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E46 M3 Performance Modifications

21 messages,  Last post on Mar 05, 2009 at 3:14 PM

You are in the Speed Shop Tuning and Modification Forum.

What is this discussion about? BMW M3, Performance Mods, Coupe

Messages Page 2 of 3

#2 of 21 Re: E46 M3 Performance Modifications [aampwr] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

May 30, 2005 (7:13 am)

Replying to: aampwr (May 30, 2005 7:06 am)
Dinan is a very reputable vendor/tuner. First off, I'd check on how the chip affects your warranty, and secondly, I'd ask Dinan for dyno tests regarding the chip. Once you get the test results, you can come back here and we can help you interpret what they might really mean. I don't think M3 engineers leave a lot of HP on the table when they build an M3 engine, but there may be more HP available from a chip---I just don't know what you give up to get that HP. Maybe the dyno test will tell us. Sometimes chips don't increase HP as much as move it around, which could also be good. Question is really how much do you get from a chip for what you pay and is the chip doing what you really want?

#3 of 21 RE: BEST EXHAUST SYSTEM FOR MY M3 by m34shez

Jun 12, 2005 (12:49 pm)

I AM LOOKING INTO GETTING AN AFTERMARKET EXHAUST SYSTEM BUT AM UNCLEAR ON WHICH ONE TO GO WITH. THE AC SCHNITZER AND HAMANN SYSTEMS LOOK LIKE WORKS OF ART BUT IS THERE AN ADVANTAGE TO THESE OVER THE CHEAPER AMERICAN MADE SYSTEMS OTHER THAN THERE FAR SUPERIOR AESTHETICS? ANY INPUT WOULD BE MUCH APPRECIATED, IF IT HELPS $ ISN'T A PROBLEM I JUST WANT THE BEST OF THE BEST. KREISSIG ALSO MAKES SOMETHING FOR THE M3, BUT I DON'T WANT TO VOID THE WARRANTY IF POSSIBLE.

#4 of 21 RE: BEST EXHAUST SYSTEM FOR MY M3 [m34shez] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Jun 12, 2005 (9:32 pm)

Replying to: m34shez (Jun 12, 2005 12:49 pm)
Not sure exactly what parts of the exhaust system you are thinking of replacing on the M3---if it's just from the catalytic on back, then the German systems are just charging you for quality construction and perhaps a nice sound---but nothing from the cat back is going to give you much power---especially given the costs, it's not something I'd buy to gain power economically.
 
If you are thinking of putting headers on back, doing the whole thing, that could gain you 10-15HP but I would research these systems and see some dyno test results. I have seen, on occasion, where the cheaper system does the best job--e.g., a flowmaster on a Porsche 930 turbo did a much better job than the more expensive exhaust systems.
 
So you never know---but I feel pretty certain that the quality of a Schnitzer exhaust would be superior to anything you can buy domestically----and, priced accordingly.
 
Personally I don't wanna pay $300 per HP for something if I can get it for $50 per HP, just because it looks nice underneath the car.
 
One reason I'm suggesting researching dyno results is that I'm not sure the BMW engineers have left a lot of horsepower on the table with the M3.

#5 of 21 Performance modification by m34shez

Jun 13, 2005 (12:44 pm)

I'm interested in upgrading my m3 performance wise. I was curious about what my options were. I don't want to void the warranty though. That is my only condition which I'm sure dramatically limits my options but I would like to know what the possibilities are.

#6 of 21 Re: Performance modification [m34shez] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Jun 13, 2005 (6:59 pm)

Replying to: m34shez (Jun 13, 2005 12:44 pm)
Well they can't void your warranty unless they can prove the part you installed actually did the damage to the component that you are claiming warranty on. Of course, they can harass you mercilessly whether they are right or not. You might just ask your dealer's policy on modifications but they may in fact tell you something that isn't legallly speaking, quite true (not out of maliciousness, they may not always know all the consumer laws in place).
 
I think I'd start reading "Roundel" and European Car magazines and see what's up. Nothing like reading about what someone ELSE has done to their car first.
 
Have you considered contacting tuners like Dinan Engineering here in the states and chatting with them?

#7 of 21 Re: Performance modification [m34shez] by gwiner

Aug 20, 2005 (9:10 am)

Replying to: m34shez (Jun 13, 2005 12:44 pm)
Dinan (mentioned in several previous posts) is generally regarded as the premier tuning company for BMWs in the US. They have set up relationships with many BMW dealerships around the country (they call them "Authorized Dinan BMW Performance Centers"). When done at an authorized Dinan BMW dealership, the parts and modifications are usually covered by one of two scenarios: either the manufacturer's warranty is not voided, or Dinan provides supplemental warranty coverage equivalent to the factory. With years of engineering experience, and thousands of modified BMW's of almost every model type on the roads, most BMW enthusiasts would have no problems recommending Dinan. There are some other tuners that have some better products, but if you're concerned about the warranty situation, you can't go better than with Dinan, in my opinion. As an example of their reputation - some unscrupulous BMW' owners improve their look by badging with fake "Dinan" emblems, instead of fake "///M".
 
In addition to Dinan, other well-regarded companies to check out are AC Schnitzer (body panels, suspention, etc.) and (Jim) Conforti (software and intakes). I don't believe these carry the same warranty implications as Dinan. Good luck!

#8 of 21 What do you think? by m3genetic

Oct 06, 2005 (12:04 am)

The black sheep of the family, yep, that's me. My father owns a BMW and so do my brothers. I might be a future ex-Lexus owner by the end of the week.
 
I'm in the midst of purchasing my first ever E36 M3 '99. My friend is selling it to me with 77K miles for $16,500. What do you think? Is this the deal of the century or half decent? I'm going to get the car checked tomorrow at a BMW dealership. Assuming all goes well with the inspection, should I keep the car stock or visit my nearest DINAN shop?
 
Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

#9 of 21 Re: What do you think? [m3genetic] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Oct 06, 2005 (12:05 pm)

Replying to: m3genetic (Oct 06, 2005 12:04 am)
Kinda depends on how he drove it and took care of it. The M series cars, at least historically, are not long-lived automobiles as a rule.

#10 of 21 smg or stick by m3xkr

Mar 09, 2006 (9:27 pm)

i am about to get a 2003 m3 as my first car and dont know what to get a stick or smg. i dont want to get in an accident as im shifting the gears and paying attention to the road. but everyone tells me to get stick so i dont know what to do????

#11 of 21 Re: smg or stick [m3xkr] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Mar 10, 2006 (11:16 am)

Replying to: m3xkr (Mar 09, 2006 9:27 pm)
Kinda depends on your geography. If you are in a high traffic metro area, a stick shift can be annoying but generally it's more rewarding to drive in a powerful and agile car like an M3. Driving a manual I think contributes to safety, as you have to pay more attention to the car.

Messages Page 2 of 3

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