[sgovind]

My first official post on the forum since I joined during the early part of this year.

I have always dreamt of owning a BMW and have always wanted it to be my first car. So, as soon as I finished up with grad school, I started looking out a 3 series across the states since I , had a lot of preferences and wanted a decent number of choices. Waited for 8 months before I pulled the trigger on a CPO 2014 328xi M sport in EBII with just 9k miles on the ODO. It was reasonably loaded (options below)missing the tech, dynamic handling packages and the HK sound system. I would have loved to have a 6MT but had to go with the 8AT with paddles because I did not want to miss out on this low mileage beauty.

I got a pretty good deal with all the new grad incentives and a couple of BMW specials (at the time). I was based out of Kansas City but bought the car from Circle BMW in NJ so flew in and drove back.

Options and Packages:

Estoril Blue
Black Dakota Leather
M Sport Package (S337)
Sport Automatic Transmission (S2TB)
Cold Weather
Driver Assistance Package
Lighting Package
Premium Package



I'm more focused on cosmetic mods than mechanical since I plan to keep the car stock to avoid any warranty issues. The only mechanical mod I would do is to upgrade to the Blue M sport calipers and probably the slotted rotors.

Updates, DIYs and MODs:

1. DIY Interior Updates

- Aftermarket Apple CarPlay Retrofit (RoadTop Unit)

- OEM LCI Radio Trim

- Rennline ExactFit Phone Mount

2. M Performance Brake Upgrade

3. LCI Tail Lights Retrofit and Rear Fog Lamp Mod

4. Windshield Cowl Repair

5. Importing a car from USA to Canada

6. Updated timing chain and related components. Got this done under CPO warranty right before the it expired. Car did not have the whine or any noticeable symptoms but I convinced my dealer to have it done since I plan to keep the car long term and they agreed.

7. I replaced the rounded 11 slat grill with the more aggressive/ sportier 8 slat grill (I like the chrome on the grill). Plan to replace that with the black grill in the near future.
Tip: Easiest way to take the grills off without removing the front bumper is to use the hook of a shirt hanger. 20 mins tops to swap.


8. Blue contrast stitching in the entire car. I only did this over weekends so it took a while, but boy was it worth all the time and effort (and lots of sweat!). Thanks to roll_the_dice for introducing me to this from his build post.



Coding:
Thanks to the numerous coding guides on the forum, I was able to code the following:

- Windows to fold on long key press and comfort access.
- mph on the instrument cluster.
- ///M welcome on the idrive screen
- M performance welcome on the instrument cluster data screen.
- Doors unlock on ignition off.
- Remember last AC and ASS setting.
- Tire temperature in the TPMS display.
- Rear Fog Lights
- LCI Tail Lights

That brings me to the end of my post. I'll keep updating and contributing to the forum to the best of my ability.

Thanks for reading, guys. I would gladly answer any of your questions and also welcome any comments/suggestions.

[BMW11]

nice car congratulations. Wow you did the blue stitching yourself? thats impressive I don't think I read that anyone tackled such a project. looks real nice enjoy your ride

[sgovind]

Originally Posted by BMW11

nice car congratulations. Wow you did the blue stitching yourself? thats impressive I don't think I read that anyone tackled such a project. looks real nice enjoy your ride

Thank you. Yes, it's actually not that difficult once you get the hang of it. Just takes a lot of patience to get it done. A couple of them did take on this project which is what got me interested, because the blue stitching really stands out.
Check this thread out: http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1387402

[anotheran]

9k on a 2014 is mighty low mileage. Nice catch. Like most ppl here, ebii is my fav color

[sgovind]

Originally Posted by anotheran

9k on a 2014 is mighty low mileage. Nice catch. Like most ppl here, ebii is my fav color

Thanks. EBII is my fav. F30 color too, although I like a lot of other colors offered on the F80 and F32.

[eluded]

Nice but never settle

[MojoRider]

Originally Posted by eluded

Nice but never settle

Originally Posted by eluded

Nice but never settle

Nice car, he didn't.

