My new '16 SMB/SO M3

PodDoc · 10-02-2015, 01:45 PM

After all the waiting I have finally received my 16 M3 in SMB/SO with DCT, Exec package, 19" black wheels and adaptive M suspension. I debated over getting full leather and LED lights. I passed on full leather at the time cause I didn't think the price in crease was proportional to the extra amount of leather. I don't regret not getting it as it still feels more premium enough over my F30 335 M-sport to not feel like the same car and I don't have to worry about the extra upkeep, but after riding in one with the full leather during PCD, I do think the extra cost is justified. I'm very happy with the xenon lights. I think that they upgraded the lights (can't tell if its the bulbs or the housing) on the M3. Compared to my 13 335 and 15 328, the lights illuminate the road better. I was happy with my xenons on the other two, but I am even happier cause these feel like a small upgrade. Don't regret not getting the LED at all.

As you can see from my pics, I was a little disappointed to find out that the delivery bays were under construction, but I'm still glad I did PCD. I forgot to ask when they would be finished with the renovations as I was too excited to take delivery. Their track is short but still fun being able to thrash around their M3, enough to suppress my urge during breakin.

I surprised my delivery specialist a little as the first thing I did was start tearing apart the car, changing out the front grill surrounds and side gills to the black ones (thanks IND!). Made the car look so much better and fit well with the black wheels, everyone else there taking delivery commented on it that it looked better as well. Small change for a much more of an aggressive look.

Tip for those installing yourself, start with the grill on passenger side as it doesn't have the M3/4 log getting in the way, start on outer edge work your way to the center releasing the clips on top and bottom, and just as everyone else has said, much easier to get out the other side once one is out. For the side gills, I watched the IND DIY video. Once the first half is unclipped, it takes a lot of wiggling to actually pull it out and a bit scary, but the parts hold up fine. I had trouble getting the black base out so I just separated that from the new part which was much easier and just clipped it onto the original base. Took about 20 min for all 4 parts.

I had plenty of time to get to know my M3 on my 700+mile trip back to chicago. I used the directions toward the Biltmore resort to get to Blueridge parkway that BMW emails you (some parts of the directions were half assed but using it with the navi, I got there just fine). It takes you up and down some great mountain roads that was so much more fun than any roads in the midwest. Unfortunately there was so much fog that I couldn't see much other than the surrounding trees. I was planning on hitting up tail of the dragon, but it was getting late (left PCD around 4pm) it was already getting to be a long day with a long drive back and I was told there were a lot of cops around and a lot of traffic so decided to skip it. The only part of the road trip i hated was driving through indiana, nothing to see and plenty of construction.

On to the car. This absolutely lives up to its expectations.

Sound: I think it sounds great! I don't mind the ASD at all. I was all set to get an exhaust, but I don't know if its worth it anymore. I wouldn't mind if it was a bit louder and higher pitched, but not worth an extra 3-4k for now. I might change my mind in a year, but I'll wait to see how it sounds after its properly broken in.

Seats: I'm 5'11" 200lbs, seats were supportive and non-intrusive. Compared to 335 M-sport, the seats are pretty similar in terms of comfort, but I do miss the thigh extender and it felt like the M3 seats have a thinner cushion. Didn't feel as cushy after driving a few hundred miles as it did in the 335. Shorter drives, no difference. It does definitely feel like I'm sitting noticeably lower than in the 335.

Fuel economy: Not as good as some have reported. I was getting 22.2mpg over 40K miles on the 335 with a 50/50 mix of city/highway in comfort and sport setting and a few track days. The M3 managed 24.3MPG with mostly highway, in line with the window sticker, but I was also going around 80mph the whole way.

Engine/Tranny: Silky smooth and rapid shifts. Hard to drive at low speeds. I thought i read somewhere to keep it below 85mph during break in period but they told me under 105mph at PCD. Glad they did, cause half the time, I found the car creeping up into the 90s breaking a sweat when I wasn't paying attention to the speed. I had to do everything in my power to bring it back down.

Tires/Wheel/Suspension: I got contis. Disappointed. Gonna switch to michelin PSS as soon as they are back in stock. As for 19" vs 18" wheels, there is minimal loss of ride quality, if that's the only reason you are going for 18", go for the 19". I'm very glad I got the adaptive suspension. Comfort is perfect for daily drive, passive is just a bit harsher, but at just $1k its a no brainer if your streets are pristine. Chicago roads sucks.

