Just got a 320i 2017

Llep64 · 10-23-2017, 08:09 PM

you Da MAN!! thanks for your advice wow!! I will def keep you posted. I started with the sound today and order Bav stage one! can not wait!

jmg · 10-23-2017, 08:22 PM

The first thing the OP asked was if wheels and suspension will void his warranty, yet I see a lot of advice about downpipes, tunes, etc. OP, what are you looking for? Real performance or just looks? Do you really care about your warranty?

If you want real performance, get some non-RFTs. This will NOT void your warranty. Be sure to get a tire repair kit as well or have AAA in case you get a flat. The run flats on the F30 are not bad, but they aren't great. Michelin Super Sports or the Sport 4S are the best tires you can get without going full on track rubber. Is your car leased? Then get them NOW and save your current OEM RFTs for your lease return.

jmg · 10-23-2017, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMWtight2me

On the f30 body style it will look like you have a hunky overbite, and a dumpy butt. People will just notice what you don't have... M3 wheels, wider fenders, exhaust, the list goes on. Totally weird and poser IMO. You don't want to spend money on changing your car in a way that could potentially be embarrassing.

I agree. I wouldn't go so far as to call it poser, but good taste should dictate here. The M3 parts do not look good on the F30 IMHO, especially since the M Sport parts fit the proportions so well. I've owned both BTW, and I think the M Sport looks great. There is no point in getting an M3 bumper just for the sake of it being a M3 look-alike if it doesn't look good on the car.

BMWtight2me · 10-23-2017, 10:24 PM

Yeah, we're definitely pressing the warranty with some of these, but I'd rather have the full scoop on the jb4 earlier than later. I was once warranty concerned and driving the dinan stage 1 tune. At the end of the day I feel safer going with the jb4 where you can actually datalog the car to see how its performing, and assess codes for potential issues yourself rather than having to get the car serviced. I have a good relationship with my dealership, a good understanding of whats happening in the car, and whether issues fall under the warranty or not. That risk is in your hands, so do what you think is the smartest with your money.

All the performance talk aside, OP, get whatever you like for your car! Just be weary of anything that 'wasn't meant' for the f30 platform.

Kailec · 10-23-2017, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmg

I agree. I wouldn't go so far as to call it poser, but good taste should dictate here. The M3 parts do not look good on the F30 IMHO, especially since the M Sport parts fit the proportions so well. I've owned both BTW, and I think the M Sport looks great. There is no point in getting an M3 bumper just for the sake of it being a M3 look-alike if it doesn't look good on the car.

I'd have to respectfully disagree. I keep seeing lots of people saying it doesn't look good, it's disproportionate, etc, but I don't see it.

All I know is whenever I walk to my car I have a smile on my face!

Meanwhile while the M Sport fits fine, I don't think it looks good at all on the 3 series, just something about how the sides of the front bumper curve to make the middle V shape is unappealing to me. The 4 series M Sport however is a different matter entirely.

In any case back on topic I think the OP needs to decide 1) his budget and 2) what matters more right now, looks or performance. If there's one performance mod I can get behind ASAP though it's JB4, you'll really appreciate the boost! Be warned though, once you start upgrading it's hard to stop!

BMWtight2me · 10-23-2017, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Llep64

you Da MAN!! thanks for your advice wow!! I will def keep you posted. I started with the sound today and order Bav stage one! can not wait!

Hah! I need that. Let us know your honest opinion -- that could be my next buy.

jmg · 10-24-2017, 12:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kailec

I'd have to respectfully disagree. I keep seeing lots of people saying it doesn't look good, it's disproportionate, etc, but I don't see it.

All I know is whenever I walk to my car I have a smile on my face!

Meanwhile while the M Sport fits fine, I don't think it looks good at all on the 3 series, just something about how the sides of the front bumper curve to make the middle V shape is unappealing to me. The 4 series M Sport however is a different matter entirely.

In any case back on topic I think the OP needs to decide 1) his budget and 2) what matters more right now, looks or performance. If there's one performance mod I can get behind ASAP though it's JB4, you'll really appreciate the boost! Be warned though, once you start upgrading it's hard to stop!

