discussion BMW M140i upgrade options - refresh

Salt

///Member
Hi all,

Following on from my thread on considering something newer from the M140i - I had some ideas and you guys also made some good suggestions.

Here are my toughts for some feedback based on experience please:

Firstly, letting the MP lapse. I've done my homework here now and its simply not feasible to extend again. If my mileage was a little lower I would have. Currently on 80k km - current plan is active till Aug - I won't make it till Aug 2025 and still be under 100k km so it will be a waste to extend for another 12 months is it will likely only take me till around March/April 2025.

Extended warranty
I've used Engine Room/Motorite in the past - worked well. Any other suggestions? I know BMW offers an extended warranty, but I know its anyway just from a 3rd party. Ideally, I would like the below possible upgrades to the car not be an issue for the extended warranty.

Upgrading to an Android system. From what I know, there are two options - MMI or Android screen. I have the Prov Nav so I have a big screen. What I am not sure about here is the following:
  • I've read that audio quality suffers - is this the case with both MMI and Android screens? I believe it has to do with the Aux port. DroidUK recons their MMI box does not suffer any sound quality VS stock OEM.
  • It would be nice if it can take a sim card - and use its own internet for music/videos/maps rather than my phone. Not sure if it can work that way.
  • Play movies while the car is on. (I don't want to watch while I drive so not for me)
Suspension
Part 1 - the ride of the car is very hard - of course part to the low profile tyres but I also believe due to the native suspension set up. For reference I am currently running 245/30/19 RFT and 225/35/19 RFT P-Zero's. I am planning on going to a 35 profile front and rear when these tyres are due for replacement - probably Michelin. I will stay on runflats as they have helped me in the part on more than one occasion to get to a place of safety. Any suggestion here on this - I know very little about aftermarket suspension upgrades. I obviously don't want to turn the car in to a boat - its need to be firm but something a little more forgiving would be awesome so that when you drive over a repaired fibre trench cut in the road that has sagged, it doesn't sound and feel like the dashboard comes apart lol.
Part 2 - I've read about this under body chassis brace upgrade - while people are saying it's not life changing, they recon is certainly does help make the car feel a little more planted under hard acceleration. Any experience here?

Two other things that annoy me is the LED lights are actually pretty poor - I had the same issue on my F30 320d - there I manually adjusted them to throw the light further, wonder if I can do the same with the 140. Then the TPMS - if you get loss of pressure it gives a general warning, after a while it will show you which wheel - but it doesn't tell you actual pressure. With the low profile tyre it takes a while before it realizes something is wrong. I know my basic system works on the tyre circumference for measurement using the ABS sensor or something like that :) I want to know if I can upgrade to the proper TPMS system with proper sensors and some coding if needed - any ideas here?

There are some other cosmetic ideas that I am toiling with but your comments on the above will help a lot. I think if I can cover the car mechanically well for the next couple of years and make it a little more livable in terms of ride comfort and Android auto - keeping it becomes an easier decision.
 

TBP88

Well-known member
Hi all,

Following on from my thread on considering something newer from the M140i - I had some ideas and you guys also made some good suggestions.

Here are my toughts for some feedback based on experience please:

Firstly, letting the MP lapse. I've done my homework here now and its simply not feasible to extend again. If my mileage was a little lower I would have. Currently on 80k km - current plan is active till Aug - I won't make it till Aug 2025 and still be under 100k km so it will be a waste to extend for another 12 months is it will likely only take me till around March/April 2025.

Extended warranty
I've used Engine Room/Motorite in the past - worked well. Any other suggestions? I know BMW offers an extended warranty, but I know its anyway just from a 3rd party. Ideally, I would like the below possible upgrades to the car not be an issue for the extended warranty.

