I am a college kid as well, but i bought my car and am paying for it without any help, which makes you appreciate the car a whole lot more. I'm not sure what you're going to do to the car, but i feel sorry for it already. The Z3s are not Camaros or Firebirds or Accords or anyhting else a college kid drives. when you pull up next to a Camaro and he floors it, smile and don't think about the upgrades you should've done to the car. the only reason someone is going to floor it next to you is because they are jealous and intimidated. upgrades to the car should be minimal. see what you think of it first. I have a 1.9, and the only thing i want to do is an exhaust and a fogged airbox. other than that, eveyone i know with an engine's twice the size of mine, wants MY car. you'll get used to it. enjoy the ride and don't forget to beep and wave at other Z3 drivers!!!