My Build Thread [aahmed2016]

Hey guys, decided to start a build thread, considering that I will be modding here and there, and the whole why not factor.
Don't expect a 6 month transformation, cause I'm a high school student, and get like 250-300 a month from being a bag boy.

First off, my future mods/ WTB list. Please if you're selling these parts, PM me
1. In dash nav system like dynavin or such.
2. M3 Front bumper to come possibly at the end of January or February.
3. LED Tail lights, most likely at a time similar to the previous.
4. M3 trunk spoiler, I will probably buy this like within a week, but get it painted professionally, along with my stock hood, and the bumper.
5. Gauge rings, same as above, except not getting painted
6. Paddle shifters, probably summer or fall next year cause it's complicated.
7. Lowering. 'Nuff said.
8. New wheels, maybe LeMan reps. Or style 119. Whichever I get a Better deal on.
9. Maybe a CSL style spoiler, because STANCE.
10. Here goes savings, new paint all around. Currently I have gloss alpine white, I'm thinking getting a super white, metallic + silver flake type thing.
11. This will probably be soon, cause cheap and easy, ANGEL EYES.
12. Also, a second lighter.
13. Tint, being in newer model *** cars, the windows are tinted from stock, and my E46, isn't, making drives facing the sun annoying.
14. Clear corners or smoked corners and sides. What do you guys suggest? Any pictures of either on an alpine white?
15. Projector Retrofit.
16. Carbon fiber wrapped roof DIY.
17. OEM roof rack.
18. Yakima fairing, maybe, maybe not.
19. Set of winter wheels, most likely 16" steelies with studded tires.
20. I want to complete my tool kit. Currently I have the allen key, the wheel remover, and jack.
21. Some spacers for my rear wheels. Not to flush, but to come closer to the fender.
22. I want to build a custom pistol hiding area. I'm thinking rear seats because of how easily they can be removed, and modified.
23. Maybe a hidden compartment under driver ad passenger seat where the first aid kid usually goes.
24. Make an opening into the drug bin. Most likely I'll modify the back of the glovebox, and cut into the bin, and make something like a door.
25. CF wrapping parts of interior, probably the place where the garage door opener goes, as that area on mine is horrible, the 3rd brake light cover, same reason.
26. I want to body color my impact strips.
27. Slotted rotors, and dustless pads.
28. Painted calipers. Give me some suggestions as to what color please.
29. Straight pipe exhaust.
30. My car is up there as for mileage, and is running pretty strong, but if I get too many problems, I'm thinking LS-X swap, or something else that will give more power, and fit.
That's it for now, will add on as I think.

Current mods?
Bone stock. Blekh.

Stuff to know about my car?
Luckily no stink, maintenance is up to date and complete, and mechanically the car is sound.
Physically it needs help. Like 2 Chainz and all of his fans.
1. Driver and passenger side exterior rear view mirrors are rusty. Passenger side is alright, but driver side needs attention.
2. Looks like PO backed into a low branch or something and left a small dent and a bit of light paint cracking at the very top left of the trunk, and banged out the dent. Hence CSL spoiler.
3. For some reason ( found this out recently ) my car has 2 different kinds of wheels. OEM on the right, and knock off on the left. I might refinish them myself, and paint them like a gunmetal gray, and sell on the cheap.

I will update this weekly.

Pictures to come in the morning.

one doesn't simply post a build thread without pics

^Or an actual build...

I remember when I used to jot down stuff like this during classes in high school, never posted them online before though... kudos to you if you go through with it, I personally get too bored with cars after a certain amount of time to go through with all of my wish list.

On $250 a month?

If I could only get the money back that I wasted on 'mods' when I was a teen...

You've got anywhere from 8-15 thousand dollars in work there (If your actually serious about painting the car and an LS swap). With that said, I don't for a second expect you to keep interest long enough to do it. Seriously op don't waste your time and money with this. Save your $250/month for more important things.

This kind of stuff always happens to 323's and 325's

Originally Posted by Redryan98

If I could only get the money back that I wasted on 'mods' when I was a teen...

