Build Thread: 2015 BMW M3 (Lots of Photos & Videos!)

[suspenceful]

After lusting over the F80 M3 and F82 M4 for years, I finally found myself in the position to purchase one. I didn’t want to settle on just any F8X, I needed the perfect one.

Since I already have a 750whp BMW 135i for the track and a BMW 335i for daily duties, I wanted a modern weekend warrior. I found myself leaning towards the M3 because of its wide rear hips and the practicality of a 4-door sedan.

After searching nationwide for about a month with no luck, an M3 that matched my criteria popped up locally! Meet my 14th BMW, but my first ///M...

2015 BMW M3 with 46K miles

• Mineral Grey Metallic
• Black Extended Merino Leather
• Manual Transmission (6MT)
• Driver Assistance Plus
• Executive Package
• Lighting Package
• Adaptive suspension
• Carbon Fiber Roof
• Harman Kardon Surround Sound System

It's stock right now but I have a boatload of modifications on the way. I'll be working with Kies Motorsports and a few other companies for this M3 build. My vision is a functional, good-looking weekend car. But knowing me, I'll probably blow right past that

Some of you might've already seen some of my BMW YouTube videos (just hit 26K subscribers!), but I'll be documenting this build on my channel as well. I'll also be posting exclusive high quality photos on my Instagram. I'd encourage anyone who is interested to subscribe/follow on those platforms as well. I usually post on YouTube/IG first, then follow up on the forums as I have time to type up written content.

YouTube: https://youtube.com/jakespence135
Instagram: https://instagram.com/jakespence
Website: https://bmwf80.com

I know my way around the N5X/E9X platform very well, so hopefully I can learn this S55/F80 quickly!

[M3inMG]

Beautiful, Can't wait to see what you do!

[suspenceful]

Originally Posted by M3inMG

Beautiful, Can't wait to see what you do!

Thanks! Should have an update with a few mods this weekend or early next week

[mike@x-ph.com]

Nice

[suspenceful]

The M3 got it's first modification! I couldn't stand the wheel gap these cars have from the factory, especially in the front. So I combed through forums and Facebook groups to find what my best option was for lowering the car.

My goal: eliminate wheel gap and retain comfortable ride quality without spending thousands of dollars.

I narrowed it down to Emmanuele Design lowering springs. I could go on and on about why I bought these lowering springs instead of others, or even coilovers. But I don't want to clutter up my build thread, so I wrote a dedicated blog post about them. The Best Lowering Springs for BMW F8X: EMD Auto Review.

Brief summary:

• Ride quality remains the same or better than stock.
• Compatible with both standard and adaptive suspension.
• Engineered specifically for stock shocks to avoid premature failure.
• Perfect stance, lowering the front 1.3″ and the rear 0.3 – 0.9″.
• Linear spring rate, similar to stock springs.
• Made in the USA.
• Affordable at $300-350!

I got around to installing them a few days ago. The process was way easier than I thought... so easy that most of you could do it at home! I took photos and video of the whole process and created a comprehensive installation guide. The guide is too long to post here, but I shared it on my F80 blog. If you want to lower your F8X and save money by doing this job yourself, check it out: How To Install Lowering Springs in Your BMW F80 M3 or F82 M4.















Wrapped it up with a proper 4-wheel alignment.



Before - front:


After - front:


Before - rear:


After - rear:










I'm still new around here, but have lots of followers from the E9X platform. I love the F8X platform and can't wait to share more content like this with you guys! Let me know what you think 😎

Subscribe to my YouTube channel
Follow me on Instagram

[FatRear08]

She looks really good sitting like that. Very drivable without worrying too much abt dips and bumps on the road. You’re off to a great start!

[karlskry]

How does it ride on the original EDC shocks with the new springs?

[Jbonly21]

Nice, now you just have to do something about that grill.

[wdskukm3]

Really Nice. I would like to lower my car as well but just can't bare to be scraping at random places I go to.

[suspenceful]

Originally Posted by FatRear08

She looks really good sitting like that. Very drivable without worrying too much abt dips and bumps on the road. You’re off to a great start!

Thanks man, glad you agree that she's sitting nice There are some driveways and speed bumps that I have to adjust my driving habits around now that the front sits 1.45" lower, but nothing unmanageable. I wouldn't expect anything less when lowering these cars.

Originally Posted by karlskry

How does it ride on the original EDC shocks with the new springs?

Honestly it rides almost exactly like it did on the stock springs. I can't tell a difference. The EMD spring rates are almost identical to stock.

