Category Archives: Modifications

Modifications

BMW 135i – OMGSplitters Front Splitter Install

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It was just another day browsing 1Addicts when I stumbled upon a thread about custom front splitters by fmxomar. There was a ton of interest, but no one had installed one yet. For the price, I figured I’d pull the trigger on the front splitter and a set of side splitters.

I thought these two items would flow perfectly with the Rieger rear diffuser that I’ve had my eyes on. The parts arrived within a week and came with installation hardware, but no mounting holes. I guess that’s what a drill is for! First step: remove the front bumper.

BMW 135i - front bumper removedI started off by clamping the splitter to the bottom of the bumper and then lined everything up. 9 holes later and it was attached. I still wanted to mount the OEM wheel wind deflectors, so I trimmed 1/2″ notches in the back of the splitter to make room.

BMW 135i - installing splitter

Because both parts are plastic and the splitter wasn’t structurally mounted, I didn’t want to take the chance of it folding under at high speeds. So, I installed two APR support rods. It took a little courage to drill into a perfectly good front bumper, but it was a risk I was willing to take. I followed the center-flow design and made sure to use large washers on the back of the bumper. Everything was secure so I quickly re-mounted the front bumper. It is a very sturdy setup.

BMW 135i - custom front splitter installedOverall, I am very satisfied with this splitter. I would not recommend mounting it without supporting rods, but feel free to do so at your own risk. Stay tuned for the side-skirt installation in about a month!

BMW 135i - custom front splitter installed

BMW 135i - custom front splitter installed

 

Modifications

BMW 135i – Blackline Taillights Install

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I’ve always preferred the look of smoked tail lights, but oftentimes the results are unflattering. I didn’t want VHT Nightshade anywhere near my BMW. Then I found out that BMW sells OEM tinted LCI taillights overseas. The only reason they aren’t offered in America is because they aren’t DOT-approved. Half of my car is no longer DOT-approved, so I decided to order them anyways.

I got mine from individual-car-consulting (Germany) on eBay, but now they can be purchased in the U.S. from ECSTuning. After about 4 weeks, they finally arrived! I couldn’t wait to install them.

Pre-LCI vs Blacklines - off Taillights OFF – LCI Blacklines (left) vs. OEM pre-LCI (right)

Pre-LCI vs Blacklines - on Taillights ON – LCI Blacklines (left) vs. OEM pre-LCI (right)

The install was very straight forward and only took about 30 minutes from start-to-finish. The LCI Blacklines were actually brighter than my OEM taillights. I’m very happy with the purchase and believe they’ve transformed the rear-end of the car.

BMW 135i - Blackline Taillights

Click the link below to see more comparison pictures.

Continue reading BMW 135i – Blackline Taillights Install →

Modifications

BMW 135i – Winter Wheels and Tires

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I was initially planning on storing my 1-series over the winter months, but the unexpected always seems to happen. My winter beater decided to throw a rod about a week into driving it. Wisconsin was getting pounded with snow and I had no other choice than to buy a set of winter wheels and tires for this car.

I bought the following from TireRack for under $1,300 shipped:

I took advantage of the free mounting and balancing they offer when you buy a set of both wheels and tires. They arrived like this:

TireRack wheels

I quickly removed the summer wheels and installed this new winter set. My first impression of them was great. Quiet, smooth, and soft.

Once the snow starting falling, I put them to the test and they performed perfectly. Unless the snow is halfway up the front bumper, I have faith that this car could bring me anywhere!

BMW 135i snow tires Continue reading BMW 135i – Winter Wheels and Tires →

Modifications

BMW 135i – BMS Dual Cone Intake Install (N54)

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Last week, I scored a used BMS Dual Cone Intake kit on 1Addicts for only $25 shipped! It was just too good of a price to pass up. When I opened the box, I found a pair of very dirty white filters. I regret not taking pictures of them because they almost looked black.

After soaking them with degreaser and rising them off, they looked brand new again! A couple minutes in the sun and they were dry. Then I grabbed a can of K&N filter oil and sprayed a nice coat on top. To my surprise, the oil was red! My precious white filters were no longer white! Oh well… they still look great.

BMW 135 - BMS dual cone intake

BMS claims that these puppies add at least 15HP to the wheels. I’m not sure how accurate that is but the sound is intoxicating! I had no problems with the K&N panel filter in the OEM airbox, but I read that it can be restrictive at higher boost levels. For only $25, I couldn’t go wrong with these. A quick test run proved that the car pulls great and sounds much better. Plus, I like the look of these under the hood.

BMS Dual Cone Intake dyno chart

Maintenance, Modifications

BMW 135i – Replacing Spark Plugs (N54)

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Now that the car is running higher boost, I decided I should probably replace the OEM spark plugs. I went with NGK 5992 plugs because they run a step colder than stock and are gappable.

NGK 5992 spark plugs

I visited Bob again because I wanted to test for boost leaks. Part of me was hoping we’d find a small leak somewhere so I could upgrade to a metal charge pipe with a blow-off-valve and a larger intercooler. We didn’t find any leaks, but I’ll still buy those parts sometime soon.

Bob also has the tools for flashing the DME. My first flash was the free BMS E85 flash. It was okay, but I didn’t notice much. I went back and had him load an E85 flash from Wedge. It was great. I ran it for a week or so, took some logs, sent them to Wedge, and he sent back another version of the flash. This time when I visited Bob, I had him load the new flash that Wedge created. On the way home, I pulled up to an E39 M5 on the highway. He toyed with me and once things cleared up, we were able to do a pull. I put bus lengths on him! I’m not sure if I should have expected more out of his 4.9L V8 or if my car is just fast. I plan on hitting up the drag strip next week.