New Member

FredVMI · 03-10-2010, 11:07 PM

Hello everyone-

Like many new members, I've been lurking in the shadows reading the posts until finally getting around to becoming a member and creating a profile. Also like many of you, I've found many of the posts to be quite helpful; especially when assessing options with my long list of completed and planned mods. Although I am a new M owner, I have previously been a member of the M family, having owned an E28 M5 and an E30 M3. I drifted away for a number of years, but I'm happy to be back!

I've read many threads pertaining to some of my planned mods and a couple of problems, but I'd like to hear from other members on the following list.

1. I have a new set of Matte Black Side Gills ready for install. Like some others, I'm finding removal of the OEM gills to be a problem. I've read the threads and watched the videos, but I can't seem to remove the gills without risking damaging the paint, the gill or both. Specifically, I don't appear to have sufficient space between the rear point of the gill and the fender to slip a tool in for leverage. Any ideas?

2. I just received a set of IB OEM Painted Reflectors. Unfortunately, the color match is poor (the reflectors are too dark). Certainly, IB is not as common a color as some others; so, getting the right color match may be more challenging. Any thoughts on a good source for IB reflectors that have a good color match?

3. I'm assessing suspension mods, but, I feel that I still have much more research to do before making a decision. For reference, this car is my daily driver. That being said, I would like to improve handling and have the option for a track day every so often. That being said, I don't want to lose use of the EDC option on my car; nor do I see the cost/benefit of coil overs (for my application). I would like a bit more of a drop, as well. With all of this in mind, I'm leaning toward Dinan and Eibach, but I've also heard good things about Ground Control. Thoughts?

4. For Pulley and ECU tune, I am leaning towards Dinan for both, or, AA for the Pulley and ESS Tuning for the ECU tune. Again, given my use as a daily driver, I'd like to hear your thoughts.

5. I currently have an aFe Power Filter installed, but, I am considering a CAI. Much of what I read in the many posts on the subject tell me that CAI claims for power/torque gains are all over the place; few of which are verifiable with independent dyno runs. The Dinan CAI seems to have more plausible levels of performance improvement and it would certainly line up well if I choose them for the Pulley and ECU tune. Any feedback on the Dinan CAI?

6. The most significant (and costly) mod that I'm considering is a change in the LSD, perhaps to a 3.62 LSD from Dinan. Has anyone gone down this road, either with the Dinan LSD or something similar?

As I look over the above text, my post is probably too long. I'm sure that I'll be shredded by those who enjoy doing so. Nonetheless, I welcome your feedback!

By the way, I'll be posting my 19" OEM Wheels for sale soon, now that my new wheels are installed. As a new member, the trust level may be low, so, they may end up on eBay where I have over 400 transactions with 100% feedback. If there's any immediate interest, please PM me. I live in the Phoenix, AZ metro.

-Fred

domobrown · 03-10-2010, 11:12 PM

Welcome! Nice M3, just needs some spacers and a drop. Not a fan of the blue lip but it's not my choice

M3Bliss · 03-10-2010, 11:28 PM

Beautiful color and for what its worth I like the wheels. Congrats and welcome.

John Tanglewood · 03-11-2010, 12:10 AM

Wow way to be different with those shoes. It kind of hurts my eyes, yet attracts me in some way!

Welcome!

Bob MG · 03-11-2010, 02:15 AM

All new members must post a pic of their girlfriends or wives, if you have neither and your mom is a hottie, that will do

Johnny Lin · 03-11-2010, 02:21 AM

Congrats and welcome

MrHarris · 03-11-2010, 07:45 AM

Welcome!

sikoskul · 03-11-2010, 07:54 AM

welcome!

Donbona · 03-11-2010, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob MG

All new members must post a pic of their girlfriends or wives, if you have neither and your mom is a hottie, that will do

+1

And Welcome

SV Concepts III · 03-11-2010, 01:23 PM

Welcome and congrats on the car, I like the wheel scheme you have. I would also replace those reflectors, they stick out a bit. Otherwise, car is looking very clean!

