"It starts with marijuana...

JPH · 02-23-2009, 09:36 PM

...and then before you know it, your hooked on heroin". This is the well known "gateway drug" argument applied to smoking pot, I think most are familiar. But, I was thinking...what is the "gateway mod." I am guessing for most it starts with window tint, "...and then, before you know it, you're blowing thousands on a new intake." Where did it start for you?

GregW / Oregon · 02-23-2009, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JPH

...and then before you know it, your hooked on heroin". This is the well known "gateway drug" argument applied to smoking pot, I think most are familiar. But, I was thinking...what is the "gateway mod." I am guessing for most it starts with window tint, "...and then, before you know it, you're blowing thousands on a new intake." Where did it start for you?

Usually wheels or exhaust for me.

Splinter4784 · 02-23-2009, 09:53 PM

the first mod i got were the Black Kidney Grills and Fenders and ive been hooked since

Light up to mods lol

lincoln · 02-23-2009, 09:53 PM

Yeah it's not tint or a clear bra... those are givens to even the general public. I'd say once you get wheels and lower the car.... I usually lower my ride if I get wheels. That's why I'm staying away on this car... I seriously want a stock car this time (with tint and 3M).

Cab5er · 02-23-2009, 09:53 PM

Painted reflectors or matte front grill

Like starting with the cheap drugs and move up.

JPH · 02-23-2009, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GregW / Oregon

Usually wheels or exhaust for me.

^^
Yup that is a good place to get hooked. Maybe the after market guys should start adopting more drug dealer behavior: "...I'll let you have a taste, two wheels for free, see what you and your friends think

and then come back and we'll talk about the price of the other two wheels..."

NEXT WEEK

"...perhaps now that you like the wheels, you can help me sell more wheels to your friends....then maybe I'll front you a titanium cat-back exhaust...no one will know, it's all good..."

tunawi7cheese · 02-23-2009, 10:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JPH

...and then before you know it, your hooked on heroin". This is the well known "gateway drug" argument applied to smoking pot, I think most are familiar. But, I was thinking...what is the "gateway mod." I am guessing for most it starts with window tint, "...and then, before you know it, you're blowing thousands on a new intake." Where did it start for you?

+1 for tint

Crazy Bimmer · 02-23-2009, 11:09 PM

The test drive does it for me.

Already planning my list of mods before my car is even made.

Big Windy · 02-23-2009, 11:28 PM

For the M3, I think the mod fairy first appears when you order your GPthunders (or other angel eye bulbs) and painted reflectors...but it doesn't fully take over until you've put on new exhaust.

tim3less · 02-24-2009, 01:23 AM

I'd say after lowering the car with some springs/coilovers

Cab5er · 02-24-2009, 01:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crazy Bimmer

The test drive does it for me.

Already planning my list of mods before my car is even made.

Tell me about it. I am already buying and doing research, even though I don't have the car yet. I think I have a problem.

BTW if anyone gets bored with their Vorsteiner or encore exhaust please pm me.

schnell325 · 02-24-2009, 01:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crazy Bimmer

The test drive does it for me.

unique · 02-24-2009, 02:06 AM

smoking marijuana.... because that is the only way i can justify spending so much money

Deda · 02-24-2009, 02:12 AM

wheels only!

gr8000 · 02-24-2009, 02:32 AM

Mine is gonna stay stock, at least for as long as the factory warranty is over - and even then I am not gonna make any major mods (if any).

I think the OEM setup of the M3 is great so there is no need to improve performance or looks IMO. Not to mention that I am afraid that by going for performance modding, this may "disturb" the car in the way it was originally designed.

Bateman · 02-24-2009, 02:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Splinter4784

the first mod i got were the Black Kidney Grills and Fenders and ive been hooked since

Light up to mods lol

+1. Ordered kidney grills and loved them so much I couldn't stop. Two weeks later........side markers, spacers, HID plug& play, and now looking for header back exhaust. Sad part is my car isn't even here yet, but will be very soon.

Sticky · 02-24-2009, 03:31 AM

Can't really overdose on mods. Well, they don't kill you for going into debt.

MMMorish · 02-24-2009, 05:43 AM

Clearbra and tint for me. Then black out mods (grills, gills and badge), euro door lock cover, interior lights, drop in filter and diffuser for now.

I may get hooked on a front lip and an exhaust in the future. But then that's it for me. I'll go into rehab and hopefully end my addiction.

John@BMW · 02-24-2009, 07:03 AM

i think any first mod is considered the gateway mod. At least for me- This is how it always goes for me and I never learn

example.

50 dollars turns into 25,000 dollars quickly...

