Ditching my BMW 330xi for IS250AWD - Need input on perf upgrades & reputable mechanic
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I'm tired of constantly having to take my 330xi into the shop for minor but expensive repairs so I'm going to be picking up an IS250 AWD this week. The 250 is a bit sluggish compared to the 330 so I'm looking for some advice from the team here as to what kinds of upgrades I should consider as well as some advice as to who can help me install. Is there mechanics here in the South Bay that can help?
Most 5 year olds know more about cars than I do so I need some hand holding. Thanks.
Most 5 year olds know more about cars than I do so I need some hand holding. Thanks.
#2
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Welcome. When it comes to power on the IS, there isn't really much we can do. There's little things like intakes 3-4hp, exhausts 5-9hp, and headers 11-17hp but that's about it. There are no chips or tunes so don't bother. Same goes for forced induction, don't bother. Hope your not too bummed about this but our cars offer much more aftermarket support in the looks department ie wheels, visors, body kits, lights, suspension etc.. One of the best mods you can get is the F-sport sway bars which will help a lot with cornering and body roll. You should enjoy the reliability and intuitiveness of the IS compared to the spotty reliability of BMW's (and the bland interiors if I may say so). Exact MotorSports in Milpitas and Sonic MotorSports in Mountainview are two very reputable shops in the Bay Area. Anyway welcome to CL, full of helpful info and clubmembers!!
#3
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If the IS250AWD feels sluggish, don't get it...there's a severely limited amount of things you can do to ease that feeling. Intakes exhaust and headers won't really be enough for you to feel much difference in power in the car, and force induction is too much money for its worth. If you really want an IS, you might consider the IS350AWD or RWD (if AWD isn't necessary for you). Of course, the 350AWD was only released recently, so buying new might be your only option there...
As far as installing, as long as you can read directions, intake and exhaust are very easy to do. I'm pretty mechanically impaired, and I was able to do both with ease for my car.
As far as installing, as long as you can read directions, intake and exhaust are very easy to do. I'm pretty mechanically impaired, and I was able to do both with ease for my car.
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If the IS250AWD feels sluggish, don't get it...there's a severely limited amount of things you can do to ease that feeling. Intakes exhaust and headers won't really be enough for you to feel much difference in power in the car, and force induction is too much money for its worth. If you really want an IS, you might consider the IS350AWD or RWD (if AWD isn't necessary for you). Of course, the 350AWD was only released recently, so buying new might be your only option there...
As far as installing, as long as you can read directions, intake and exhaust are very easy to do. I'm pretty mechanically impaired, and I was able to do both with ease for my car.
As far as installing, as long as you can read directions, intake and exhaust are very easy to do. I'm pretty mechanically impaired, and I was able to do both with ease for my car.
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