Looking for Recommendations for my "new" E92 M3

[adamkb26]

Hey guys,

I've been out of the BMW world for the past 8 years as I moved from my E92 2007 335i to a 2013 Audi S4 and currently have a 2017 TTS. I'm going to be getting a 2010 Alpine White M3 Coupe 30k miles from my Mom who has owned it the whole 10 years as a second car that she barely uses. I actually put 12k of the miles on it way back in 2010 and 2011.

I'm not one to keep a car stock for long though I always keep original parts. There's a huge amount of info out there that I've been looking through but I wanted to see what everyone recommends for best starting mods for this car. I'll be driving it quite a bit so won't want to get too low for now. From what I've seen, there isn't a ton of power to get out of the car and it takes a decent amount of cash to get 40ish hp/tq?

There are a few things that I'm already planning to do: oCarbon blue reflective carbon trim, AZA Auto steering wheel, custom floor mats, ECS carbon front splitters, black grills, BMW Performance Carbon spoiler, paint matched reflectors, and a ridiculous amount of cash for paint protection and detailing (full frontal xpel and ceramic pro gold for the whole car).

Obviously my plans are all cosmetic at the moment so what are the best performance mods to do first? Any other recommendations with getting this 10 year old car from a service stand point? Thanks!

[MP0W3RD]

If you install a catless x pipe (or just test pipes if you'd prefer to keep some cats) and then install the Alpine MSS Stage 2 tune from Alex, you should be getting the gains you expect. I have been very happy with those mods.

If you want more power, you'll need to go the forced induction route, or have the engine strokes and bored.

Have fun!!

[Vedubin01]

What gains are seen on a stock engine with a tune and x pipes?

[pbonsalb]

Catless x-pipe, intake, underdrive pulley and Epic Race Tune should get you the most power. Randy at Epic races, tunes and has a dyno. Bimmerworld use Epic tunes. It’s the tune I bought.

[wfdeacon88]

Originally Posted by Vedubin01

What gains are seen on a stock engine with a tune and x pipes?

Test pipes or X pipe + a tune should probably yield 25-35 WHP increase over stock. It's also nice to swap out the stock exhaust and drop some weight and improve sound.

[Vedubin01]

Originally Posted by wfdeacon88

Test pipes or X pipe + a tune should probably yield 25-35 WHP increase over stock. It's also nice to swap out the stock exhaust and drop some weight and improve sound.

Right on, thank you. Mine came with the M Performance v2 exhaust and was just wondering if there is a real gain with the cat less x pipes and tune. But for roughly 2k. Sounds like I could spend my money in better places.

[pbonsalb]

Yes, there is a real gain with a catless Xpipe and tune designed for it. You will definitely notice it.

[850tgul]

I’d play to the cars strengths. E9x M3 is one of the best sounding cars ever, imo. Open up the exhaust and/or pony up for a carbon plenum. Either route will add so much joy to the driving experience.

[adamkb26]

Originally Posted by 850tgul

I’d play to the cars strengths. E9x M3 is one of the best sounding cars ever, imo. Open up the exhaust and/or pony up for a carbon plenum. Either route will add so much joy to the driving experience.

Definitely may add an exhaust to the beginning list. There are a huge number of them. Was wanting black or burnt titanium tips. The Dinan looks like a decent option for price/sound/black tips.

[Deebo]

Originally Posted by Vedubin01

Right on, thank you. Mine came with the M Performance v2 exhaust and was just wondering if there is a real gain with the cat less x pipes and tune. But for roughly 2k. Sounds like I could spend my money in better places.

If you already have an MPE, I would just add test pipes. Keep the secondary cats on to keep the smell to a minimum. That and a tune is around $1k, gives you around a 10% bump in hp and will make the car sound even better. Very noticeable and worthwhile

[wfdeacon88]

Originally Posted by Vedubin01

Right on, thank you. Mine came with the M Performance v2 exhaust and was just wondering if there is a real gain with the cat less x pipes and tune. But for roughly 2k. Sounds like I could spend my money in better places.

Max cost for test pipes + tune is $1K, but if you go Rogue test pipes and alpine tune, which are perfect for me, it's going to be $700 or so.. It's literally the cheapest power increase option on this car period. Best bang for buck available..

[adamkb26]

Anything to worry about for service at this point? Only 30k miles with all service done by BMW. Looks like I should do oil changes every 5k? I'm guessing I don't have to worry about any of the major stuff at this mileage.

[MP0W3RD]

Every 5k miles is a good idea.

Always bring the car up to temperature before going into higher rev ranges.

It wouldn't be a bad idea to do fluid flushes on the car, even with the low mileage. Make sure tires are newer for your own safety.

Plan for the throttle actuators to go at some point. It's a matter of when, not if. Purchase from FCP Euro to get lifetime warranty when they do.

Regarding rod bearings...there is a lot of confusion surrounding this. Some think it's a ticking time bomb and others think it's a result of abuse. I personally chose to just warm my car up and take care of it and just enjoy the car.