What's next???

Hey guys, so first off let me say that I love the OEM look but hanging out on this forum really has me wanting to do just a little bit more to my car, more along the lines of OEM+. I purchased a set of matte black kidney grills but now I think I may go OEM BMW gloss black. I'm also thinking about gloss black side grills too. Any other ideas as to what would really make the car look good, without looking gaudy? I'm not really into CF pieces other than maybe a rear diffuser or BMW perf style spoiler (i.e. a little taller/higher kick than stock). Any thoughts? Hell, I might even start a poll w/ some options and let you guys choose my next mod lol.

I purchased the car w/ everything already done, except the Alex Alpinemss tune and tune2air BT. Corner markers have already been replaced by body colored versions, Alcantara boots and F10 M5 illuminated knob were also added. I think that's it for visual mods.

Some pics - 08, slick top, 6spd, Jerez

Hanging out on this forum is really bad. All they make you do is spend your money...

Tint!

Full decontamination, paint correction and detail are next on the list, as soon as the weather breaks a little bit. After that, I'm still on winter dunlops on the style 219's from the prev. owner; will be looking to get some 18" Apex EC-7's w/ Mich PS4S's or maybe just keep the 219's and do tires only (can't seem to decide) because I do like the 219's.

springs 'n spacers.

Take a poll on the wheels, you will not like the results. I am not a fan of the 219' or 220's (I do have 220's on my E93). Change the wheels up it will be the biggest cosmetic difference along with tint that you can make. 18 tires are a bit cheaper also. You had the right idea visiting Derek's thread as the wheels completely changed the look. Your Jerez does look awesome as she sits, well done. What do you think of Alex tune?

Derek's E90 Slicktop 6MT Journal https://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1463598

Join the apex group buy for some lighter and wider 18 inch wheels

I like the 219's. I've refused to sell mine. But I do prefer the 359's.

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=445032&page=8

Heavy stock wheels are good for snow tires.

Two minor mods you can do pretty easily and both are inexpensive.

Replace the chrome M3 emblem on your trunk with a black chrome one and/or replace the blue sections on the roundel on trunk, hood and wheels with black.

That might sound cheesy but it works well, looks great and is easily reversible.

Then there is always the Ultimate Clutch Pedal (6MT) and aluminum pedals.

Grab an engine tune, intake and Dinan strut braces..............

My intentions were to keep mine completely stock. Really didn’t work out that way.

spazzyfry123 wrote

Tint!

good call...might do that. right around $200 too (I've been getting quotes. )

spiderspider wrote

springs 'n spacers.

That's another good idea...but what springs? I want to make sure the car rides/handles as good or better than stock. I'm planning an HPDE at some point this year. And what spacers? guess I need to do some research.

BOOF-M3 wrote

Take a poll on the wheels, you will not like the results. I am not a fan of the 219' or 220's (I do have 220's on my E93). Change the wheels up it will be the biggest cosmetic difference along with tint that you can make. 18 tires are a bit cheaper also. You had the right idea visiting Derek's thread as the wheels completely changed the look. Your Jerez does look awesome as she sits, well done. What do you think of Alex tune?

Derek's E90 Slicktop 6MT Journal https://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1463598

Yea, I hear ya...The thing about aftermarket wheels is the TPMS...It's always a hassle to mess with that when you swap wheels.

I like the Alex Tune a lot. you simply cannot beat it for $600 and change. He's a good dude and knows his stuff, and his customer service is top notch. Only thing is, I'm looking for a bit more which likely means a full dyno tune. I also wish he had a map for e85. It's readily available in Raleigh NC. Other tuners have e85 maps/tunes. Not sure why he doesn't. He does have a 100 oct tune though...might have to try that as I can get 100 here too...at $9 p/gal.

pbonsalb wrote

Join the apex group buy for some lighter and wider 18 inch wheels

EC-7's are what I want if I can convince the Mrs.!!!

timothy2001 wrote

Two minor mods you can do pretty easily and both are inexpensive.

Replace the chrome M3 emblem on your trunk with a black chrome one and/or replace the blue sections on the roundel on trunk, hood and wheels with black.

That might sound cheesy but it works well, looks great and is easily reversible.

Then there is always the Ultimate Clutch Pedal (6MT) and aluminum pedals.

Grab an engine tune, intake and Dinan strut braces..............

My intentions were to keep mine completely stock. Really didn’t work out that way.

I've been thinking about the emblem on the trunk. I like the blacked out look so I might just do that. Is the OEM emblem a pain to remove? hair dryer and dental floss, wash/wax apply new emblem w/ 3m tape? The roundels are kind of classic to me...if anything I'd replace them completely w/ black roundels. Definitely considering the UCP and aluminum pedals. Right now, my foot always slips off the brake pedal when down shifting just before a turn.

My car came w/ some uninstalled mods as well, I should post those as well. Actually, this thread should be my build journal lol.

94jedi wrote

I've been thinking about the emblem on the trunk. I like the blacked out look so I might just do that. Is the OEM emblem a pain to remove? hair dryer and dental floss, wash/wax apply new emblem w/ 3m tape?