Upgrading to an Android system. From what I know, there are two options - MMI or Android screen. I have the Prov Nav so I have a big screen. What I am not sure about here is the following:
  • I've read that audio quality suffers - is this the case with both MMI and Android screens? I believe it has to do with the Aux port. DroidUK recons their MMI box does not suffer any sound quality VS stock OEM.
  • It would be nice if it can take a sim card - and use its own internet for music/videos/maps rather than my phone. Not sure if it can work that way.
  • Play movies while the car is on. (I don't want to watch while I drive so not for me)
Suspension
Part 1 - the ride of the car is very hard - of course part to the low profile tyres but I also believe due to the native suspension set up. For reference I am currently running 245/30/19 RFT and 225/35/19 RFT P-Zero's. I am planning on going to a 35 profile front and rear when these tyres are due for replacement - probably Michelin. I will stay on runflats as they have helped me in the part on more than one occasion to get to a place of safety. Any suggestion here on this - I know very little about aftermarket suspension upgrades. I obviously don't want to turn the car in to a boat - its need to be firm but something a little more forgiving would be awesome so that when you drive over a repaired fibre trench cut in the road that has sagged, it doesn't sound and feel like the dashboard comes apart lol.
Part 2 - I've read about this under body chassis brace upgrade - while people are saying it's not life changing, they recon is certainly does help make the car feel a little more planted under hard acceleration. Any experience here?

Two other things that annoy me is the LED lights are actually pretty poor - I had the same issue on my F30 320d - there I manually adjusted them to throw the light further, wonder if I can do the same with the 140. Then the TPMS - if you get loss of pressure it gives a general warning, after a while it will show you which wheel - but it doesn't tell you actual pressure. With the low profile tyre it takes a while before it realizes something is wrong. I know my basic system works on the tyre circumference for measurement using the ABS sensor or something like that :) I want to know if I can upgrade to the proper TPMS system with proper sensors and some coding if needed - any ideas here?

There are some other cosmetic ideas that I am toiling with but your comments on the above will help a lot. I think if I can cover the car mechanically well for the next couple of years and make it a little more livable in terms of ride comfort and Android auto - keeping it becomes an easier decision.
Can't comment on anything but the ride quality, I'd just live with it or go for a smaller rim/more sidewall. RFTs are fundamentally always going to be a stiffer tyre than anything else just because that's precisely the tradeoff you make. You're in JHB so it makes perfect sense to me why you'd wanna stick with RFTs but maybe get a smaller set of wheels so you can mitigate that way.
Most aftermarket suspensions are setup for either the stance crowd or for more grip and thus even harsher. You'd need something pretty expensive to give you the range of sensitivity where you could set it up to give you the good balance you crave.
 

///M Individual

Well-known member
Hi all,

Following on from my thread on considering something newer from the M140i - I had some ideas and you guys also made some good suggestions.

Here are my toughts for some feedback based on experience please:

Firstly, letting the MP lapse. I've done my homework here now and its simply not feasible to extend again. If my mileage was a little lower I would have. Currently on 80k km - current plan is active till Aug - I won't make it till Aug 2025 and still be under 100k km so it will be a waste to extend for another 12 months is it will likely only take me till around March/April 2025.

Extended warranty
I've used Engine Room/Motorite in the past - worked well. Any other suggestions? I know BMW offers an extended warranty, but I know its anyway just from a 3rd party. Ideally, I would like the below possible upgrades to the car not be an issue for the extended warranty.

Upgrading to an Android system. From what I know, there are two options - MMI or Android screen. I have the Prov Nav so I have a big screen. What I am not sure about here is the following:
  • I've read that audio quality suffers - is this the case with both MMI and Android screens? I believe it has to do with the Aux port. DroidUK recons their MMI box does not suffer any sound quality VS stock OEM.
  • It would be nice if it can take a sim card - and use its own internet for music/videos/maps rather than my phone. Not sure if it can work that way.
  • Play movies while the car is on. (I don't want to watch while I drive so not for me)
Suspension
Part 1 - the ride of the car is very hard - of course part to the low profile tyres but I also believe due to the native suspension set up. For reference I am currently running 245/30/19 RFT and 225/35/19 RFT P-Zero's. I am planning on going to a 35 profile front and rear when these tyres are due for replacement - probably Michelin. I will stay on runflats as they have helped me in the part on more than one occasion to get to a place of safety. Any suggestion here on this - I know very little about aftermarket suspension upgrades. I obviously don't want to turn the car in to a boat - its need to be firm but something a little more forgiving would be awesome so that when you drive over a repaired fibre trench cut in the road that has sagged, it doesn't sound and feel like the dashboard comes apart lol.
Part 2 - I've read about this under body chassis brace upgrade - while people are saying it's not life changing, they recon is certainly does help make the car feel a little more planted under hard acceleration. Any experience here?