50 dolllar black kidneys- well the front looks cool now, i need to do something to the rear to balance it out!

blackline tail lights- well that looks good now but i think that the car is getting too many cosmetic items- we need to do something to the engine to balance it out to make it sound as good as it looks.

80 dollar air filter- well, now that i have the air filter and the car is sounding better.... i need to get an exhaust to get that overall sound package....

x,xxx exhaust- well the car sounds and looks good but it needs to handle just as well!

xxx to x,xxx suspension work- well the car now handles great but new wheels and tires would really let me use the suspension to its fullest and give me the overall package.

x,xxx wheels/tire- now the car is looking, handling, and sounding great!

since im this far, i might as well gut the interior and really make the car a race car.

xx,xxx daily driver- now i can drive this (insert car- that you will be modding as well because you have a major problem) while my car is down getting extensive work done-

BAM you are done and you have basically ruined a really nice BMW.........

Now, the car is so modified, that its impossible to sell to someone for anything near what you have in it so you are forced to part it it- sell some parts, install other parts on your daily driver and then scrap the chassis or sell it for < 1000 dollars.

That is how i end up with 2 to 4 cars at a time- all of which are modded

JPH · 02-24-2009, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Windy

For the M3, I think the mod fairy first appears when you order your GPthunders (or other angel eye bulbs) and painted reflectors...but it doesn't fully take over until you've put on new exhaust.

+1 , GP Thunder was first mod I looked at...

dawgdog · 02-24-2009, 07:47 AM

With my 335 it started with BBS wheels, then the M-tech body kit, then Vishnu tuning V3, then KW V2 coilovers, then blackline taillights, spoiler ... Luckily I ended up with quite an improvement and near M3 performance. I was able to sell my car to my brother in law so all my work wasn't wasted, and I still get to drive the car on occasion. If I put the same amount of money in my M3 the gains would be minimal. I am trying to be disciplined and not take that first step which leads to hopeless addiction.

NLMiami · 02-24-2009, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JPH

+1 , GP Thunder was first mod I looked at...

It all started with an aFe filter....then came the GP thunders & clear reflectors ...then CF kidney and side grilles...then the short shifter kit..then the titantium exhaust...springs and spacers...then aluminum pedals...going to get AA software next week.

Besides that, I'm keeping it stock...

