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Aaron
Sun Aug 23rd, 2015, 08:26 PM
I sold my Jeep SRT8 a couple months ago, decided I wanted a nice car that's fun to drive, practical as a daily driver, and still has good performance figures. Did a lot of research, some test driving, and felt like the 335i fit what I was looking for the best.

I settled on a 335is, mainly because the mileage was low, the advantages over the 335i aren't that substantial really.

320hp N54 twin turbo I6, 6-speed manual (Yes, with a clutch pedal, save the manuals!), and it's only missing a couple options so it's nicely outfitted.

Come Thanksgiving I'll be installing some modifications. Turbo inlets, intercooler, hard charge pipes, blow off valve, fuel pump, tune with e85 capability, and downpipes. Should be good for 450-500whp and 500-550wtq. I'll also be adding LED interior lamps and a couple very minor exterior mods.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v336/AaronZ34/Mobile%20Uploads/20150811_170032_zpsak0b2soi.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/AaronZ34/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150811_170032_zpsak0b2soi.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v336/AaronZ34/Mobile%20Uploads/20150811_170317_zpsrythhycb.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/AaronZ34/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150811_170317_zpsrythhycb.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v336/AaronZ34/Mobile%20Uploads/20150813_224140_zpsljk6vqs1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/AaronZ34/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150813_224140_zpsljk6vqs1.jpg.html)

madvlad
Sun Aug 23rd, 2015, 09:25 PM
Those are very fun, love the nice exhaust tone it has from the factory

Aaron
Sun Aug 23rd, 2015, 09:36 PM
No kidding I couldn't believe how good the I6 sounds. I already unplugged the vacuum actuator so now it uses both tail pipes all of the time, made it a little louder and more pronounced and idle and low throttle.

I'm hoping the downpipes don't change the sound, just make it a touch louder. If not I'll do the cheap exhaust mod, which involves cutting open the muffler and making some changes on the inside of it.

Aaron
Sun Aug 23rd, 2015, 09:57 PM
I hate it when people post about their car, and act like it is the best car ever and cannot accept anything else. So a few complaints.

For being the "sport" version, the "is" costs a shit load more, and adds very little to the car. Not to mention it is on the E92 platform while the sedan had already moved to the new platform, getting more options. The 320hp isn't really fair. It's 20hp up from the standard 335i, but only for 18 seconds or so while it over boosts. Then it's back to the same 300hp.

Air cooled seats aren't even an option, and the sunroof is small. A 2-3 pane panoramic sunroof would be tits.

The car has full exterior LED lamps, except for the side turn signals and reverse lamps. Why not those too? And why incandescents on the inside?

2nd gear is notchy and difficult to hit smoothly at red line, which means you need to shift slowly, which causes you to lag into 3rd.

My biggest complaint has got to be the freaking 1wd open differential. Way to take the sport out of the is model, because you're afraid it's too close to the M3.

Most of these complaints are easily fixed, and hopefully will be soon. Over Thanksgiving I'll be adding a shorter ratio LSD, LED lamps, red line trans fluid, and of course permanent hp increases.

Slo
Mon Aug 24th, 2015, 07:23 AM
When I had the 135i, that open diff sucked monkey balls. I now have the e90 with manual.... n55

GNGSXR
Mon Aug 24th, 2015, 08:22 AM
My grand national still has an open differential but why on earth would they do that to a newer BMW?

Aaron
Mon Aug 24th, 2015, 10:23 AM
Seriously drives me crazy. I think the primary reason was to keep it from competing with the M3, because most sport drivers prefer the 35 for the turbo engine over the V8.

#1Townie
Mon Aug 24th, 2015, 11:51 AM
https://youtu.be/8K1gaSbQUYM


I like this.

GMR
Tue Aug 25th, 2015, 06:37 AM
but the M3 V8 is so great!

Aaron
Wed Sep 2nd, 2015, 12:12 PM
Just got my first mod! Ambient Thermal Management front mount intercooler. 56% more frontal area, 56% more interior volume, 20% of the pressure loss, and it fits without needing to make room.

I hate meth and water injection, unlike most in the community, so I'll rely only on a good intercooler, which is why I spent so much. But with this and e85, I shouldn't have any problems with knock.

http://i.imgur.com/DGcWgfL.jpg?1

#1Townie
Wed Sep 2nd, 2015, 09:39 PM
What exhaust you thinking about running?

Oh and are you going to up your boost?

