New to BMW etc

[jasonbot]

Hey,

I'm fairly new to BMW. I drive an E46 320i, its my first car :mmm: and I haven't killed it yet. It had been driven by my mom before I got it and I've been driving i since about February. The control unit and flywheel were replaced. The only damage I've inflicted on it is by destroying the right front wheel guard by hitting one of those yellow plastic delineators they have all over the place because of roadworks now.

It just got out of motorplan so now I can start customising it. I've already been looking around for bluetooth integration but but i'm wondering about real performance etc...

What is there that can be done to this car? I heard about removing the CDV being an easy modification. Anything else?

Also, are there any tips I can get about driving the car? From my experience so far It's been pleasant except my first second shifts which jerk quite often. And sometimes when I've stopped the car does't go into first, it seems as if something is blocking the gear?


Thanks guys.

 

[///Marksman]

welcome....

CDV removal will help a bit with the "bite" and consitency

I'd say everytime you drive your car, work on something new.
work on your clutch action, everytime you shift try to get it smoother and more precise. Start off shifting slower at first and then gradually speed the process up once you get smoother. It wont take long before you start getting quick and precise shifts from 1st through 5th / 6th, just put in some effort and its rewarding:thumbsup:

Practise smoother downshifts under braking (engine braking) and later on "rev matching" to prevent that dreaded jerk everytime you select a lower gear under load.

The not been able to select 1st gear thing - i'm not so sure about, perhaps others can help...

Performance wise, theres not a whole lot you can do honestly. Most people remove cats, change the intake and flash the ecu @ first. There are very little gains to be had.

... and congrats:thumbsup:

 

[jasonbot]

So where can I get my CDV done? I'm in Pretoria, anyone know a reputable place nearby?

I've already been doing a bit of heel toe downshifting when doing corners and when overtaking on the highway so I actually think my downshifts are better than my upshifts


Could you maybe explain these to me: "Most people remove cats, change the intake and flash the ecu"

Thanks