[terminator335i]

Ok, so I’ve had the car for more than a year now, and a few friends have asked me to do a build thread…so I guess it’s time. Before I do so, I would like to thank some of you F-series guys for all your advice and help and own build threads for giving me the ideas to do mine.

Owned a lot of cars in the last 15 years, some have been doosies, some bought off a cheesy salesman with 70’s porno mustachio, some imported, and some I guess I got lucky. But only three have been straight from the showroom. This is one of them.

My first BMW was a 2007 e92 335i. What a car that was.
Over the years, I’ve learnt a lot about the car, all the problems (the dreaded HPFP, Sparks and Ignition coils misfire) and all the tuning potential.
When it was first released, the abundance of tuning and the tuners themselves were limited. I had a JB, then intake, then exhaust work. It really made the car alive. Towards, the end of the ownership, I got a proper ecu tune (via OBD port). Such a different car with it. There are now MHD tuning, Trebila custom ECU tuning, Meth Injection, integrated flash with e85 compatibility, Port injection, Inlets, and turbo upgrades available (RBs, VTT, Hexons and Pure) none of which was around when I had it, which many of my e90 crews have and are raving on about.

So with a second kid on the way, its time to let the coupe go and settle for a practical sedan. Was contemplating on the F80 M3, but my paycheck is not great, so ended up getting another 335i.

2014 F30 335i M-sport. Fully loaded with all the extras I wanted and all the luxury features I could think of.

Such a refined car, the F-series compared to the E-series, and the ZF 8 speed is so smooth. It feels more calmer than the e92, not as raw or loud, but certainly more sophisticated and classy. I missed the sheer raw of my e92, so it didn’t take me long before the modding started. I’ve slowly done this over time, since I’m so busy with my kids every weekend, but when the mod bug bites, the urge kicks in!!!

So if anyone is interested, here it goes:

1. H&R supersport springs: Although it was an M-sport, it didn’t look sporty enough, so I wanted to reduce that awful wheel gap.
2. M-Performance carbon fibre rear spoiler
3. AFE Momentum Stage 2 Cold Air Intake system (Pro-Dry S)
4. Racechip PiggyBack Plug n Play
5. 437M wheels (F80 M3/M4 wheels) and average Kumho tyres
6. M-sport Tri colour kidney grills inserts
7. Full Exhaust system: HFC 200 CPI Wagner tuning downpipes, and Full Cat-back Supersprint with resonator delete mid pipes
8. Gloss Black Double slatted (M3/4) kidney grill with Tri-colour finish
9. Chargepipe upgrade
10. AC LCI trim with illuminated light
11 . ECU Flash Tune

I will update the list as I go. Currently sitting comfortably around the 250rwkw mark.

Future Mods planned:

time will tell....


Now for the photos:

[terminator335i]

Mod 1: H&R Supersport springs:

Didn't take long for me to get this done (within the first month).
Got it Professionally installed and after the install, got a wheel alignment done aswell. H&R from Germany, so can't go wrong.
People ask me: How's the ride?
Answer: Still very comfortable (80% compared to stock with M-adaptive sport suspension), less bouncy and less body roll when turning.
Why not Sport instead of Supersport? Coz I wanted a more compelling drop.
Why not go Coilovers? Too expensive, and I don't track the car as much as my previous other rides.

[terminator335i]

Mod 2. M-Performance carbon fibre rear spoiler

Bought online and installed it myself with 3M tape.
Never buy it from the dealer, because they will overcharge the hell out of you.
Very easy DIY job (15min job).
This YouTube video clip may help.

[terminator335i]

Mod 3. AFE Momentum Stage 2 Cold Air Intake system (Pro-Dry S)

Again, bought the item online, had it shipped to me and installed it in 30mins.

Here's the link to the youtube video for installation if anyone is interested.

[u2b]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuKkaCqzmDE[/u2b]

After the install, the gush of extra air sound is pretty nice....wooooossshhhsssttt.