Originally Posted by Jbonly21

Nice, now you just have to do something about that grill.

I have a set of gloss black kidney grilles patiently waiting in the garage. I'm torn on whether I should swap out the fender gills as well.

Originally Posted by wdskukm3

Really Nice. I would like to lower my car as well but just can't bare to be scraping at random places I go to.

As long as you're aware that the front bumper is ~1-2" lower than stock, I think you'd be okay. But if you ruthlessly drive on some terrible roads, I can understand your concern.

[suspenceful]

After lots of research and debating, I got some 20" wheels! I was torn on everything between 18", 19" and 20". Part of me wanted an 18" setup for the track and to get traction on the street, but this is my daily. So I opted for some 20's because I think they fill out the wheel wells better than 19's.

I reached out to Variant Wheels after watching a fellow YouTuber install a set of their wheels. They hooked me up and gave me a discount code to share with you guys if you're interested in purchasing a set of wheels from them (see below)! They have a few off-the-shelf options and allow as much customization as you'd like when it comes to size, offset and color and design.

I chose their machine silver "Argon" wheel in 20x10" and 20x11" I let them choose the offset, but it seems like they recommend ET20 in the front and ET35 in the rear for a flush F8X fitment.

WHEELS:
- Variant Argon wheels: https://variantwheels.com/product-ca...ate/jakespence
- Other Variant wheels for your BMW: https://variantwheels.com/cold-forge...ate/jakespence
- Use code BIMMERSTREET for 20% off and free shipping!

TIRES (currently on sale!):
- 265/30/20 Falken Azenis FK510: https://amzn.to/2ZLOqiH
- 295/30/20 Falken Azenis FK510: https://amzn.to/2XGVnP4

Check out my unboxing and test-fit video:

Here are some photos of the wheels to hold you over until the tires show up.

[cfm56d7b]

Great build. The new wheels look sharp.

[suspenceful]

The tires showed up and I mounted them right away! I am thoroughly impressed with the Falken Azenis FK510 tires. Tread pattern is extremely similar to Michelin Pilot Super Sport and the grip is actually better. Not an apples-to-apples comparison because the MPSS tires weren't new and were narrower, but the Azenis are super grippy! Very happy with the look, feel and sound of these tires.

The fitment is perfect IMO. I have since raised the rear by installing the EMD rear spring spacer that I initially left out when installing the lowering springs. It now sits about 1/2" higher than in the video and photos below... will get some updated pictures of that soon. It didn't really rub, but I wanted the extra clearance for when I have a full tank of gas and 5 passengers.

Let me know what you think!

Reminder of the wheel/tire info...

WHEELS:
- Variant Argon wheels: https://variantwheels.com/product-ca...ate/jakespence
- Other Variant wheels for your BMW: https://variantwheels.com/cold-forge...ate/jakespence
- Use code BIMMERSTREET for 20% off and free shipping!

TIRES (currently on sale!):
- 265/30/20 Falken Azenis FK510: https://amzn.to/2ZLOqiH
- 295/30/20 Falken Azenis FK510: https://amzn.to/2XGVnP4

Check out my initial impressions video (ignore the clickbaity thumbnail):

[VChenz]

hows the ride been?

did you reuse the stock bump stops?

Looks good btw

[FastM3CT]

Car is off to a great start. Love the height and wheel combo. Looks amazing and now we demand to know whats next...

[suspenceful]

Originally Posted by VChenz

hows the ride been?

did you reuse the stock bump stops?

Looks good btw

Ride is better than expected! Honestly doesn't feel any different than it did on the stock 19" wheels. Maybe because I went with a 30 profile sidewall all around instead of the 25 some go with in the rear.

Still on stock bump stops.

[suspenceful]

Originally Posted by FastM3CT

Car is off to a great start. Love the height and wheel combo. Looks amazing and now we demand to know whats next...

Thanks! Next up are a lot of carbon fiber goodies, paint matched reflectors, black grilles, etc. Trying to make the rest of the car as aggressive as the wheels make it look.

[omgf80]

Back when I had a 135 I came across your videos. Looking forward to seeing what you do on the F80 platform.

[suspenceful]

I threw the stock wheels back on and took the car to its first autocross at Road America! This was essentially my first autocross as well, my only other time being a few laps 5 years ago.

That being said, I'd love some feedback/tips/advice on my driving. I'm going to another autocross with it this weekend and would love to improve!

I have tons of parts ready to install on the M3 so be sure to subscribe if you enjoy YouTube content: https://www.youtube.com/jakespence135

[bmwmdistrict]

Looking good!