T89 · 03-11-2010, 03:48 PM

Welcome. Not really a fan of the wheels though.

T

aajami · 03-11-2010, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick@Jlevi SW

Otherwise, car is looking very clean!

Are we looking at the same car?

To the OP, welcome all the same!

immiketoo · 03-11-2010, 04:48 PM

Welcome!

PoorMan · 03-11-2010, 05:40 PM

Hi! Welcome to the forum!

captainaudio · 03-11-2010, 06:05 PM

Is that the way I would set up an M3? no

Do I like the way it is set up? yes

Beautiful car and I really like the fact that we can all set up our cars to express our individuality. I happen to like the wheels, I don't see a need for a drop and the reflectors do not bother me in the least.

Welcome to Bimmerpost.

CA

M3Alpine · 03-11-2010, 06:13 PM

welcome! congrats on the car

Mark's M · 03-11-2010, 09:18 PM

Interesting wheels....in a good way. I like it

Nawaaz · 03-11-2010, 09:36 PM

Welcome aboard, Fred!

Regarding your painted reflectors, I'd say IND has the best painted reflectors form what I've heard. Though I happened to to buy smoked relectors from Jlevi, and they worked out perfectly.

On the matte black side gills install, I followed the same DIY that you have probably already read: http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=229037 Just make sure you take your time, and be very gentle when prying the stock gills off. Also, be sure to make full use of of the microfiber cloth (will prevent damage). At the end, it worked out successfully for me, even though I'm not 'mechanical minded'. Again, just be gentle & take your time. Oh yeah, be sure to use a small thin flat-head screwdriver, just like the one in the DIY.

Cool looking wheels man!

SoreHead · 03-11-2010, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Tanglewood

Wow way to be different with those shoes. It kind of hurts my eyes, yet attracts me in some way!

Welcome!

You're a sick man.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob MG

All new members must post a pic of their girlfriends or wives, if you have neither and your mom is a hottie, that will do

You on the other hand are a VERY sick man

SoreHead · 03-11-2010, 10:03 PM

Somehow or other the wheels look like they are narrower and smaller than even the 18's??? Is it an illusion caused by the coloured dish???
They kinda look like they are inside the arches further? I guess it's the angle of the photo?
Welcome aboard. Enjoy driving and tuning it.

armorrig · 03-11-2010, 10:05 PM

Welcome man! Seems like you've done quite a few mods already. Is that an aftermarket exhaust? I can't really tell.

Nawaaz · 03-11-2010, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by armorrig

Welcome man! Seems like you've done quite a few mods already. Is that an aftermarket exhaust? I can't really tell.

Reading from his sig, it looks like he has the Meisterschaft Exhaust.