GMR
Thu Sep 3rd, 2015, 07:53 AM
man, how much do cops make? This guy in my hood is one and has the newest truck, newer R6, and lives bachelor and doesn't collect rent from roommates. Makes me feel so broke!

#1Townie
Thu Sep 3rd, 2015, 08:23 AM
A used BMW isn't as much as you think.

Gramps
Thu Sep 3rd, 2015, 10:48 AM
Nice car-

My wife leased one several years ago and she loved it.

:up:

Aaron
Thu Sep 3rd, 2015, 12:33 PM
What exhaust you thinking about running?

Oh and are you going to up your boost?

I'm going to leave the exhaust stock. Aftermarket systems don't gain any power, and I like the way this car sounds. So a couple downpipes should be it for the exhaust. And yes, boost will be doubled soon hehe.


man, how much do cops make? This guy in my hood is one and has the newest truck, newer R6, and lives bachelor and doesn't collect rent from roommates. Makes me feel so broke!

I do alright, but I work a ton of overtime, and don't have a wife, ex-wife, girlfriend, or kids. Completely bachelor style here.

Zanatos
Fri Sep 4th, 2015, 05:24 PM
Don't listen when you inevitably run into a notorious BMW snob like this guy.

"I can't believe you didn't opt for the M5. Ah ha ha ha."

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aUW9ixCRExA/UdB8aoRlNlI/AAAAAAAAATY/zumu45nNpWY/s259/Wine+snob.jpg

Aaron
Fri Sep 4th, 2015, 05:56 PM
I wish I could afford an M5. As much as I love 2 doors, I'd much rather have an M5. So I'll settle for being faster ;)

#1Townie
Fri Sep 4th, 2015, 06:20 PM
Mine got rear ended this morning. That was fun. Plus they took off. Guess they had something better to do.

Aaron
Sat Oct 24th, 2015, 03:32 PM
Top Gear Solutions interior LED HPB kit. I would've liked to stick with V-LED's, but the TGS kit had properly specced pieces for the map and dome lights. I went with the mid range 12 LED dome light. Overall the lights swapped in without any issues, and I'm happy with the kit, no complaints besides the front dome being a royal pain in the a$$ to get out.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v336/AaronZ34/Mobile%20Uploads/20151024_140848_zps1k33dtjp.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v336/AaronZ34/Mobile%20Uploads/20151024_140912_zpsk5rrkvje.jpg

Drivers side keyhole delete cover. Still unsure about this one. As you can see in the pic it didn't line up very well, and the bolt didn't thread in very smoothly. I'm going to play with it some more and try to get it to line up better. Paint matches perfectly.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v336/AaronZ34/Mobile%20Uploads/20151024_140825_zpsfxfnvkcx.jpg

ATM intercooler. Looks good, heavier than my ex girlfriend(!), and expensive. I'm waiting to install the performance mods until December because the aforementioned friend wants to help and do the tuning (Which will be flash only, bought the cables too).

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v336/AaronZ34/Mobile%20Uploads/20151024_150806_zpscmkqzng0.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v336/AaronZ34/Mobile%20Uploads/20151024_150818_zps0ezmo0lm.jpg

Then I dropped $1200 and some change at VRSF. Downpipes, charge pipe, BOV, and half of my wheel spacers came today. Downpipes look great. Charge pipe wasn't very well masked off, and there's still masking tape on the inside, but that's a pretty minor detail in reality. These parts should be cleaned well prior to install anyway, so they'll be good. Tiago sent me the BOV I ordered, but before and after placing the order I asked him to swap it for a TiAL QR as I want it to recirculate, and he said he would. Of course I got the standard TiAL BOV. I'm sure he'll take care of this, but I may try it out first. I've heard it's quiet, but I want near silent. I'll review these parts further when I go to install them. Still waiting on the inlets and front 12mm spacers, which should ship soon.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v336/AaronZ34/Mobile%20Uploads/20151024_131251_zps9hbyg4z1.jpg

Ordered 20mm rear spacers from VRSF. They're wheel spacers, not exactly rocket science, but I've got no complaints. Install was straight forward with no faults, and they look good and fit better than my girlfriend's panties fit me. And her underwear fits me really well. 20mm is the max I'd go for this car, but I love the flush look now.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v336/AaronZ34/Mobile%20Uploads/20151024_131239_zpsbapm35lh.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v336/AaronZ34/Mobile%20Uploads/20151024_132918_zpsl7sfoz8b.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v336/AaronZ34/Mobile%20Uploads/20151024_134553_zpsyhvpu5px.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v336/AaronZ34/Mobile%20Uploads/20151024_134600_zpscwbnnwck.jpg

Still to come is a M Factory LSD with the shortest ratio they offer. I'll suffer some low speed acceleration loss, but highway cruising will be much more pleasant and economical. I hate turning 3,200 rpm on the highway. That should be 2, if not 1800. Also a Stage 2 fuel pump for e85 hippie corn juice, M5 shifter so it lights up, and eventually a turbo upgrade. Also considering an aluminum petrol tank for less weight and more capacity.