Maybe I'm just too used to the M3 portions that when I see a F30 with the M3 kit it doesn't look right to me. Either way, if you are happy with it and you are smiling, that that's good enough!

Kailec · 10-24-2017, 06:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmg

Maybe I'm just too used to the M3 portions that when I see a F30 with the M3 kit it doesn't look right to me. Either way, if you are happy with it and you are smiling, that that's good enough!

It's cool, everyone is free to like whatever they like. We spend enough money on this stuff as is!

I just don't get what people mean when they say it's disproportionate.

Llep64 · 10-24-2017, 10:00 AM

Jmg probably right now "looks", but the more I hear about performance I know I want to do some down the road.

Kailec · 10-24-2017, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Llep64

Jmg probably right now "looks", but the more I hear about performance I know I want to do some down the road.

Do what I did with the stock wheels, use them for winter tires.

bimmer456 · 10-24-2017, 10:34 AM

You should do a jb4 tune to bring out the cars potential.

Llep64 · 10-24-2017, 03:27 PM

I've decided to start with the wheels and I think I will go with 18s, don't want to her any complaints because like I said my wife and girls ride with me some times on the weekends .Thing is I don't know where to start and which fit my 320i? If you guys could point me out or if anyone on here selling any?

Kafkaesque328 · 10-24-2017, 03:35 PM

I don't remember what these are called but they are the OEM BMW wheels that came on the pre-LCI 320i with sport package. Same design as the blacked out ones that come with the 'track package' now but I LOVE these wheels and loved them on my 320. I like them alot more than the m sport wheels that come on my car. Id get these

Llep64 · 10-24-2017, 03:52 PM

Those look like my wheels right now!

bimmer456 · 10-24-2017, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Llep64

Those look like my wheels right now!

That looks like a 16"

7iM3less · 10-24-2017, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kailec

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmg

I agree. I wouldn't go so far as to call it poser, but good taste should dictate here. The M3 parts do not look good on the F30 IMHO, especially since the M Sport parts fit the proportions so well. I've owned both BTW, and I think the M Sport looks great. There is no point in getting an M3 bumper just for the sake of it being a M3 look-alike if it doesn't look good on the car.

I'd have to respectfully disagree. I keep seeing lots of people saying it doesn't look good, it's disproportionate, etc, but I don't see it.

All I know is whenever I walk to my car I have a smile on my face!

Meanwhile while the M Sport fits fine, I don't think it looks good at all on the 3 series, just something about how the sides of the front bumper curve to make the middle V shape is unappealing to me. The 4 series M Sport however is a different matter entirely.

In any case back on topic I think the OP needs to decide 1) his budget and 2) what matters more right now, looks or performance. If there's one performance mod I can get behind ASAP though it's JB4, you'll really appreciate the boost! Be warned though, once you start upgrading it's hard to stop!

Listen I love your build and I'm with you when you say we all have our own point of views and tastes.

I think the comment around proportions comes from the fenders and hood. The F80 bumper has heavy and wide horizontal lines. You need the wide fenders and bulky hood to complete the F80 look "we" are use to seeing. The bumper alone on the stock F30 front looks a tad stretched. Notice the kidney grill shape as well.

I've attached your car next to an M3 for reference. Not the greatest example but just trying to clarify the comments as I've made them myself.

Llep64 · 10-24-2017, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bimmer456

Quote:

Originally Posted by Llep64

Those look like my wheels right now!

That looks like a 16"

Quote:

Originally Posted by bimmer456

Quote:

Originally Posted by Llep64

Those look like my wheels right now!

That looks like a 16"

Thanks man... lol . They are 17s

Kailec · 10-24-2017, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Llep64

I've decided to start with the wheels and I think I will go with 18s, don't want to her any complaints because like I said my wife and girls ride with me some times on the weekends .Thing is I don't know where to start and which fit my 320i? If you guys could point me out or if anyone on here selling any?

