Best Upgrades For The F80 M3 and F82 M4

Last week, we talked about the best upgrades for the E9X M3. While the E9X M3 is an amazing platform, it doesn’t quite have the performance ceiling that it could have were it forced induction rather than naturally aspirated. This week, we’re taking a look at the F8X M3/M4 to offer our suggestions for improving the first turbocharged M3/M4 and how you can make an already astounding platform even better. If you have an F8X, listen up, this article is for you!

Engine

Turner Motorsport S55 Carbon Fiber Competition Intake

Our carbon fiber intake system for the S55 fits the existing carbon theme under the hood of the M3/M4 and offers both better air volume and reduced intake temperatures thanks to the heat shroud. We ensured the MAF scaling matches the factory intake, as well, to maintain correct air fuel ratios. Effectively, you’re gaining some solid turbo noises, staving off heat soak, and setting yourself up for the other upgrades on this list.

Turner Motorsport Hot/Cold Side Charge Pipes

Much like the previous turbocharged modern BMWs, the charge pipes become a weak point as they age and as you add power. To prevent issues down the road, especially if you’re adding power, our hot and cold side charge pipe set offers aluminum construction and reinforced silicone couplers to combat failure under high boost conditions. They also add a sleek, sporty look under the hood that complement the other performance upgrades we suggest.

CSF Air-to-Water Intercooler

If you’re looking for the ultimate charge air cooler, CSF is it. Using a water cooled intercooler significantly decreases charge air temperatures, which is important given the top-mount location inside the engine bay, which can experience some extremely high temperatures. By using liquid cooling, CSF’s intercooler will both decrease charge air temperatures to the engine and increase air density to make the most power possible. This is extremely important when you consider upgrading your turbos and software, which we highly recommend to make some extreme power figures. 

S55 Bulletproof Kit

A known weak point aside from the charge pipes in the S55 is their crank hub. The original BMW design is prone to spinning, which results in the engine jumping time. This is less than ideal and can happen to even stock S55s. Our Bulletproof Kit features Vargas Turbo’s Crank Bolt Capture, Crank Seal Plate, and brand-new OEM belts, tensioners, and idler pulleys. This install requires you to drain the oil and coolant, so we also include LIQUI MOLY oil, a Hengst filter, OEM oil Filter and Oil Cooler gaskets, along with Genuine BMW antifreeze so you can tackle this job from start to finish with one kit. If there is only one thing you do to your F8X, this bulletproof kit is it. Whether you’re staying stock or going big power, it’s an absolute necessity to preserve your S55 under any conditions. 

Turner Motorsport S55 Performance Software

To turn up the power, our S55 performance software offers just what you need. We’re well known for our software tunes that draw out the absolute maximum power for stock or upgraded engines, the S55 is no different. Well, except that the tune can deliver some serious power improvements, even for stock S55 engines. We measured gains of 60hp and 75ft/lbs of torque on a stock S55. Of course, if you plan to make the most out of your engine, nothing will compare to a boutique professional software tune that accounts for your other upgrades.

Pure Turbo upgraded turbochargers

Finally, for the engine, Pure Turbo’s upgraded stage 2 high-flow turbos are proven to support M3 and M4 builds up to and above 700hp. The world’s fastest S55 runs Pure Turbos for this reason. With an upgraded billet compressor wheel, upgraded turbine wheel, bulletproof thrust, CNC ported inlets, and better than OE tolerances for VSR balancing, these stock-location turbos are a bolt-on solution for big power. The last upgrade you’ll need to make serious horsepower are Pure Turbo’s upgraded turbochargers. 

Exhaust

Turner Motorsport High-Flow Catted Downpipes

Where you’ll start picking up some more power from bolt-ons will be our high-flow downpipes. The factory catalytic converters are incredibly restrictive, especially if you’re upgrading other components in your engine, and can rob you of power as well as glorious straight-six turbo noises. Our larger downpipes are stock-fitment, offer improved boost turbo response and a lower boost threshold, and are designed to work with our software tune so you don’t have to worry about that pesky check engine light.

Turner Motorsport Valved Cat-Back Exhaust

From the cats back, our valved exhaust provides the rest of the exhaust system with higher velocity and greater volume for a completely de-restricted engine. Being valved, you can have the sound and fury when you want it or switch back to comfort mode and just enjoy a subtly throatier sound when you’re in the mood for some peace and quiet. 

Drivetrain

Mounts and Bushings

With even a stock F8X, the soft rubber bushings BMW uses from the factory offer serious deflection. While they may be more comfortable than stiffer mounts, the sacrifice to throttle response and performance just isn’t worth it. Simply upgrading your engine, transmission, and differential mounts will provide a significantly better power delivery to the wheels with much less of the S55s power lost to drivetrain deflection. You may encounter slightly more NVH, but it isn’t that noticeable inside the cabin thanks to BMW’s impressive sound deadening. Even if you daily drive your F8X, these bushings make a world of difference.

Suspension

Coilovers - Ohlins / KW

To pair with the improved cornering, upgrading your suspension to adjustable coilovers will give you a well-rounded suspension setup that is suitable on the street and track. With coilovers, there are several high-quality manufacturers we trust to provide excellent suspension solutions for your F8X. Namely, we chose KW suspension for our M4, as their history of developing perfect coilover systems designed to maximize the handling and weight transfer of vehicles is well celebrated. However, if you want more adjustability, your best bet will be Ohlins, who have become one of the standard go-tos for high-performance suspension setups. 

Brakes

Turner Motorsport Tracksport Rotor Upgrade

We won’t sugar coat it, to improve the already impressive non-competition M3/M4 brakes, you’re going to need to spend quite a bit. However, we have the best option for your F8X whether its a dedicated track car or a daily driver. Our TrackSport Rotors are lighter weight and offer significantly improved heat off gassing for longer performance under competitive conditions. These rotors were specifically designed to resist brake fad and help keep your brakes performing as they should on the track, but they won’t be a sacrifice on the street like some more dedicated rotors and pads will.

Interior / Shifter

Turner Motorsport Short Shift Kit

For a better driving experience with you manual transmission owners, our adjustable short shift kit is the perfect addition. You can adjust both the shifter height and throw length for the perfect feel. This kit is also designed to offer crisper, snappier, and more engaging shifts for the best overall driving experience.

Turner Motorsport Polyurethane Shift Arm Carrier

Similar to the drivetrain bushings, the soft rubber shifter carrier BMW equips from the factory contributes to a vague shift feel and deflects under load. With our polyurethane shifter carrier, your shift arm stays nice and tight for an incredibly responsive feel.

UCP Ultimate Clutch Pedal Kit

We’ve talked about the physical shifter, but what about the clutch pedal? If you’ve spent any time behind the wheel of a manual transmission BMW, you know one of the biggest gripes is the long pedal travel and soft pedal feel, even with a performance clutch and pressure plate. UCP’s Ultimate Clutch Pedal kit offers a tighter, shorter, and heavier feel with a different leverage point for a much more sensory clutch pedal that helps you make faster gear changes with better precision. Paired with our shift kit, the UCP setup will offer the absolute best shifting experience in your manual transmission F8X. 

Wrapping Up
Even if you only make a few of the upgrades on this list, the F8X is an incredible platform that offers a modern touch on BMW’s legendary M badge. It’s fast, provides accessible power through some relatively simple upgrades, and carries a huge aftermarket support network. With our recommended upgrades, your F80 or F82 can be an even more competitive performer on the street or track and look good doing it.