18 MG M3 Daily Driver

[M3_Enjoyer]

Hello Everyone,

Recently decided to put together a small build thread since I'm late to documenting all that's been done to this M3 since purchasing in April of 2022.

Through my time of ownership I've done extensive research (as well as trial and error) and would love to make this thread not only to inspire other F80 owners, but also to save owners some time and money in their never ending debates between which parts to buy and pros/cons between cheaper or more expensive parts. If you have any questions, I will answer to the best of my knowledge through experience.

Originally, I bought this car during PEAK used car prices and it was in very rough condition for its mileage due to previous owner - oddly enough, I have found joy buying cars that aren't "perfect" in the sense that it makes the hard work and love put into it much more rewarding. Also, I couldn't buy a car at that time without it being sold right out from under me LOL.

Nonetheless, my opinion on the F80 has changed DRASTICALLY since driving and owning one; I love it. My background comes from E46 M3's, S1000rr's, and a beloved E92 M3. This car is very well rounded and very well suited for a variety of driving styles, sure it doesn't have an S65, but the way the S55 delivers the power doesn't leave me missing much about the S65 other than the sound.

**CREDIT and APPRECIATION** This car would never be where it is if it weren't for the help of the guys at Eurotech Motorsports and AutoCouture Motoring of New Jersey. Jeff & Sam of Eurotech as well as Matt & Darian of ACM, you guys are awesome and have always taken such great care of this car, thank you for all of your support and guidance ! The level of respect, attention to detail, communication, and organization these guys deliver; I can't recommend them enough. There's a reason I travel from Long Island to Jersey without question.

So, lets dive into it! This car was purchased through BMW of Ridgefield CT as a CPO, bone stock with around 27,xxx miles.

Specs:
- Carbon Roof
- 6 Speed Manual
- Mineral Grey Metallic
- Black Leather interior
- 437M Wheels

Previous Owner Touches:
- Riced out with fake carbon parts and fake carbon vinyl
- Washed with a beach towel and A LOT of elbow grease
- Tints that I couldn't see out of as soon as the sun went down
- Seized brown exhaust tips
- Half Functioning M Logo Door Lighting

Current Changes Master List (up to date):
- iND Painted MG Front Reflectors
- iND Painted MG Rear Reflectors
- iND Painted MG Key Hole Cover
- iND Painted Gloss Black Side Grilles
- iND Painted Gloss Black Front Grilles
- Black M3 Trunk Badge
- OEM M Performance Front Lip and Carbon Splitters
- OEM M Performance Rear Diffuser
- MSI Wheel Stud Conversion
- Paint Matched MG OEM Calipers
- Future Classic 5mm Front Spacers
- KW V3 Coilovers with EDC Delete
- Falken RT660's 265/35/18 Front - 295/30/18 Rear
- System Motorsport Spec TE37SL Blast Bronze (18x9.5 front - 18x11 rear)
- Painted Hub Centers Matte Black
- No Tints
- OEM M Performance Shift Knob + Alcantara Boot
- OEM M Performance Alcantara Center Console
- OEM M Performance E-Brake Lever + Alcantara Boot
- iND M3 Stitched Floor Mats
- Bootmod3 Stage 2 93 Octane OTS
- INKED Custom Catless Resonated Downpipes
- INKED Custom Resonated Equal Length Midpipe
- INKED Custom Resonated Valved Muffler w/ Angled Carbon Tips
- Wireless Charging Phone Mount Rennline
- Garrett Top Mount Intercooler
- Eventuri Dry Carbon Charge Pipes
- Do88 J-Pipe
- TLG Front Mud Flaps
- OEM Door Lighting
- Gintani Crankhub Solution
- Paint Corrected and Coated

Future Changes (TBD):
- Pedal Haus Set in Black or OEM M Performance
- AMX Recaro Sportster CS
- Full Screen Apple Carplay
- JQ Werks Steering Wheel or OEM Alcantara CS
- Golden Wrench Reservoir Cap Set
- Downstar Engine Dress Up Bolts
- Eventuri Engine Cover
- OEM M Performance Trunk Lip
- Light Ceramic Tint
- iND Painted Roundels
- idk probably forgetting something

[M3_Enjoyer]

Recent Update:

Have to share these because I'm thrilled with how they came out !!

