Howdy!

[jonsuta]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to this forum. Even though I've joined BMW.SG for a little while, this is the first time for me to post onto the forum, and will like to take this opportunity to say "HOWDY" to everyone.

I'm driving a '08 BMW 232i and just celebrated the 1st anniversary a month ago!

I've been reading a lot of member's comments and suggestion within this forum for a little while, and appreciated everyone's inputs, as I learned quite a number of things about the car that I'm driving (as this is the first BMW that I've owned).

I do have question that I will like to ask everyone's help with your feedback.

I've noticed that many of you have installed "Sprint Booster" into your BMW, and have read a lot of good feedback about installing this. (In general speaking, Sprint Booster do not add more HP, but will response to gear shifting a lot faster and responsive than the current stock setup.) However, my concerns are as follows:

1) After installing Sprint Booster, will the acceleration becomes overly sensitive, especially from stopped/stationary position, in which a slight tap of the acceleration will cause the car to jump (I'm not sure if this is the correct terminology, but I hope you understand what I mean)? (Actually, the current stock setup from BMW is just right for this situation from the stationary position. I had driven Toyota Wish and Audi A4, which both cars are quite sensitive to the initial acceleration from the stationary position, while Merc C200 has too much of a lag on this issue. This is more of a concern toward 1) parking and moving out of parking lot and 2) my wife is also driving this car, which her safety is be taken into consideration toward this installation.)

2) So far, the only shop that had quoted me for installing the Sprint Booster is from BMWorkshop in Alexander Village, and they had quoted S$400. Is this price reasonable, or is there other recommended shop for this? Also, is there any shop that can allow me to test it out first before I decide to purchase the installation?



Everyone's comments and suggestions are welcome. Thank you all, in advance!

 

[jonsuta]

Re: Howdy!

Sorry for the mistake on the model number. Instead of 232i, my BMW should be 323i. Thank you.

 

[JLMC]

Re: Howdy!

I'm driving a '08 BMW 232i and just celebrated the 1st anniversary a month ago!

CONGRATS TO YR NEW CAR!
1) After installing Sprint Booster, will the acceleration becomes overly sensitive, especially from stopped/stationary position, in which a slight tap of the acceleration will cause the car to jump (I'm not sure if this is the correct terminology, but I hope you understand what I mean)? (Actually, the current stock setup from BMW is just right for this situation from the stationary position. I had driven Toyota Wish and Audi A4, which both cars are quite sensitive to the initial acceleration from the stationary position, while Merc C200 has too much of a lag on this issue. This is more of a concern toward 1) parking and moving out of parking lot and 2) my wife is also driving this car, which her safety is be taken into consideration toward this installation.)

SINCE YOU SEEM TO HV CONCERN AS YR WIFEY OSO DRIVE YR CAR, ITS BETTER NOT TO INSTALL THE SP. IMO

2) So far, the only shop that had quoted me for installing the Sprint Booster is from BMWorkshop in Alexander Village, and they had quoted S$400. Is this price reasonable, or is there other recommended shop for this? Also, is there any shop that can allow me to test it out first before I decide to purchase the installation?

thats abt the price level...but do look out for some forumers selling it off, some as low as $250 (exclude installation)
otherwise, go to R2D n look for Rod n hv yr ignition upgrade. No regrets
drive at DS level n play with yr stick. that will do the trick too.

 

[ac323]

Re: Howdy!

Howdy,

Welcome welcome.....

pricing is around what you mention.........yesno hp or nm gain....only better response for acceleration.....

You may wanna click on the workshops & help column to check the workshop that can help you instal this SB........(BVO or J4C)

Happy modding bro.........

Cheers.....

 

[jonsuta]

Re: Howdy!

Thank you all for your advices. I have an additional question.

Is there any difference between installing Sprint Boost and shifting the gear to sport mode (DS)? If so, please describe the difference. Thank you.

 

[ac323]

Re: Howdy!

Hi Jonsuta,

SB = Steam
DS = Shiok

SB + DS = Steam and Shiok

Basically when you put to DS your ride will have a high rev.....SB helps to give better response to the acceleration....so put both better...........maybe next stage you may wanna change header, down pipe and exhaust then do a re-flash on the ECU....for overall better response..........

Happy modding

Cheers...........

 

[jonsuta]

Re: Howdy!

Hi ac323,

Thank you for your advice. Steam + Shiok = Extremely Shiok! Sounds Great!

