Best mods for 1996 BMW 328I AND head unit problems.

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Aiden

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#1
I have decided to keep my 96 328i. I was considering selling it and getting a Nissan 350z, but after a lot of bad reviews I read for that car and realizing how much less practical it is than my bmw I decided against it. So now because I plan to keep the 328 for another 2-3 years (it is in GREAT shape) I am wondering what kind of mods can be done to it.

I guess I am looking for things I can do on my own and cheap all the way up to other things that might need to involve a mechanic.

I am also looking for a head unit for the radio for this year and make as the one I currently have is not working properly. The radio does not always work and the LED light is burnt out on the one that came stock with the car. It looks like it takes some type of special tool to get the head unit out...like a FIVE sided allen wrench (cant find that at ANY hardware store.)

Thanks!
 
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Aiden

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Upon second look, is that de-baffle mod something that can be done on a 328i? I looked in the air box and could not find the cone or anything like that.
 
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Aiden

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On my 1996 328i, I cannot seem to find this contraption. I open the airbox and pull out the filter...cannot find anything that looks like that baffle piece...does it look different in my model perhaps?

I know it might be asking a lot, does anyone have any pics under the hood showing the location of the part to be removed? Thanks!
 
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pcy

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The above shown plastic piece is attached to the air box (box that holds air filter) and it runs to the front grill area ... just above the headlight.
 
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Aiden

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Ok, I found the baffler...I took it out, it just look different in my model I guess. It is not as cone shaped.

So my question is this: What do you do to filter the dirt from entering into the gaping hole that this mod leaves in the airbox? Would cheesecloth rubber banded to the enterance be an effective filter or would that cut off too much oxygen to the airbox? I would imagine you go through air filters like crazy if you do not filter the dirt through that hole.

Love the rumble it creates though, sounds great.

Is the engine more likely to overheat when you do this mod? Does mpg decrease?

Thanks
 
Kirby

Kirby

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SKycity_BMW said:
NO . . . . it's almost like having a CAI . . . . kinda . . .lol
Click to expand...
Actually, you have created a warm air intake, not a CAI. The original snorkel was a cold air intake, restrictive, perhaps, but still a CAI.

So my question is this: What do you do to filter the dirt from entering into the gaping hole that this mod leaves in the airbox? Would cheesecloth rubber banded to the enterance be an effective filter or would that cut off too much oxygen to the airbox? I would imagine you go through air filters like crazy if you do not filter the dirt through that hole.

Love the rumble it creates though, sounds great.

Is the engine more likely to overheat when you do this mod? Does mpg decrease?
Click to expand...
The amount of dirt getting in isn't going to be significantly different. You won't notice any performance or mpg difference, unless you dyno it or do multiple timed runs. It will not cause the engine to overheat. Your only change will be the sound.
 
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