You have a lot of options. You could always go the OEM, realoem.com actually has a list of OEM wheels for your car. If you want you can try Tire Rack maybe? Their site let's you choose your vehicle and see what wheels fit. From there's its just a matter of going down the list to see what you like.

John Casey · 10-24-2017, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kafkaesque328

I don't remember what these are called but they are the OEM BMW wheels that came on the pre-LCI 320i with sport package. Same design as the blacked out ones that come with the 'track package' now but I LOVE these wheels and loved them on my 320. I like them alot more than the m sport wheels that come on my car. Id get these

398 wheels.
I'm not supporting/advertising any seller here, but there is a set listed in the classifieds now.

Llep64 · 10-24-2017, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Casey

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kafkaesque328

I don't remember what these are called but they are the OEM BMW wheels that came on the pre-LCI 320i with sport package. Same design as the blacked out ones that come with the 'track package' now but I LOVE these wheels and loved them on my 320. I like them alot more than the m sport wheels that come on my car. Id get these

398 wheels.
I'm not supporting/advertising any seller here, but there is a set listed in the classifieds now.

Thanks John!

metallicpea · 10-25-2017, 09:37 AM

Yes, a nice set of wheels makes the biggest difference - I prefer staggered 18" on the F30. Good mix of feel, look and practicality A take-off set of BMW 400M or the 398s above are probably the most cost sensitive.

I am not one for aero add ons. I don't love them on sportier models and I really don't like them on base models. Although, the front M-sport bumper would be nice. The LCI 320i front bumper looks good as is IMO. I can't bring myself to disturb the front of a brand new car for it, but if my front bumper was less than perfect I would certainly go that route, but I vote no for side skirts or spoilers or rear diffusers.

I did the whole Bavsound kit and the Bimmertech amp and added a center tweeter. I really am happy with the sound now. Noticably better than the HK loaners I have had. I did it all myself - watch the video. It was easy, but I have been working on cars for awhile now, so hard to say if you would find it easy.

For performance, JB4 on yours all day. With that being said, I don't have it on mine yet...

Oh, and delete your front corner reflectors.

Llep64 · 10-25-2017, 08:52 PM

Please recommend a front lip and side skirt, I see many on eBay, but have no idea and prices varies vastly! Which brand/kind would you recommend?