LCI updates: Nav is noticeably faster. Idrive controller now has a matte finish instead of glossy, they said because it makes the touch pad easier to use with less friction. Temp display is amber/white depending on whether headlight are on or not. No sliding cover for upholder. But lighter socket is still in same place as before

, not between the 2 cup holders. I was worried cause this is where I plugged in my radar detector. Tail lights look better in person, I initially liked to parallel bars of pre-lci better, but now I'm sold on the new lights.

Color combo: I absolutely love it and I have yet to see it in the sun yet as its still overcast here and was raining the entire drive home. I was a little reluctant to give up my 335 cause I love estoril blue and was mad it wasn't offered on the M3. I was hesitant to pay $5k for just paint and was getting annoyed so many people ordered the same color, thinking if I had to pay that much it should be special/rare, but I have to say, if you want a blue color other than YMB, its definitely worth the money and would urge you to get it over any other blue. Parked next to my estoril blue, the estoril blue looks washed out and dull, SMB just pops!. It would be nice if BMW sent us all a small refund check, since by now its gotta be no more work painting the car in this color than the std colors with so many people ordering it.

I could go on and on about how much I love this car, but post is already too long. Here's what I have so far, I'll post some better ones as soon as we get some sun here. Sorry if the pics don't work, having trouble with the size limits.

Blindside_137 · 10-02-2015, 01:48 PM

This blue is off the charts amazing

AW BMW · 10-02-2015, 01:53 PM

What a good looking blue, congrats!

catch · 10-02-2015, 01:56 PM

awesome colour

E92LNGCGY · 10-02-2015, 02:00 PM

Fantastic. Excellent choice.

W/// · 10-02-2015, 02:02 PM

Love it!

dmk08 · 10-02-2015, 02:03 PM

Cant wait for mine to get here! Grats

dkhm3 · 10-02-2015, 02:05 PM

HOT.

RocketBoots · 10-02-2015, 02:28 PM

Such a great blue.

supremepower · 10-02-2015, 02:32 PM

Beautiful

Great combo!

IND-Distribution · 10-02-2015, 02:33 PM

Congrats!

Cant wait to see it in person!

yekmurat · 10-02-2015, 02:57 PM

Awesome

vladberca · 10-02-2015, 03:02 PM

Great colour combo!
Share more pics, also from the back!
Congrats!

TurboAL47 · 10-02-2015, 03:04 PM

spectacular!

jeff@autocouture · 10-02-2015, 03:32 PM

Looks amazing! love this color

Xtabi · 10-02-2015, 03:40 PM

Looks great in pictures. I bet it looks phenomenal in person!

rr006rbc · 10-02-2015, 03:43 PM

God I wish they offered this or Le Mans as a optional color...

This thing looks ridiculous. Congrats man...full of jealousy.

Shizzel720 · 10-02-2015, 03:47 PM

fantastic looking car. Enjoy!

IM2C · 10-02-2015, 04:01 PM

Stunning color.

Cfichman · 10-02-2015, 04:06 PM

sex

haynstyleM2 · 10-02-2015, 04:42 PM

awesome color! love SMB! looks like more and more SMB M's are arriving......

saleen556 · 10-02-2015, 05:46 PM

Beautiful car. Thats a similar color to the laguna blue stingray I'm getting.