Within your recommendation, you mentioned re-flash on the ECU. Even though I've heard this quite often within the forum, I'm not familiar to this service. Please advice on what is re-flash on the ECU and what doe this do? (Is this service re-sets the ECU back to factory standard/default, or does this do more?)

Please advice. Thank you.

 

[jonsuta]

Re: Howdy!

Hi everyone,

As I am quite new to various forms of modification for cars, hoping that anyone can help me toward better understanding of the modifications. Wondering if anyone can explain what is "Re-Flash on the ECU?"

Thank you.

 

[jonsuta]

Re: Howdy!

Hi bros,

Thank you for all your suggestions and explanations.

You bros are evil! Convincing us newbies to turn to the dark side!

I likey, likey, man!!

Keep it up!

 

[318 NewBoy]

Re: Howdy!

So what have you modded so far? And what's on your list bro?

 

[jonsuta]

Re: Howdy!

So what have you modded so far? And what's on your list bro?

Hi bro,

So far, I haven't done any mods yet. However, there are several mods that I'm considering, as follows:

Sway/Anti-Roll Bar : Interested = H&R, Comply to PML = BMW Performance Suspension Cross Brace (Aluminum)
Air Intake System : Interested = GruppeM, Comply to PML = BMW Performance Air Intake System
Booster Accessory : Interested = Velocity

Besides the above listing, I'm also considering to add R2D's introduced Air Scooper, as well as discussion with Rodney on what other suggested mod that he can recommend. (I read a lot of good things about Rodney of R2D from the forum.)

Wondering if any bros have experience of installing the BMW Performance accessories (like Aluminum Suspension Cross Brace and Air Intake System)? Are they worth even to consider, just for the sake of complying to PML?

Please kindly advice. Thank you.

 

[jonsuta]

Re: Howdy!

Come to think of it, I forgot to mention that I did do some basic mods.

I've increased the rim size from 17" to 18". Also, I replaced the stock, paper air filter with Hurricane Mess air filter.

Any bros installed and/or experience with BMW Performance accessories?

 

[318 NewBoy]

Re: Howdy!

Congrates on your new rims, bro. Upgrading your rims is indeed the right start of your mod journey. Post some pic to let us admire leh...

To improve the handling of your ride, anti-roll bars, strut bar and coilover/lowering spring should be considered. Due to the short of review/feedbacks on the BMW Performance parts, can't really comment much against those of other aftermarket brands.

For performance mod, Sprint-Booster and air-intake that are included in your list sounds reasonable to start with. Not really sure about the BMW Performance intake though, but the GruppeM ain't cheap too. Beside the air-scoops mod from R2D, you can also check with Rod about the ignition upgrade (capacitor + the Volks spark plugs). If you've decided to mod your air-intake, next will be the exhaust mod ya .

IMO, if you've decided to mod, don't worry abt the warranty. Don't spend thousounds of dollars on mods just to comply with the warranty - probably the dollars spent can be more HP added with other aftermarket brands mods. One of the bros told me this - if there is engine oil leak, you can't blame it on the coilover right ?

Happy Modding

 

[benji ben]

Re: Howdy!

hi welcome to bmw.sg

r2d is good stuff. haha

 

[jonsuta]

Re: Howdy!

Hi bro 318Newboy,

Thank you very much for your suggestions, your advises, and your explanations.

For my rim upgrade, actually, I trade in for a set of used 335i coupe wheels. They surely are a set of beauties!

I'm thinking about doing the air intake as one of the last mod, as this costs the most, and I need to take some time to save up to it.

Thank you for your suggestion on discussing with Rodney about the ignition upgrade. I've also ready Rodney's introduction within the forum, and definitely sounds interesting. When I meet up with him, I discuss further about this, and other suggestions.

For your mentioned coilover, I've read a lot of our bros mentioning about it, but I am still not sure about what does this do?

Thank you for your help in building my confidence in feel free to mod with aftermarket brands, and put PML warranty worry aside. Now, I feel a little more free and less worry about proceeding with the mods. Thank you.

 

[jonsuta]

Re: Howdy!

Hi bro Benji ben,

Thank you for your confirmation on approaching R2D.

I've read so much of many bro's good remarks and comments about Rodney and his service, as well as his suggestions for "Value for Money."

I'm definitely going to meet up with him and discuss further.

Thank you.