The original emblem comes off with some floss. Heat gun would help but I was able to remove mine without. Then adhesive remove on a soft cloth. And if you're anal like me, clay bar, polish & alcohol wipe before applying new badge. The new emblem comes with adhesive already on it.

I opted for the larger, F80 M3 competition badge in gloss black. Cost around $37 from getbmwparts.com and the part # is 51-14-8-068-580. Because the badge is larger, I moved mine slightly out towards the taillight and also leveled the bottom with the bottom of the roundel. I took inspiration from the placement on the F80 car and then eye-balled it.

I think it looks great, others will probably disagree because it's not meant for this car.





Also, now that I look at these pictures I'm reminded how much I hate the white section of the taillights. I also don't love blacklines. So an LCI trunk conversion could be another 2008 mod for thought.

Wheels, wheels, wheels! I love 359 style wheels, so EC-7s are a good choice and it will totally transform the look of your car.

If you decide to change your ///M3 emblem to black, remember what AggieZig mentioned, the affordable ones are LARGER than E9X style. There is a company who repaints OEM E9X ///M3 emblems black, but they're $79 or so.

Depending on where you live, yeah a tint might be something to consider, but since you have a dark interior you won't need to go very dark. Here in Iowa, having window tint is just asking for trouble - nothing is allowed on the roll ups

This site will definitely help you spend your money!

The only badge I would put on my trunk is a 320i badge.

Sounds like you're off to a great start!

Since you've changed out the front grilles, the matching side grilles and trunk badging would be a great next step. I'm a huge fan of that BMW Performance trunk spoiler as well.

Something to consider as well: I have a carbon front lip / rear diffuser on my car, but opted to have them painted gloss black for a more subdued look since I did the carbon roof conversion. I think a little touch of carbon via the BMW Performance trunk spoiler would be enough CF on the outside if you're not into that aesthetic!

Personally not a fan of blacking out or carbon fiber in the BMW roundels, ricey IMO.

timothy2001 wrote

Two minor mods you can do pretty easily and both are inexpensive.

Replace the chrome M3 emblem on your trunk with a black chrome one and/or replace the blue sections on the roundel on trunk, hood and wheels with black.

That might sound cheesy but it works well, looks great and is easily reversible.

Then there is always the Ultimate Clutch Pedal (6MT) and aluminum pedals.

Grab an engine tune, intake and Dinan strut braces..............

My intentions were to keep mine completely stock. Really didn’t work out that way.

94jedi wrote

Hey guys, so first off let me say that I love the OEM look but hanging out on this forum really has me wanting to do just a little bit more to my car, more along the lines of OEM+. I purchased a set of matte black kidney grills but now I think I may go OEM BMW gloss black. I'm also thinking about gloss black side grills too. Any other ideas as to what would really make the car look good, without looking gaudy? I'm not really into CF pieces other than maybe a rear diffuser or BMW perf style spoiler (i.e. a little taller/higher kick than stock). Any thoughts? Hell, I might even start a poll w/ some options and let you guys choose my next mod lol.

I purchased the car w/ everything already done, except the Alex Alpinemss tune and tune2air BT. Corner markers have already been replaced by body colored versions, Alcantara boots and F10 M5 illuminated knob were also added. I think that's it for visual mods.

Some pics - 08, slick top, 6spd, Jerez

I think it already looks great! The M3 is supposed to be understated.

If you MUST spend money, maybe add a very mild tint (35%) to help keep the interior protected and add a bit of privacy. Don't go too dark since you have black paint. This is also why I don't suggest the black badges, grille, or side vents on a dark-colored car -- you have no visual contrast so your eyes don't even know where to look.

Put your money towards maintenance, insurance, gas, detailing, etc. Stuff like Xpel or a ceramic paint coating will make sure the car looks the way it does for a long time.

Cosmetic mods are all a matter of taste but regardless of that Ceramic coating is probably the best money I have spent on this car. Assuming paint correction goes along with it, with Jerez black and in retrospect I would absolutely do that first.

94jedi wrote

That's another good idea...but what springs? I want to make sure the car rides/handles as good or better than stock. I'm planning an HPDE at some point this year. And what spacers? guess I need to do some research.

I like the swift springs i put i my car

TrAcK TRaP wrote

Hanging out on this forum is really bad. All they make you do is spend your money...

This.

Surprised no one said spittlers/lip. Will make your front end a lot nicer.

Mike@IND wrote

Sounds like you're off to a great start!

Since you've changed out the front grilles, the matching side grilles and trunk badging would be a great next step. I'm a huge fan of that BMW Performance trunk spoiler as well.

Something to consider as well: I have a carbon front lip / rear diffuser on my car, but opted to have them painted gloss black for a more subdued look since I did the carbon roof conversion. I think a little touch of carbon via the BMW Performance trunk spoiler would be enough CF on the outside if you're not into that aesthetic!

Is that a carbon roof on an E90 or just painted black?