Picked up my 2012 AW M3 / Bamboo Beige Interior

[Carbon-M]

JUNE UPDATE

Got my Vorsteiner double sided CF trunk, I'll install this when I have time



Swapped the grill, fitment was not as good as I expected. Best if you guys get it from BMW


Finally got these mounted, had to wait a week for valve stems



Got the wheels on but didn't put spacers on yet, just want to see what the initial feelings are on these. V12s are very quiet, very impressed with it



Gloss black grill, AW reflectors, ARKYM front lip. The ARKYM fitment is near perfect, all the holes lined up with the factories ones and it sits flush with the oem bumper. Best fitment ever, I would give it a 9.5/10




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Very happy to finally picked up this beast. Here are some pictures taken from my iphone. I appreciate every part of this car. BMW has put a lot of time and heart into it. I'm glad I'm able to get my hands on the very last generation of the high revving V8.

M3 Signature Side Grill


BMW Signature, their kidney grill


Thanks to the many well designed vents on the M3, at 200km/hr it only produces 22lbs of lift up front compared to 85lbs (can't remember the exact numbers) from a 335i. The air dome on the hood is functional and is used to provide the V8 with ample amount of air for a nice flat torque curve.


Produces 3lbs of downforce


CF roof to lower center of gravity


The legendary three stripe M logo


Read many good reviews about these tires, didn't expect it to come with the M3


INTERIOR

Bamboo Beige interior, didn't get extended because I want it more of a sporty look


The details


M stitching


Not use to the long heavy doors of a coupe, I came from a STi (4 doors)


Carbon Fiber trim


One complaint about the rear seat is that it doesn't have an arm rest


Beautiful


Extra engine oil


UNDER THE HOOD

V8 but it's 33lbs lighter than it's previous Inline 6 model. Even though it doesn't produce a massive amount of torque, it's torque curve is pretty much flat from 3500 rpm to 6500 rpm.


Another M logo


M logo on the hood, I just notice this today


Can anyone tell me why the left vent is blocked?


An opening inside the intake duct to drain out the water


Min 91 octane which is good news for me. I had to put 94 in my STi. We here in Canada have 94 at the pump


TOYS

///M Racing Gloves and Key Chain as a gift from my buddies


Gloss black grill from Nate@IND


AW Reflectors from Nate @ IND to give the front a cleaner look


ZCP, ordered Hankook V12 255/35/19F 285/30/19R from Online Tires, same specs as M3 GTS



Macht Schenell Spacers 12mm F/10mm R from Kevin @ EAS




Ordered ARKYM front lip from Sean@PYSPEED, still waiting for it

In the future: Vorsteiner trunk

I'm still getting used to the car. All this technology is quite overwhelming compared to my previous 05 STi. I can't imagine what it's like to floor it all the way to red line. STi gear ratio was short and red line was early.

My impression: M3 is fast with class!

Thanks for reading and happy modding

[M3 n X5M]

Great writeup of your new car, and very nice photos. You are right, this car is classy - not an hp box, but a fun and comfortable GT, and very able at that. Also, the wheels and tires will make it even more aggressive in appearance. The performance in those PS2 is better than those Hankook. I would enjoy those PS2 tires before a swap... They are sticky and give a great response when wet or drifting.

Your story just took me back to the first week I drove my car...

Congratulations!

[Eric335]

Congrats! Love the color combo! Pics of STi?

Im looking to hop into an M as well :P

[jbraslins]

Grats. Best color combo IMHO I know, i have the 2010 E90 AW/bamboo.

[Martin_D]

Photos look great, enjoy the new ride!

[richard313]

where did you get the car from? Autowest/BJ/BMW Store?

congrats on the purchase!

[Rob@StrasseWheels]

Congrats and welcome aboard, she's beautiful!

[THE TECH]

Congrats!

[kwike92]

sweet ride!

[Singletrack]

Very nice. Came from an STi myself. Center section in rear should pull down for arm rest.

[kdbryce]

i want to see those rims on the car!!!

[Peahi]

congrats man! I dig the bamboo on the doors. Stylish.
Before you throw away the tires, give em to me!

[Nate@IND]

Off to a good start! Congrats

[Evan@Ring-Werks]

Congrats~~

[tha_good_life]

Sweet!

[positiveions]

congrats

[DeleteAccountPlease]

Very very nice thread with a lot of info and detail!

[Poofyo101]

Question
Why not buy a ZCP if you were gonna get the wheels anyway? Just Curious
Sweet pickup.

[ChrisK]

Originally Posted by Poofyo101

Question
Why not buy a ZCP if you were gonna get the wheels anyway? Just Curious
Sweet pickup.

I did the same thing. I didn't want the drop or the slightly firmer ride with zcp.

[Mr. ///M3 RD]

Very nice indeed, great write up! Congratulation and Happy Trails & Safe always

[Carbon-M]

Thanks for all the kind words everyone!

Originally Posted by 2011M3MD

Great writeup of your new car, and very nice photos. You are right, this car is classy - not an hp box, but a fun and comfortable GT, and very able at that. Also, the wheels and tires will make it even more aggressive in appearance. The performance in those PS2 is better than those Hankook. I would enjoy those PS2 tires before a swap... They are sticky and give a great response when wet or drifting.

Your story just took me back to the first week I drove my car...

Congratulations!

Agree, the Hankook aren't as good compared to the PS2. Maybe I'll keep them and use it for tracking.

Originally Posted by Eric335

Congrats! Love the color combo! Pics of STi?

Im looking to hop into an M as well :P

Here you go

Originally Posted by richard313

where did you get the car from? Autowest/BJ/BMW Store?

congrats on the purchase!

A local Got mine from BMW Store. You?

Originally Posted by Singletrack

Very nice. Came from an STi myself. Center section in rear should pull down for arm rest.

Pics of your STi? I will try again tomorrow, mine seem to be just a box with a ski bag inside. After that is taken out, there is a pass through.

Originally Posted by Peahi

congrats man! I dig the bamboo on the doors. Stylish.
Before you throw away the tires, give em to me!

Let you know when I decide to sell them

Originally Posted by Poofyo101

Question
Why not buy a ZCP if you were gonna get the wheels anyway? Just Curious
Sweet pickup.

Thanks! Same reason mentioned by ChrisK. Also, I wanted to get wider tires.

Originally Posted by ChrisK

I did the same thing. I didn't want the drop or the slightly firmer ride with zcp.

Exactly why I didn't get ZCP

[dnotorious]

Congrats man; great choice in color (AW) / trim (Bamboo/Carbon). I'm matching u everywhere except I'm E90. Where in Canada are you located? Sweet STI btw; love the stance u posted there; also gr8 work wit the pics; u rockin SLR with those pics. Enjoy the ride...