Choosing Not to Mod

[drburton]

As a frequent visitor of this site, I have found that it is really easy to get the ‘mod bug’ and want to modify the M3 in a number of ways. In fact, I planned a number of modifications and almost pulled the trigger before my M3 even arrived at the dealership. Seemed like a good way to increase performance, and/or personalize the car.

I decided to refrain and do more comprehensive research on a number of potential mods to see if I really wanted to go that direction. After a ridiculous amount of research and deliberation, I have decided to keep the car stock with the exception of some minor cosmetic changes.

Through the process of evaluating alternatives, I discovered that almost every modification has a benefit but also has a corresponding drawback, problem or limitation. Here are a few ‘off the cuff’ examples: The vast majority of exhaust systems come with drone. In my mind this is totally unacceptable for a daily driver car. Lowering springs seem promising, but there are potential warranty issues, wear and tear on the OEM suspension, not to mention a harsher ride and the need to be more careful with curbs etc.. I also found the cost/benefit ratio seems a bit out of line. Nominal improvements in performance or appearance come at a pretty high price tag. If you really think about the opportunity cost with an expense like this, it seems almost irrational.

The objective of this post isn’t to question the decisions made by those who make mods, I certainly believe there is a place and benefit to mods dependent on the owners driving style, intentions etc… Rather I want to acknowledge the job the BMW engineers did in making the M3. I find the car to have an almost perfect balance as a daily driver and performance car. I am choosing not to upset that balance with modifications, because I really enjoy the car the way it is.

So my advice to those who are new owners or have a car on order, take the time to drive the M3 in it’s stock form, you just may find you love her just the way she is

[SUB-ZERO]

I have pondered the idea of modding many times over and have always come back to the same thought: "Why mess with perfection"

Every time I think of modding something, there is always a negative side that goes with it. I may consider modding if any BMW Performance parts from the GTS make it our way.

-SZ

[immiketoo]

I have had this exact thought process, and the car is really good. I have to have wheels though, and probably an exhaust!

[J08M3]

I'm almost 100% with you.... just think the car need a couple cosmetic things. First chrome is cheesy so I swapped it all for black, and will do this on every car I own. Subtle drop from Eibach springs, light 50% tint, and that's it cosmetically. SSK was nice, but would probably not bother again. It's fun, but totally unnecessary, I had fun shifting with OEM shifter as well. Next time I do exhaust it'll be just mufflers, cause I like to make some noise, but I doubt I'll do another full exhaust, too much money, and then you need to deal with CEL and inspection.

[Cabinetman]

I'm fairly mod adverse myself. In the past I've gone mod crazy on cars only to make them harder to live with on a daily basis. My M3 is totally stock except for painted reflectors and tint. I do have an Eisenmann Sport exhaust with connecting pipes that I plan to install at some point. If there is too much drone it will come right off and I'll be back to stock.

[drey]

I'm with you, buddy. Paid $60K for a German engineered beauty and I'm not messing with it!

[MMMorish]

Good for you, man. The mod bug, which is a direct by product of M3post (lol), is very contagious. I think your advise to new M3 owners is great. I drove mine for a year and only did cosmetic mods to it. It was only after the year of enjoying BMW's fine engineering that I decided to upgrade to a SSK, an air filter, and now an exhaust. And like you, I research everything that goes on my car.

[footie]

Snap.

The simple reason is that the majority of tuners unlike manufacturers can't commit the same time and financial resources to fully develop their products to the same degree. Their are a some that are extremely professional, MTM, RUF, Aplina and Brabus to name just a few but these are in a minority and through German law they need to follow stricter regulations.

[Bob MG]

I used to think like this and I was happy with a standard car with some great extras specced, but then I stumbled onto this forum and saw Vic 55's M3 with HREs and it was downhill from there!!

It's this forum that breeds the madness people

[SUB-ZERO]

Oh..BTW. The RAC wheels are probably one of the only wheels that I would go for. As for exhausts, maybe a DINAN or Eisenmann...Akra is too expensive for me.

If I had to do brakes, I would probably do with Brembo or AP

As for filters, the AA air filter is just like stock but a little better built.

However, these mods will cost thousands and the performance gains are questionable at best. I assume the Brembos would be good if you track your M3 more than a few times a year.

....keep the money in your bank account or spend it on a BMW performance driving school...I think you will get more pleasure out of these two options.

-SZ

[joseph328]

For me it's simple : 3 rules .

1. Lower your ride
2. Get some wheels
3. Black it out

Nothing else needed . That count's for E36 atleast..

