Help with first couple Mods

[JKidd5]

Hey guys! I've been on the forums for about a year now and have really enjoyed learning so much from you guys.

I recently purchased an 09 E92 M3 and now I'm ready to start doing some mods. As you can see from the pictures it is AW and pretty much all stock right now. My first question is what is the best mod for the money and what mods would you guys do? Right now I'm considering getting BMW Edition grills (not really sure if I should do the side markers as well), a gloss black M3 badge and probably a black M license plate frame. I'm wondering if it would be easy to install the grill, side markers and badge or if I should have EAS or someone do it. Also once I have the $ I'd consider a performance spoiler or the LCI taillights but not really sure if those are worth it. I realize modding is pretty subjective and everyone has different tastes but I'd like to hear some thoughts. I'm gonna take a trip to EAS soon to check it out and potentially have them do some work. Appreciate the help guys and I'm really loving the car so far!!

[Harry Da Hamster]

If i started from scratch, all i would do is:

-Black front and side grills
-Wheel Spacers
-Gloss black wrapped mirror caps (or carbon mirror caps)
-Test pipes
-BPM tune
-GTS DCT software

Subtle and stock looking but more aggressive

[sadiq]

black front/side grills, painted reflectors to start (cosmetics-wise)

[1MOREMOD]

Easy to diy.

[RD1M3]

Originally Posted by 1MOREMOD

Easy to diy.

+1. The grills, gills, and body color reflectors (one pretty much everyone will say you should do also) are an easy DIY. Just check the stickies in the DIY section for how-to's. No need to pay someone to do it.

After those, all depends on if you're wanting performance or aesthetic mods. Lip, spoiler, diffuser, tune, exhaust, spacers or new wheels- the list is endless!

[LuxAngelEyes]

Dont forget the option of changing some lights

[slicer]

Definitely the BMW Edition grill AND gills. You want them to match. I would not get painted reflectors; I think they look worse than orange reflectors. Euro front bumper or nothing IMO. The carbon BMW performance rear spoiler is a great mod as well. Wheel spacers next. Then my next move would be suspension and I would recommend coil-overs. Then wheels / tires (quality products or stick with OEM because cheap wheels are a downgrade from OEM). Then exhaust.

[Hujan]

Originally Posted by slicer

Definitely the BMW Edition grill AND gills. You want them to match. I would not get painted reflectors; I think they look worse than orange reflectors. Euro front bumper or nothing IMO. The carbon BMW performance rear spoiler is a great mod as well. Wheel spacers next. Then my next move would be suspension and I would recommend coil-overs. Then wheels / tires (quality products or stick with OEM because cheap wheels are a downgrade from OEM). Then exhaust.

You cray cray. Euro bumpers are sweet, but ain't no way painted reflectors look worse than orange ones. That's crazy talk.

OP, here are one man's humble thoughts for the basics:

Cosmetic:

1. Gloss black (not Edition) grills
2. Body match side gills (trust me) or gloss black (have a pair of new ones to sell if you're interested)
3. Gloss black hood vents
4. Tint
5. BMW Performance spoiler
6. Spacers (15 mm front, 12 mm rear)
7. New exhaust tips (either BMW black chrome or EAS tips)
8. Have the OEM muffler painted black

Performance:

1. Challenge Sport x-pipe (better) or test pipes (next best)
2. ECU tune
3. DCT tune (if applicable)

[thetastelingers]

Painted reflectors are the first things I purchased for mine. LOL

Depends on what YOU like.
My advice, go look in the appearance/pictures section and look at lots of pictures and figure out what YOU like, then do it.

[JKidd5]

Thanks for all of the advise guys! As most of you have said I think updating the grill and side markers is the first thing I'll do. I've never seen the edition ones in person but from reading most opinions on here that seems to be the way to go. I'll have to spend some more time looking at pictures to get a better idea but I really wish I could see most of the mods in person (really shouldn't be too hard since I do live in SoCal)

Lux- I actually thought of that last night when I went for a drive. I really hate the ugly yellow lights. I don't know too much about your lights but I'd be interested!

[Porschefile]

I'd for sure start with black grills and body color bumper "reflectors". Both are cheap and it makes it look a lot more aggressive. Probably side grills too, but front are more important. All 3 are very easy diy.

Wheels make the most difference exterior wise, but there are so many to choose from that will take you longer.

[JKidd5]

Random question that I'm sure has been discussed on here but what is the difference between IND's Painted grill set in gloss black vs their Edition grills? Aren't they both gloss black?

[DemolitionJim]

Originally Posted by JKidd5

Random question that I'm sure has been discussed on here but what is the difference between IND's Painted grill set in gloss black vs their Edition grills? Aren't they both gloss black?

edition grills are like a black chrome type color and painted grills are just gloss black if i remember correctly.

[slicer]

Originally Posted by JKidd5

Random question that I'm sure has been discussed on here but what is the difference between IND's Painted grill set in gloss black vs their Edition grills? Aren't they both gloss black?

Painted grills are painted... The edition grills are black chrome and OEM. The black chrome matches the window surrounds.

[JKidd5]

Appreciate the quick help guys!!

[JKidd5]

Just wanted to update this with a few things I've done. (Edition grills/side markers) I think it looks a lot better and like you guys said the DIY guides made it really easy to do. Now I'm thinking about doing a performance CF spoiler, gloss black badge and angel eyes. I think I'm catching the mod bug