Thanks for following! If you don't like it feel free to say so, I won't censor, but I don't give a fvck. My car not yours.

madvlad
Sat Oct 24th, 2015, 03:37 PM
Man, having some fun with that thing lol

Aaron
Sat Oct 24th, 2015, 04:00 PM
Sure am! Looking for 500 at the wheels come December.

madvlad
Sat Oct 24th, 2015, 04:28 PM
That's a party lol. Those IS are fun cars and a good platform to get a fun car going without the tag of a M car

Stuart Little
Mon Oct 26th, 2015, 07:39 PM
Nice car! Some day I'm sure I'll pick up a BMW, for now ze other 3 germans will have to do!

Aaron
Mon Dec 28th, 2015, 01:22 PM
Car is doing well, and is now what these forums consider FBO, though it's still missing one mod I consider part of FBO, I'll preview that later. This will serve as the reviews for all of the parts as well. Mad props to V8bait, he'll post his bragging logs here shortly, but my God can he tune a fvcking car.

Random engine teardown pics:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v336/AaronZ34/20151219_134326_zpsvx88xpvv.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/AaronZ34/media/20151219_134326_zpsvx88xpvv.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v336/AaronZ34/20151221_113103_zpsd2ynn4u4.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/AaronZ34/media/20151221_113103_zpsd2ynn4u4.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v336/AaronZ34/20151221_113111_zpscuc6uqoz.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/AaronZ34/media/20151221_113111_zpscuc6uqoz.jpg.html)

VRSF catless downpipes. They look great, although looks don't matter much to me for these, they looked good, no complaints at all. Included O2 sensor block-off plugs, new lower hardware, and new gaskets. Install was kind of a pain in the a$$, but through no fault of VRSF. Hardest part was getting the downpipes plugged into the turbine discharge while holding them up. Here's a tip, don't install one and then think you can do the other. I tried, and failed, had to put them both up at the same time before starting to bolt them on. Other than that they are plug and play, even for the 'is'. Mine lined up really well, and tightened down just fine. Overall I'm very happy with these, everything you need is included. Even being an 'is' with the golf tee mod it sounds great, and I don't have any rattles. One complaint is the included hardware is a pain to install since it's difficult to get the hardware in with all of the 3 washers per bolt, and difficult to get tight with the limited space. I'd like to see, and would've paid more for, either welded on nuts or threaded bolt holes on the downpipe flanges to ease the install. Very minor complaint, just felt I had to be negative about something haha.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v336/AaronZ34/20151221_113039_zpsnp22ksgm.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/AaronZ34/media/20151221_113039_zpsnp22ksgm.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v336/AaronZ34/20151221_113034_zpseqfmtla7.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/AaronZ34/media/20151221_113034_zpseqfmtla7.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v336/AaronZ34/20151223_123622_zps4dzvrxru.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/AaronZ34/media/20151223_123622_zps4dzvrxru.jpg.html)

Included hardware, as well as extra parts after the install.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v336/AaronZ34/20151221_113046_zpsaailzlco.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/AaronZ34/media/20151221_113046_zpsaailzlco.jpg.html)

Aaron
Mon Dec 28th, 2015, 01:24 PM
Fuel-It Stage 2 pump assembly. First of all, buy the fvcking tool. I don't care how many worker Mexicans you have with hammers and sockets, buy the goddanm tool. I used the hammer method with a friend, and hate myself for it. Marred up the lock ring, cussed a lot, and was still never sure if it was fully tight. The pump was also kind of a pain, again through no fault of Fuel-It, I broke that stupid clip, appropriately named the PITA clip. I removed the pump, and shipped it to Steve. Unfortunately it arrived to him on a Saturday, so I was afraid he wouldn't get it or it'd be delayed until Tuesday or so. I had contacted him early and paid for express shipping. Monday morning he sent it out, all done! Tuesday morning I had it. Mad props to Steve for shipping to the right address (There was a last minute change), including an extra PITA clip, and using a shipping method that got it to me even faster than I had hoped.