10-02-2015, 01:45 PM	#1
PodDoc Lieutenant 302 Rep 516 Posts Drives: 2013 F30 335i / 2016 F80 M3 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Lake Forest, IL iTrader: (0)	My new '16 SMB/SO M3 After all the waiting I have finally received my 16 M3 in SMB/SO with DCT, Exec package, 19" black wheels and adaptive M suspension. I debated over getting full leather and LED lights. I passed on full leather at the time cause I didn't think the price in crease was proportional to the extra amount of leather. I don't regret not getting it as it still feels more premium enough over my F30 335 M-sport to not feel like the same car and I don't have to worry about the extra upkeep, but after riding in one with the full leather during PCD, I do think the extra cost is justified. I'm very happy with the xenon lights. I think that they upgraded the lights (can't tell if its the bulbs or the housing) on the M3. Compared to my 13 335 and 15 328, the lights illuminate the road better. I was happy with my xenons on the other two, but I am even happier cause these feel like a small upgrade. Don't regret not getting the LED at all. As you can see from my pics, I was a little disappointed to find out that the delivery bays were under construction, but I'm still glad I did PCD. I forgot to ask when they would be finished with the renovations as I was too excited to take delivery. Their track is short but still fun being able to thrash around their M3, enough to suppress my urge during breakin. I surprised my delivery specialist a little as the first thing I did was start tearing apart the car, changing out the front grill surrounds and side gills to the black ones (thanks IND!). Made the car look so much better and fit well with the black wheels, everyone else there taking delivery commented on it that it looked better as well. Small change for a much more of an aggressive look. Tip for those installing yourself, start with the grill on passenger side as it doesn't have the M3/4 log getting in the way, start on outer edge work your way to the center releasing the clips on top and bottom, and just as everyone else has said, much easier to get out the other side once one is out. For the side gills, I watched the IND DIY video. Once the first half is unclipped, it takes a lot of wiggling to actually pull it out and a bit scary, but the parts hold up fine. I had trouble getting the black base out so I just separated that from the new part which was much easier and just clipped it onto the original base. Took about 20 min for all 4 parts. I had plenty of time to get to know my M3 on my 700+mile trip back to chicago. I used the directions toward the Biltmore resort to get to Blueridge parkway that BMW emails you (some parts of the directions were half assed but using it with the navi, I got there just fine). It takes you up and down some great mountain roads that was so much more fun than any roads in the midwest. Unfortunately there was so much fog that I couldn't see much other than the surrounding trees. I was planning on hitting up tail of the dragon, but it was getting late (left PCD around 4pm) it was already getting to be a long day with a long drive back and I was told there were a lot of cops around and a lot of traffic so decided to skip it. The only part of the road trip i hated was driving through indiana, nothing to see and plenty of construction. On to the car. This absolutely lives up to its expectations. Sound: I think it sounds great! I don't mind the ASD at all. I was all set to get an exhaust, but I don't know if its worth it anymore. I wouldn't mind if it was a bit louder and higher pitched, but not worth an extra 3-4k for now. I might change my mind in a year, but I'll wait to see how it sounds after its properly broken in. Seats: I'm 5'11" 200lbs, seats were supportive and non-intrusive. Compared to 335 M-sport, the seats are pretty similar in terms of comfort, but I do miss the thigh extender and it felt like the M3 seats have a thinner cushion. Didn't feel as cushy after driving a few hundred miles as it did in the 335. Shorter drives, no difference. It does definitely feel like I'm sitting noticeably lower than in the 335. Fuel economy: Not as good as some have reported. I was getting 22.2mpg over 40K miles on the 335 with a 50/50 mix of city/highway in comfort and sport setting and a few track days. The M3 managed 24.3MPG with mostly highway, in line with the window sticker, but I was also going around 80mph the whole way. Engine/Tranny: Silky smooth and rapid shifts. Hard to drive at low speeds. I thought i read somewhere to keep it below 85mph during break in period but they told me under 105mph at PCD. Glad they did, cause half the time, I found the car creeping up into the 90s breaking a sweat when I wasn't paying attention to the speed. I had to do everything in my power to bring it back down. Tires/Wheel/Suspension: I got contis. Disappointed. Gonna switch to michelin PSS as soon as they are back in stock. As for 19" vs 18" wheels, there is minimal loss of ride quality, if that's the only reason you are going for 18", go for the 19". I'm very glad I got the adaptive suspension. Comfort is perfect for daily drive, passive is just a bit harsher, but at just $1k its a no brainer if your streets are pristine. Chicago roads sucks. LCI updates: Nav is noticeably faster. Idrive controller now has a matte finish instead of glossy, they said because it makes the touch pad easier to use with less friction. Temp display is amber/white depending on whether headlight are on or not. No sliding cover for upholder. But lighter socket is still in same place as before , not between the 2 cup holders. I was worried cause this is where I plugged in my radar detector. Tail lights look better in person, I initially liked to parallel bars of pre-lci better, but now I'm sold on the new lights. Color combo: I absolutely