Two other things that annoy me is the LED lights are actually pretty poor - I had the same issue on my F30 320d - there I manually adjusted them to throw the light further, wonder if I can do the same with the 140. Then the TPMS - if you get loss of pressure it gives a general warning, after a while it will show you which wheel - but it doesn't tell you actual pressure. With the low profile tyre it takes a while before it realizes something is wrong. I know my basic system works on the tyre circumference for measurement using the ABS sensor or something like that :) I want to know if I can upgrade to the proper TPMS system with proper sensors and some coding if needed - any ideas here?

There are some other cosmetic ideas that I am toiling with but your comments on the above will help a lot. I think if I can cover the car mechanically well for the next couple of years and make it a little more livable in terms of ride comfort and Android auto - keeping it becomes an easier decision.

Hi bud

Extended warranty - Try Innovation Group as well.

On the suspension I wonder if some KW/ST coilovers will offer a better ride than the stock setup. @FiRi@Rennzport can advise and assist if you need to purchase.
 

M3boi

Well-known member
PS4S with a step up on sidewall size
KW V3/Öhlins R&T
Good alignment

Car will drive so much better. Don't worry about bracing for your use case.
 

Riaad

Events Organiser
Extended warranty
I've used Engine Room/Motorite in the past - worked well. Any other suggestions? I know BMW offers an extended warranty, but I know its anyway just from a 3rd party. Ideally, I would like the below possible upgrades to the car not be an issue for the extended warranty.
Innovations Group offers an exceptional aftermarket warranty, with some very generous claim benefits. its Month-to-Month, no waiting period and they offer Gap cover (as a booster package) to bump up almost all of the covered components. The claim process is straight forward, and no issues using BMW dealers to carry out repairs.
The warranty is R350p/m and the gap cover ranges from R170- R230p/m.

Upgrading to an Android system. From what I know, there are two options - MMI or Android screen. I have the Prov Nav so I have a big screen. What I am not sure about here is the following:
  • I've read that audio quality suffers - is this the case with both MMI and Android screens? I believe it has to do with the Aux port. DroidUK recons their MMI box does not suffer any sound quality VS stock OEM.
  • It would be nice if it can take a sim card - and use its own internet for music/videos/maps rather than my phone. Not sure if it can work that way.
  • Play movies while the car is on. (I don't want to watch while I drive so not for me)
Since you have Pro Nav - it makes most sense to add in an android box. The sound quality was a major concern for me as well, but got to experience an android box connected via the Aux (keep in mind, this is connected to the aux port directly off the HU - back of the quadlock, and not the actual aux port in the centre console). Interestingly, there was no noticeable loss in SQ, it actually was an improvement to Hifi Sound, due to the customisable EQ.

Mainly you want the android box for Android Auto or Apple Carplay, in which case, your phone needs to be connected via wifi to the box, i have not seen any units which were sim enabled ( some replacement screen units do take sim cards). NB. Android Auto really uses battery life, so a car charger will be needed.

You can code Video in Motion to Pro Nav to enable movie playback on the go...the OEM integration works well here.

Currently, Mr12V android box is the best on the market (from my research), uses a fibre optic connection, therefore should be no loss SQ. Its plug and play with some basic coding. I'm Planning on purchasing one in the next few months.

Suspension
Part 1 - the ride of the car is very hard - of course part to the low profile tyres but I also believe due to the native suspension set up. For reference I am currently running 245/30/19 RFT and 225/35/19 RFT P-Zero's. I am planning on going to a 35 profile front and rear when these tyres are due for replacement - probably Michelin. I will stay on runflats as they have helped me in the part on more than one occasion to get to a place of safety. Any suggestion here on this - I know very little about aftermarket suspension upgrades. I obviously don't want to turn the car in to a boat - its need to be firm but something a little more forgiving would be awesome so that when you drive over a repaired fibre trench cut in the road that has sagged, it doesn't sound and feel like the dashboard comes apart lol.
Part 2 - I've read about this under body chassis brace upgrade - while people are saying it's not life changing, they recon is certainly does help make the car feel a little more planted under hard acceleration. Any experience here?
Changing over to non-rft is going to be the easiest way to improve ride quality. Keep a couple cans of tyre fix in the boot for emergencies. I have RFTs fail completely after hitting debris. RFTs mainly offer protection against normal punctures, and tyre fix does the same (but you have to obviously stop for a minute or 2. Given that most insurances have roadside assist, you can assess your individual risk and make a call.

