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BILSTEIN coilover for bmw 325i 2006

16 messages,  Last post on Feb 06, 2012 at 9:10 PM

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What is this discussion about? BMW 3 Series, BMW, Performance Mods, Sedan

Messages Page 2 of 2

#11 of 16 Re: BILSTEIN coilover for bmw 325i 2006 [oracle10g] by abfisch

Sep 12, 2006 (1:30 pm)

Replying to: oracle10g (Jul 27, 2006 1:45 pm)
Buddy:
 
I could not agree more with the second answer. You just bought a new BMW. A nice one. And paid for the struts that were in there. Why in the world would you want to do something like this, other than tracking the car.
 
I have a 04 325ci with the sports package. I drive like you drive, sporting sometimes, sometimes just enjoying the drive at slower speeds. With the 5 speed and barely any options, to laden it with weight, it is a pure joy. Especially the suspension. When it hits 100K or so, yes, then it will be time to put in some NEW Koni FSD struts(double valved)and change the bushing in the control arms and trailing arms, possibly to PU if you like a harsher ride.
 
I modified mine just a little, putsing around, with a UCC strut bar, UCC clutch stop V3, and I will probably change the CDV(clutch delay valve) which appears to dramatically change the engagement.
 
But these are minor mods, that make it a little more precise without changing the overall character of the genuine sports car it is.
 
Enjoy it now the way you bought it for awhile. Add improvements as things wear. Sounds like you have a nice vehicle.
 
Those Bilsteins coilovers, high pressure shocks/struts will change the ride dramatically, not all in a positive way unless you live on roads that are perfect.
 
abfisch

#12 of 16 Re: BILSTEIN coilover for bmw 325i 2006 [abfisch] by div2

Sep 12, 2006 (2:22 pm)

Replying to: abfisch (Sep 12, 2006 1:30 pm)
Great minds think alike!

#13 of 16 Summon of the great minds! but let's talk 335 model mods by steveaccord

Feb 02, 2012 (6:34 pm)

Friendly humor not withstanding I have a very serious topic I would like to get inputs on and as you may have guessed it is all about creating a Dr Jekyll monster from a rather placid Mr Hyde, the latter represented by a stock 2008 335xi.
As captured in previous posts 3 major milestones will soon be achieved for the vehicle;
One is the end of the 4 year complimentary service
The second is reaching the mileage that will end the powertrain warranties
and last but not least the fact that I have some experience with track racing
What I sorely miss since moving to the US many years ago is the ability to locate resources and knowhow to have a vehicle modified properly.
I am sure I may draw some fire since I am proposing to 'retire' to the tracks a non RWD model but I can live with the idea of non experiencing the 'spirited' dynamics of controlling a RWD while pushing it hard.
I am also aware of some potential risks linked to the N54 engine and the issues withe the HPFP failures (mine gave me no troubles and was eventually replaced with the general BMW recall in 2010.
So the above not withstanding the basic question I would start with is what type of engine and chassis modification are possible, and even better desirable, in an xDrive 335. Specifically when it comes to boosting engine performance what are the best tested options for the N54 block.
I see the block is still used in the 2012 BMW 1 Series M but honestly the specs for the vehicle (lighter than the 3 series) do not impress me (basically within pretty much the actual tested outputs for stock 3 series equipped with the same engine). SO I am wondering if something better can be had. I remember hearing about DINAN and possibly a couple of other kits but they gave me the impression that were more of eye candy that substance (with reprogramming timing etc0 and basically a legalized way to remove the electronic governor.
Is there anything that has some more meat to the bone?
Enough about the engine. What about tweaking the chassis to maximize whatever gain can be had from the engine (spoiler alert, I am aware the transmission in the xDrive could be less amenable to modding)?
Any thought (positive ones please) and advice in favor or against the idea are highly appreciated.
 

#14 of 16 Re: Summon of the great minds! but let's talk 335 model mods [steveaccord] by roadburner

Feb 03, 2012 (3:53 pm)

Replying to: steveaccord (Feb 02, 2012 6:34 pm)
As you already know, a 335xi automatic is not ideally suited for HPDEs. If it were me I'd sell it and buy something more suitable for the track. That said, if you are intent on sticking with what you've got I'd consult Dinan and Turner Motorsport. My dealer had a CPO E93 335i with the Dinan Stage 3 software and it was very quick. In fact, I would have bought it had it not been a slushbox.
You'll need an oil cooler if your car doesn't have one. Dinan's cooler is excellent but pricey. As for ECU reflashes, COBB, Dinan, GIAC, and Turner all have their proponents. No one I know tracks an xi car so I can't speak to long term durability of either the transfer case(or the autobox for that matter).
Looking at the suspension, Dinan or H&R sport springs/Bilstein sports should work fine.
 
Finally, you may want to try a couple of schools before you dive into modifications as may well find that the "spirited dynamics" of a RWD car are something to be enjoyed rather than feared.
Please understand that I'm not saying that your xi is a bad car for the street. I just think that you'd be much happier in the long term with a car that is better suited for the track.

#15 of 16 Re: Summon of the great minds! but let's talk 335 model mods [roadburner] by steveaccord

Feb 06, 2012 (9:12 am)

Replying to: roadburner (Feb 03, 2012 3:53 pm)
You make very valid observations and I will follow your advice. I have not played with RWD since my early 20s ....may be I am forgetting something there....(hopefully not a true sign of senility).
Thank you very much.
 

#16 of 16 Re: Summon of the great minds! but let's talk 335 model mods [steveaccord] by roadburner

Feb 06, 2012 (9:10 pm)

Replying to: steveaccord (Feb 06, 2012 9:12 am)
Well, like I said, try your car at an HPDE before you start modifying it. If you like the way it performs you may want to go ahead with your plans. If you don't enjoy it, I doubt modifying it will change your opinion.
The HPDE bug bit me bad, and it may get you too. It's a blast.

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