[terminator335i]

Mod 4. Racechip Ultimate PiggyBack Plug n Play

Again, bought online, had it shipped to me and had it installed easily. First time took about 30mins because the pins in the sensor plugs were a bitch to take out - had to use a small flathead screwdriver, but the subsequent ones only take 5mins to install. The installation manual is garbage, but I found a youtube clip for anyone interested who wants to install it on their M135i/M235i/335i/435i (it's in Russian and the car is filthy but it shows you how to install it very well). Installs exactly like the JB1, Remus Powerizer and Afe scorcher, but has the advantage of adjusting the boost setting.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHtkPBSrw9k


Why did I go with Racechip instead of other piggybacks like JB4? Much easier to install (only two plugs - TMAP and MAP sensor), and its Made in Germany.
Their website quoted an increase from the stock 225kw (300hp) to a maximum of 280kw (370hp), and 400 NM to 520 Nm torque.

Please note people: I don't want a f%ck'n war to brew out of this one.
I considered a lot of PB before going with racechip (my e92 335i had a JB Piggyback). I am familiar with them and know the pros and cons to each one. Plenty of threads about different PB tunes, and this aint one of them.

How do I find the Racechip Piggyback tune?
A very noticeable increase in torque!!! I really don't care too much about the advertised increase in performance, I just care about how noticeably different the car felt to me personally, and I am satisfied.
No jerkiness, no CELS, no errors, no Engine warning lights, no rough idling, no issues to date.
Drives very smooth, like a stock car (comfort mode is actually more responsive), and in Sport and Sport +, it pulls very well.

Best bang for your buck Stage 1 tune for any car.

[terminator335i]

Mod 5. 437M wheels (F80 M3/M4 wheels) and average Kumho tyres

The best exterior mod to the car since Mod 1 (H&R springs).
Love the wheels since it is the gives the car a genuine BMW look to it. I know there are plenty of nice wheels floating around at the moment, and I have seen so many that people have posted up and there are so many mouthwatering pieces of art (especially the Vosteiner VFF ), but I went with the F8x M3/M4 wheels.

tyres are 235/35/19 fronts, and 255/30/19 rears (originally had 275 in the rears but there was rubbing with the H&R springs, so had to go back to 255). No issues with the tyres and the profile. Ride is very comfortable and the looks turns a lot of heads.

Photo time:

[terminator335i]

Mod 6. M-sport Tri colour kidney grills inserts

Arguably the cheapest Mod to date. bought it on ebay for $13 delivered.

Here's the link if anyone interested in a cheap DIY enhancement:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/M-Tech-8-Sla...RWb1QK&vxp=mtr

http://www.ebay.com/itm/M-Tech-8-Sla...RWb1QK&vxp=mtr

plenty of guys changing out their kidney grills, to either gloss black, matt black or M3 double slatted lines, so thought I might aswell jump on the band wagon and add some colour to my grills.

Mixed reviews on this one from people here I'm sure, but ehhhh takes one minute to install and remove. Very simple DIY job that even Simple Jack (from Tropic Thunder) can do.

[terminator335i]

Mod 7. Full Exhaust system: HFC 200 CPI Wagner tuning downpipes, and Full Cat-back Supersprint with resonator delete mid pipes and dual 4inch (10cm) exhaust tips.

Easily the most expensive Mod to date (unless I do a turbo upgrade to Pure stage 2!!!) but it puts a smile on my face everytime

Now, what's the purpose of building a nice looking BMW, that looks fast, performs fast but doesn't sound fast?
If you increase the performance and make it look aesthetically sexy, it has to match it in the sound department.

I looked at many types (M-performance, Akrapovic, Borla, Corsa, Eisenmann, Meistershaft etc...) and finally settled for the "Supersprint Cat-back system".
Big thanks to "Knightsabers" for giving me the inspiration and a BIG THANK to JD75 who works with Advan Performace in Sydney for providing me with this lovely work of art (If anyone wants performance part, please hook up with him, he is an absolute gun at supplying top notch goodies at unbeatable prices - a few close friends of mine have done BIG $$$ turbo upgrades and used him as a supplier for their cars).

Made in Italy (they design exhausts for Lambos, Ferraris and Maserati), it is a full stainless steel catback with the resonator delete mid pipe (optional). No Drone. Loud on Cold-start, but settles well during normal driving in Comfort mode (F-series is very well insulated compared to the e9X so don't hear too much noise in the cabin) but in Sports/Sports + with Manual shifting or Sports Shifting, it sounds very tough!!! Nice burble and crackles on the downshift and letting off the throttle
It's not ridiculously annoyingly stupid loud like other systems. Sounds similar to an M2 with M-performance exhaust, but best appreciated in real life.