10-23-2017, 08:09 PM	#23
Llep64 Private First Class 18 Rep 161 Posts Drives: BMW 320i Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Denton iTrader: (0)	you Da MAN!! thanks for your advice wow!! I will def keep you posted. I started with the sound today and order Bav stage one! can not wait!
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10-23-2017, 08:22 PM	#24
jmg Lieutenant General 18704 Rep 14,115 Posts Drives: G82 M4C X-Drive Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Orange County, CA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2022 G82 M4C X-Drive [9.85] 2018 F80 M3 CS [9.87] 2019 i3 BEV [0.00]	The first thing the OP asked was if wheels and suspension will void his warranty, yet I see a lot of advice about downpipes, tunes, etc. OP, what are you looking for? Real performance or just looks? Do you really care about your warranty? If you want real performance, get some non-RFTs. This will NOT void your warranty. Be sure to get a tire repair kit as well or have AAA in case you get a flat. The run flats on the F30 are not bad, but they aren't great. Michelin Super Sports or the Sport 4S are the best tires you can get without going full on track rubber. Is your car leased? Then get them NOW and save your current OEM RFTs for your lease return. __________________ 2022 G82///M4 Competition X-Drive - KW-HAS, EBC Bluestuff, Millway Race Camber Plates, Cup2 Connect, PSI High Flow Midpipe, Lightweight Front Lip, M Perf Flow Through Wing Previous • 2018 F80 ///M3 CS • 2016 F80 ///*M3 IG: Raging_G82
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10-23-2017, 10:24 PM	#26
BMWtight2me Second Lieutenant 87 Rep 239 Posts Drives: 320ayayay... Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Los Hang iTrader: (0)	Yeah, we're definitely pressing the warranty with some of these, but I'd rather have the full scoop on the jb4 earlier than later. I was once warranty concerned and driving the dinan stage 1 tune. At the end of the day I feel safer going with the jb4 where you can actually datalog the car to see how its performing, and assess codes for potential issues yourself rather than having to get the car serviced. I have a good relationship with my dealership, a good understanding of whats happening in the car, and whether issues fall under the warranty or not. That risk is in your hands, so do what you think is the smartest with your money. All the performance talk aside, OP, get whatever you like for your car! Just be weary of anything that 'wasn't meant' for the f30 platform. Last edited by BMWtight2me; 10-23-2017 at 10:30 PM..
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10-24-2017, 10:00 AM	#31
Llep64 Private First Class 18 Rep 161 Posts Drives: BMW 320i Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Denton iTrader: (0)	Jmg probably right now "looks", but the more I hear about performance I know I want to do some down the road.
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10-24-2017, 10:34 AM	#33
bimmer456 Major General 2961 Rep 5,995 Posts Drives: 340i Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Pasadena, CA iTrader: (0)	You should do a jb4 tune to bring out the cars potential.
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10-24-2017, 03:27 PM	#34
Llep64 Private First Class 18 Rep 161 Posts Drives: BMW 320i Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Denton iTrader: (0)	I've decided to start with the wheels and I think I will go with 18s, don't want to her any complaints because like I said my wife and girls ride with me some times on the weekends .Thing is I don't know where to start and which fit my 320i? If you guys could point me out or if anyone on here selling any?
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10-24-2017, 03:35 PM	#35
Kafkaesque328 Major 483 Rep 1,267 Posts Drives: 2016 328i M Sport Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: El A iTrader: (0)	I don't remember what these are called but they are the OEM BMW wheels that came on the pre-LCI 320i with sport package. Same design as the blacked out ones that come with the 'track package' now but I LOVE these wheels and loved them on my 320. I like them alot more than the m sport wheels that come on my car. Id get these __________________ 2016 Black Sapphire 328i \| M Sport Pkg. \| JB+ \| Premium Pkg. \| Heated Seats \| Driver Assist Pkg. \| Navigation \| Misc. Coding \| 35% Ceramic Tint Past: 2014 Black 320i \| Sport Pkg \| BMS Stage 1
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10-24-2017, 03:52 PM	#36
Llep64 Private First Class 18 Rep 161 Posts Drives: BMW 320i Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Denton iTrader: (0)	Those look like my wheels right now! Attached Images
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10-25-2017, 09:37 AM	#43
metallicpea Major 714 Rep 1,329 Posts Drives: 320i ZSP & E46 M3 6MT Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Chicagoland iTrader: (1)	Yes, a nice set of wheels makes the biggest difference - I prefer staggered 18" on the F30. Good mix of feel, look and practicality A take-off set of BMW 400M or the 398s above are probably the most cost sensitive. I am not one for aero add ons. I don't love them on sportier models and I really don't like them on base models. Although, the front M-sport bumper would be nice. The LCI 320i front bumper looks good as is IMO. I can't bring myself to disturb the front of a brand new car for it, but if my front bumper was less than perfect I would certainly go that route, but I vote no for side skirts or spoilers or rear diffusers. I did the whole Bavsound kit and the Bimmertech amp and added a center tweeter. I really am happy with the sound now. Noticably better than the HK loaners I have had. I did it all myself - watch the video. It was easy, but I have been working on cars for awhile now, so hard to say if you would find it easy. For performance, JB4 on yours all day. With that being said, I don't have it on mine yet... Oh, and delete your front corner reflectors. __________________ 2002 325i sport - sold 2009 135i M sport - sold 2009 550i M sport - sold 2005 M3 6MT Jet Black w/Cinnamon 2016 F30 320i ZSP 2003 E46 325it ZSP 5MT Last edited by metallicpea; 10-25-2017 at 09:48 AM..
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10-25-2017, 08:52 PM	#44
Llep64 Private First Class 18 Rep 161 Posts Drives: BMW 320i Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Denton iTrader: (0)	Please recommend a front lip and side skirt, I see many on eBay, but have no idea and prices varies vastly! Which brand/kind would you recommend?
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