Quote:
Originally Posted by dealer Hey!
Congratulations on your car turning 10! In my opinion, it still looks amazing, and you shouldn't part with this machine if you're satisfied with it performance wise. |
Thanks for the kind words buddy, and the hugely detailed answer!
Quote:
Originally Posted by dealer There is still a lot you can do to maximize this car's potential. I would urge you to look at Navardi Tuned...He is a custom tuner from Australia and specializes in 4 cylinder BMWs. He has guides and tunes that can take your N20/N26 to upwards of 500hp with the right build. Even his is custom stage 2 tunes push 20% more power and torque compared to OTS maps (depending on engine and fuel). |
My big concern with pushing the car that far (towards 400 or 500 BHP) is that I'd perhaps lose out a touch on reliability if I don't do it right (given this is my daily). And doing it right (which is really the only option) would mean splashing big on the custom tune + uprated internals.
Given I have half made up my mind to keep her for a year at most, I don't think I'd be able to enjoy that big power bump to the fullest, it'd be just such a fleeting summer romance (not that those weren't fun). That's before arguing that it makes little financial sense, since it would essentially be a sunk cost.
Quote:
Originally Posted by dealer If you're looking to do something handling wise, I would recommend getting Anti Roll Bars if you haven't already and get the F80 LCA+TS kit to dial in the steering. |
Actually, this is one of the last things I'd be looking to fix. The lowering springs make the car quite sure-footed around corners and on straights, with a good amount of heft and precision even in Comfort mode.
I kind of fear that the Anti Roll Bars will make the car even stiffer over Bombay's non-existent roads. And while I'm sure that F80 kit would surely amp up steering feel even more, I feel I can put the money to better use elsewhere. Particularly, boosting low-end torque a bit more to make the car that bit more responsive.
Quote:
Originally Posted by dealer The cold air intake will merely enhance the intake sounds a bit and the OEM intake is already well-made. |
The idea for the Cold Air Intake came from this whole
keeda of improving low-end response a bit, and (if I'm being honest) the curiosity to hear the whooshes when I'm "on it".
I too recall multiple threads saying the stock intake is quite well-made, which makes me debate the need to tinker with it just for the aforementioned sounds.
What's also making me reassess going for it are the death glares the wifey throws my way every time I so much as broach the topic of spending on the car for any given reason
But better this redhead as an object of attraction than a two-legged redhead, I guess!
Quote:
Originally Posted by dealer In my personal opinion, I would only consider an M2/3/4/5 or the 63 range to be a worthy upgrade of the F30 (unless you can get a porsche or a V10 Audi) and not consider the M340i. |
I fully agree with you on this, a proper ///M car would be a massive (and the right upgrade) for someone like me. Porsche's will either be too old, or too undesirable, subjectively speaking (read Panamera or Cayenne) or too small (read Macan), and an Audi V10 would rip a hole in my wallet the kinds of which will form the basis of financial prudence guidebooks for decades to come. But I absolutely do see myself in a Porsche someday. Perhaps just not as a next step. The subjective unattractiveness of the AMG coupe SUVs is why I wouldn't even consider them.
My challenges with getting an ///M car are manifold, as I'll briefly elaborate below:
- The M2, my absolute first choice, has been vetoed by the much better half, as she wants 4 usable seats, and a semblance of a boot for our road trips.
- This also knocks out the M4, I think, since the rear seats will be compromised by the swooping roofline. But god, this car looks a million bucks in Austin Yellow.
- This brings us to the M3. A quick chat with some guys in Bombay that own them reveals that this is not a daily driver, and is much better suited to being a weekend driver thanks to its slightly more demanding nature and innate stiffness (as it should be)
- As for the M5, I think it's just too big, and there just aren't enough good examples out there. That's before I get to the fact that I don't think a full-size executive sedan can be a fun car. I just think that's the antithesis of the fun car formula, no? Small, quick, agile is the way to go IMO.
I think the M340i might just be the way to go. Sure, it costs a lot. But I think it's very well-priced for what it offers. The A45s is something like 80 OTR or so, and the S5 is about 1.05 OTR or so. That's a whole different conversation. But I think the M340i ticks a lot of boxes (fun, fast, feature loaded, fits four plus some luggage, will be fresh for a longggg time). I just have to wrap my head around that price and take a call later.
Quote:
Originally Posted by dealer With the prices as they are in the used car market, I would say build on this platform and pick up a 2018 or newer sportscar in a few years. |
This makes so much sense at every level. But I know myself; I'll nod along and do these upgrades, knowing at the back of my mind that I want a 6 cylinder and eventually sell in the car in a year or so, negating the entire project.
I'll still work on patao'ing the wifey for an M2/3, but I can see her holding firm against them. This will be a true test of my charm and powers of persuasion. Wish me luck!
Quote:
Originally Posted by megazoid I would definitely like the pleasure of getting a snap of this machine taken along with mine at the next opportunity in Mumbai. Fun thread and great looking car! |
Thanks megazoid! Absolutely, you got it mano. If and when you swing this side, let me know and I'd be more than happy to come by.