You've got anywhere from 8-15 thousand dollars in work there (If your actually serious about painting the car and an LS swap). With that said, I don't for a second expect you to keep interest long enough to do it. Seriously op don't waste your time and money with this. Save your $250/month for more important things.

Car painting, I know a guy with booth and all, he says he can do the car complete for 1K The LS swap, I just threw a name out there, like what I mean is that if the engine gives me too many problems, I'll drop it, and throw in another engine, low mileage, or maybe a GM cratey or something.

Originally Posted by choxor

On $250 a month?

Chox, you're a born asshole. 250+ some buying and selling I do on the side. Here's whats happening soon. M3 Front, [ cause I have to get my front sprayed regardless. ] The trunk lip spoiler. So those two can come in a month or two. This is kind of like a guide line, for what I want out of my first car. I can look at getting about 550 a month with all my side stuffs, and car work that I do for peoples, rather than the 250, [ that was just a joke I tell to friends. cause no way in hell are people getting stabbed by flowers to be making only 250 a month. ]

I'm glad to see there are up and comers to the scene with taste and drive to make a really unique vehicle. Just stay clear of buying mods on credit and don't jump into a project that's too big for a given budget. I've seen too many people pull out motors, buy FI, and buy crazy body kits only to realize halfway in that they don't have the cash to make it a reality.

Good luck

Originally Posted by 2000_328CI

I'm glad to see there are up and comers to the scene with taste and drive to make a really unique vehicle. Just stay clear of buying mods on credit and don't jump into a project that's too big for a given budget. I've seen too many people pull out motors, buy FI, and buy crazy body kits only to realize halfway in that they don't have the cash to make it a reality.

Good luck

Growing up around commerce, I learned a bit. Thanks for the positive support and all.

Fail

I remember when Build Threads were M3 Sedan conversions .
4.0 V8's in E46's
LS1 in 325Ci.

etc etc


all of a sudden, you install AE's and H+R Springs and you got a build..

Originally Posted by aahmed2016

Chox, you're a born asshole. 250+ some buying and selling I do on the side. Here's whats happening soon. M3 Front, [ cause I have to get my front sprayed regardless. ] The trunk lip spoiler. So those two can come in a month or two. This is kind of like a guide line, for what I want out of my first car. I can look at getting about 550 a month with all my side stuffs, and car work that I do for peoples, rather than the 250, [ that was just a joke I tell to friends. cause no way in hell are people getting stabbed by flowers to be making only 250 a month. ]

Ballin !

Good luck kid, even at a supposed $550 a month you've got quite a mouthful you're biting into. Some of your mods are questionable but that's just my opinion. Bear in mind I would save the cash for unexpected repairs that come with the e46 of this patina

don't forget your flame stickers and v-tec decals

Good luck. Wanna see my list of mods planned and list of mods completed? Just saying, good luck. In a good way.

Forget all of these guys man, if you know how to save. And time isn't an issue. You will have no problem. I look forward to seeing your progress

why people go personal? the issue is the thread itself. It is not a build thread, it is a wish list and plans. Good luck bro and keep working hard. it's your car.

the least OP can do is post a pic of the car at it's current state.

I wish you all the best if you actually go through with this.
Something to consider before you start saving and modding:

The value of your car right now is probably around 8-9k if that. By the time you are done with these mods in a couple years, the car will be worth around 6-7k if STOCK.
That basically means that you can sell said car for around that price at best, after you get bored of it. WHICH YOU WILL. No matter the money spent on mods. No one, and I mean no one will pay you extra for most of those mods. No matter how much you ask for it.

This is coming from a guy who has bought, modded and sold 4 cars so far. Going to my 5th this Friday. My brother has done 2. One of which he bought for $8k, modded for $17k and sold for $4k. Just an example.
Know what you are getting yourself into. All that money you are willing to spend is better off going in your savings and being put toward a downpayment for a brand new car in 2-3 years.

My 2 cents. No one asked for them, but oh well!