As you grow older you find that tastes and needs change and the latter begins to overcome all else. After two consecutive M3 builds I have decided to change it up a bit...I moved from Las Vegas to Washington D.C. where warm temperatures and sunshine are equally shared with snow and rain meaning it would be prudent to shift to an all wheel drive platform. Another stark difference between the two cities is real estate, the same price point that got me 4000 sq/ft and three car garage in Vegas gets me 2000 sq/ft and a two car garage here in D.C. Since I refuse to let cars sit out in the elements I made the call to combine project and daily. We welcomed one then two new additions to the family completing the two kids and a large dog American dream which means my new AWD project daily needed to be versatile and have plenty of hauling space.
I quickly decided I'd be getting the new M5! Oh wait that's still few months out and will be insanely expensive for the first year due to demand. I suppose I'll reserve that for the next project
Options I considered included the new Audi S5 4-door, 440xi GC, Mini Clubman S, 330xi touring, Audi Allroad, X1, and VW GTI Sport Wagon.
I must admit the draw to Audi was very strong this time around and had they offered an S4 touring I may have made the switch. The S5 4 door was an interesting new model but something about the rear quarter panels and the way they made the rear wheel wells look disproportionally small ultimately turned me away...
The rest of the cars were generally un-interesting leaving me with the decision between 440xi GC and 330xi Wagon. After some failed attempts to negotiate with local dealers I gave my friend David Avilles a call over at Steve Thomas BMW...and just as always he was immediately able to write me the absolute best deal on both cars that blew away the competition. Fall programs greatly favored the F31 and the decision was made to pick up the 'Smash Wagon' project!
The Template...
2017 F31 330i xDrive
-Mineral on Dakota
-M Sport
-8AT
-Adaptive Suspension
-Lighting Package
-Premium Package
As with any of my project cars I mapped out the mod plan far in advance. This will be a 3 phase build, Phase 1 actually arrived either before or with the car
Phase 1 (OEM++)
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M Performance Front Splitter
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M Performance Rear Diffuser
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M Performance Side Skirt Extensions
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M Performance Brake Kit
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BMW Roof Racks
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DINANTronics tune
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DINAN Sport Exhaust w/Black Tips
Phase 2 (The Usual Suspects)
-KW DDC Coilover Suspension
-HRE FF04 20" in special order color (not released yet)
-Michelin PS4S tires 235/35/20 and 275/30/20
-iND paint matched reflectors
-Macht Schnell racing stud kit
Phase 3 (Finishing Touches)
-M Performance Alcantera and Carbon Fiber Interior Trim kit
-M Performance Alcantera Steering wheel
-BMW Roof Box
Having been in this hobby for the better part of 15 years now I can say with confidence that the best prices and customer service in my experience for M Performance parts is
www.BMWPartspros.com and for all high-end aftermarket parts
www.ind-distribution.com is my go-to.
I hope you guys enjoy this journal as I chronicle the build!