[spuntyb]

Stage 1 tune
Non runflats

Don't need much else

[MSCD]

Great job on the stitching- I read roll the dices thread and my back hurts just thinking about it so hats off to you! Black accents work well with EBII. Some interior mods are the carbon Fibre gear selector and surround and Alcantara arm rest.... you could do the full m performance interior.... I'm considering it. Clean look on the rear.... aka remove the badges? Good luck and enjoy!

[sgovind]

Originally Posted by MojoRider

Nice car, he didn't.

Thank you. The car has been great. No regrets at all.

[sgovind]

Originally Posted by spuntyb

Stage 1 tune
Non runflats

Don't need much else

Definitely considering non runflats. Will have to look into the stage 1 tune.

[sgovind]

Originally Posted by MSCD

Great job on the stitching- I read roll the dices thread and my back hurts just thinking about it so hats off to you! Black accents work well with EBII. Some interior mods are the carbon Fibre gear selector and surround and Alcantara arm rest.... you could do the full m performance interior.... I'm considering it. Clean look on the rear.... aka remove the badges? Good luck and enjoy!

Thank you. Oh yeah, the back aches suck. Its particularly difficult to reach into every nook and corner without removing the seats but definitely possible.

I like the M performance interior and will consider it too. Haven't considered de-badging at this time but I'll look into that. Appreciate the suggestions.

[syuan92]

I switched to Michelin Pilot Super Sports and it was a night and day difference compared to the summer runflats that come with the car. It will completely transform the way the car drives.

[Beek]

Nice ride! 2nd the Pilot Super Sports and you might consider black grilles instead of chrome. Tune for sure!

[sgovind]

Originally Posted by syuan92

I switched to Michelin Pilot Super Sports and it was a night and day difference compared to the summer runflats that come with the car. It will completely transform the way the car drives.

I currently have the Pirelli P7 All season RFTs. Michelin PSS would still be an improvement?

[sgovind]

Originally Posted by Beek

Nice ride! 2nd the Pilot Super Sports and you might consider black grilles instead of chrome. Tune for sure!

Thanks. Yes, I plan to switch to the black grills soon. Will consider tune in the long run.

[otay]

Congrats! How about painted reflector replacements? Just did the front ones myself...easy and inexpensive.

[sgovind]

Originally Posted by otay

Congrats! How about painted reflector replacements? Just did the front ones myself...easy and inexpensive.

Thanks! Where did you get them painted and how much did it cost?

[otay]

Originally Posted by Master_seuss

Thanks! Where did you get them painted and how much did it cost?

You can find them at multiple online stores, and they come pre-painted. PM me for details on where i bought. About $80 for both. As the only orange thing on the car, they gotta go.

These are for Sport Line, you'll need the ones for M Sport...

[syenisch]

Congrats and nice car! First car I purchased right out of college was a new 09 135i. Custom ordered, PCD. Another "first car done right". I worked hard work through school, got a good job, and saved up a hefty down payment, so I took great pride in that purchase. Sounds like you might have a similar story. Congrats!

[CJ421]

Very nice car, congratulations. M Sport counts for a lot, so few 3'ers on the road seem to have that.

Amazing job on the blue stitching. Wow.

Charles

[sgovind]

Originally Posted by syenisch

Congrats and nice car! First car I purchased right out of college was a new 09 135i. Custom ordered, PCD. Another "first car done right". I worked hard work through school, got a good job, and saved up a hefty down payment, so I took great pride in that purchase. Sounds like you might have a similar story. Congrats!

Thank you! Pretty much the same story here. Slogged through grad school, stabilized my finances and waited for the right time and deal before I pulled the trigger. It's a great feeling.

Congratulations to you too. It's great to hear a similar story.

I must say that some credit must be given to BMW for introducing a great college grad program to encourage the younger generation to pursue their dream. Not sure if the such a program was available a decade ago.