why doesn't my M3 have "that" look?

[thkfast]

19" wheels is all you need...drop it a little if that's not enough.

Functionally, your car is perfect as is.

[GeorgeA]

18s are beautiful, looks great to me ��

[ganz]

Agreed on OEM spec to get that look you need a drop and 15 mm spacer in front and 12 mm spacer in back. A little camber too.

This picture attached is the car running 18x10.5 +25 square. I was running a 3mm spacer in front and 5mm in the rear that day but I'm running 10mm in the rear now so it pokes out a little more than pictured. -2.7 deg front and -2 deg rear. I don't know the exact drop numbers but it is on Ohlins R&T w/ GC Camber plates. Modded E90 thread is a dangerous place...

[Warriors8]

Get something new, if you want "that look" new AMG, new M, new Porsche, new F-type etc.. Its not that hard homeboy lol

[Banana Hammock]

You need a lip.

[Law]

Originally Posted by carenthuziast

It would look more "bulldog" if it wasn't a saloon and if you had 19" wheels.

Just something about 4 doors doesn't make the car look sporty...especially since the saloon is taller than the others.

You're entitled to your opinion but I disagree.
Here's mine when it had 18" TE37SL and Eibach springs.


Many people, including myself, see the saloon as having wider hips, due to its proportions.
Even technically speaking, the E90 M3 is slightly wider than the E92/E93 M3 as well.


Needless to say, it's pretty much a consensus that the least "sporty" of the bunch is the E93, which is really built for cruising around Beverly Hills or South Beach Miami.
The E90 and E92 are virtually identical in performance.
There's even an argument to be made that saloons offer better rigidity around the track (the E36 guys have been saying this for decades).
This test from Best Motoring (Japan) even sees the saloon yield a slightly faster lap time than the coupé.

[Mikeystone]

It’s your front grilles too...get the all black front grilles. Lower the car, get spacers, and get rid of the ugly wheels! Flame suit on.

[MJBO]

Originally Posted by Law

Many people, including myself, see the saloon as having wider hips, due to its proportions.
Even technically speaking, the E90 M3 is slightly wider than the E92/E93 M3 as well.

This 100%. It's part of why I went with the E90 over the E92, and why I think the F80 looks better than the F82. It just looks (and according to your graphic, is) wider.

[spazzyfry123]

The ZCP 10mm drop is more effective than you might think. The rear height is perfect and the front height is just a tad too high, but for the sake of functionality, it's the best all-rounder. Mix in the spacers and I think you'll have the look you're after.

[carenthuziast]

Originally Posted by jiggz

Exactly! Eibach + spacers and you will have the look you want.



Yah, he should sell it for that super sporty, bulldog looking E93 model.

Oh yeah! I’ve gotten plenty of compliments cruising with the top down. You wouldn’t know.

[carenthuziast]

Originally Posted by pasghetti

You need a lip.

Tough for a lip to stand out in an all black car. Even carbon fiber won’t be easily distinguishable. Lack of contrast in overall car color.

[carenthuziast]

Originally Posted by Law

You're entitled to your opinion but I disagree.
Here's mine when it had 18" TE37SL and Eibach springs.


Many people, including myself, see the saloon as having wider hips, due to its proportions.
Even technically speaking, the E90 M3 is slightly wider than the E92/E93 M3 as well.


Needless to say, it's pretty much a consensus that the least "sporty" of the bunch is the E93, which is really built for cruising around Beverly Hills or South Beach Miami.
The E90 and E92 are virtually identical in performance.
There's even an argument to be made that saloons offer better rigidity around the track (the E36 guys have been saying this for decades).
This test from Best Motoring (Japan) even sees the saloon yield a slightly faster lap time than the coupé.

Well. The saloon is built for rear car seats. Go sporty that!

And yes, thanks for reaffirming that the e93 is for cruising. Mine will never see the track as will probably most oversportified e90/e92’s.

