here is my humble advice (m) (archive)

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Secondly, try getting more answers at e46fanatics.com board. Pple here are not that enthusiastic about tuning their cars.
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Dinan is expensive no doubt about that. Perhaps the one good thing about Dinan is that BMW dealers here in the US carry the products. Warranty therefore is covered.

Most pple would go for CAI, exhaust and software upgrade. Then springs/suspension set, anti-sway bars and wheels.

Wheels: Since you've got 16" now, try looking at 17 or 18. It's possible to go up to 19" but 18" is a good compromise for city driving. Largest wheel for E46 rear is 18X9 with 255/35/18 tires. Fronts are 18X8 with 225/40/18 tires.

Suspension/Spring: A lot of pple go for just the springs to lower the ride. The most optimal way to go is change the entire spring/shock system. This set will cost up to $2000, but least every element is made to work with each other. Nothing wrong with just changing the springs really. But ask any experienced mechanic, they will advice you to change the entire set.

CAI/Exhaust: Dinan's CAI has got some pretty impressive design. But CAI is probably more useful if you go for track racing. Cos remember, you are inviting more dust/dirt into the engine on regular highway driving. I am sure a lot of pple will disagree with me. But it's a food for thought. Exhaust can be a tricky mod. Most exhausts are just straight-piped system.

Lastly, look out for "31st330i" here. He has experiences with Dinan mods. Why? Cos he was the 1st Dinan 3, was chosen by Dinan to perform the mods. You can name the Dinan mods and he had them. But eventually he stripped every mod back to stock. Why again?

Long term cost and damage to the car. Sure it's fun to drive around a performance mod up car, but there are more *expensive* long term costs down the road.

I have a 2000 323i Automatic and I am interested in tuning her up. Now the problem is, I'm not all that brilliant when it comes to such things and was wondering where to get started. Here is what I have looked into so far.

Dinan is the offical tuning company of BMW or whatever nonsense. I was set on using them, however now that I have pooled together the money I notice they are pretty pricey. I was wondering if Dinan is the best way to go or if there is someone offering better components. I have my car staged like this. Right now I want to get software and a cold air intake. Part of the Dinan software is an optional automatic transmission download. I dunno if it helps performance or is just a bunch of BS and I dunno if anyone else offers something to make my auto shift a little meaner. Anyhow after that first little bit is done I'd like to move on to exhaust. Then my next plan was for some lowering springs and new rims. Now granted making the car look more aggressive is the major part in the rims, but I don't know if I should be increasing my tire demensions or not. Right now i have 16" 225/50. Basically anyone who is willing to make a connection with me to offer genuine advice as to what parts to use, what parts to install first, and opinions on what i should and should not do etc, if you'd gimme a hand it'd be greatly appreciated. I've been talking about this for over a year and a half now and I'd like to actually start taking action on it, knowing that I'm getting the best possible out of my baby.

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