Nick
Even an M3 can be improved. Ian D, who owns this handsome black E90 M3 with the Competition Package. Ian wanted to lower the car, and at the same time, also as wanted a new set of wheels for BMW E90 M3 that fit without rubbing or degrading the ride quality. Ian got in touch with Sr Mod Expert Alan Wei, who was able to recommend a collection of parts that worked together beautifully.
With the E9X M3, you can actually run a Super Deep Concave wheel both front and rear without any issues, so a set of Forgestar F14 Super Deep Concave Wheels in Semigloss Gunmetal were an outstanding choice. Alan recommended a fitment of 19×10, both front and rear with a ET20 offset. Of course, the tire fitment was still staggered, a set of Hankook Ventus V12 tires in 275/30-19 up front and 295/30-19 in the back to ensure that this M3 can get all that ///M power to the pavement.
But we didn’t stop there. We also gave this E90 M3 a mild drop, courtesy of a set of Eibach Pro-Kit Lowering Springs for BMW E90, giving us a drop of .8in in the front and .6in in the rear, creating a wonderfully balanced stance.
The brakes needed some love too, after all, brakes are a wear item, you’re going to have to change them anyways, why not install something better than stock? Alan recommended what we’d call a StopTech Stage 2 Brake Upgrade for E90 M3, which is a nice OEM+ level, comprehensive brake system upgrade. It’s the best thing you can do for your E90 Brakes short of a Big Brake kit. If you look closely, you can see the Stoptech OE type Cross drilled rotors for E90 peeking through the Forgestar Wheels.
The Stage 2 package also includes StopTech Street Performance Brake Pads for E90 M3 to give the calipers better bite (with new Brake Wear sensors from StopTech to boot), and a set of StopTech Stainless Steel Brake Lines for E90 M3 firms up brake pedal feel to keep braking consistent and precise in almost any condition. Of course, if you’re doing this kind of complete upgrade, you’re not going to leave the potentially nasty OEM brake fluid – an StopTech’s STR600 Brake Fluid is an excellent replacement for OEM BMW Brake fluid.
These comprehensive brake upgrades and the drop in ride height give this E90 M3 a significant enhancement in its handling performance and stopping power, all of which will add up to much faster times at the next trackday.
All in all, with a little help from Sr Mod Expert Alan Wei and the ModBargains team, Ian D has put together an E90 M3 that performs as good as it looks.
Mod List:
Forgestar F14 Semi Gloss Gunmetal on BMW E90 M3 w/Competition Package
19×10 ET20 SDC Front + Rear
Tires Hankook Ventus V12 EVO 2
Front: 275/30/19 – Rear: 295/30/19
Eibach Pro Kit lowering springs for BMW E90
StopTech Stage 2 Brake Upgrade for E90 M3
A big thank you to the owner of this beautiful black E90 M3, and shoutout to Senior Mod Expert Alan Wei for suggesting that the owner put his M3 on Eibach Springs to achieve the drop he was after without sacrificing his ride quality or performance.
Interested in getting a set of Forgestar F14 19 Inch Super Deep Concave Wheels for your BMW M3 or M4? Give the Mod Experts at ModBargains a call at 714-582-3330, dial x8006 for Alan.
Story & Photos by Nick Gregson