Hello everyone! I’m excited to share the journey of my X3m40 build with you. It’s been almost a year since I got this car, and it’s evolved significantly. I’m thrilled to announce that Phase 1 is now complete, and we’re officially moving into Phase 2 of this exciting project.
For those who don’t know me, I’m Ashton from Paul Johnson Tunes and the owner of ACX Solutions. My wife and I chose the X3M40 as our family vehicle when we welcomed our first child last year, realizing our M235 wasn’t quite practical anymore. This X3M40 has become a crucial development platform for both my tuning company and ACX Solutions. Despite a couple of driveshaft incidents during vacations, the journey has been incredible.
Current Setup
Grateful for Our Sponsors
I want to extend a huge thank you to our sponsors: Nostrum Performance, renowned for their top-tier HPFP and injector upgrades for the BMW platform, and CTS Turbo, our newest sponsor. My X3M40 has served as a bit of a prototype testbed for CTS Turbo, with more details coming up.
Ultimate Goal
The overarching goal for this X3M40 project is to achieve a mid-9-second quarter-mile pass.
Phase 1: Modifications Breakdown
Cosmetic and Interior Enhancements
The initial phase focused on refining the aesthetics and interior ambiance of the X3M40:
- Unbranded Gloss Black Grilles for a more aggressive front profile.
- Unbranded Gloss black M-style mirror caps, enhancing the sporty look.
- Unbranded Gloss Black M-style Side vents for a cohesive blacked-out theme.
- Black-out tint applied to the fog lights for a stealthier appearance.
- 5% tint on the mirror turn signals, contributing to the dark aesthetic.
- Gloss black wrapped Front Grill Boomerangs, integrating seamlessly with the grille.
- Black-painted OEM radiator cover for a cleaner engine bay appearance.
- Black-painted OEM cross bars, complementing the roof rails.
- Unbranded Magnetic Paddle Shifters for improved tactile feedback during gear changes.
- Interior trim wrapped in gloss black, elevating the cabin’s sophistication.
- Hardwired ESCORT MAX 3 Radar Detector for enhanced driving awareness.
- ESCORT M2 Dashcam for comprehensive vehicle monitoring.
Performance Upgrades
Phase 1 also included significant performance enhancements to unleash the true potential of the X3M40’s B58 engine:
- Paul Johnson Tunes (F80Paul) custom tunes:
- 93 octane tune: Dyno results showing 415 whp and 420 ftlb of torque.
- E85 tune: Dyno results achieving 500 whp and 550 ftlb of torque.
- Nostrum Performance B58 Gen 1 Big Bore HPFP to support higher fuel demands.
- Nostrum Performance B58 Gen 1 Stage 1 Injectors (+35%) for increased fueling capacity.
- CTS Turbo Downpipe for improved exhaust flow and turbo spool.
- CTS Turbo Chargepipe for enhanced durability and airflow to the intercooler.
- CTS Turbo Turbo Inlet for optimized air intake into the turbocharger.
- CTS Turbo Prototype Intake Semi-closed Box, a development part for enhanced intake efficiency.
- CTS Turbo Prototype Turbo Heat Shield, another prototype component to manage engine bay temperatures.
- Vargas Oil Breather Cap, replacing the OEM cap for improved ventilation.
- Vargas PCV Delete with custom VTA lines, venting crankcase pressure to the atmosphere.
- ACX-Solutions Polyurethane Rear Diff Bushing for reduced drivetrain slop and improved power transfer.
- ACX-Solutions Kidney Grill Intake Scoop, directing cool air towards the intake.
- Driveshaftpro Driveshaft, a robust upgrade to handle increased power levels.
- JXB Center Bushing (track bushing) for improved drivetrain stability.
- XHP Stage 2/3 transmission tune with Custom settings for optimized shift performance.
- XDelete, enabling rear-wheel-drive mode for track and dyno purposes.
- HNR Springs for a lowered stance and improved handling dynamics.
Wheels and Tires Configuration
For Phase 1, the wheel and tire setup was refined for better handling and aesthetics:
- OEM 21-inch wheels retained.
- 275/40/21 Front tires for enhanced front-end grip.
- 295/35/21 Rear tires for improved traction.
- CTS Turbo 15mm spacers x4, widening the stance and improving wheel fitment.
Phase 1 of the X3M40 build has laid a strong foundation, focusing on both aesthetic appeal and performance enhancements. Stay tuned as we dive into Phase 2, promising even more exciting upgrades and pushing the boundaries of what this X3M40 can achieve!
