? Yes SS are better. Get them over these but they are 6 times the cost. This is like the opposite of Status Gruppe. Cheap, fits, ships on time, good customer service, fixes faulty product permanently, and still gets doubted(initially). Any other Megan product I can't vouch for but I don't want people wasting money if they don't have to. We all are switching to Supersprints one day. Why spend $500-1000 on the way? I hate gambling with products and that's why I read through every page and waited for about 10 people to buy them and put them on. The complainers and skeptics posted alot. The ones that had them fit typically stopped posting because they were there for the same reason I was. Once they fit fine, I just said they fit and moved on with life. There were around 15 people that had my experience. I think the 5 original people had to send them back. One had ordered from eBay and got an old one after the first batch. So no, not alot had that issue.

[cdnabroad]

Dinan sold Schrick 280/272 cams.

Throttle bodies should be the last thing you do on a NA build. No gains on cars anywhere near stock, <7 hp
of gains over a 4000rpm range on a 100hp over stock car.

Thanks for the input, ya that's what I thought, and here I am almost through all the maintenance you recommend 😀 but was curious and that makes sense. Given the performance returns, that's a bit of $$$ to put into the car that is best spent elsewhere.

[RoyalFlushness]

Megan Racing had one bad batch, the first one. They literally fixed them for free or gave refunds without hassle. People were annoyed but the issue was fixed and stayed fixed. If someone is still selling the first batch, they will fix the flanges. That is why I still recommend them. EGT is in a weird spot but everything fits. Two days ago I put my headers on and it reminded how flawless they are. Sec 1 fits perfect and everything buttoned up real nice. They took less than and hour to put on. You want to spend more on used headers? Fine. Why when the product is proven? Yes SS are better. Get them over these but they are 6 times the cost. This is like the opposite of Status Gruppe. Cheap, fits, ships on time, good customer service, fixes faulty product permanently, and still gets doubted(initially). Any other Megan product I can't vouch for but I don't want people wasting money if they don't have to. We all are switching to Supersprints one day. Why spend $500-1000 on the way? I hate gambling with products and that's why I read through every page and waited for about 10 people to buy them and put them on. The complainers and skeptics posted alot. The ones that had them fit typically stopped posting because they were there for the same reason I was. Once they fit fine, I just said they fit and moved on with life. There were around 15 people that had my experience. I think the 5 original people had to send them back. One had ordered from eBay and got an old one after the first batch. So no, not alot had that issue.

The Megan headers appear to be back in stock on eBay etc.. as well at the normal price. There were some outlets tying to sell them at $1000 because of COVID stocking issues a few weeks ago.

[Obioban]

Megan Racing had one bad batch, the first one. They literally fixed them for free or gave refunds without hassle. People were annoyed but the issue was fixed and stayed fixed. If someone is still selling the first batch, they will fix the flanges. That is why I still recommend them. EGT is in a weird spot but everything fits. Two days ago I put my headers on and it reminded how flawless they are. Sec 1 fits perfect and everything buttoned up real nice. They took less than and hour to put on. You want to spend more on used headers? Fine. Why when the product is proven? Yes SS are better. Get them over these but they are 6 times the cost. This is like the opposite of Status Gruppe. Cheap, fits, ships on time, good customer service, fixes faulty product permanently, and still gets doubted(initially). Any other Megan product I can't vouch for but I don't want people wasting money if they don't have to. We all are switching to Supersprints one day. Why spend $500-1000 on the way? I hate gambling with products and that's why I read through every page and waited for about 10 people to buy them and put them on. The complainers and skeptics posted alot. The ones that had them fit typically stopped posting because they were there for the same reason I was. Once they fit fine, I just said they fit and moved on with life. There were around 15 people that had my experience. I think the 5 original people had to send them back. One had ordered from eBay and got an old one after the first batch. So no, not alot had that issue.

OE euro is still better made (than any aftermarket), makes more power, fits like stock (), and can be had for similar money.