03-10-2010, 11:07 PM	#1
FredVMI Second Lieutenant 10 Rep 274 Posts Drives: F10 M5 Competition Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Phoenix, AZ iTrader: (2)	New Member - First Post Hello everyone- Like many new members, I've been lurking in the shadows reading the posts until finally getting around to becoming a member and creating a profile. Also like many of you, I've found many of the posts to be quite helpful; especially when assessing options with my long list of completed and planned mods. Although I am a new M owner, I have previously been a member of the M family, having owned an E28 M5 and an E30 M3. I drifted away for a number of years, but I'm happy to be back! I've read many threads pertaining to some of my planned mods and a couple of problems, but I'd like to hear from other members on the following list. 1. I have a new set of Matte Black Side Gills ready for install. Like some others, I'm finding removal of the OEM gills to be a problem. I've read the threads and watched the videos, but I can't seem to remove the gills without risking damaging the paint, the gill or both. Specifically, I don't appear to have sufficient space between the rear point of the gill and the fender to slip a tool in for leverage. Any ideas? 2. I just received a set of IB OEM Painted Reflectors. Unfortunately, the color match is poor (the reflectors are too dark). Certainly, IB is not as common a color as some others; so, getting the right color match may be more challenging. Any thoughts on a good source for IB reflectors that have a good color match? 3. I'm assessing suspension mods, but, I feel that I still have much more research to do before making a decision. For reference, this car is my daily driver. That being said, I would like to improve handling and have the option for a track day every so often. That being said, I don't want to lose use of the EDC option on my car; nor do I see the cost/benefit of coil overs (for my application). I would like a bit more of a drop, as well. With all of this in mind, I'm leaning toward Dinan and Eibach, but I've also heard good things about Ground Control. Thoughts? 4. For Pulley and ECU tune, I am leaning towards Dinan for both, or, AA for the Pulley and ESS Tuning for the ECU tune. Again, given my use as a daily driver, I'd like to hear your thoughts. 5. I currently have an aFe Power Filter installed, but, I am considering a CAI. Much of what I read in the many posts on the subject tell me that CAI claims for power/torque gains are all over the place; few of which are verifiable with independent dyno runs. The Dinan CAI seems to have more plausible levels of performance improvement and it would certainly line up well if I choose them for the Pulley and ECU tune. Any feedback on the Dinan CAI? 6. The most significant (and costly) mod that I'm considering is a change in the LSD, perhaps to a 3.62 LSD from Dinan. Has anyone gone down this road, either with the Dinan LSD or something similar? As I look over the above text, my post is probably too long. I'm sure that I'll be shredded by those who enjoy doing so. Nonetheless, I welcome your feedback! By the way, I'll be posting my 19" OEM Wheels for sale soon, now that my new wheels are installed. As a new member, the trust level may be low, so, they may end up on eBay where I have over 400 transactions with 100% feedback. If there's any immediate interest, please PM me. I live in the Phoenix, AZ metro. -Fred Attached Images __________________ Current: /// F10 M5 /// Sakhir Orange Metallic /// Comp Pkg /// Driving Asst Plus /// Exec Pkg /// Carbon Ceramic Brakes /// Bang & Olufsen System Past: E30 M3 /// E28 M5 /// E92 M3
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03-10-2010, 11:12 PM	#2
domobrown Banned 16 Rep 513 Posts Drives: Audi RS5 S-Tronic Join Date: May 2009 Location: Salzburg, Austria iTrader: (0)	Welcome! Nice M3, just needs some spacers and a drop. Not a fan of the blue lip but it's not my choice
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03-10-2010, 11:28 PM	#3
M3Bliss Just Live'n the Dream 8 Rep 138 Posts Drives: 2009 Silverstone M3 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Canton, OH iTrader: (0)	Beautiful color and for what its worth I like the wheels. Congrats and welcome. __________________ 2009 M3, Silverstone/Black Leather, DCT, Ipod, Sat, 19"'s, Cold Weather, Premium, Tech, carbon roof.
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03-11-2010, 12:10 AM	#4
John Tanglewood Porn Star 1316 Rep 3,350 Posts Drives: E60 M5 \| F95 X5M \| F90 M5 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Stamford, CT iTrader: (13)	Wow way to be different with those shoes. It kind of hurts my eyes, yet attracts me in some way! Welcome! __________________
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03-11-2010, 02:15 AM	#5
Bob MG Moderating 418 Rep 2,047 Posts Drives: like a muppet Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Dubai iTrader: (0)	All new members must post a pic of their girlfriends or wives, if you have neither and your mom is a hottie, that will do
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03-11-2010, 02:21 AM	#6
Johnny Lin Lieutenant General 835 Rep 11,307 Posts Drives: AW E92 M3 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Bellevue, WA iTrader: (42)	Congrats and welcome
