5 Mods you loved / 5 Mods you didn't

[maw1124]

This^^^ is of course the reason I'm paying attention.

That said, I’m wondering where all the extra midrange torque comes from with a simple flash, and whether Euro headers will help or harm that effect.

Does anyone have any thoughts on this?

maw

[oceansize]

Agreed. I’m really a stock kind of guy for this car because I believe BMW Motorsport got this one pretty damned correct from the box. And because most of what’s been considered an improvement over its run has turned out not to be so much. That’s why I love this thread and the contributions of experienced devotees.

All that said, I’m really intrigued by OEM euro headers and raspX midpipe to complement my existing ECU tune. I’m wondering where all the extra midrange torque came from with a simple flash, and whether Euro headers will help or harm that effect. Most tunes are just timing advance and A/F ratios, but they don’t typically change the shape of the torque curve. Please PM me if you have any direct knowledge or experience on this, especially Euro headers with RaspX and stock muffler.

A bit more torque and a deeper, throatier voice and then I think I just enjoy driving and “restoring” this one (refinish the polished 19’s, extended leather interior bits, weight loss from decommissioned OEM stereo, etc.).

maw

Stock is better than cheap aftermarket parts. Just keep the car in good condition inside and out and you’ll have a much more desirable car than most modded ones

Gonna have to +1 this. I’d rather keep my car stock than put junk parts on it and if I don’t have the chips I’d rather not settle.

Not many on this forum are installing junk parts on their car. We are definitely a cut above and there is a healthy amount of mechanical and computer expertise here as well since most all of us are so inclined. This place is not stance nation, not even close.

[jet_dogg]

Stock is better than cheap aftermarket parts. Just keep the car in good condition inside and out and you’ll have a much more desirable car than most modded ones

Gonna have to +1 this. I’d rather keep my car stock than put junk parts on it and if I don’t have the chips I’d rather not settle.

[Toby22]

This thread makes me realize how stock my car is. I consider myself an E46 enthusiast yet my car isn't even modded, maybe because I appreciate it so much in stock form...

By far the best upgrade has been wheels and tires. Improved performance and looks by a large margin.

Would like to improve shifting precision next. Always hated the inconsistent 1-2 shift.

Stock is better than cheap aftermarket parts. Just keep the car in good condition inside and out and you’ll have a much more desirable car than most modded ones

[maw1124]

I think some people derive their pleasure from tinkering and improving (though sometimes the latter doesn't end up true, lol), and some derive the pleasure from experiencing it as it is. Or a mix of the two. No wrong way to enjoy an E46 M3, unless you bag it or go hellaflush of course.

Agreed. I’m really a stock kind of guy for this car because I believe BMW Motorsport got this one pretty damned correct from the box. And because most of what’s been considered an improvement over its run has turned out not to be so much. That’s why I love this thread and the contributions of experienced devotees.

All that said, I’m really intrigued by OEM euro headers and raspX midpipe to complement my existing ECU tune. I’m wondering where all the extra midrange torque came from with a simple flash, and whether Euro headers will help or harm that effect. Most tunes are just timing advance and A/F ratios, but they don’t typically change the shape of the torque curve. Please PM me if you have any direct knowledge or experience on this, especially Euro headers with RaspX and stock muffler.

A bit more torque and a deeper, throatier voice and then I think I just enjoy driving and “restoring” this one (refinish the polished 19’s, extended leather interior bits, weight loss from decommissioned OEM stereo, etc.).

maw

[repoman89]

what didnt you like about the Ohlins? I love them!

Same, I loved them at the track today and even more over garbage New England roads on the way there and home without rattling my teeth out or car apart. Just like the name suggests

[Onefastsicilian]

Likes:
-Better seats
-Carplay
-Dinan exhaust
-faster steering rack
-weight loss

Dislike:
-Ohlins R&T
-Supersprint exhaust
-3.91 gears
-Cold air intake
-new OEM floormats (quality has gone to shit)

what didnt you like about the Ohlins? I love them!

[jvit27]

Likes:
-Better seats
-Carplay
-Dinan exhaust
-faster steering rack
-weight loss

Dislike:
-Ohlins R&T
-Supersprint exhaust
-3.91 gears
-Cold air intake
-new OEM floormats (quality has gone to shit)

[r4dr]

This thread makes me realize how stock my car is. I consider myself an E46 enthusiast yet my car isn't even modded, maybe because I appreciate it so much in stock form...

By far the best upgrade has been wheels and tires. Improved performance and looks by a large margin.

Would like to improve shifting precision next. Always hated the inconsistent 1-2 shift.

I think some people derive their pleasure from tinkering and improving (though sometimes the latter doesn't end up true, lol), and some derive the pleasure from experiencing it as it is. Or a mix of the two. No wrong way to enjoy an E46 M3, unless you bag it or go hellaflush of course.

[cobra]

This thread makes me realize how stock my car is. I consider myself an E46 enthusiast yet my car isn't even modded, maybe because I appreciate it so much in stock form...

By far the best upgrade has been wheels and tires. Improved performance and looks by a large margin.

Would like to improve shifting precision next. Always hated the inconsistent 1-2 shift.

[jet_dogg]

This is an old list from a decade and a half ago but I will update once all new mods are in.

Like/loved-
LMs
moton remotes
eisie race
euro mirror lenses
alcantara zcp wheel

Disliked only one-
smoked tails

[DropTopKingM3]

Like:
Zhp shifter
switched my interior from black to a 28k mile cinnamon
Giubo and rogue tranny mount refresh.
Love my modified euro tips on my B&B triflow
KW V2

Dislike:
Tinted front windshield
Hate/love relationship with B&B muffler sound
HATED my k&n intake. Removed after 2 days
cinnamon shift and brake boots
Status gruppe rear diffuser


Will update when I install all my new mods.

[Will]

Liked:
- UUC DSSR (less slop, should have been like this from factory).
- OE BMW shorter shift lever (I think 20% reduction; should have been like this from factory).
- Euro header and sec 1.
- Michelin PSS and now PS4S.
- Koni Yellows (pairs excellently with stock springs; I enjoy the comfort).
- BlueBus (now if we can get Ted to build a CarPlay headunit w/ camera inputs...).
- CSL/ZHP wheels (I love the look).

Disliked:
- Akebono Euro Ceramic pads (no brake dust, but no initial bite).
- Redline D4ATF in the transmission (felt good for 5-10k miles, then became a bit grindy. Flushed it with D4ATF without relief, then back to OEM Pentosin. Still not 100% back, but significantly better than D4ATF).
- URO brand trunk struts (thought the trunk was about to get ripped off when opening; promptly tossed them in the trash and ordered the Stabilus OEM replacements).

[bjz!]

I haven't seen one yet that doesn't vibrate, often significantly, at high speed (which I wouldn't be surprised if it led to failure over time, possible of the trans or diff).

... and they probably don't actually have less rotational inertia than stock, given their larger diameter (as in, they don't, if you calculate it).

And many of them don't fit in the car without removing the differential, which makes working on the car a huge PITA.

One mod less, then... Failure in that part, is not a joke... Pretty dangerous at high speeds.

[Obioban]

Talk me about the CF driveshaft, i was looking to buy one, because i cant find nobody here to own one to test it... Save me to not make a mistake, lol

I haven't seen one yet that doesn't vibrate, often significantly, at high speed (which I wouldn't be surprised if it led to failure over time, possible of the trans or diff).

... and they probably don't actually have less rotational inertia than stock, given their larger diameter (as in, they don't, if you calculate it).

And many of them don't fit in the car without removing the differential, which makes working on the car a huge PITA.