[zcali925]

So I've done some basics but yet to step into some modest updates. I'd love to sound better but CA has a bunch of restrictions and I'm not paying 4gs for some mufflers with valve controls and the Dinan esq range I just haven't been impressed with. Any thoughts?

I'm a bit nervous jumping under the hood as I didn't touch much on my e46 330 ci I'm jumping from. Would love to get another 50-80 horses and fix some of the pedal lag. So here goes. Suggestions?

So far: H&R springs, color matched trim including all reflectors, trim match mirror covers. Upgraded sound system.

On my list:
ECU flash
Exhaust
Still deciding between powder coating and different wheels sometime in the future
Might wrap roof gloss black to match trim

[Ickdeep]

Would a muffler delete be too loud for CA regulations?

[Sylverlee]

if you have an auto, I would do the XHP reflash. Feels more notable than pure HP power.

[Unspec]

Originally Posted by Ickdeep

Would a muffler delete be too loud for CA regulations?

If a cheaper axleback exhaust is too loud, there's no way a muffler delete would be within regulations.

[95blkmax]

for power:
I think a tune would get you into that sweet range of power you're looking for! Even at stage1. Lots of folks reporting "better" throttle response out of flash tunes like MHD/ MB3/ Mission. I can't vouch on this yet as I've yet to do it myself.

for sound:
Maybe others can help you but CONSIDERING the California militant regulations... changing mufflers to something that would pass inspection would be $$$$$$ (as you said). What you CAN do that adds a tiny bit more sound is to remove the resonator in front of the diff and straight pipe that section (and this is pretty cheap to do). Leaving the factory mufflers to keep the inspectors happy. I know your options are limited out in CA so this is the best I can come up with lol

[ezaircon4jc]

Originally Posted by 95blkmax

...Leaving the factory mufflers to keep the inspectors happy. I know your options are limited out in CA so this is the best I can come up with lol

The "inspectors" don't care about looks/equipment. All they care about is dB's at certain distances, angles and rpm. At least it returns to fix-it-ticket status in a few hours; EXCEPT for motorcycles. They still get screwed.

[E36graduatebmw]

I’m enjoying the bootmod3 flash and X-delete just recently.......I too want to increase the exhaust note...but not too much.

[JDMSteven]

Originally Posted by zcali925

So I've done some basics but yet to step into some modest updates. I'd love to sound better but CA has a bunch of restrictions and I'm not paying 4gs for some mufflers with valve controls and the Dinan esq range I just haven't been impressed with. Any thoughts?

I'm a bit nervous jumping under the hood as I didn't touch much on my e46 330 ci I'm jumping from. Would love to get another 50-80 horses and fix some of the pedal lag. So here goes. Suggestions?

So far: H&R springs, color matched trim including all reflectors, trim match mirror covers. Upgraded sound system.

On my list:
ECU flash
Exhaust
Still deciding between powder coating and different wheels sometime in the future
Might wrap roof gloss black to match trim

Let's see some pics!

[JDMSteven]

Originally Posted by zcali925

So I've done some basics but yet to step into some modest updates. I'd love to sound better but CA has a bunch of restrictions and I'm not paying 4gs for some mufflers with valve controls and the Dinan esq range I just haven't been impressed with. Any thoughts?

I'm a bit nervous jumping under the hood as I didn't touch much on my e46 330 ci I'm jumping from. Would love to get another 50-80 horses and fix some of the pedal lag. So here goes. Suggestions?

So far: H&R springs, color matched trim including all reflectors, trim match mirror covers. Upgraded sound system.

On my list:
ECU flash
Exhaust
Still deciding between powder coating and different wheels sometime in the future
Might wrap roof gloss black to match trim

Here's a before and after of my 2011 535i

[ThaiBruin]

BM3 or MHD would be the way to go for super easy boost in power. I did find it interesting though that when I went in for service at my local dealer last month, they asked me if I've done any "engine tuning". I told them no (as I flashed my car back to stock and locked the DME). They did the service and some warranty work on an oil pan and said nothing about the car having been flashed. Perhaps locking the DME is all you need to do before taking the car in.

[JDMSteven]

Here's a before an after of my base 2011 535i xDrive

[ziekxq]

How long you been running those springs on stock suspension?

[zcali925]

First one is my old e46 (still in the fam) which I love to this day.

[zcali925]

Originally Posted by ziekxq

How long you been running those springs on stock suspension?

About 4 months. They feel great. It is the m sport shocks though.

[zcali925]

Now thinking ignition coils and spark plugs before I do any flash. Just to make sure the power is right.

[zcali925]

Originally Posted by ThaiBruin

BM3 or MHD would be the way to go for super easy boost in power. I did find it interesting though that when I went in for service at my local dealer last month, they asked me if I've done any "engine tuning". I told them no (as I flashed my car back to stock and locked the DME). They did the service and some warranty work on an oil pan and said nothing about the car having been flashed. Perhaps locking the DME is all you need to do before taking the car in.

I wouldn't touch a dealer since I just creeped out of warranty in December. I have a local shop who does great repair work but isn't a mod person at all. He'll do the work he just is more of a purist. I pretend to be no expert on what I'm wanting to do under the hood so I just want to make sure I don't blow turbos or hurt the block. I just want another 50-70 hp with comp torque. And a good not overly bubbly exhaust. I get people like the 'burble' but this isn't my toy it's my driver, that I want a little bit extra out of when needed.

[ThaiBruin]

Originally Posted by zcali925

I wouldn't touch a dealer since I just creeped out of warranty in December. I have a local shop who does great repair work but isn't a mod person at all. He'll do the work he just is more of a purist. I pretend to be no expert on what I'm wanting to do under the hood so I just want to make sure I don't blow turbos or hurt the block. I just want another 50-70 hp with comp torque. And a good not overly bubbly exhaust. I get people like the 'burble' but this isn't my toy it's my driver, that I want a little bit extra out of when needed.

I'm definitely not going back to a dealer once my warranty runs out later this year. Just putting it out there that you should be just fine if you get BM3 to be sure to flash back to stock and relock the DME if you are going to go in for service at a dealer.

With that said, BM3 let's you get that extra horsepower and transmission tuning and modify any burble to your liking at any time. Absolutely the best mod I've done on any car given the cost.

[E36graduatebmw]

Originally Posted by ThaiBruin

BM3 or MHD would be the way to go for super easy boost in power. I did find it interesting though that when I went in for service at my local dealer last month, they asked me if I've done any "engine tuning". I told them no (as I flashed my car back to stock and locked the DME). They did the service and some warranty work on an oil pan and said nothing about the car having been flashed. Perhaps locking the DME is all you need to do before taking the car in.

You need to clear out the code that shows your car was over powered.....meaning it was tuned......shows up every time I run bm3

[Unspec]

Originally Posted by zcali925

I am looking at it now!! Is BimmerCode just arbitrary at this point?

Why would BimmerCode be arbitrary? It's completely unrelated to tuning.

[Rob09msport]

Originally Posted by E36graduatebmw

You need to clear out the code that shows your car was over powered.....meaning it was tuned......shows up every time I run bm3

You should flash back to stock way ahead if it's anything serious because they can see when it was flashed last and that's how you get caught.

[E92TTCoupe]

Plugs, Coils and BM3 and smile.

[zcali925]

Originally Posted by E92TTCoupe

Plugs, Coils and BM3 and smile.

That's officially the plan!