To maximise the tune, the restrictive factory Catalytic converter needs to be replaced, so I opted for a High Flow Catted 200 CPI Downpipe From Wagner Tuning. (Hate the nasty smell of catless DP and I have young kids and don't want them to breath in that unfiltered crap). Made in Germany and designed for our BMWs, you can't go wrong.
Because I have no hoist, jacks, or ramps, this mod was carried out at a Professional BMW tuning Shop and they installed it with no issues (Special thanks to Active Motorwerkes in Burwood).
Turbo spool is much better and the sound department will put a grin on your face everytime.

[terminator335i]

So the downpipe of the exhaust installed has thrown a CEL!!! (its a High Flow Catted one, not a catless btw). To clear it, either have a JB4 or Proper ECU flash tune (which integrates the downpipe exhaust flow whether it be catted or catless into the new tune, so the O2 sensors doesn't trigger an error code)

Not to worry,
For all those who do experience it and wanna clear it, this is by far the most easiest and cheapest option.

A. Buy this:
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Mini-ELM3...sAAOSwyQtVsJvB

B. Go to the App store on your phone and download "Torque Pro Lite", its free and its the program that will connect to the car via the Bluetooth wireless adapter above to read error codes on the car.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...rquefree&hl=en
One of the features is that it can read the error code thrown by the downpipe (O2 sensor error - due to the reduce backpressure) and it can clear it in seconds.

I must say this app is impressive. Tells you a lot of data such as air intake temps, engine coolant temps, MAF, revs, engine load, fuel level, boost, throttle response and much more. Can do a 0-60mph (0 - 100km/h) test and a few other neat features.

The best thing about it is that the dongle cost $5 and the app was free. You really dont have much to lose. A BIG THANKS to Mr x328x for hooking me up with this gadget 6 months ago!!!

[x328x]

i went for a cruise in this car and can vouch for the exhaust. no drone, very quiet in the car with windows up....as it should i think

sounds tough from the outside

[Chuckbuster]

Great write up and fantastic looking car!
Love those wheels, agree its the most important mod in the looks department.
(Still think you need to get 100% black kidney grills though )

[IXVXI]

Originally Posted by terminator335i

Not to worry,
For all those who do experience it and wanna clear it, this is by far the most easiest and cheapest option.

A. Buy this:
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Mini-ELM3...sAAOSwyQtVsJvB

B. Go to the App store on your phone and download "Torque Pro Lite", its free and its the program that will connect to the car via the Bluetooth wireless adapter above to read error codes on the car.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...rquefree&hl=en
One of the features is that it can read the error code thrown by the downpipe (O2 sensor error - due to the reduce backpressure) and it can clear it in seconds.

I must say this app is impressive. Tells you a lot of data such as air intake temps, engine coolant temps, MAF, revs, engine load, fuel level, boost, throttle response and much more. Can do a 0-60mph (0 - 100km/h) test and a few other neat features.

The best thing about it is that the dongle cost $5 and the app was free. You really dont have much to lose. A BIG THANKS to Mr x328x for hooking me up with this gadget 6 months ago!!!

Hi Termy,

Awesome write up and also impressive mods . I just have a question regarding the CEL clearing with the above method. Is this once that it has to be cleared or a regular occurrence i.e. CEL pops up from time to time and needs to be cleared again?

Cheers

[terminator335i]

Originally Posted by Chuckbuster

Great write up and fantastic looking car!
Love those wheels, agree its the most important mod in the looks department.
(Still think you need to get 100% black kidney grills though )

Cheers,

Agreed.
Black Kidney grills would certainly make it look very menacing (I've looked at a few online). They certainly look more better on white red, blue cars than on my black car as there is no contrast with black on black. Will probably pull the trigger on it sooner or later anyways.

Anyone with pics of them, please post em up
Give me an excuse to spend more

[terminator335i]

Originally Posted by IXVXI

Hi Termy,

Awesome write up and also impressive mods . I just have a question regarding the CEL clearing with the above method. Is this once that it has to be cleared or a regular occurrence i.e. CEL pops up from time to time and needs to be cleared again?

