Question

[airpie13]

Hey, i was just wondering, what are some upgrades to put into a 87' 325e, that would make it a little quicker, but at a cheap cost... Im not looking for it to be a race car, but i just wanted to know if there were any things that i could put in the car to make it run quicker/better? I was thinking about putting in an Air Intake thing.... Is it hard? And i heard you can make one yourself, and it would be cheaper, is it true?

[csieminski]

I know K&N is a premier supplier of air filters that allow your car to breathe easier; you are supposed to feel a noticeable difference in power. Their air filters also do not have to be replaced very often--you simply take it out once in a while, clean it, and reapply a special oil/film.

Best bang for the buck would probably be a performance chip ($200-300). Bavarian Autosport (www.bavauto.com) will have one for your car, and it should raise hp and torque by 20 or so in each category. Other makers of chips are Dinan in CA and Autothority in VA, as well as Jim Conforti (you can find info on all of these through a search engine). The installation can be done pretty easily--you just remove your engine management computer, take out the stock chip and install the new one.

You can also upgrade to a freer flowing exhaust ($500-700), headers, performance ignition wiring, etc. Bavarian Autosport offers a performance chip that can be continually reprogrammed by them to take advantage of upgrades you make to other parts of the car.