Stripped Down M3?

[JoeKixxon]

I searched this topic before posting a new thread, so forgive me if this has been discussed before...

I have a 2008 M3 Sedan (E90) now, and it's loaded. I bought it used, and whoever had it before just checked all the boxes for options and upgrades.

I'm looking at maybe leasing a new F80, and at first I wanted to load it up too, but now I'm seriously thinking about a stripper. I wonder if I really want or need all those options anyhow. My only changes would be: manual trans (I have that now too), 19" wheels, and the bluetooth/smartphone bit. Everything else would be stock and I would even go with the black cloth seats.

I realize this is highly subjective to one's own tastes, but is there anything I'm missing here? Coming for a loaded car, I don't want to smack myself in the head if I miss something obvious I really wanted.

[SakhirM4]

There are several "strippers" on this forum and the members like them. A real stripper would be to not check any boxes. This would give you the cloth interior, 6MT, and 18" wheels. Bluetooth is standard. The 18" wheels look really good on the F80. I think it is a car you could definitely enjoy.

[Mahzari]

The F8x comes standard with Bluetooth, heated seats, and Navigation. Both the coupe and sedan get the CF roof as standard, with a no cost option to get a moonroof. They are well equipped as it. My build would only include 19s, EDC, and HK.

[nachob]

Strippers are the bomb. Rare, focused and exclusive. Keep I'm mind that BLoaded is very popular and they really are a dime a dozen. Don't let them snow you about resale value etc. The spend an extra 20k to ruin the car and 4 years later you might 1or 2k more on that 20k.

Not only is the car more focused and lighter but you would be part of a very small club of diehards.

Finally, remember even these strippers have a lot of amenities and there is nothing wrong with adding one option. For example I like cloth and Alcantara but speed cloth on last model was abrasive for me. I considered adding leather but It sounds like the current cloth is nicer so you pick. I hope you join the club when you order. Spend the 20k you save on euro delivery or at least performance center delivery which is an option that will live long past in your memories than lazy weight-inducing gadgets. Best wishes.

[Gstone]

I only got the 19 in black wheels (love them) and the M adaptive suspension. No H/K or LED.

You wont miss anything else unless you keep coming on this board and reading everyone elses opinions.

[Lups]

Originally Posted by Gstone

I only got the 19 in black wheels (love them) and the M adaptive suspension. No H/K or LED.

You wont miss anything else unless you keep coming on this board and reading everyone elses opinions.

Sadly, he's right OP

[joeyb26]

i have the Enhanced bluetooth, havent used it once, its really not worth it unless you need the smartphone connection in the center console, and even then i dont see why you would need it since bluetooth is standard haha

[nicknaz]

Originally Posted by joeyb26

i have the Enhanced bluetooth, havent used it once, its really not worth it unless you need the smartphone connection in the center console, and even then i dont see why you would need it since bluetooth is standard haha

2nd microphone and ability to connect 2 phones is key for me. I use it all the time in my 335

OP, my order is for sunshades, dct, hk stereo and enhanced bluetooth. I fully expect the car to be AWESOME. (I would have added the back up camera if it was a standalone option)

[minn19]

As others are saying, a stripped M3 is kind of a misnomer as it comes well equipped even in standard form.

I think I could live without everything else except for the cameras. I do love those, but unfortunately the rear view is tied with the exec package. That should be rectified with coming regulations that make rear view cameras mandatory.

[MaynardZed]

Nothing wrong with strippers. If you did AW M3 6MT, cloth interior and no options, MSRP + destination would be $62,950. Plausible you could get that car for under $60K if you do some negotiating since M3 been out long enough now. That's a lot of car for under $60K!

[solstice]

Back in Sweden all my cars had cloth seats and I prefered it with them being cooler in summer, warmer in winter and grippier. But now I just couldn't do it due to the "cheap" look in a car of this caliber. Other than that, all options that really matters comes standard, best suspension and best transmission. I could definately buy an M3 with just leather seats if that was my budget.

[CanAutM3]

It's a shame BMW does not offer a "true stripper" M3/4. I mean one without any of the "options" that are offered as standard in most countries.

