 Noob from NC (with questions!)
Hey all!
Just joined the forum earlier this week and actually just picked up my 318ti this morning. It's a black 97 sport with about 107,000 miles on it. I loved every minute of the drive from ATL back to NC, although it started to get noticeably shakier and noisier at 80 mph (probably just tire alignment issues). This car is a ginormous improvement over the Acura Integra I was originally looking for.
I do have a few questions that I''m hoping you guys can help me with, though. As an FYI, my do-it-yourself abilities are limited, but I can handle a screw-driver or wrench. I'd just like to stay away from anything that involves wiring/electronics knowledge beyond just plugging in a connector. Also, remaining street-legal is important.
1) Any quick but good-looking fix for a saggy headliner? It's not too bad, but I'd like to fix it.
2) Can anyone shoot me a link to a good OEM site to pick up clear turn signal and side indicator lights, red/clear tail lights, front headlight covers (current ones look fogged over/old) and hid/xenon lamps? The Angel Eyes stuff is a little over the top for me, though. Or, should I just try to order this through a local dealer? Is this a fairly easy DIY project?
3) The side molding on my car is pretty faded...any products out there that would bring that back to life, or am I doomed to try and find some new M molding?
4) The airbag light is on because of seatbelt latch issues. I was quoted $1,000 to fix this, which sounds f-in ridiculous. Advice?
5) Also, the lack of an armrest was driving me crazy. Does BMW make one, or only third-party (saw a link to one of these in another post)?
6) This car is serving as my daily driver, and I don't anticipate that I'll be doing racing/autocross/showing it, etc. However, I would like to up the performance a bit just to make the car even more fun around town/on the hwy, without breaking the bank (no engine swaps, probably not looking at a supercharger either) or hurting reliability. Should I start with improved suspension and then look at a performance chip? Other suggestions?
7) Just kidding. Six was more than enough.
Sorry to bombard with questions as soon as I get here. Feel free to toss in your .02 to any of the questions, as I'm sure answering all of that would take one person forever (but hey, if you've got nothing else to do...). Looking forward to getting to know everyone, and thanks in advance!
-Kevin | 
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