[pdubq]

Technically signed the purchase order... got to do what we can to support small business, right??
After ordering an inspection from LemonSquad.com, and having it come back super clean, pulled the trigger on a ‘14 x35i, M-sport, Space Grey metallic on red brown interior, with 103k miles. Downsizing/upgrading our family Chrysler town and country with 252k miles (listed on CarGurus if anyone needs a cheap 7 seater!)

I was torn ordering this now, but without having more than 2 people meet at a time to make this happen, thought it could be done safely.

I had already ordered black grills, and AFE magnum intake, and immediately after signing the purchase order purchased the BM3 license, and then decided to be impulsive for once, and just start out at stage two-ordered VRSF FMIC, catted dp’s, And charge pipe.

I was so planning on taking it step at a time, and might try out the intake on its own First, out of curiosity, but shoot, life’s too short...

After owning the n54, driving a few n20 x3 loaners, I absolutely Can’t wait for this!

I’ll add a few photos over the next weeks, when it finally gets here to Colorado.

[E90705]

Originally Posted by pdubq

Technically signed the purchase order... got to do what we can to support small business, right??
After ordering an inspection from LemonSquad.com, and having it come back super clean, pulled the trigger on a ‘14 x35i, M-sport, Space Grey metallic on red brown interior, with 103k miles. Downsizing/upgrading our family Chrysler town and country with 252k miles (listed on CarGurus if anyone needs a cheap 7 seater!)

I was torn ordering this now, but without having more than 2 people meet at a time to make this happen, thought it could be done safely.

I had already ordered black grills, and AFE magnum intake, and immediately after signing the purchase order purchased the BM3 license, and then decided to be impulsive for once, and just start out at stage two-ordered VRSF FMIC, catted dp’s, And charge pipe.

I was so planning on taking it step at a time, and might try out the intake on its own First, out of curiosity, but shoot, life’s too short...

After owning the n54, driving a few n20 x3 loaners, I absolutely Can’t wait for this!

I’ll add a few photos over the next weeks, when it finally gets here to Colorado.

You'll love it even more once FBO. Best all around vehicle IMO.

[evilchargerfan]

Straight to the point eh? lol


I'm on a stage 1 tune, with BMS intake. Just bought a DP, and Charge pipe. I'm in a similar boat, cept my pace is much slower than yours =)

Mind sharing where you ordered the FMIC from? That is next on my list.

[pdubq]

lol, kinda... yeah... :-)

Will be the first time I’ve taken one to stage 2, or fbo, and when comparing to other modded cars, just more available and cost effective.

Fmic I’m going with is VRSF: https://www.vr-speed.com/vrsf-5-stre...5-f26-n55.html

Dyno charts for it, and cooling, look fantastic!

[gomichigan]

can't wait for the pictures, and seems like the mod bug has bit you lol

guess we know the tow hook cover will be missing on the back �� hope you got it ordered though!

[pungo]

Congrats on the new purchase. With over 100k miles, I'd recommend a Blackstone report before adding a bunch of additional HP goodies to make sure the bottom end it up to the task, but that's just me...

[pdubq]

Originally Posted by gomichigan

can't wait for the pictures, and seems like the mod bug has bit you lol

guess we know the tow hook cover will be missing on the back �� hope you got it ordered though!

Unfortunately ... it has! Oh well, maybe i can blame it on “cabin fever”?

I can’t wait to get it and post some pics too!! And you’re totally right gomichigan, about the rear tow hook cover! The dealer didn’t have a problem getting it for me, painted the space grey metallic, but not sure he’ll have it by the time transport picks it up. He promised in that case he’d just send it to me.

Now I just have to muster some patience...

[pdubq]

Originally Posted by pungo

Congrats on the new purchase. With over 100k miles, I'd recommend a Blackstone report before adding a bunch of additional HP goodies to make sure the bottom end it up to the task, but that's just me...

Great call pungo-thanks for the advice, I think I will! The service history on it is pretty extensive, and looks like it was well taken care of according to the inspector who qualified it for me before I signed, but it would most definitely be prudent to get that oil report before bolting on upgrades. Just ordered a Blackstone test kit... thank you!!!

[evilchargerfan]

Originally Posted by pdubq

Fmic I’m going with is VRSF: https://www.vr-speed.com/vrsf-5-stre...5-f26-n55.html

tip:

if you submit an offer, you may save a few bucks ..... I did ... and ordered my fmic yesterday

https://www.ebay.com/itm/VRSF-Street...72.m2749.l2649

(also, ebay / pay pal had a $50 off coupon, I couldnt resist)

[pdubq]

Originally Posted by evilchargerfan

tip:

if you submit an offer, you may save a few bucks ..... I did ... and ordered my fmic yesterday

https://www.ebay.com/itm/VRSF-Street...72.m2749.l2649

(also, ebay / pay pal had a $50 off coupon, I couldnt resist)

Great tip!