Cheers

Cheers IXVXI.
Unfortunately the app only clears it out temporarily and the O2 sensors in our cars are designed to pick up any changes (as a safety requirement) over time with exhaust flow to prevent people from driving around with failed cats on their downpipe. It comes back on with a duration driving time of 150 - 400km (not everytime you stop/start the car). Still a handy gadget though to clear out the fault codes before bringing it for service or getting your roadworthy certificate!!!

A JB4 will also clear it temporarily aswell.

The only way to completely prevent a CEL from Downpipe upgrade is to get a flash tune. As mentioned earlier, the flash tune integrates the High Flow Cats or Unrestricted catless exhaust flow into the DME to tell it that this is "Normal" and not to be alarmed to trigger a CEL, so it won't.

BMW can be a bitch, because there is a sensor in nearly every component of the car, and if it aint happy, it throws a CEL

[IXVXI]

Thanks Termy. Thats good to know. I was considering both of those mods; catted DP and also JB4. I might have to re-evaluate now with a flash tune instead... or just leave it the way it is.

Lastly where did you purchase the HFC 200 CPI Wagner tuning downpipes?

[terminator335i]

Originally Posted by IXVXI

Thanks Termy. Thats good to know. I was considering both of those mods; catted DP and also JB4. I might have to re-evaluate now with a flash tune instead... or just leave it the way it is.

Lastly where did you purchase the HFC 200 CPI Wagner tuning downpipes?

My wagner downpipes were supplied by a forum member named JD75 who works with Advan performance in Sydney. He gave me a pretty good price and shipped it down to melbourne. He also supplied my Supersprint cat back system aswell.
It was cheaper than going to the local supply tuners here. It was installed at a workshop once I received the goods.

[GAV-F30]

Hi car looks great in regards to the Super Sport Springs with 2 adult in the back does it scrap

[terminator335i]

Originally Posted by GAV-F30

Hi car looks great in regards to the Super Sport Springs with 2 adult in the back does it scrap

Gav, it will not scrape with adults in the back seat.
As mentioned in Mod 1, the only rubbing I got was when I initially installed wider tyres in the rear (275) where there was the slightest rubbing of the tyres against the fenders, however I switched back to 255 tyre width and that eliminated the problem altogether.

Here's a link to a guide to what to expect with H& R springs:
http://www.hrsprings.com/application...s/4/Suspension

You can also choose H&R Sport instead of Supersport. The difference is around 1cm front and rear between the two.

[vtl]

Looking good mate! Was impressed with the exhaust, was still very civilised. Gotta say that 8 speed auto craps all over the 6AT in the E9x/E8x cars. D you get pops from the exhaust on upshifts with the exhaust now?

[terminator335i]

Originally Posted by vtl

Looking good mate! Was impressed with the exhaust, was still very civilised. Gotta say that 8 speed auto craps all over the 6AT in the E9x/E8x cars. D you get pops from the exhaust on upshifts with the exhaust now?

Cheers Yoda.

Yeah, agree the 8 speed ZF is very refined compared to the 6AT. Certainly a luxury as a daily driver with kids in the back seat. Great for fuel economy but still miss the stick on the weekend spirited drive mate...
Might sit shotgun with ya on our next track day..

The exhaust has now gone through the "Breaking in period" (takes around 1000km to carbonise) so the pops are very noticeable on downshifts and letting off the throttle in Sports&Sports+ mode with Sports shifting/Manual shifting. It doesn't do this in Comfort mode, which I really like, because in effect, it acts like a ''valve controlled system''. This is really handy when I don't wanna wake the neighbours or the kids when they're sleeping.

[DAB-055]

Totally slick setup! I wanted to get the same wheels =)

[terminator335i]

Mod 8. Gloss Black Double slatted (M3/4) kidney grill with Tri-colour finish

This Mod replaces Mod 6.

Bought this online:
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Metal-Typ...EAAOSw7hRWQ1sh

Don't see why people fork out $$$$ for the genuine M3/4 look alike ones when these are just made of cheap plastic (even the OEM ones) and they are shipped to my door within 5 days and fitment is pretty good. I have to admit that removing the old ones were a bit of a bitch and my hand started to cramp up, trying to unclip the OEMs, but nevertheless made it through...

Here's a Youtube video that helped me for all those interested:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkskN22OJGc

Photos: