Hey Liam, first off welcome to the community! I have been a subaru guy for almost 2 decades. Dont know much about bmw's. With the age of that hatch, even though not at the mileage yet, it is due for the timing belt service. First off, you should focus on maintenance and make sure everything is up to par on the car and the car is healthy enough to support power adding modifications.
So most people just refer to them as "hatches". The body code is GR, and the unofficial term for that body style is stink eye.
If you decide to start modding it, dont do so blindly. These are great, fun cars but are finicky when it comes to modding and tuning. For example, a intake, doesnt matter the brand, requires a tune for these cars. If you are choosing a cobb accessport for a tuning solution be aware that as of last years "green speed" update cobb maps no longer support anything that interferes with emissions. For example, an aftermarket downpipe is no longer supported. Be sure to read the map notes on each map on the accessport, because your modifications have to match the map notes strictly.
BOV's are not suggested on these cars. They come with fully recirculating bypass valves. Adding an atmospheric BOV can and will damage the car over time. There is no way to tune for a bov with the stock MAF sensor. You would have to upgrade to speed density IAT sensor and tune it, which is a silly waste of money for a noise. If you want, I can elaborate further on why these are bad for the cars if you wish, or you can just take my word for it or google it.
Just remember, if it is a performance mod, it needs to be tuned. If you intend on buying a downpipe, go for it. Not saying not to, but find a pro tuner first that is willing to risk tuning you for it and any other mod that deletes or messes with emissions.
As far as wheels go, they are subjective. Some love certain kind, other hate them. And vice versa. Check out fitment industries. One thing they are good for is having a huge gallery that you can select a car and see all kinds of different wheels on it.
Any specific questions about anything, reach out. A lot of knowledgeable people in here.
So most people just refer to them as "hatches". The body code is GR, and the unofficial term for that body style is stink eye.
If you decide to start modding it, dont do so blindly. These are great, fun cars but are finicky when it comes to modding and tuning. For example, a intake, doesnt matter the brand, requires a tune for these cars. If you are choosing a cobb accessport for a tuning solution be aware that as of last years "green speed" update cobb maps no longer support anything that interferes with emissions. For example, an aftermarket downpipe is no longer supported. Be sure to read the map notes on each map on the accessport, because your modifications have to match the map notes strictly.
BOV's are not suggested on these cars. They come with fully recirculating bypass valves. Adding an atmospheric BOV can and will damage the car over time. There is no way to tune for a bov with the stock MAF sensor. You would have to upgrade to speed density IAT sensor and tune it, which is a silly waste of money for a noise. If you want, I can elaborate further on why these are bad for the cars if you wish, or you can just take my word for it or google it.
Just remember, if it is a performance mod, it needs to be tuned. If you intend on buying a downpipe, go for it. Not saying not to, but find a pro tuner first that is willing to risk tuning you for it and any other mod that deletes or messes with emissions.
As far as wheels go, they are subjective. Some love certain kind, other hate them. And vice versa. Check out fitment industries. One thing they are good for is having a huge gallery that you can select a car and see all kinds of different wheels on it.
Any specific questions about anything, reach out. A lot of knowledgeable people in here.
