What Should I Do First?

[FrustratedMunky]

Hi everyone,

I have a BMW 318IS kickin' around and my budget is pretty tight. What do you guys think I should do first? I was thinking about throwing my deck in there but on the other hand, I did want to keep everything looking as genuine-BMW as possible. I have a few other questions too. Is it possible to get a Alpine or Pioneer CD changer without changing the factory deck? Also, how worthwhile is it to install an Air Intake Filter into the 318IS? Thanks for your input.

- Chad

[LikeCDoos]

you won't get much gain from an intake unless you do it properly. Personally i'd put a deck in it first. up to you though

[Rob]

if your money is tight, leave it alone, save your money to maintain it

[OldUser1]

Re: What Should I Do First?

Also, how worthwhile is it to install an Air Intake Filter into the 318IS?

If your looking for performance, don't get your hopes too high. I had a cone filter setup on my 318is a while back. Didn't do much for performance but the sound difference was amazing.

BTW if your looking for more power, look into a chip. Turner sells them for $250, and a member here (e30gumball) also sells his chips for $75. People seem to swear by the JC chips. You might want to look into both.

-Kenyon

[TheyCallMeDale]

nakamichi makes some of the best decks out there and they go seamlessly with the e30 interior. Ask anyone they wouldnt recomend anything else

[KenC]

Don't even bother with the stock tape deck. It's a POS.

Have you looked into getting a Nakamichi head-unit? They're very simplistic. They're black with amber lighting. Very high quality, and they'll match perfectly with the interior.

[M42Technik]

Don't even bother with the stock tape deck. It's a POS.

Have you looked into getting a Nakamichi head-unit? They're very simplistic. They're black with amber lighting. Very high quality, and they'll match perfectly with the interior.

Budget. Nakamichi. No go there...

As Rob stated, maintaining it for a while is your best bet. You'll find more to replace and fix before you start thinking about mods.

[UNHCLL]

Have you looked into getting a Nakamichi head-unit? They're very simplistic. They're black with amber lighting. Very high quality, and they'll match perfectly with the interior.

Since he said he's on a tight budget, I doubt he's going to want to spring for the $500+ Nakamichi Decks.

I have a Pioneer CD changer from the factory that might work with your headunit. I'll sell it cheap to. PM me if you have any interest.

Skip the airfilter. Jim C chip will be your best bet... but those are kind of expensive.


Overall, Rob said it best. If your budgets tight, save for maitenance.

[KenC]

:oops: Didn't see the tight budget. I guess my eyes just went straight to the audio equipment. You can get the Nak CD400 off of the 'bay for about $3-350 new.

Take Rob's advice.

[FrustratedMunky]

Thanks for all the replies, guys.

Yeah, I didn't think too much of the Intake idea. I just always heard people say, "Yeah, I got intake and exhaust" like it's something that's so normal that everyone should upgrade it first, but I guess not! I actually have an Alpine CDA-9807 deck already, but it's installed in the family Acura Vigor. It's got a silver facing and blue lighting, which doesn't quite do much for matching the black leather interior, but it might have to do since I spent the money on it already.
How much extra horsepower should I expect to get with the JC chip? And is there a downside to it? IE. Unnecessary fuel consumption, etc? What exactly does the chip do to the engine that improves it so much?

[OldUser1]

How much extra power does the chip add usually around? And is there a downside to it? IE. Unnecessary fuel consumption, etc? What exactly does the chip do to the engine that improves it so much?

The Jim C. chip adds roughly 12hp and 15ft/lbs. It also raises the redline to 7000rpms.
Most people have not complained about unnecessary fuel consumption after installing these chips, just that you must use 91 octane or higher. The chip also advances your timing, which is where most the power is coming from.

[Jordan]

Buy a Nak CD700II. You'll love it :)

Thats the deck I'd really like, but the retail cost on it is more then your car is worth. lol.

[Rob]

The Jim C. chip adds roughly 12hp and 15ft/lbs. .

that is highly debatable

[BrianF 88iS]

For the music, to play cds, just get this cord that connects your cd player or walkmen to the tape player and you can play cds on that.
I am not too sure of all of the things about it, I just saw my brother using one in his M3 and my 325is.
Ask him about that(AdamF 88iS).
I am sure they are cheap enough.

[OldUser1]

The Jim C. chip adds roughly 12hp and 15ft/lbs. .

that is highly debatable

Thats what I read off the website.
TMS
Yes I agree it is debatable, it would be easier if there were dyno chart comparisons on the website.