FBO BMW cars perform better than the regular ones. At least, that should be the case if you use high-quality replacement parts. However, it doesn’t always turn out that way!
FBO means Full Bolt-On. It involves replacing the stock parts with aftermarket ones. The reasons for performing such upgrades vary from person to person.
FBO improves performance and aesthetics. But what is it, and what makes people so excited about it? Read on to find out more!
What Does FBO Mean?
FBO is an acronym for Full Bolt-On. It basically refers to all modifications you make to your car by buying new replacement parts and literally bolting them on. This process does not require advanced skills, specialized tools, or tuning and fabrication. Additionally, regular parts you replace during regular car maintenance do not qualify as FBO.
FBO is popular among car enthusiasts who have less experience but want to make their BMWs more powerful or attractive.
The FBOs vary from one car model to the next, which affects the cost of doing the same. But that is better understood if you know what parts make an FBO. Please note that replacing just a few permitted stock parts does not make the car an FBO but a partial bolt-on.
The most commonly bolted-on models are the BMW 3 Series, such as the 335i. The reason is the ability to get more power from the engine if you stretch your bolt-on process to include turbos, exhaust systems, and other engine components.
Generally, BMW models fitted with N54 twin-turbo inline 6 engines are the best candidates for FBO upgrades.
Which Parts Of BMW Cars Are Involved In FBO?
An FBO involves replacing and adding all parts as your BMW car model permits. It includes all replacement parts you can fix without complicated tooling or machining. You can do it even in your home garage with simple tools.
Shocks
It’s hard to imagine you can claim an FBO without performing a shock upgrade. Most people who upgrade their cars start with them to increase stability for a smoother ride. A good choice of shock upgrade can make your driving on an uneven and bumpy road feel more comfortable if you do it correctly.
Wheel Rims
Upgrading wheels is also a popular FBO in upgrading cars. Alloy wheels are the most common for their aesthetics, but you are free to choose what works for your vehicle best. No doubt bigger wheels will give you more traction and better performance!
However, you should choose the correct wheel size that fits in the wheel arches to qualify as a bolt-on. If they are too big, they will require fabrication. That may involve cutting or grinding the chassis to create more room, which does not comply with the FBO definition.
Brake Lines
Cars usually come with a regular rubber brake line. That’s not something car enthusiasts want, and they replace it with steel-braided brake links for a better brake response. They transmit more fluid pressure to the caliper when you step on the brake pedal. But you should be ready to pay more for this seemingly simple upgrade.
Seats
Many people upgrade their cars for more engine power and overall performance. But did you know customizing your seats is necessary to go with that higher performance? More comfortable seats will support you when pulling out complex maneuvers and negotiating bends at high speeds. Besides, you can also get better aesthetics with custom-built seats.
Anti-Roll Bars
Most BMW models come with anti-roll bars already installed. These parts reduce roll when negotiating bends at relatively high speeds. But if you need even better performance, make bolt-on upgrades with aftermarket parts.
Turbo
Upgrading your stock turbo with a high-performing aftermarket one will help get more power from your engine. This helps reduce lag time and get a better acceleration response.
Exhaust
Most car enthusiasts upgrade exhaust to get a unique sound from their machines. That’s very common with street racers. But for a BMW, a bolt-on exhaust can actually lead to better performance. The faster exhaust gas leaves the engine block, the better.
Intake
Intake and exhaust upgrades often go hand in hand. An active air intake filter that allows in more air for the engine’s ventilation, your car needs that air to get out of the system at the same rate.
An appropriate intake system upgrade increases the engine’s performance and can help you squeeze more mileage per gallon.
Differences Between FBO BMW And Other BMW Cars
An FBO BMW has aftermarket replacement parts bolted on. They may have better performance and stand out among the rest regarding aesthetics, but that depends on how you take it.
Bol-on parts can positively or negatively affect the response and engine’s power, depending on how you do it. Not all upgrades guarantee a performance improvement.
What Should I Know About Driving An FBO BMW?
You should know that some bolt-ons can void your insurance and warranty on some parts. Modifying your car may cause more stress on some components unnecessarily and can adversely affect your car’s stability.
There will be a significant change in how your car feels when driving with bolt-on parts. The added weight can throw the car off the balance if not done appropriately. If you are doing it yourself, try to balance out the weight on both sides of the vehicle.
The maintenance cost of an FBO BMW car will also go up in labor charges. This is because mechanics spend significant time unbolting the bolted-on. You may need to do that in your garage before taking the car to the dealer for scheduled maintenance.
Lastly, an FBO BMW car may fetch lower resale value if you are not selling it to a car enthusiast like you. Most people don’t just like to see the added parts on their dream cars. So, you may need to remove them before calling a potential buyer to view the vehicle.
Conclusion
FBO BMW cars have replacement parts bolted on, which may make them perform better or worse, depending on the quality of the aftermarket parts. You need to replace shocks, wheels, brake line, seats, anti-roll bars, turbo, intake, and exhaust for an FBO car. However, bear in mind the side effects of an FBO BMW. It can void your warranty and insurance and reduce resale value.
