What Turner Motorsport can do for Your E9X M3
When BMW introduced the E9X M3, they brought back the sedan and convertible models that were missing from the E46 generation and gave us the S65 V8 to replace the S54. While some lament the transition from a straight-six to the V8, the reality is that the E9X needed to receive a serious power upgrade. To achieve that, BMW would have either needed to go with forced induction or go with a larger engine. To keep the rev-happy, punchy, linear power delivery the M3 had become known for, they chose to use a variation of the V8 many may not remember was actually in a select few E46 M3 GTRs to get that extra power. It stands today as the only M3 to receive a V8 and as the last naturally aspirated M3, which makes it something truly special. If you are fortunate enough to have one, chances are you don’t need to be told how amazing it is from the factory. Little needs to be improved for it to be a hair-raising, engaging, smile-inducing driving experience, but there are still a few places that we think could do with some upgrades to give you the most enjoyment in the driver’s seat. After years of experience with this chassis, we have developed a solid formula for success with the E9X M3 and would love to share it with you all today, where we will cover what Turner Motorsport can do for your E90, E92, or E93 M3. |
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| As we spent time with the E90, we quickly realized it didn’t require much. BMW made an insanely good car with little left for aftermarket producers to improve. That said, we did find a few things where comfort was favored over performance. With just a few tweaks here and there, anyone who wants a more responsive, engaging, and connected feel from their M3 can benefit from the list of upgrades we will outline. For reference, everything we will suggest for you is exactly what you can find on our own E90 M3, so you can be confident you’ll make the same upgrades as your favorite BMW performance experts. |
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Maintenance
First, let’s get your maintenance up to date. The S65 didn’t suffer from the same rod bearing faults as the S54, but they are still a common area of concern. WPC Treated Rod Bearings are a fantastic peace of mind maintenance service that will ensure you don’t have any rotating assembly woes when you want to mash the go-pedal to the floor. LIQUI MOLY oils and additives are also recommended to preserve the S65’s integrity by keeping all those seals and surfaces lubed with the best friction control products on the planet. Of course, a Hengst filter should also be included in your oil service. Lastly, transmission and differential fluid flushes are recommended if you don’t know the last time they were done. |
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Software
After all the basic maintenance, you can focus on areas of improvement. Realistically, the engine doesn’t need much, as it is stout and powerful out of the box. A Turner Motorsport Performance Software Upgrade will give it just a bit more oomph and satisfy your need for power.
From there, your focus should be on reducing drivetrain deflection, improving your suspension, and opening up your exhaust. |
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Suspension
In our M3, you will find KW Variant 3 coilovers supporting each corner for a lower ride height, all the adjustability you’d want to find that sweet spot for handling and comfort, and reduced body roll. These coilovers are top-tier and suitable for both the street or the track, which makes them the best choice in terms of achieving the look, ride, and performance you need for all driving situations. |
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Skid Plate
After lowering your M3, you’ll want to replace the plastic splash guard with the Turner Motorsport Aluminum Skid Plate. Our skid plate uses the same factory mounts with added braces for extra rigidity to take those hard hits without sacrificing airflow by using the same design as the factory. If you plan on riding around a few inches lower, this is a must to protect you on the street from possible hazards. |
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Monoballs
Turner Motorsport Monoballs are also suggested for the front control arms. Undoubtedly, you have heard us preach about these sealed spherical bearings that offer zero deflection and a full range of motion that improves your turn in response without the harshness associated with polyurethane or Delrin versions. |
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Drivetrain Mounts
If you don’t mind a bit of extra NVH, the Turner Motorsport engine, transmission, subframe, and differential mount upgrades are an excellent way to replace aging rubber mounts that flex and deflect power from making it to the ground with solid or Delrin versions. While they are certainly more suited to someone who spends time on the track, these upgrades will make you feel completely connected to the car and will make the M3 much more responsive when you punch it. |
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Wheels
With a lowered ride height, having a proper set of wheels can completely transform the look and stance of your M3. We highly suggest Apex Wheels for all BMWs since they are designed to be perfect fitment, lightweight, and attractive options specifically for your BMW. Giving your M3 a beefier stance and wider footprint with less unsprung weight is not only an attractive upgrade but one that makes sense if you plan on tackling the twisties or hitting the track. Don’t forget to grab a set of Summer tires, too! |
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Exhaust
This one is sort of up to you. We have tried Borla, Corsa, and Supersprint exhaust on our M3 and enjoyed every one. They all have unique sounds and offer performance benefits over the factory system. Whichever you choose will mostly come from what sound you like best. Consider this one free space on M3 Upgrade Bingo sheets. |
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Shifter
Finally, to tie together all the engaging mods mentioned above, the shifter is one of the parts on your M3 with which you interact most. The Turner Motorsport Adjustable Short Shift Kit tightens everything up and lets you adjust the height and throw for the perfect feel that makes your driving experience much more rewarding and pleasurable. Crispy, engaging, and tight shifts are what makes your BMW feel that much more sporty. The SSK won’t do anything for you performance-wise, but it adds a new element of enjoyment to the car every time you change gears, which is why we have them installed on all our BMWs. You just can’t go wrong with this upgrade. In fact, we might suggest this to be the first thing you do if you have a manual transmission E9X M3. |
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Exterior
Lastly, a simple addition to the trunk is all it takes to complete the motorsport-inspired look all M3s should have. Our High Kick Carbon Fiber Rear Spoiler is a striking visual upgrade that helps tell the story of your M3 and its performance capabilities well without detracting from the overall appearance like some tacky park bench. It is subtle, yet it gives you M3 that bit of differentiation that says you have a taste for finishing touches and appreciate the car as a work of art rather than just a bunch of functional parts. |
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| With this list, your M3 should sound meaner, look more aggressive, and feel much tighter under hard driving conditions without sacrificing usability. The performance upgrades mentioned here are what we have on our own E90 M3 for good reasons; they add measurable benefits without making the car feel tiresome or uncomfortable to drive around town or on long trips. Of course, there is plenty more you can do with the E9X platform to create something wild and unique or blisteringly fast, but, in the spirit of maintaining its practicality as a daily driver, these modifications will give you the most fun with the least amount of sacrifice to BMW’s original intention to create the perfect high-performance luxury sports car. With a little help from your friends here at Turner Motorsport, you can achieve that perfection without compromise. |
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