performance upgrades?

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#1
I'm wondering what are some good things to upgrade for performance? I've heard a lot of good things about dinan..is that the best way to go to improve the performance? Are there stages or anything like that? Will any of this be harmful to the engine/vehicle in the long run.. ? Thanks in advance...

Me
 

Big Daddy

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#2
There are numerous upgrades out there and they are not harmful to your car as long as they are done properly and you use reputable suppliers. Dinan is good and an authorized BMW tuner, however so is AC Schintzer, Hamman, Zender and others. Jim Conforti makes upgrade parts that are on par with Dinan, Bav Auto makes many as well. Personally my roadster is upgraded with Dinan stage II suspension and engine software, I have also used a JC chip in my 318 and it was great! Shop around and get the best deal!
 
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#3
I have the Dinan stage 2 suspension on my 02 M3, with front and rear strut braces, as well as the Dinan cold air intake and software. I also have the UUC mid pipe, SuperSprint exhaust, drilled "bmw euro" rotors with upgraded pads, and a ACS style carbon fiber front spoiler/splitter.

You are certainly safe with Dinan with the whole warranty thing, but others certainly make good products. The only issue I have had is getting the UUC mid pipe to fit properly without hitting the undercarriage.

Have fun, but be aware of that these items will make your car ride firmer and be louder. Not a bad thing if you are into it, but if it is a day to day driver, and you like the relative comfort of the OEM M3, these updgrades will tilt you more towards the "sporty" ride and feel. I do not drive mine every day, but when I do, the thrill is elevated due to the upgrdes I have made. The upgrades also motivate you to go to the track more often, as the enhanced performance level far exceeds what you can responsibly tap on the streets.


Good Luck
 

Tom

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#4
You probably wont see any significant gains with just a standard intake and exhaust. But replacing those would be a good start. Since my warranty is expiring soon, I plan on getting a SuperSprint exhaust and AFE CAI.
 
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#6
wowe..thanks for all the great info guys! I think I'm going to go with dinan, as I will still have my factory warranty. If the factory will still warranty the upgrades, it has to be safe. I've also heard intake/exhaust can be better for the car and improve gas mileage (I would think it would reduce it..but I dunno the exact physics of it).

This is my only ride, and I commute to/from work 5-days a week..I bought the car to be sporty so making it more so would just further my enjoyment. I raced another black m3 coupe on the street..I had two big guys in the car w/ me..and he had just his gf in the passenger seat..but he beat me (not by too much though, 1/2 car length :). We raced at two lights.. and my friend said he saw his exhaust..and it looked different than mine (maybe he had mods). Since then I've been interested in upgrades. I just want to take advantage of everything I have under the hood.. don't get me wrong, even oem/stock these cars are like a racecar :) My car before this was a 2000 323i..so stepping into an '05 M3 was a big jump. I raced two subaru STIs (one with mods) and smoked them both..I also had my same 3 buddies in the car while the STI driver was by himself. The one w/ mods started to creep on me in 3rd..but then I pulled away..I really like the wrx too, infact my friend just got one today..great car..but still no match for the M :) I have the SMG transmission..and I'm beginning to really like it. You actually have to really get use to it..and learn to drive it (just like a manual)..and when you do, be prepared! I was at a couple lights though..and realized I had no clutch pedal..and it made me miss a manual a tad..since I could do launches and such..but overall I enjoy my smg. Thanks again for the help everyone..I'll let you all know what I end up getting and maybe put up some pics too..thnx again!
 
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#7
If you want to do an intake, I'd recommend the K&N 63 series. Here's a link to a dyno of before and after the intake (~10 RWHP gain). Dyno

Remember, that's +10 @ the wheels (where it counts).
 


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