[Feffman]

Next time around an engine rebuild using forged rods and pistons which will chew up most of the budget. Already have most of the other engine bits BUT a Karbonius intake would be a final nice piece.

Feff

[Arith2]

OE euro is still better made (than any aftermarket), makes more power, fits like stock (), and can be had for similar money.

Listen, you may have snuck this comment in while I was fixing my car by I ain't letting it slip through the cracks.

People can pay the BMW tax for a fairly inferior product out of the aftermarket options( Euro headers included because this is America) but at the end of the day, Megan Racing headers are just going to save you money. They also aren't used.... And they're half the price of the cheapest USED Euro headers. So you and your "fancy" headers can chew on them apples.

[Obioban]

Listen, you may have snuck this comment in while I was fixing my car by I ain't letting it slip through the cracks.

People can pay the BMW tax for a fairly inferior product out of the aftermarket options( Euro headers included because this is America) but at the end of the day, Megan Racing headers are just going to save you money. They also aren't used.... And they're half the price of the cheapest USED Euro headers. So you and your "fancy" headers can chew on them apples.

I paid $200 shipped for my or euro headers and Oe euro catted section 1, shipped. They can be had cheaply if you shop around.

If you think they’re inferior... I think you have no idea what you’re talking about

[repoman89]

Hate to add it up but I’ve probably spent $10k more than once over the last five years, here’s what made the cut (along with PO’s list, lol) ..

PO’s first $10k:

KWv2
Apex ARC-8s
AP Headers + Rogue El Diablo
Evolve tune
Autosolutions 30% SSK
SGT CSL trunk and diffuser
Euro bumper

PO’s second $10k:

Full high end repaint in stock IB

My first $10k:

CPI HJS catted section 1
Stock muffler from CL
VANOS lockdown (diy)
rear floor vincebar+plates+rear bushing refresh (large shop bill)
ZCP wheels since PO sold the originals
New stock shifter
Rewrapped leather wheel

Second $10k:

SSv1 headers + cats
Karbonius airbox + CSL DME conversion
PC tune
OE CSL trunk + mile-end diffuser
996 brakes
New OE leather wheel
Cobra nogaros (incoming)

Third $10k aka upcoming wish list:

Carbon roof
Suspension upgrade (Ohlins or TCK?)
Front bushings + monoball RTABs
Electric fan

[Fresh1179]

I have lived through this dilemma, and have pumped enough money into this car to make your head spin, but I am not complaining. As others have said, it really depends on what your goals are. Also, I would take an inventory of what your skills are in terms of working on the car. That being said, there is a wealth of knowledge around on this car and DIY’s. I noticed that you said OEM+. If you have the maintenance done at a shop, this will eat your 10k based on the recommended maintenance. I’m guessing your car will have 85,000-X miles these days so you will (likely*) need:

1. Shocks (DIY)
2. VANOS “Lockdown” (DIY)
3. Valve Adjustment (DIY)
4. Fuel Filter (DIY)
5. Fuel Pump (Probably) (DIY)
6. Oil Change and Filter (DIY)
7. Control Arms (Probably) (Limited Access for some nuts but still a DIY)
8. RACP Solution (If you cannot weld, $hop, otherwise a DIY)
9. FCABs, RTABs, Engine Mounts, Transmission Mounts, Diff Bushings, Subframe Bushings, Misc Ball Joints (Can be DIY, harder without lift)
10. Rod Bearings (I would be hesitant to do this on jack stands but people have, otherwise $hop)
11. Fan Clutch (DIY
12. Cooling System Overhaul (DIY)
13. Belt Tensioners, Belts and Pullies (DIY)
14. Misc. there is always Misc.

Right there you are looking at close to 10k if some items are performed in the shop.

After that, you get piece of mind and your artistry can begin.

[BearDeXPS]

take care of what's left - sort the rear subframe, supercharger + wideband, CSL roof + CSL trunk. would also likely need to add vents to the hood for cooling.