***Important, the re-install directions have a slight bit of confusion. Near the end they specify to push on the vent tube, then install the PITA clip. This is nearly impossible, if not impossible, because the electrical connectors get in the way. Install the PITA clip first, completely, then just push the vent line up into the cap thingy, and the PITA clips expands out, then clicks in. Very easy, after you spend 30 minutes trying to figure out how to do it.

Also, make sure the lock ring is fully seated. Otherwise you spill a lot of gas all over the place.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v336/AaronZ34/20151222_161648_zpsjxhveuco.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/AaronZ34/media/20151222_161648_zpsjxhveuco.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v336/AaronZ34/20151222_190002_zps0ebfiisc.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/AaronZ34/media/20151222_190002_zps0ebfiisc.jpg.html)

On to the VRSF charge pipe, which along with the majority of my order from them arrived promptly. I had previously arranged with Tiago to send me a recirculating BOV with it, and that was not done, I got the standard TiAL BOV. Although not happy about it, I'm over it now, and will just leave it as is. However I will mention the TiAL is not as quite in RL as YouTube videos make it out to be, it sounds louder to me. I don't mind it that much though, just a bit ricey for my tastes. The charge pipe looked great, although the pre-painting tape job was very amateur and tape was even left on it when I got it, all of these flaws are not seen once installed. The pipe fit perfectly, I was expecting it to be worse, and I'm really impressed with how easy it is to install and remove. Love how much $hit is eliminated with the TiAL BOV and inlets too.

In reading the previous reviews, I tried to install the MAP sensor. Ripped my O-ring even after lubricating it, luckily had another laying around that fit well and slid in. And then remembered the mounting bolts were tapped for a metric bolt, and not a screw like OEM. Made a special trip to the nearest hardware store 20 minutes away to buy 2 fvcking bolts. And when I got home, is when I knew I'd gone full retard. He includes new bolts. And T-bolt hose clamps (WINNING!)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v336/AaronZ34/20151221_113914_zpshtxw1m6p.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/AaronZ34/media/20151221_113914_zpshtxw1m6p.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v336/AaronZ34/20151221_113908_zpsfrxj5kgm.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/AaronZ34/media/20151221_113908_zpsfrxj5kgm.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v336/AaronZ34/20151221_145018_zpslswhefly.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/AaronZ34/media/20151221_145018_zpslswhefly.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v336/AaronZ34/20151223_123541_zpspp7zzz63.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/AaronZ34/media/20151223_123541_zpspp7zzz63.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v336/AaronZ34/20151221_153228_zpsqa5vtekl.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/AaronZ34/media/20151221_153228_zpsqa5vtekl.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v336/AaronZ34/20151221_153208_zpszqtcjnaq.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/AaronZ34/media/20151221_153208_zpszqtcjnaq.jpg.html)

Aaron
Mon Dec 28th, 2015, 01:25 PM
Next up is the Ambient Thermal Management intercooler. No pics of this for the install unfortunately. It was shipped immediately, and quality is great. V8bait was the installer, and he said it fit really really well. It included a new cold side up-pipe, as well as 2 silicone connectors. Even with the VRSF charge pipe the silicone charge pipes and J-pipes lined up really well, very happy with this intercooler. Plus he sends a blow pop with it. Awesome.

1 complaint. They send slightly more better worm gear clamps, not T-bolts. Completely illogical on what is clearly a performance turbo application. FWIW, NAPA carries T-bolt clamps, $4 or $5 each and they fit perfectly. Sucks I had to make a special trip for something that should be included.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v336/AaronZ34/20151223_123530_zpsgzawbssh.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/AaronZ34/media/20151223_123530_zpsgzawbssh.jpg.html)

Now on to the VRSF inlets, what you've all been waiting for. I like the VRSF kit better than the rest, one because it puts the filters on the passenger side. Very happy with it overall. However the pipes are steel, NOT aluminum. They are quite heavy, and the only reason for this is cost, as they could, and should be, aluminum.

Install fvcking sucks, it was hell. No way around that, with any kit. In fact I'd bet these install easier than the other kits. Install these before any other mod, we had to remove the turbo outlets (Hot side charge pipes), and we had the downpipes out when we installed them. Getting the factory inlets out sucks even harder. We got pissed and cut the rear one in two just to get it out, and that was with the intake manifold off.