You can consider Ultra Racing braces, but to get the planted feeling you looking for, you will need to change the springs. KW Street Comfort will be a noticeable improvement in Ride Quality and Handling...these will set you back +- R35k
 

Teezoh

Well-known member
I can try and feedback as much as possible to try and assist:

Extended warranty:

Motorite - When I purchased the dealer slapped on a warranty with them that I completely forgot about and since I'm having PCV problems again after replacing the complete cover 3 months ago I decided to dive on them and they are heavy on declining against a car with modifications. The car had the DP done that I was unaware of so the warranty was null in void from the very start. The assessor said he looks at the motor, exhaust and suspension. Whatever you decide on, make sure you list out all your stuff in detail to them.

Upgrading to an Android system:

Have a 10" droid fitted.

How it all comes together - The interface is clean, letting you shift between the normal stock menus and the droid UI very easily
Understanding where the unit sound comes from - AUX port in center console meaning that if you shift from lets say FM to droid you need to set it on the stock menu to 'external devices' and then just touch the screen to jump to the droid UI, you can't control FM or CD's inside of the Droid UI.
Sound Quality - I'm no sound doctor with any "testing equipment" but for a normal human being on the HK system, nothing changes. People who complain about quality either have a potato connection to streaming apps causing the bitrate to be lowered or have bad bitrate songs to begin with.
Simcard - Most of the units have this but even if you don't, once you connect via Android Auto it shares your connection automatically, if you insert one though it will use its own connection by default.
Play movies while the car is on - Yep, you can pop in your external with your own collection, do it via Youtube, Netflix, Showmax etc it's got the Playstore App on it so whatever you can install on your phone, you can install on there.
Cons
  • To date (in 9 months) it froze up once, causing the unit to simply reboot, nothing to cry about but I'm giving honest feedback
  • I constantly battle with the kido installing games (yes they work) like Angry Birds and even CODM.....
Suspension

I've got the AC Schnitzer Sport suspension for BMW 1 series F20/F21 – Part no: 3130220530, will set you back around 70K though. Also lowers the car to a snug fit and back wheels are slightly cambered.

Under body chassis brace upgrade - Can't feedback here though but if it plants the car any more than it does with the ACS suspension its gonna be a gokart for sure.

I also don't run RFTs so I can't say how the suspension feels with them.
 
Last edited:

Spanky

Well-known member
lmfao, nope, back when I registered the company I worked for was in short PP, I thought I could change it later on but turns out I'm stuck with it now. You just made it worse... :ROFLMAO:

Lol!

On the positive side, you could pivot the business to a porn media house and not need to re-register or rename ;)

Apologies for the derail, OP...
 

AshG108

///Member
Hi all,

Following on from my thread on considering something newer from the M140i - I had some ideas and you guys also made some good suggestions.

Here are my toughts for some feedback based on experience please:

Firstly, letting the MP lapse. I've done my homework here now and its simply not feasible to extend again. If my mileage was a little lower I would have. Currently on 80k km - current plan is active till Aug - I won't make it till Aug 2025 and still be under 100k km so it will be a waste to extend for another 12 months is it will likely only take me till around March/April 2025.

Extended warranty
I've used Engine Room/Motorite in the past - worked well. Any other suggestions? I know BMW offers an extended warranty, but I know its anyway just from a 3rd party. Ideally, I would like the below possible upgrades to the car not be an issue for the extended warranty.