Imagine a 3300lb M4 with 6MT, 18" wheels, CF roof, cloth manual seats without heating, no folding rear seats, no floor mats, no headlight washers, no alarm system, no convenience access, etc...

I would have considered such a car over my "well optioned" M4

[JoeFromPA]

I have 6000 miles on my "stripper" f80. No options except M-adaptive suspension. My car, after discounts/BMWCCA rebate, was $60k even. It's an amazing out of the world value for that.

But moreso, what do I miss? I can swap on 19s if I want the look later - the 18s are absolutely gorgeous wheels too and really do a nice job hiding brake dust.

Enhanced bluetooth: everything can be coded in for super cheap except the 2nd microphone. i can tell you that people are blown away I'm talking on a car's BT when I'm cruising at 75mph on my winter tires in efficient mode. The clarity is great on the base bluetooth package.

I love carbonstructure interior. It's very low maintenace and very rugged - and this is an everyday car I'm driving through snow and 2 kids. If I was going to get leather though, I'd get full leather.

But honestly, I don't miss parking dots on my bumpers that annoy when you pull into/out of a garage. I don't miss headlight washers which streak my hood everytime I wash my windshield. My heated seats and nav are great. etc. etc.

I do miss a rear back-up camera as I do have kids, that's about it. So I'm just more careful.

Good luck man

[RickMonet]

LOVE the heads-up-display.....I'm just saying....

Originally Posted by Gstone

You wont miss anything else unless you keep coming on this board and reading everyone elses opinions.

and this is dead on.

[MFNATIK]

A lot of features you do not know how much you will miss them until you don't have them anymore. Goes for everything else in life.

I always check off every box if I can afford to (but not the box for CCB lol)

[Falafel Combo]

Originally Posted by MFNATIK

A lot of features you do not know how much you will miss them until you don't have them anymore. Goes for everything else in life.

I always check off every box if I can afford to (but not the box for CCB lol)

Dude, once you have the CCB there is no going back. It's a must have option as far as I'm concerned. You will miss it! Don't go cheap and go back to those cheap drilled rotors 4 piston good for nothin stock M3 brakes. Never again!

[X2Board]

Originally Posted by Falafel Combo

Dude, once you have the CCB there is no going back. It's a must have option as far as I'm concerned. You will miss it! Don't go cheap and go back to those cheap drilled rotors 4 piston good for nothin stock M3 brakes. Never again!

Instigator!

[JoeFromPA]

Originally Posted by MFNATIK

A lot of features you do not know how much you will miss them until you don't have them anymore. Goes for everything else in life.

I always check off every box if I can afford to (but not the box for CCB lol)

Maybe evaluate your current features that you feel you truly wouldn't enjoy a car as much without, and then opt for those?

[Noisygriff]

Another viewpoint...

I've ordered one with most of the boxes ticked. I've not ordered DCT because I prefer driving a manual. As for the other options, I am sure that they add 200lbs to the car, but then again I'm no where near good enough a driver to notice the difference. Anyone who drives a car and says "God, you can really feel the weight of this HUD through the corners" is talking crap.

Having owned a CSL, I don't think that there really is a properly stripped down version of the F8x. Now, if they make CSL, that will be worth having. Until then, I've bought a car with some toys to play with and an interior I'll really enjoy.

[OneRib]

Originally Posted by Gstone

You wont miss anything else unless you keep coming on this board and reading everyone elses opinions.

This is true. The only thing that makes me feel better is the buying/negotiating knowledge will save me money.

I think this board has helped nudge me into wanting the full leather interior. Well see what happens when I order.

Options and colors are completely subjective most of the time. By the time most of us can afford this level of car, we know our general car buying habits. If you are an options whore then don't get a stripper and vice versa.

[04cobra]

I plan on going stripper including 18 inch rims. The only thing I MAY do is do an individual color, to really set my car apart

None of the options interest me. I wanted LEDs for a while, but decided I don't need them. I am still waffling on the Harmon audio, mainly because I just want the speakers in place so I can upgrade them later.

[MENAC3]

Mines pretty much bare bones, Mineral White, SO interior, HK sound and black 19s. I love the car and I don't regret my decision to not get the lighting package and all the blablabla packages. M3 is an M3 at the end of the day