Gents - Been watching this board for awhile, and I appreciate everyone's knowledge. Just traded in my 2008 Porsche CarreraS, and took possession of a fully loaded 2011 M3 vert. As with the porsche, it will be a daily driver, and I am stoked to have the DCT tranny, as three years of DD "rowing the gears" 25 miles each way was a drag.

Couple of questions for those that have this car:

a) Is it worth it to get the wind deflector? Seemed like a good way to spend $400, especially if it means the wife will let me drop the top on weekends since her hair won't blow.

b) the car stock seems plenty fast and guttural for me, however, some have noted that the car benefits from the software upgrade ($~700 plus install), as well as the air intake (~$same cost). Thoughts>?

c) I tweaked the suspension on the p-car using H&R springs, mainly to "lower the gap" in the wheel wells. The M3 seems to already sit quite nicely, and I am concerned that messing with perfect bavaraina suspension will cause more headaches then benefits, especially on a car that while will be driven aggressively when I can, will primarily be a daily driver.

Appreciate the insight

Cole

 

I can only answer on A.

Yes, get the wind deflector, totally worth it. My buddy has a 2006 E46 M3 vert and I was very surprised at the benefits of the wind deflector. After that experience, I had another friend with a 330 vert with zhp package get the screen as well on my recommendation. Both people said it was money well spent (especially the female with the 330).

I know it isn't an E92, but I am sure the results will be the same.

SoCal

 

Wind deflector makes a big difference, well worth it. Made a night and day difference for my E46 M3 vert. For springs, the E93 sits lower that the E90/92 so the gap generally is smaller thus less need for springs if you are only after cosmetic improvement. The same was the case for the E46 as well. If you do springs, Dinan or Eibach seem to have the best balance between drop and ride quality.

 

Great thanks for the insight sounds like the wind deflector is a no-brainer I'll likely leave the rest of the car stock

 

Hey Cole,

I have a 2010 M3 convertible with DCT. Owned for about 4 months now

If you drive with the top down at highway speeds a lot (and you have long hair)-- then the deflector is worth it. I just put my side windows up - and save myself the hassle of the deflector. At city speeds it is unnecessary to me (and kinda wrecks the lines of the car imho)

If you want more power -- I would consider a pulley (+5hp), Akrapovic Ti exhaust (+15 hp and 70 lbs weight savings) -- over a software flash (i.e. warranty issues if you do that) or air intake (negligible hp increase for stock engine for $$$).

If your roads are perfect -- I'm for lowering the car -- the Dinan spring kit is nice because they have the modified bump stops. I have rough roads in my area -- so I am leaving my car stock springs

If you want your car to have a beefier stance -- I would also add wheel spacers. Mach Schnell makes good ones that come with longer wheel bolts. See here:

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=262054