All the recent upgrades I have read on this forum seem to have been very sweet, but expensive ... for all the poor or cheaper kids like me, what are some upgrades or custom modifications that can be done for under $100 (i.e. chrome gear frame, headlight rings)?

Mbmiller

 

chrome headlight rings, chrome gearshift gator surrounds, shift knob, SL pedals, bulbs, chrome trunk handle,MY00+ rear light cluster (just over $100)....but nothing too noticeable.

 

ehh, just save your money and go see a movie

 

hahahahah, but you should know what a difference it makes to the "quality of the movie" with a pimp ride

 

HAHAHA, yeah but you to spend the money to get the honey if thats the route you want to take...

 

Too right my friend Give the young lad some incentive to mod his car.........seriously, Alex is right, save up for the next mod and you'll appreciate your quality ride even more...and take home the side benefits as well....ask the man himself :p

 

Unless you go into engine performance/shock/wheels, most of the mods should be cheap, thanks to eBay. If you stress that $100 limit to $200, it covers almost everything

Chrome cluster rings: $40
Chrome gear frame: $30
New style (red & clear) tail light: $160
Illuminated door sills: $140
Wood & leather knob: $60

 

my first mod was to change the side markers from yellow to clear. I found two types of clear side markers on ebay, one was see thru clear, and the other was exactly like OEM except clear. I got the second ones, and they cost me 37.00 including shipping.
You see em on ebay all the time, and i was pretty happy with them after I installed them, they looked good against black.

my 2 cent$

 

Osiris667, that's good to hear, as I just purchased the very same side markers (at the same price with shipping) on eBay. I also have a black car, so the results should be the same.

To stay on topic, springs (approx $250) and shocks (approx $375) are not that expensive, and they will have a noticeable difference on the car's handling.

On the less expensive side, a K&N filter can be had for about $50, and the mid muffler can be removed for around $100.

 

Dude, borrow some money and pick up a set of Evosport's UD pulleys (about $325). then save up the cash to have them installed.

How old are you and do you have a part time job? I'm looking for cheap mods too but every cool engine/performance mod is coming in around $300-$400.

For your body (I'm not sure of the prices), I would go for clear corners or the front grill mod (can't remember the name, avant maybe? it has silver and sleek).

That reminds me, I think I'll order some new mats and clear corners, anyone want to recommend from where (best place and price) ?

 

How about Chrome mirror covers 99.00, flat hood emblem 30.00, stainless steel brake hoses 119.00, that about covers the list. It took me awhile to get my e430 the way I wanted it. Good Luck!

 

Thanks for the suggestions guys ... I think I will defiantly add the K&N filter and consider added the clear side markers.
I have already upgraded the wheels, added side blinkers, chrome gear frame, and replaced the old analog phone unit in the dash with the storage cubby ... but I still feel I need to tweek the car some more.
I'm not that interested in going nuts with body kits/in-dash TVs/dubs or anything like that, I guess I'm too old for worrying about things of that nature. I was just more interested in making 'simple' mods, so thanks again guys for all your advice.
BTW, has anyone added anything cool in the armrest where the analog phone headset use to be? I thought this could be a space that potentially be put to good use.

MbMiller
97 E320 82K miles

 

Here is an upgrade sticker on ebay for $4.



Link

 

 

I need that one!

 

There are some ECU upgrade for your car which will cost you under $100.00.
Check that out.... :p