02-23-2009, 09:36 PM	#1
JPH Second Lieutenant 20 Rep 254 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Coupe Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	"It starts with marijuana... ...and then before you know it, your hooked on heroin". This is the well known "gateway drug" argument applied to smoking pot, I think most are familiar. But, I was thinking...what is the "gateway mod." I am guessing for most it starts with window tint, "...and then, before you know it, you're blowing thousands on a new intake." Where did it start for you?
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02-23-2009, 09:53 PM	#3
Splinter4784 414 little horsies 56 Rep 405 Posts Drives: 2008 M3 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Beverly Hills iTrader: (2)	the first mod i got were the Black Kidney Grills and Fenders and ive been hooked since Light up to mods lol __________________ Race Precision Inc
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02-23-2009, 09:53 PM	#4
lincoln Lieutenant 19 Rep 432 Posts Drives: 2009 Melbourne Red Coupe - DCT Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Seattle (Puyallup) iTrader: (0)	Yeah it's not tint or a clear bra... those are givens to even the general public. I'd say once you get wheels and lower the car.... I usually lower my ride if I get wheels. That's why I'm staying away on this car... I seriously want a stock car this time (with tint and 3M). __________________ 2009 Melbourne Red DCT \| Black Interior \| Carbon Fiber Trim \| Carbon Fiber Roof \| Cold Weather \| Premium \| Technology \| 19's \| Smartphone Integration \| iPod \|
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02-23-2009, 09:53 PM	#5
Cab5er Colonel 80 Rep 2,339 Posts Drives: 09 E90 M3 (Sold) 13 A1 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Fremont, Hainan iTrader: (22)	Painted reflectors or matte front grill Like starting with the cheap drugs and move up. __________________ E90 ///M3/ AW/ Fox Red
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02-23-2009, 11:09 PM	#8
Crazy Bimmer The Jesal 391 Rep 5,859 Posts Drives: E90 M3 Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Chicago IL iTrader: (20) Garage List 2009 BMW M3 [0.00]	The test drive does it for me. Already planning my list of mods before my car is even made. __________________ 2009 E90 M3 - SOLD
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02-23-2009, 11:28 PM	#9
Big Windy Major General 152 Rep 5,124 Posts Drives: None Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (0)	For the M3, I think the mod fairy first appears when you order your GPthunders (or other angel eye bulbs) and painted reflectors...but it doesn't fully take over until you've put on new exhaust. __________________
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02-24-2009, 01:23 AM	#10
tim3less First Lieutenant 13 Rep 362 Posts Drives: '07 STi Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	I'd say after lowering the car with some springs/coilovers __________________ '10 E92 335xi space gray/coral red '07 WRX STi
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02-24-2009, 02:06 AM	#13
unique SiDeWaYz 35 Rep 477 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: WillowSprings Race Track iTrader: (0)	smoking marijuana.... because that is the only way i can justify spending so much money
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02-24-2009, 02:12 AM	#14
Deda Major General 563 Rep 7,034 Posts Drives: BMW M5 comp Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Croatia iTrader: (0)	wheels only!
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02-24-2009, 02:32 AM	#15
gr8000 Major 72 Rep 1,172 Posts Drives: E92 M3 - DCT Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Athens, Greece iTrader: (0)	Mine is gonna stay stock, at least for as long as the factory warranty is over - and even then I am not gonna make any major mods (if any). I think the OEM setup of the M3 is great so there is no need to improve performance or looks IMO. Not to mention that I am afraid that by going for performance modding, this may "disturb" the car in the way it was originally designed.
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02-24-2009, 03:31 AM	#17
Sticky Banned 78 Rep 2,244 Posts Drives: E92 Jerez DCT M3 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Anaheim Hills / Malibu iTrader: (0)	Can't really overdose on mods. Well, they don't kill you for going into debt.
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02-24-2009, 05:43 AM	#18
MMMorish Just call me J.J. McClure 156 Rep 2,834 Posts Drives: E92 M3 & C4 Corvette Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Toronto iTrader: (5)	Clearbra and tint for me. Then black out mods (grills, gills and badge), euro door lock cover, interior lights, drop in filter and diffuser for now. I may get hooked on a front lip and an exhaust in the future. But then that's it for me. I'll go into rehab and hopefully end my addiction. __________________ MODS: Meisterschaft GT Racing Exhaust / BMC Air Filter / UUC SSK & DSSR (Modded)/ RPI Scoops / Passport SRX Hardwired / Custom Wrap 3M Clearbra / 20% Tint / 50% Windshield Tint / Key Hole Delete / Matted Out Accessories / VRS Type II Diffuser / Smoked Reflectors / Euphoria 6K LED Interior Lights / Rear Fog Light Mod / 6000K HID's / 6500K LUX H8 Angel Eyes / RDash License Plate LED Kit / LED Xenon Reverse Lights "M3 drivers have no friends"
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02-24-2009, 07:03 AM	#19
John@BMW I can't belive this car is a 4 door family sedan. 66 Rep 385 Posts Drives: 2008 M3 sedan, '96 M3 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Atlanta iTrader: (1)	i think any first mod is considered the gateway mod. At least for me- This is how it always goes for me and I never learn example. 50 dollars turns into 25,000 dollars quickly... 50 dolllar black kidneys- well the front looks cool now, i need to do something to the rear to balance it out! blackline tail lights- well that looks good now but i think that the car is getting too many cosmetic items- we need to do something to the engine to balance it out to make it sound as good as it looks. 80 dollar air filter- well, now that i have the air filter and the car is sounding better.... i need to get an exhaust to get that overall sound package.... x,xxx exhaust- well the car sounds and looks good but it needs to handle just as well! xxx to x,xxx suspension work- well the car now handles great but new wheels and tires would really let me use the suspension to its fullest and give me the overall package. x,xxx wheels/tire- now the car is looking, handling, and sounding great! since im this far, i might as well gut the interior and really make the car a race car. xx,xxx daily driver- now i can drive this (insert car- that you will be modding as well because you have a major problem) while my car is down getting extensive work done- BAM you are done and you have basically ruined a really nice BMW......... Now, the car is so modified, that its impossible to sell to someone for anything near what you have in it so you are forced to part it it- sell some parts, install other parts on your daily driver and then scrap the chassis or sell it for < 1000 dollars. That is how i end up with 2 to 4 cars at a time- all of which are modded __________________
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02-24-2009, 07:47 AM	#21
dawgdog Colonel 148 Rep 2,278 Posts Drives: 2015 M3, 2016 GT3 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Seattle, Wa. iTrader: (0)	With my 335 it started with BBS wheels, then the M-tech body kit, then Vishnu tuning V3, then KW V2 coilovers, then blackline taillights, spoiler ... Luckily I ended up with quite an improvement and near M3 performance. I was able to sell my car to my brother in law so all my work wasn't wasted, and I still get to drive the car on occasion. If I put the same amount of money in my M3 the gains would be minimal. I am trying to be disciplined and not take that first step which leads to hopeless addiction. __________________ 2015 f80 M3, 2016 GT3
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