Upgrading to an Android system. From what I know, there are two options - MMI or Android screen. I have the Prov Nav so I have a big screen. What I am not sure about here is the following:
  • I've read that audio quality suffers - is this the case with both MMI and Android screens? I believe it has to do with the Aux port. DroidUK recons their MMI box does not suffer any sound quality VS stock OEM.
  • It would be nice if it can take a sim card - and use its own internet for music/videos/maps rather than my phone. Not sure if it can work that way.
  • Play movies while the car is on. (I don't want to watch while I drive so not for me)
Suspension
Part 1 - the ride of the car is very hard - of course part to the low profile tyres but I also believe due to the native suspension set up. For reference I am currently running 245/30/19 RFT and 225/35/19 RFT P-Zero's. I am planning on going to a 35 profile front and rear when these tyres are due for replacement - probably Michelin. I will stay on runflats as they have helped me in the part on more than one occasion to get to a place of safety. Any suggestion here on this - I know very little about aftermarket suspension upgrades. I obviously don't want to turn the car in to a boat - its need to be firm but something a little more forgiving would be awesome so that when you drive over a repaired fibre trench cut in the road that has sagged, it doesn't sound and feel like the dashboard comes apart lol.
Part 2 - I've read about this under body chassis brace upgrade - while people are saying it's not life changing, they recon is certainly does help make the car feel a little more planted under hard acceleration. Any experience here?

Two other things that annoy me is the LED lights are actually pretty poor - I had the same issue on my F30 320d - there I manually adjusted them to throw the light further, wonder if I can do the same with the 140. Then the TPMS - if you get loss of pressure it gives a general warning, after a while it will show you which wheel - but it doesn't tell you actual pressure. With the low profile tyre it takes a while before it realizes something is wrong. I know my basic system works on the tyre circumference for measurement using the ABS sensor or something like that :) I want to know if I can upgrade to the proper TPMS system with proper sensors and some coding if needed - any ideas here?

There are some other cosmetic ideas that I am toiling with but your comments on the above will help a lot. I think if I can cover the car mechanically well for the next couple of years and make it a little more livable in terms of ride comfort and Android auto - keeping it becomes an easier decision.
Read up on the My BMW App, there is an option to take a BMW Maintenance package for 3yr/60000km (i stand to be corrected) if you still want some cover. It was around R36 - 42k.
The only thing you would need to consider if that ringland failure occurs and you need to do a rebuild. If BMW can cover that for the next 3 years then cool but if the warranty covers part of it and it seems better then the Innovation Group one is good, but okes have reported the MotorRite (Engine Room) to be much better in terms of payout amounts and especially if you take it now before MP collapses.
 

Salt

///Member
Read up on the My BMW App, there is an option to take a BMW Maintenance package for 3yr/60000km (i stand to be corrected) if you still want some cover. It was around R36 - 42k.
The only thing you would need to consider if that ringland failure occurs and you need to do a rebuild. If BMW can cover that for the next 3 years then cool but if the warranty covers part of it and it seems better then the Innovation Group one is good, but okes have reported the MotorRite (Engine Room) to be much better in terms of payout amounts and especially if you take it now before MP collapses.
Thanks - from a quick read it seems this was on pre 2018 motors - not sure if that is correct but mine is a mid 2018 build. Appreciate the heads up though.
 

Salt

///Member
So...

  • Extended warranties - these guys want nothing to do with suspension upgrades :ROFLMAO: even if you list it up front. Engine Room R12 552 or double up cover for R19 624 - 2 years unlimited km.
Engine R35 000 / R70k
Transmission R25 000 / R50k
Transfer Box R25 000 / R50k
Differential R10 000 / R20k
Diff Lock R10 000 / R20k
Management System R10 000 / R20k
Turbo Charger R10 000 / R20k
  • Even with the extended warranty - I will go for the Android upgrade - I can't see them declining a mechanical claim due to the Android upgrade - if they even see it. I just need to figure out MMI or screen - leaning towards MMI, also quite cheaper.
  • Suspension - I think I will start with the tyres - anyone know if 255 would work at the rear on stock M140i suspension? I've got OEM 19" 405 rims so think they will be OK with 255's. Currently got 225/35/19 & 245/30/19 going to 225/35/19 & 255/35/19. Kene to go for Michelin PSS or PS4S - any comments. They look more meaty than my P-Zero's.
Any comments on upgrading to proper TPMS?
 

Riaad

Events Organiser
So...