We had to trim the rear silicone adapter that attaches to the compressor outlet, otherwise it bent itself from hitting the firewall. Trimmed off 1-1.5cm, and it fit much better. Better too long than too short, but still took some trimming to get it to fit well. Probably spent 3 hours adjusting the rear inlet, just to get it perfect. What a pain in the ass, through no fault of VRSF though, aside for that minor trimming. The second metal tube on the rear inlet trumpets up to full diameter at the end, then immediately has a silicone coupler clamp to it. This created some issues for me, as everytime I clamped it down, the clamp would slide down the trumpet. It took me several tries before I could clamp it on the short steady diameter portion after the trumpet. Front turbo inlet installed well enough.

The coolant reservoir relocation does NOT work on the 'is' models. The 'is' not only has the fan relay, which is easy to relocate, it has a different power steering reservoir setup, and it has several coolant hoses where the coolant reservoir would move to. I instead moved the reservoir to sit just under the driver side strut tower brace, and bent/cut/drilled the VRSF brackets to hold it there. VRSF includes plenty of extra silicone tubing in all manner of sizes, and they in fact included much more than I needed. I didn't use any of the small tubing, and only used maybe 1/8 of the large diameter tubing they sent. They have you route the low side coolant reservoir line around the front of the engine and to the new location. This bothered me, as the front of the engine is very convoluted, especially with the large 'is' fan. I instead capped this line at the water pump. This line T's with a heater core line, that runs along the front of the car, then along the frame rail on the driver's side, right beneath your charge pipe. Perfect. Cut it there, put in a T, then ran that to the new reservoir. Much less tubing required. One more word of caution, VRSF includes brass barbed fittings for this, and the 90* elbow is a 3-piece unit that leaked badly for me. Threw that away, used a 1-piece elbow from NAPA.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v336/AaronZ34/20151222_184129_zpsdppwfz8a.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/AaronZ34/media/20151222_184129_zpsdppwfz8a.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v336/AaronZ34/20151222_184121_zpskccnu5wo.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/AaronZ34/media/20151222_184121_zpskccnu5wo.jpg.html)

Leaky elbow (Yes, it was clamped prior to running and subsequent leaking):

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v336/AaronZ34/20151222_184108_zpsou1yqm1d.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/AaronZ34/media/20151222_184108_zpsou1yqm1d.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v336/AaronZ34/20151221_174228_zpsioirrps0.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/AaronZ34/media/20151221_174228_zpsioirrps0.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v336/AaronZ34/20151221_174220_zpsiak6sv1u.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/AaronZ34/media/20151221_174220_zpsiak6sv1u.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v336/AaronZ34/20151221_154453_zpsjtpdprp2.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/AaronZ34/media/20151221_154453_zpsjtpdprp2.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v336/AaronZ34/20151221_114633_zpskgwpqops.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/AaronZ34/media/20151221_114633_zpskgwpqops.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v336/AaronZ34/20151221_114605_zpsu7mmg4wu.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/AaronZ34/media/20151221_114605_zpsu7mmg4wu.jpg.html)

Aaron
Mon Dec 28th, 2015, 02:42 PM
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v336/AaronZ34/Mobile%20Uploads/20151226_122504_zpsyb39lssl.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/AaronZ34/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20151226_122504_zpsyb39lssl.jpg.html)

The Black Knight
Mon Dec 28th, 2015, 03:02 PM
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v336/AaronZ34/Mobile%20Uploads/20151226_122504_zpsyb39lssl.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/AaronZ34/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20151226_122504_zpsyb39lssl.jpg.html)

Hey Dalton!! why you hiding your German engineered car in a barn? Drive that thing to the Double Duece after your done doing your kata.. :D


Looks good man :up:

Aaron
Mon Dec 28th, 2015, 06:10 PM
Final numbers are 470whp, 512wtq at 18psi. Logs and graphs to follow!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wjy_ffbasb4

Aaron
Mon Dec 28th, 2015, 06:19 PM
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v336/AaronZ34/Mobile%20Uploads/335is%20dyno%20december%202015_zpsybyppklq.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/AaronZ34/media/Mobile%20Uploads/335is%20dyno%20december%202015_zpsybyppklq.jpg.htm l)

madvlad
Mon Dec 28th, 2015, 09:25 PM
Pretty good numbers dude

GMR
Wed Jan 6th, 2016, 09:41 PM
Again, nice. Wish I would have had the opportunity to try out a 6MT 335i before getting a G37. Sometimes it gets too difficult to find exactly what you want so you have to make a short list and buy whichever one becomes available.