First produced in 1986 with the E30 Chassis, the BMW M Division revolutionized the performance street vehicle category with the E30 BMW M3. The E30 BMW M3 was first offered in a street version to allow the BMW M Division to qualify for the touring racing series that was further popularized by high end race teams such as Hamann, AC Schnitzer and Pro Drive.
The BMW M3 was so wildly popular among BMW enthusiasts that the M Division was established and the next generation BMW M3 was produced with the E36 M3. The M3 tradition continued with the revolutionary 333HP S54 Powered E46 M3 and now the new S65 V8 powered E90 M3, E92 M3 and E93 M3. The M division specializes in taking standard BMW 3-Series models and tweaking them for maximum performance and lightweight design. While the M division is very good at producing gains, they do leave room to increase power, decrease weight and improve handling for the BMW M3.
There is a whole range of BMW M3 Parts available that improve performance, handling and looks over the standard BMW M3.
BMW M3 Performance Parts
To improve flow, performance and sound, many owners opt for high flow cold air intakes and free flowing exhaust systems for the BMW M3 from the likes of aFe, Remus, Eisenmann, Vorsteiner and Akrapovic. Performance air intakes for the BMW M3 are crucial to maximize flow and maximize the volume of cold air taken in by the S54, S65 and other high performance engines.
BMW M3 exhausts are a great way to improve the sound and add to the performance of a BMW M3 cold air intake. Remus exhausts for BMW are the standard for performance exhaust systems for the BMW M3. In addition, the Eisenmann exhausts for the BMW M3 are a great German made alternative for maximum quality and flow.
BMW M3 Exterior Parts
The BMW M3 comes stock with upgraded aerodynamics from the M division to maximize downforce and reduce drag. However, there are many options from BMW Matte black grills to BMW M3 side gills to BMW shadow badges to make your BMW M3 stand out from the crowd.
In addition, the Vorsteiner line of aerodynamics for the E46 M3 and E92 M3 will provide functional design and lightweight carbon fiber construction. The Vorsteiner Aero Bootlid for the E92 M3 is a popular addition that reduces weight and improves downforce due to the increased rear spoiler. Vorsteiner has raised the bar with the Vorsteiner GTRS3 Widebody kit which is a custom lightweight widebody kit for the E92 M3. This kit will allow for wider wheels and improved drag coefficient for maximum performance on or off the road.
BMW M3 Wheels
The BMW M division provides a very lightweight 19" forged package for their E92 M3 however many opt for 3 piece forged, 1 piece monoblock or lightweight track wheels to reduce unsprung weight. Among the most popular options include the ADV forged wheels, Vorsteiner forged wheels, HRE forged wheels, DPE forged wheels, ADVAN forged wheels for BMW and much more. These are custom produced to order and provide a larger diameter without increasing weight. This will have the effect of maintaining the stock BMW performance while improving the looks and handling of your vehicle with wider wheels and tires.
BMW M3 Suspension
The BMW M division spends a tremendous amount on R&D for the perfect BMW M3 suspension. However, it can be improved upon with several options including H&R Sport Springs for the BMW M3, E92 M3 RD Sport Springs and the Eibach Pro Kit for the BMW M3. These are spring kits that work with the factory shocks and EDC system to lower the vehicle for improved look and lower center of gravity. The combination of look and performance improvement is very popular among BMW M3 owners.
If you are after an adjustable suspension setup for your BMW M3, then the best option are coilers including KW Coilovers for BMW, H&R Coilovers for BMW and Bilstein PSS10 coilovers. These are height and in some cases rebound and compression adjustable to change the ride height and ride quality.
The M division does a great job from the factory to improve the handling, looks and performance of a standard BMW 3-Series. However, there are a variety of BMW M3 parts to set your BMW M3 apart from the crowd.