  • Extended warranties - these guys want nothing to do with suspension upgrades :ROFLMAO: even if you list it up front. Engine Room R12 552 or double up cover for R19 624 - 2 years unlimited km.
Engine R35 000 / R70k
Transmission R25 000 / R50k
Transfer Box R25 000 / R50k
Differential R10 000 / R20k
Diff Lock R10 000 / R20k
Management System R10 000 / R20k
Turbo Charger R10 000 / R20k
  • Even with the extended warranty - I will go for the Android upgrade - I can't see them declining a mechanical claim due to the Android upgrade - if they even see it. I just need to figure out MMI or screen - leaning towards MMI, also quite cheaper.
  • Suspension - I think I will start with the tyres - anyone know if 255 would work at the rear on stock M140i suspension? I've got OEM 19" 405 rims so think they will be OK with 255's. Currently got 225/35/19 & 245/30/19 going to 225/35/19 & 255/35/19. Kene to go for Michelin PSS or PS4S - any comments. They look more meaty than my P-Zero's.
Any comments on upgrading to proper TPMS?
I'd look at innovations, cheaper month to month, and unlikely to have issues with suspension upgrades - unless you claiming on an item that is close to the suspension (ie. wheel bearing, etc). Also the claim benefits are closer to the double up cover mentioned above.

MMI box > screen replacement - unlikely to cause any warranty issues - as its a 'mechanical' warranty (which you generally find out at claim stage that this means only 'moving' parts - been burnt by this already....when i tried to claim a boost pipe :ROFLMAO: ).

OEM 405m 19s have 8j rears...245s will the max width.

A proper TPMS retrofit can be done (costly). You will need the sensors, control module, wiring and coding.
 

Salt

///Member
Good morning, quick check with you guys - I am ready to pull the trigger on a set of Michelin PS4S 225/40/19 & 245/35/19 non run flats in an effort to improve the ride quality. For reference I am currently running 225/35/19 & 245/30/19 run flats. It's obviously not R10 to change the tyres so just wanted to bounce this off you guys. I understand the suspension set up stays firm but from feedback I am willing to go this route for a better ride. I'll be selling the current set up P-Zero's to offset some of the cost.
 

NBN

Well-known member
Good morning, quick check with you guys - I am ready to pull the trigger on a set of Michelin PS4S 225/40/19 & 245/35/19 non run flats in an effort to improve the ride quality. For reference I am currently running 225/35/19 & 245/30/19 run flats. It's obviously not R10 to change the tyres so just wanted to bounce this off you guys. I understand the suspension set up stays firm but from feedback I am willing to go this route for a better ride. I'll be selling the current set up P-Zero's to offset some of the cost.
Best bang for buck mod you can do, you will be amazed how differently the car rides on non run flats.... Consider getting a space saver sparewheel or invest in the bmw compressor and tyre goop .

Depending on budget, the next thing to do would be to consider getting a really nice set of adjustable dampeners and springs or if you have a decent budget maybe upgrade to a set of quality coilovers like KW/ST/ISC , as with everything in life these days, you get what you pay for.
 

TurboLlew

Honorary ///Member
Good morning, quick check with you guys - I am ready to pull the trigger on a set of Michelin PS4S 225/40/19 & 245/35/19 non run flats in an effort to improve the ride quality. For reference I am currently running 225/35/19 & 245/30/19 run flats. It's obviously not R10 to change the tyres so just wanted to bounce this off you guys. I understand the suspension set up stays firm but from feedback I am willing to go this route for a better ride. I'll be selling the current set up P-Zero's to offset some of the cost.

You're going to a nearly 12% thicker sidewall in front and nearly 15% thicker at the back. Not crazy but is there a specific reason you are not sticking to the stock profiles (eg size availability or cost)? The runflat change itself is going to be enough for the improvement in ride quality. You may have to do suspension anyway to correct the additional height
 

gavsadler

///Member
Use this tool as well to compare different size tyres (width, profile, diameter etc):

https://tiresize.com/calculator/

I think you've spoilt yourself with the B58, in a "small" chassis. It is a weapon on the road.

You either need to up budget and move performance up to the next level (Turbo M Car), OR get older faster and enjoy the slower (yet arguably more entertaining?) vehicles on offer.

Or fall off the wagon completely and get something at the other end of the vehicle spectrum (e.g. Corolla). Then when you're miff, you can always look forward to a Turbo BMW again, haha
 
Top