Anybody own a BWM 335i or Audi A5 convertible

Red Dragon Audio · « **Reply #40 on:** 27 Jul 2011, 07:00 pm »

The 335i is a great car - I have driven extensively in the stock Sport Sedan, Sport pkg Coupe (without and with power/suspension modifications) and Diesel but I have not tried the X Drive version. I love the subtle styling details the latest generation 335i E90 sedans have vs. the earlier E90 body style. I agree that the stock brickstone run flats are pretty awful. Substituting them with some nice HanKook or other good sport tires will make a world of differences in terms of ride comfort, reduced noise levels and handling. Steelies and snow tires are perfect for winter.

As was suggested earlier, just store the stock run flats so you can turn the car back in at the end of the lease with the original run flats (I'm not sure how your lease contract was setup but maybe selling them is an option too).

Finally I'm always inclined to modify things just a bit...

A little boost in power and improved handling never hurts.

jtwrace · « **Reply #41 on:** 28 Jul 2011, 12:30 am »

I've been to the shop and have had the Stage 3. HIGHLY recommended.

http://www.vishnutuning.com/bmw_335i.htm

zybar · « **Reply #42 on:** 28 Jul 2011, 12:42 am »

Oh boy...I don't even have the car yet and you guys have me thinking about tires, suspension, and the engine!

When I had them, I chipped my VR6 GTI and Audi S4. In both cases, it made a very noticeable difference.

That piggyback unit from Vishnu is very interesting...

George

jtwrace · « **Reply #43 on:** 28 Jul 2011, 12:59 am »

Quote from: zybar on 28 Jul 2011, 12:42 am

Oh boy...I don't even have the car yet and you guys have me thinking about tires, suspension, and the engine!

When I had them, I chipped my VR6 GTI and Audi S4. In both cases, it made a very noticeable difference.

That piggyback unit from Vishnu is very interesting...

George

Just chipping the 335 is awesome. Best part, no one can see it, not even the wife.

Levi · « **Reply #44 on:** 28 Jul 2011, 01:04 am »

Bookmarked.

PeteG · « **Reply #45 on:** 28 Jul 2011, 02:26 am »

Quote from: Big Red Machine on 27 Jul 2011, 12:13 am

George, a classy choice for a classy guy. Enjoy your new ride. You deserve it!!

+1.

I used Cobb Tuning on a 04 STi and was very happy with Cobb's power package.

Chromisdesigns · « **Reply #46 on:** 28 Jul 2011, 04:35 am »

Chipping (or in the case of BMW these days, reprogramming or piggyback performance add-ons) can certainly be a hoot -- I did a Shark Injector on my old M3. However, one word of warning -- BMW these days is actively looking for tunes as an excuse to deny warranty service coverage on their cars. If you decide to do this, you also need something like the BT tool that can find and reset codes, including so-called "hidden" and "tuner" codes, that the BMW engine computer stores when things like turbo boost go outside factory ranges.

Many people have posted in places like E90 forums that their dealers found their tunes, or connectors for them, or found the hidden tuner codes, and denied warranty service on that account.

The safe play is to remove the tunes before ANY dealer service, even just an oil change, and use a BT tool or equivalent to search for and clear any incriminating codes. BMW is, of course, within their rights to do this, and as they seem to be more and more penny-pinching as time goes on, they apparently see this as one more way to save money.

Caveat emptor!

Red Dragon Audio · « **Reply #47 on:** 28 Jul 2011, 05:40 am »

Quote from: zybar on 28 Jul 2011, 12:42 am

Oh boy...I don't even have the car yet and you guys have me thinking about tires, suspension, and the engine!

Can we think about wheels yet?

zybar · « **Reply #48 on:** 28 Jul 2011, 12:00 pm »

Probably not going to go nuts on the wheel front since I am leasing.

Sweeeeet ride!!!

George

jtwrace · « **Reply #49 on:** 28 Jul 2011, 12:05 pm »

Vishnu has a switch that takes the tune out for when the car goes in for service. And no, I''m not going to tell you where they put it either. It's really clever! No big deal...

srb · « **Reply #50 on:** 28 Jul 2011, 03:47 pm »

Quote from: Red Dragon Audio on 28 Jul 2011, 05:40 am

Can we think about wheels yet?

Although it looks neat, it's hard to believe that as low a profile tire setup as that would survive driving on actual roads. Those rims would get chewed up on most roads that I've driven on!

Steve

ltr317 · « **Reply #51 on:** 28 Jul 2011, 04:16 pm »

Quote from: srb on 28 Jul 2011, 03:47 pm

Although it looks neat, it's hard to believe that as low a profile tire setup as that would survive driving on actual roads. Those rims would get chewed up on most roads that I've driven on!

Steve

Agreed, especially in NYC.

JohnR · « **Reply #52 on:** 28 Jul 2011, 04:22 pm »

Doesn't "C" stand for "city"?

Big Red Machine · « **Reply #53 on:** 28 Jul 2011, 04:31 pm »

Nice ride coming from an Audi guy.

Low profile tires suck here in the Motor City. Had them on the last Audi and it was punishing. I didn't opt for that on this latest Audi.

zybar · « **Reply #54 on:** 28 Jul 2011, 04:35 pm »

Quote from: JohnR on 28 Jul 2011, 04:22 pm

Doesn't "C" stand for "city"?

Yes

JohnR · « **Reply #55 on:** 28 Jul 2011, 04:39 pm »

I'm glad that's cleared up

I used to love the backroads of Marin on my Duc - suspension modified for "real world" conditions.

zybar · « **Reply #56 on:** 29 Jul 2011, 07:49 pm »

Here's a quick and not very well composed shot of the new car:

I am going to try and clean and wax her over the coming days. Once I do that, I'll take some better pictures.

As good as she looks, she is an even better drive!!

Very, very, very, happy with my selection.

George

jtwrace · « **Reply #57 on:** 30 Jul 2011, 12:56 am »

Quote from: zybar on 29 Jul 2011, 07:49 pm

As good as she looks, she is an even better drive!!

I'm not surprised she's more fun to drive then look at.

They usually are.

Quote

Very, very, very, happy with my selection.

Congrats! Use it well and be safe.

TONEPUB · « **Reply #58 on:** 30 Jul 2011, 02:05 am »

Excellent choice!

TONEPUB · « **Reply #59 on:** 30 Jul 2011, 02:06 am »

Just get the Dinan upgrade, that doesn't void the warranty and you can get it done right at your BMW dealer.