[JoePcone]

Here's a pic of mine with Eibach springs and spacers. That definitely does the trick and gives the look you're after.

[kyrix1st]

No white, no might.



Try getting GT4 front splitter& OEM rear spoiler.

Wheels are also a big factor in dark colored vehicles. I also suggest giving some negative camber up front.

[m3jala]

I think you need just a couple things.

1. Carbon fiber high kick spoiler (the one from Bmw) on the trunk

2. 359 with either 255/35 or 275/30 out front and 295/30 out back.

If you want the black look powder coat or get the GTS 359 and then swap in the black front kidney grills.

If you want the more classic look take the silver wheels and keep the chrome in front.

Something in the middle? Powder coat the 359 gunmetal.

I have a jet black e92 with the black setup and disagree with the carbon fiber contrast argument. Yes it's muted but that's the style of a black car and in my view the accents are great.

[EJT86]

Originally Posted by 94jedi

I've been talking to Mark (BOOF) for a while about these and I'm wondering if 10mm is enough of a drop to give me the look I'm after w/ my current wheels (just put on Mich PS4S so I'm stuck w/ the 219's for a while).

Yea I see your point but don’t forget Marks setup are basically full coils vs. just springs. I’m thinking although you MIGHT not get the drop you want the car will behave better than just springs

[EricSMG]

Originally Posted by carenthuziast

It would look more "bulldog" if it wasn't a saloon and if you had 19" wheels.

Just something about 4 doors doesn't make the car look sporty...especially since the saloon is taller than the others.

Lol. Everyone knows that the saloon is more bulldog-ish. The coupes never have that look - they are sporty and sleek while the sedan is squat and blocky. Neither is better, but, your opinion is incorrect.

Originally Posted by MJBO

I wouldn't mind my car looking a bit lower, but I don't think I'm prepared for the practicality trade off.

This is the absolute epitome of the E9XM3, in my opinion - there isn't a better looking configuration. Black sedan, no tint, 220Ms, black grills, no reflectors, stock ride height.

Wow.

Originally Posted by spazzyfry123

The ZCP 10mm drop is more effective than you might think. The rear height is perfect and the front height is just a tad too high, but for the sake of functionality, it's the best all-rounder. Mix in the spacers and I think you'll have the look you're after.

Yep. Slight drop and spacers make the E90M really "pop". Although, I would think twice about spacers at stock ride height as they generally makes the car look awkward.

In other words: stock ride height needs conservative offsets. Lowered ride height needs aggressive offsets.

[94jedi]

Originally Posted by EJT86

Yea I see your point but don’t forget Marks setup are basically full coils vs. just springs. I’m thinking although you MIGHT not get the drop you want the car will behave better than just springs

definitely and I'm heavily leaning towards Mark's ZCP setup. At 75k miles, my suspension could use a refresh, I'm sure. Plus like you said, aftermarket springs alone probably won't ride as nice.

[scrammer]

Originally Posted by Mikeystone

It’s your front grilles too...get the all black front grilles. Lower the car, get spacers, and get rid of the ugly wheels! Flame suit on.

Paint the wheels black and add 15/12 spacers and enjoy as the fender gap all but disappears visually

[STooK]

I love 219’s but that’s the biggest factor. As others said, get springs and a set of zcp rims and it will look a lot more aggressive.

[94jedi]

Well, had these black grills in a box for months now. decided I'd throw them on. definitely helps give the car a more aggressive appearance!
Next up, spacers and suspension...Appreciate everyone's help!

[vitalsigns]

Originally Posted by 94jedi

Hey all - odd question, I know...but I just feel like my car doesn't have the low "bulldog look". (see the "attached" pic.)

As others have said, springs and spacers and you're there. I ran Swift springs with 15f/10r spacers and definitely had the "bulldog" look, especially with the meaty tires on the 219s. I've now moved to M359s, but I definitely loved the look of the 219s with the above mods.