[383vett]

Does the service history show that the water pump and thermostat has been replaced? If not, do it. Also all fluids including tranny, transfer case and differential should be changed. Have fun with the car.

[pdubq]

Originally Posted by 383vett

Does the service history show that the water pump and thermostat has been replaced? If not, do it. Also all fluids including tranny, transfer case and differential should be changed. Have fun with the car.

Thanks 383vett, also good advice. I will have to double check water pump/thermostat, but trans, transfer case and diff fluids are all generally good things to replace at 100k miles right? Will add those to the initial service list

Just learned it had 100k BMW dealership service contract on it, so all maintenance has been performed... also water pump, and “lifetime” fluids have not, so will do what I can to give her the best 2nd life possible.

Also fresh plugs and coil packs.

[najnad]

once you have completed all the other stuff on your list, a couple more:

- xHP Flashtool to fully allow your trans to take advantage of your mods
- The springs are likely ok, but the struts could use replacing, I like the Koni Special Active Struts
- if it has run-flat tires on it, get rid of them and put non-run-flat tires on it for better feel/noise/etc
- akebono euro ceramic brake pads

[pdubq]

Originally Posted by najnad

once you have completed all the other stuff on your list, a couple more:

- xHP Flashtool to fully allow your trans to take advantage of your mods
- The springs are likely ok, but the struts could use replacing, I like the Koni Special Active Struts
- if it has run-flat tires on it, get rid of them and put non-run-flat tires on it for better feel/noise/etc
- akebono euro ceramic brake pads

Love it! Been considering xHP and XDelete on my 6er... couldn’t find anything discussing xHP with BM3 though, if they play nicely together?

Tires for sure, they have RFT but only 6-7/32 remaining, so I want to feel them out first and then will prioritize.

Do the Koni Special Active Struts play nicely with the dynamic drive modes?

Thanks a ton najnad, good to keep the mod queue full and bank account empty

[hardparker]

Congrats on the new ride! That's my daily, too! I love it. It rips! Good set of planned upgrades. You'll love it even more. Not to pimp, but check out my brake upgrades and let me know if you want.

[hardparker]

Just noticed you're from Longmont. I'm in Abq. Doodlebro and someone else in an X3 is up there. We should have a Denver meet once the virus dies down.

Check out this Google Maps shot from Longmont! That your homeboy laying it down? Longmont getting it!

[pdubq]

Originally Posted by hardparker

Congrats on the new ride! That's my daily, too! I love it. It rips! Good set of planned upgrades. You'll love it even more. Not to pimp, but check out my brake upgrades and let me know if you want.

Thanks hardparker, I did start reading through your thread in admiration, but quickly jumped to the conclusion it would require custom modification and a bit of scavenger hunting.

Looked like you were selling extra spacers you had made, but are you sourcing parts and selling entire kits now? I noticed an eBay link but gave me an error page when I clicked it.

Lemme know and I’ll re read your thread

[pdubq]

Originally Posted by hardparker

Just noticed you're from Longmont. I'm in Abq. Doodlebro and someone else in an X3 is up there. We should have a Denver meet once the virus dies down.

Check out this Google Maps shot from Longmont! That your homeboy laying it down? Longmont getting it!

lol! Sounds great, I’d be down for sure, kind of a trek for you though, no? I think Opie55 is around here also...

Sweet google street view pic... you know how we do in Longmont! Technically I moved a town East, Firestone, but all the same. Just much much much better sales/property tax rates, and a lot quieter. Kids still school (and I work) in Longmont, when we’re not COVID isolating

[pungo]

Originally Posted by pdubq

Do the Koni Special Active Struts play nicely with the dynamic drive modes?

Do you have the Dynamic Handling Package with Electronic Damping Control (EDC). If so, the dampers and electronically controlled so if you want to retain that functionality, your options for replacement dampers are limited (I think stock or KW).

[pdubq]

Originally Posted by pungo

Do you have the Dynamic Handling Package with Electronic Damping Control (EDC). If so, the dampers and electronically controlled so if you want to retain that functionality, your options for replacement dampers are limited (I think stock or KW).

Unfortunately not... but doesn’t stock shocks/struts even without that package still firm up/soften (ever so slightly, I know) going from comfort, to sport/sport +?

[pungo]

Originally Posted by pdubq

Unfortunately not... but doesn’t stock shocks/struts even without that package still firm up/soften (ever so slightly, I know) going from comfort, to sport/sport +?

Without EDC, the sport/sport+ modes will have no effect on the dampers, steering or handling. On a positive side, your shock/struts are much cheaper.

[pdubq]

I guess there’s always a silver lining :-) will have to put some miles on her and see about shocks, brakes, etc.