Just got a 2001 330i

[skibbz]

Hey Guys,

I just bought a used black 2001 330i auto with tan interior... Yes, 4 doors and auto sucks but it was an amazing deal that I could not pass up. I'm moving from a HEAVILY modified 1999 Turbo Acura Integra (275whp/AEM EMS/T3T04E/<2500lbs) because its time for something more reliable and that doesn't make my dates stink like gas after hitting boost... I had a few noob questions in regards to basic mods, I'm planning on throwing on some OEM euro clear corner, tails, and side markers and upgrading to a decent full coilover suspension/wheels/tires first. I was curious how the 330i will respond to a CAI, does the stock ECU and MAF sensor allow for much to be gained from a modded intake? Is the typical bolt on route most cost effective for a 2001 330i (CAI/Headers/Catback)? I'm not planning on doing anything crazy initially, just want to do some minor style and performance upgrades to start... The car will be a daily driver with monthly AutoX runs, I really just want to perform some nice and quality upgrades that won't degrade the reliability of the car - just subtle style upgrades and minor performance improvements.

Thanks for any and all comments/suggestions

[prepped325ci]

hey, 4 doors is a nice touch though!!

[ct323i]

congrats but...

[skibbz]

Originally Posted by ct323i

congrats but...

hehe... its BONE stock right now, I didn't think anyone would want to see another stock black 330i

[Edgar]

We still want pics

[ShoeIslandE46]

congrats and welcome to the bmw world. as for your mods any of the top brands will do for any of your modifications: dinan, active autowerks, stromung, group m, I like www.m3motorwerks.com but theres a ton of websites. as far as the chip goes, thats what i am doing next so i am not exactly sure what the best chip is, but someone on here will def know i know dinan has a good one...good luck and we'd love to see some pics..
-dominic

[Dado]

Congrats, welcome to the bmw group

[skibbz]

Originally Posted by EdsxS13

We still want pics

Well I am in Palm Springs and San Fran until the 2nd, but I'll take some pics once I make it back to Seattle

[Just_Parker]

Hey I too just got my black 330ci and im planning to do some stuff over the next few months but wanted to start with clear corners and tail lights (suggestions?)
cya

[hammerfang]

i've got an 03 330i with an auto, its an awsome car with a great compromise between, performance, comfort, and luxury, im sure u'll be pleased.

[skibbz]

Originally Posted by Just_Parker

Hey I too just got my black 330ci and im planning to do some stuff over the next few months but wanted to start with clear corners and tail lights (suggestions?)
cya

Get the OEM BMW euro clear lights, they are a little more than the generic ones but are far better quality from what I hear

[Just_Parker]

dude im already so pleased, i look for any excuse to drive somewhere. i was thinking about getting the M3 style little nub spolier what yall think? also did any of you replace your halogen bulbs in your bixenons and if so what did use?

[Lindz]

Black & Tan...Grrrreat combo.. Any comments on your previous car to this one...

[skibbz]

Originally Posted by Lindz

Black & Tan...Grrrreat combo.. Any comments on your previous car to this one...

Well... my Integra hasn't been running for 6 months and has been taking up garage space. I went and checked on it last night and it had been broken into, luckily I had removed all the expensive performance parts already - just sitting there waiting for me to reinstall all the stock exhaust system, intake, A/C, cruise control, fuel system, ignition system, stock ECU, etc... So yeah, thieves were shit out of luck lol.

As to moving from a highly modified Integra to a stock 330i auto, do you want the honest truth? I'll give it to you anyways The 330i is slow and heavy, the handling is numb, and the automatic seems sluggish... BUT the interior is lightyears better, the exterior is much nicer looking, and the car is undoubtedly more reliable as its in stock form. Four doors will be convenient, although I would have preferred a 330ci manual for the style and performance. I think with some basic initial mods - nice true coilovers, bolt ons, and an ECU and tranny Dinan flash I will appreciate the cars potential more. As it stands, I am excited to move to a much nicer car and am willing to sacrifice performance for luxury. The euro parts, the quality ones, are much more expensive than comparable Japanese parts... more so than I expected. The engine management people are using for forced induction (ECU flash) seems primitive, roughly tuned, and very unsafe to me. I'm not sure if the E46 ECUs are just much more adaptive or people really are riding around on crappy generic software tunes that are far from the best tunes possible. Are the O2 sensors WB02 sensors in our E46s? A lot of stuff seems very strange to me coming from the sport compact scene hehe...