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03-11-2010, 07:45 AM	#7
MrHarris yodog 197 Rep 5,025 Posts Drives: '86 Corolla Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Diamond Bar, Ca iTrader: (5) Garage List 2009 BMW [10.00]	Welcome! __________________ 2009 E92 M3 \| Alpine White \| Black Extended \| Advan RS \| Turner Test Pipes \| Dinan Axle-Back \| OETuning \| Eibach Springs \| UUC SSK \| VRS Front Lip \| VRS Type I Diffuser \| Matte Black \| RPi Scoops \| MS Filter \| Yokohama AD08 \| F1 Pinnacle Special Thanks: Gintani \| OETuning \| eAs
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03-11-2010, 07:54 AM	#8
sikoskul Private First Class 11 Rep 126 Posts Drives: 18 M2 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Riverside iTrader: (1)	welcome!
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03-11-2010, 01:23 PM	#10
SV Concepts III Lieutenant General 375 Rep 17,017 Posts Drives: BMW Duh Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Santa Clara iTrader: (13)	Welcome and congrats on the car, I like the wheel scheme you have. I would also replace those reflectors, they stick out a bit. Otherwise, car is looking very clean!
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03-11-2010, 03:48 PM	#11
T89 Lieutenant Colonel 41 Rep 1,531 Posts Drives: Z4 35i & Mini Cooper S Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Geneva & Joburg iTrader: (0)	Welcome. Not really a fan of the wheels though. T
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03-11-2010, 05:40 PM	#14
PoorMan Hello my name is... 23 Rep 539 Posts Drives: 2009 E92 M3 6MT Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: West Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	Hi! Welcome to the forum!
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03-11-2010, 06:05 PM	#15
captainaudio World's Foremost Authority 1181 Rep 4,535 Posts Drives: M4 Cab - Cayenne GTS - Jag XK Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Upper East Side Manhattan - Boca Raton FL - Lime Rock CT iTrader: (0)	Is that the way I would set up an M3? no Do I like the way it is set up? yes Beautiful car and I really like the fact that we can all set up our cars to express our individuality. I happen to like the wheels, I don't see a need for a drop and the reflectors do not bother me in the least. Welcome to Bimmerpost. CA __________________ Drivers Club at Lime Rock - International Motorsports Research Center - Society of Automotive Historians - Madison Avenue Sports Car Driving and Chowder Society (0nly a VP) - BMWCCA - Porsche Club of America - M Gruppe - Polish Race Drivers of America (PDRA) - Glen Club (Watkins Glen International) - Jaguar Club of Southern New England
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03-11-2010, 06:13 PM	#16
M3Alpine Lieutenant Colonel 52 Rep 1,512 Posts Drives: M4 AW/SO Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Central NJ iTrader: (11)	welcome! congrats on the car __________________ 2002 AW/IR : Sold 2004 AW/BLK : Sold 2009 AW/FR : Sold 2015 AW/SO
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03-11-2010, 09:18 PM	#17
Mark's M Lieutenant Colonel 617 Rep 1,820 Posts Drives: 2016 M3 Individual Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Stoney Creek, ON iTrader: (3)	Interesting wheels....in a good way. I like it
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03-11-2010, 09:36 PM	#18
Nawaaz Brigadier General 221 Rep 4,643 Posts Drives: . Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: . iTrader: (0)	Welcome aboard, Fred! Regarding your painted reflectors, I'd say IND has the best painted reflectors form what I've heard. Though I happened to to buy smoked relectors from Jlevi, and they worked out perfectly. On the matte black side gills install, I followed the same DIY that you have probably already read: http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=229037 Just make sure you take your time, and be very gentle when prying the stock gills off. Also, be sure to make full use of of the microfiber cloth (will prevent damage). At the end, it worked out successfully for me, even though I'm not 'mechanical minded'. Again, just be gentle & take your time. Oh yeah, be sure to use a small thin flat-head screwdriver, just like the one in the DIY. Cool looking wheels man!
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03-11-2010, 10:03 PM	#20
SoreHead Captain 11 Rep 865 Posts Drives: 2009 M3 coupe - Manual Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Ontario iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 E92 [0.00]	Somehow or other the wheels look like they are narrower and smaller than even the 18's??? Is it an illusion caused by the coloured dish??? They kinda look like they are inside the arches further? I guess it's the angle of the photo? Welcome aboard. Enjoy driving and tuning it.
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03-11-2010, 10:05 PM	#21
armorrig Brigadier General 77 Rep 3,268 Posts Drives: Tamiya Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: So.Cal. iTrader: (2)	Welcome man! Seems like you've done quite a few mods already. Is that an aftermarket exhaust? I can't really tell.
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