I would add 1 point to E92 :

4. Get Amuse Ericsson bumpers..

they are trully amazing and make the car look so much more agressive and better looking .

Muffler is not a must , but Meisterschaft or Akrapovic . my friend got Akra on his E93 M3 AW , when he runs down the street and shifts 4 to 3 to 2 .. it's like heaven

[footie]

What is the best mod you can do?????

Modify your own driving skills with some tutoring by a professional, it doesn't void the warranty but does make the car with you in it a lot quicker per lap.

[Kyoshi71]

Originally Posted by SUB-ZERO

I have pondered the idea of modding many times over and have always come back to the same thought: "Why mess with perfection"

Every time I think of modding something, there is always a negative side that goes with it. I may consider modding if any BMW Performance parts from the GTS make it our way.

-SZ

Me Too

[Nawaaz]

I've modified my M3 with a full exhaust system, pulley, air filter, intake scoops, custom tune, and some other small cosmetic goodies.

Yet I can't blame someone who wants to keep his/her M3 all stock, or mostly stock.

And there's something special about keeping the factory warranty.......Not to mention the peace of mind.

I'm in my mid-20's now, and maturity is definitely catching up with me.

I guess I just don't appreciate modifying as much as I used to.

[BigHat]

I think the OP makes good points.

Aside from tinting, clear bra and painted reflector replacements I'll probably leave it alone. I almost got the 18" wheels so I could get a custom set of 19"s for the summer. In the end I just ordered the OEM 19s.

While I know one might be able to prevail in an agrument with the dealer as to the likelihood that a mod is the culprit in a warranty claim, I do see dealers casuing customers problems in this regard and would rather not be bothered. Might be an age thing though as the "kid racer" version of the M3 appears to be something I've out grown since having my E46 M3.

[Bart@AUTOcouture]

To each their own. "Modding" to me is making your ride a little more individual. If you use the right products, it can be achieved. Suspension, exhaust, wheels, cosmetic mods are mostly what people on here do to achieve that look. Of course there is some of those that do full engine work, e: superchargers, stroker kits, etc.. but the majority is in it for the appearance. The M3 is so awesome to begin with, it doesn't take much.

Cheers

[MMMorish]

Originally Posted by Nawaaz

I've modified my M3 with a full exhaust system, pulley, air filter, intake scoops, custum tune, and some other small cosmetic goodies.

Yet I can't blame someone who wants to keep his/her M3 all stock, or mostly stock.

And there's something special about keeping the factory warranty.......Not to mention the peace of mind.

I'm in my mid-20's now, and maturity is definitely catching up with me.

I guess I just don't appreciate modifying as much as I used to.

This coming from the guy who probably has the loudest exhaust system on this site! I think you've modded your M quite a bit. What's left for your car, FI?

Honestly, Nawazz, sometimes you kill me

[badfish]

Originally Posted by Nawaaz

I'm in my mid-20's now, and maturity is definitely catching up with me.

LMAO! Revisit this quote every 10 years. You'll be amazed at how much more mature you are...

To the OP, I thought I wasn't going to do anything to my car either. The exhaust was one of the first areas I touched. A 55 pound muffler that had a disappointing sound was a win/win situation for me as I shaved off 30+ pounds and I like the way it sounds more. I picked mods I could reverse so that I could learn from my mistakes. In the end, what you discover is that BMW does some great engineering but it's a balance for them so there is room for improvement. Not everything is give and take, it just depends on what you want.

[JOHNBMWM5]

I have "Toyed with the ideas" of Modding , I am settling for BMC filter and a re-map. Acrapovic is way too expensive for the BHP gained.
I am saving my money for the new M5 in 2013.
In the mean time enjoying the M3.

[Nawaaz]

Originally Posted by MMMorish

This coming from the guy who probably has the loudest exhaust system on this site! I think you've modded your M quite a bit. What's left for your car, FI?

Honestly, Nawazz, sometimes you kill me

Originally Posted by badfish

LMAO! Revisit this quote every 10 years. You'll be amazed at how much more mature you are...

True.

It's a weird feeling as you start to reflect back at how you used to be.

Gosh, I think I'm starting to sound like my dad now.

[immiketoo]

You will. Next you'll start saying things like "back when I had my M3..."

[saeedg48]

This in many ways is true. But if you want a more custom car to best fit you, why not..
Smaller modification make more sense then something like a supercharger for example. But never the less when you get bored of your car, you're going to be feel much more "fresh" after a new mod.