[PGT]

After a bunch of car trades earlier this year, my wife ended up driving the Jeep and immediately let me know she hated it. So, I told her to go pick something out. She's been undecided since last month, except for getting on the list for a Subaru BRZ (she drove one and loved it, but not the size so much).

We cruised through the Audi lot and the MB lot the weekend before last, and she liked the S4 (but didn't drive it). We traded an MB E550 Coupe in on my SRT8 but she wasn't fond of the C250 or variants (similar interior but boring outside).

We were on our way home last Saturday from dropping our daughter off with the grandparents and I suggested we cruise through the BMW dealer. We did and she saw a dark grey 328i Luxury model and wanted to drive it (which is unsual because she normally abhors dealers and makes me do all the leg work). We were actually on our way to a friend's BBQ and ended up being five hours late....

[PGT]

My wife did the first mod - she debadged it yesterday.

[Photoman]

Very nice, congrats!
What is that badge/emblem next to the rear licence plate?

[the infamous...]

congrats!

[PGT]

Originally Posted by Photoman

Very nice, congrats!
What is that badge/emblem next to the rear licence plate?

a badge for the BMW dealer. It will get removed too but my wife was too chicken.

[mark.L]

Originally Posted by PGT

a badge for the BMW dealer. It will get removed too but my wife was too chicken.

Just hate it when the dealers put their own "badges" right next to the plates..

Btw, congrats on the new car!!
Good choice..

[PGT]

thanks. that badge is gone now and soon, the plate frame will be too.

I thought I'd share the previous two purchases this year, that keep the 3 company.

300C SRT8



Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon COD:MW3 Edition with AEV kit

[bcl0328]

you went on a car buying spree this year?

[PGT]

a bit, eh? traded two cars in against the first two and then bought the BMW. So, like, 1.25 new car payments.

I'm doing my part for economic stimulus!

[Serenitygal3]

Congrats on the new car! Bought my first car at that dealership so I recognized that dealer's badge right away lol! Anyway, hope to see an m-sport driving around because so far I haven't seen one since I took delivery a month a and half ago

[PGT]

My wife said she saw an identical one drive down our street today. I'll believe it when I see it for myself.

[PGT]

got the windows tinted on Friday. 35% Lumar Formula One ceramic.

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...97880332_o.jpg

[PGT]

We also ordered black chrome exhaust tips, the IND side reflectors in matching Estoril Blue and the rear reflectors in Dark Shadow.

Next up will be the carbon mirrors, carbon spoiler and carbon 7pc interior kit.

[mark.L]

[PGT]

So, I just swapped the chrome tips for black chrome tips and also swapped the red rear reflectors for IND versions (stock, but painted...in this case Shadow Grey to match the diffuser).

While under the car, I see <gasp> a 3" main exhaust pipe. Heck, it might even be 3.5". It's BIG.





and, finished product:

[Serenitygal3]

Wow! Nice black tips! I've been desperately looking to get these done but didn't know how so I'm glad I saw your mods! Did you buy the black chrome tips through IND as well? How difficult was it to install? Ahhhh so excited to get mine done!!!

[estragos]

Very nice in M Sport and Estoril Blue!! Congratulations...

[Serenitygal3]

Originally Posted by PGT

got the windows tinted on Friday. 35% Lumar Formula One ceramic.

I was so excited about the black tips that I didn't see you got ceramic tinting. Do you see any problems with the dot matrixing?

Congrats on your car!

[PGT]

Originally Posted by Serenitygal3

Wow! Nice black tips! I've been desperately looking to get these done but didn't know how so I'm glad I saw your mods! Did you buy the black chrome tips through IND as well? How difficult was it to install? Ahhhh so excited to get mine done!!!

No, the black tips are from any BMW dealer. The P/N is shown on the first pic I posted. You need Qty 2. Install is fairly easy...they have metal tabs inside that act like springs to hold them tight, ending in pointed tips. Shoot some WD40 in from the back side and yank. I did spend $25 for a slide hammer from Amazon. This made a big difference as they need a quick jerk to release those points.

Originally Posted by Serenitygal3

I was so excited about the black tips that I didn't see you got ceramic tinting. Do you see any problems with the dot matrixing?

Congrats on your car!

Thanks. The dots are a problem with any tint unless the shop sands them down. Even then, there's no way to get the tint to be smooth there. I'll have to look and see how they did it. Its my wife's car so she's the one who took it over to the shop. We've had every car done at the same shop for a decade now and only had one issue (my Chrysler....the RF window top edge didn't stick properly and I need to get it over there for them to redo it. Same tint as the BMW).

[PGT]

I took a daytime pic this morning. I still think the basic twin tip is very plain compared to the Mercedes we traded over the summer, but it will do for now.



the Benz, for reference.

[Jamesons Viggen]

Originally Posted by PGT

So, I just swapped the chrome tips for black chrome tips and also swapped the red rear reflectors for IND versions (stock, but painted...in this case Shadow Grey to match the diffuser).

While under the car, I see <gasp> a 3" main exhaust pipe. Heck, it might even be 3.5". It's BIG.





and, finished product:

I was under the car last week. I too was very impressed with how beefy the stock exhaust was.

New exhaust is going into development next week. I am hoping for an 8whp gain.

[PGT]

Ordered winter rollers. 18" Rial Salerno with Potenza 970's. We don't get enough really bad weather here to warrant winter tires. Besides, my wife works from home and we have the Jeep for really bad days.

Got the windows tinted. 35% Llumar Formula One ceramic