Let the games begin, M3 upgrades

[jbond007m3]

I am picking up another bimmer in a month or so, i am looking at a e36 m3 sedan. I have a budget of $15000, i am hoping to drop about 10K on the car and then putting $5k into upgrades. i am def a DIY'er and have done a decent amount of work on bmws(restored a '72 2002, mantained:'85 528, '88 325, '96 325), but nothing performance based. so im not afraid of work, especially with all the guides out there.
My question is: Where should i start, what is the best bang for the buck. i plan to start with a chip, x-brace, tower braces, cai. most people want a specific power range, i dont really have the money to say that. so i have a $$ range. i am even thinking of used gear. I also found a custom turbo kit on ebay for about $1K, any thoughts?? thanks guys, im really excited about this.

[Xear0]

cai, cat back exhaust, chip, and braces are a good start. Id be wary of whats on ebay. The turbo and related parts are alright but i'd prolly not use the exhaust manifold that comes with it.

just my 2 cent.

[jbond007m3]

whenever i upgrade anything dont i need to reprogram the computer, is the computer different from the chip? sorry for the noobness

[Xear0]

the chip and the computer are pretty much one in the same. the chip you replace has the car tuning/configuration on it and can be changed easily. replacing the whole computer (otherwise known as a DME) would be more expensive but you could use your own stand alonge engine managment system for more fine tuning.

unless your going forced induction or hard core track days, id suggest the chip.

[328iPower]

if your not trying to go turbo, camshaft, and some nice valves would be really good. the 95 M3 intake manifold, along with a chip and larger injectors are also good.

[PBR]

$10K E36 Sedan? $5K should just about cover all the maintenance parts you'll need to bring it back up to spec.

[rated///m]

I hear that a chip is the last thing you should do so you can tune it correctly to all your new parts...

[AlpinweissM3]

Originally Posted by PBR

$10K E36 Sedan? $5K should just about cover all the maintenance parts you'll need to bring it back up to spec.

Bingo. If I were you I would take that 5K and do a complete suspension refresh and add a good set of coilovers or a nice spring/strut combo. Then tackle the cooling system. E36's are notorious for having bad water pumps and radiators braking. With whatever money you had left get a M50 intake manifold and CAI. That will add the most power of any bolt on short of maybe cams and should cost you under $500. Trust me the last thing you want to do is add a turbo kit to a car with blown suspension and worn out cooling system.

[Magical Trevor]

Originally Posted by AlpinweissM3

Bingo. If I were you I would take that 5K and do a complete suspension refresh and add a good set of coilovers or a nice spring/strut combo. Then tackle the cooling system. E36's are notorious for having bad water pumps and radiators braking. With whatever money you had left get a M50 intake manifold and CAI. That will add the most power of any bolt on short of maybe cams and should cost you under $500. Trust me the last thing you want to do is add a turbo kit to a car with blown suspension and worn out cooling system.

Is that Chris M's car in the background of your sig?

And I'll back you up on the suspension.

Go TC Kline, Ground Control, or AST for coilovers, or if you want to save some cash, a Koni S/A + H&R race springs will be a decent upgrade over stock....

Cooling probably will need work if its a 10k Sedan, as well as Tie Rods, Front Control Arms, and bushings all around.

And then for performance, if you do a 3.5 intake tract to an M50 and throw in a lightweight flywheel you will be doing quite well...

Just make sure all plugs and filters are fresh as well.

[AlpinweissM3]

Originally Posted by Magical Trevor

Is that Chris M's car in the background of your sig?

And I'll back you up on the suspension.

Go TC Kline, Ground Control, or AST for coilovers, or if you want to save some cash, a Koni S/A + H&R race springs will be a decent upgrade over stock....

Cooling probably will need work if its a 10k Sedan, as well as Tie Rods, Front Control Arms, and bushings all around.

And then for performance, if you do a 3.5 intake tract to an M50 and throw in a lightweight flywheel you will be doing quite well...

Just make sure all plugs and filters are fresh as well.

No Chris always seems to busy to go out to the race track with me anymore