These started out as completed faded blue M performance calipers that came on the F80, I personally don't like flashy bright calipers so decided on paint matching.

The calipers were originally sent out for an OEM M logo refresh with a near match to MG in powder. However, the powder coater (won't name the business) went 5 days over the agreed upon deadline and used the WRONG logos, oversized, two separated pieces, placed them upside down, and didn't trim off the excess vinyl... then clear coated over it.

Luckily, my friend and I made a few custom colors of the Brembo logos and went with a burgundy color against the grey. This was a blessing in disguise and I actually prefer these to the M logos now! Thank you Jeff for sourcing an excellent painter!

[Drewbkm4]

Nice, can’t wait to see them on the car.

[M3_Enjoyer]

Originally Posted by Drewbkm4

Nice, can’t wait to see them on the car.

Ty man, will hopefully have pics tomorrow or Thurs.

[M3_Enjoyer]

A few highlights of the pure craftsmanship from Patrick, the owner of Inked Custom in Germany!

Phenomenal customer service, informative, and top notch quality/fitment - shipping was very quick too.

Patrick's work speaks for itself, I've never heard an S55 with this tone before! It's extremely quiet with valves closed and not too rowdy when open.

How I can describe it is the following: Smooth, Deep, Refined, and NO RASP!

If you're interested in your own custom setup; Patrick's instagram is @inkedcustom

Not sure how to post videos at this time so photos for now:

[M3FANN]

You can have the valves open with bm3. Go to map configuration for your current map and select exhaust flap (sport) to open. That will open the valves when you change to sport or sport plus or hit the m buttons on the wheel of those are set to sport. Post up some sound clips. Would love to hear this setup!

[m3rxn]

Sick build my friend.

[M3_Enjoyer]

Originally Posted by M3FANN

You can have the valves open with bm3. Go to map configuration for your current map and select exhaust flap (sport) to open. That will open the valves when you change to sport or sport plus or hit the m buttons on the wheel of those are set to sport. Post up some sound clips. Would love to hear this setup!

Yes, thanks! I already have it set to open for sport+ but for whatever reason it seems to still act like the OEM configuration where the valves will close again after reaching a certain gear/rpm.

Still working on uploading the clips, will have them posted soon!

[M3_Enjoyer]

Originally Posted by m3rxn

Sick build my friend.

Thank you my friend !

[M3_Enjoyer]

Brakes back on

[kaizzer]

Hey there! Car is looking great 👍🏾

I recently picked up a fully loaded 2015 MG M3 and I've been liking it alot. Originally planned on not touching it as I own 5 cars at the moment, 3 of which are modded... However, seeing posts like this are making me fiend out so badly.

Kudos to you, and i look forward to seeing the progression of this vehicle. Thanks for sharing.

[M_Torx]

sound clips ?

[M3_Enjoyer]

Originally Posted by kaizzer

Hey there! Car is looking great 👍🏾

I recently picked up a fully loaded 2015 MG M3 and I've been liking it alot. Originally planned on not touching it as I own 5 cars at the moment, 3 of which are modded... However, seeing posts like this are making me fiend out so badly.

Kudos to you, and i look forward to seeing the progression of this vehicle. Thanks for sharing.

Kaizzer, Congrats on the picking up that MG M3!! I appreciate your kind words, can't wait to see what you (inevitably) do to yours

[M3_Enjoyer]

Originally Posted by M_Torx

sound clips ?

I do have a few! Let me give this a go again, I'll try to get the files to upload.

[michael1284]

love TEs!

[M3SQRD]

Great looking MG DD!

The contrast of the TE’s with MG has a nice contrast. The MG brake calipers are a nice choice.

[SteveYem]

Bronze on MG sure is an understated and classy look.

[carrlife]

Great daily. And great looking car!

[whiteno!se]

Any exhaust clips?? I’d love to hear this…in the market for a new exhaust system.