Re: Tuning my 3 (archive)

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I have basically run a lot of different components on my car... and can give you my opinions on the stuff done to it so far...

(1) Dinan software.... I don't think it did a whole lot. Some claim to be able to feel a difference... maybe. The only tangible thing it did for me was that it bumped up the redline 500 rpms.

(2) Dinan cold air intake... not sure if this was worth the money either. Nice sucking sound coming from the engine when you depress the gas, however.

(3) B&B triflow exhaust... it is louder than the other ones I have heard and I like the sound. In general though, it is still too quiet. I don't think there is a way around this however. For looks, go with the Remus exhaust... I like the DTM look.

(4) Hamann HM2 18" wheels. They run 8.5" wide. I have 255s on the rear with 235s on the front running Pzeros. I like this set up a lot.

(5) Intrax springs... I love these things. VERY worth the money. Lowered the car about 1.5 inches in the rear and 2 inches in the front.

(6) Do some appearance mods... UUC shortshift kit (I love this mod), clears... and definitely consider doing a supercharger... I hear that ESS has a system out, but I am waiting for RMS to release theirs.

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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