love it and I have yet to see it in the sun yet as its still overcast here and was raining the entire drive home. I was a little reluctant to give up my 335 cause I love estoril blue and was mad it wasn't offered on the M3. I was hesitant to pay $5k for just paint and was getting annoyed so many people ordered the same color, thinking if I had to pay that much it should be special/rare, but I have to say, if you want a blue color other than YMB, its definitely worth the money and would urge you to get it over any other blue. Parked next to my estoril blue, the estoril blue looks washed out and dull, SMB just pops!. It would be nice if BMW sent us all a small refund check, since by now its gotta be no more work painting the car in this color than the std colors with so many people ordering it. I could go on and on about how much I love this car, but post is already too long. Here's what I have so far, I'll post some better ones as soon as we get some sun here. Sorry if the pics don't work, having trouble with the size limits. Attached Images Last edited by PodDoc; 10-04-2015 at 04:00 PM.. Reason: UPDATE
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10-02-2015, 01:48 PM	#2
Blindside_137 Lieutenant General 6710 Rep 10,598 Posts Drives: 2011.75 SSII E90 M3 ZCP Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Raleigh, NC iTrader: (2)	This blue is off the charts amazing
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10-02-2015, 01:53 PM	#3
AW BMW Lieutenant Colonel 1428 Rep 1,984 Posts Drives: 15 SS2 F80/18 AVUS BLUE F80 Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: 818 SoCal iTrader: (0)	What a good looking blue, congrats!
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10-02-2015, 01:56 PM	#4
catch Major General 668 Rep 7,148 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Thornhill iTrader: (27)	awesome colour __________________ 2016 F80 M3 Mineral White/Sakhir Orange 2013 BMW S1000RR Flat Silver <stolen> 2007 BMW E92 335i Jet Black/Jade Grey <sold>
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10-02-2015, 02:00 PM	#5
E92LNGCGY Lieutenant Colonel 439 Rep 1,732 Posts Drives: F97/Q5/982 GT4 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	Fantastic. Excellent choice.
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10-02-2015, 02:02 PM	#6
W/// Lieutenant General 7494 Rep 12,310 Posts Drives: F82GTS, E36/E92M3, Z4M Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: SC iTrader: (13)	Love it! __________________ Current: 16 F82 M4 GTS, Black Sapphire/Black, DCT 08 E92 M3, Sparkling Graphite/Bamboo Beige, 6MT 07 E85 Z4M Roadster, Alpine White/Red, 6MT 99 E36 M3, Techno Violet/Dove Grey, 6MT
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10-02-2015, 02:03 PM	#7
dmk08 Gone Fishin’ 7318 Rep 12,125 Posts Drives: Walks Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Atlanta iTrader: (19)	Cant wait for mine to get here! Grats
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10-02-2015, 02:05 PM	#8
dkhm3 Brigadier General 1882 Rep 3,341 Posts Drives: 991.2 GT3 2020 X3MC Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Orange County iTrader: (0)	HOT. __________________ Currently: 2018 GT3 2020 X3MC Previously: 1999 M3 2002 M3 2005 S4 2008 C63 2015 M3 2016 X5M 2019 911S
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10-02-2015, 02:28 PM	#9
RocketBoots Colonel 1860 Rep 2,104 Posts Drives: Horse Drawn Carriage Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (3)	Such a great blue.
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10-02-2015, 02:32 PM	#10
supremepower Supreme Leader 2284 Rep 6,548 Posts Drives: G80, 996GT2, 996TT, 991RS 356b Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Fullerton, CA So.Cal. iTrader: (15)	Beautiful Great combo! __________________ **SupremePOWER** 1562 Kimberly Ave Fullerton CA 92831 Contact: sales@supremepower.com :: Shop# (714)632-1951 Sales & service of BBS Street & Motorsport products. BBS Highest Volume Dealer 2015 thru 2022 All the top brands at the prices and service you can count on. Professional installation.
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10-02-2015, 02:33 PM	#11
IND-Distribution BimmerPost Supporting Vendor 9587 Rep 10,878 Posts Drives: G82 M4 / G87 M2 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Chicago iTrader: (3)	Congrats! Cant wait to see it in person! __________________ IND DISTRIBUTION \| 866-963-4520 • INSTAGRAM • YOUTUBE • FACEBOOK • FLICKR
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10-02-2015, 02:57 PM	#12
yekmurat First Lieutenant 162 Rep 316 Posts Drives: VW SCİROCCO Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: ISTANBUL iTrader: (0)	Awesome
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10-02-2015, 03:02 PM	#13
vladberca Major General 763 Rep 5,561 Posts Drives: '18 octavia 2.0 tdi dsg Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Craiova iTrader: (0)	Great colour combo! Share more pics, also from the back! Congrats!
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10-02-2015, 03:04 PM	#14
TurboAL47 Colonel 1030 Rep 2,027 Posts Drives: M4 / X5 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Queens, NYC iTrader: (27) Garage List 2022 G82 M4 6MT [10.00] SOLD - 2015 F82 M4 ... [9.66] 2021 G05 X5 [0.00] SOLD - 2014 F15 X5 ... [9.00] SOLD - 2008 E92 335xi [10.00]	spectacular! __________________ '22 G82 M4 - Individual Marina Bay Blue 6MT \| MBB G82 Ongoing Build Thread '21 AW G05 X5 xDrive40i MSport '15 SS/SO F82 - M4 - SOLD\| Industry City Shoot '08 AW E92 - 335xi - SOLD[/b] \| Mods and Photoshoot
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10-02-2015, 03:32 PM	#15
jeff@autocouture BimmerPost Supporting Vendor 966 Rep 13,780 Posts Drives: 2002 E53 X5 4.6is Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (0)	Looks amazing! love this color
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10-02-2015, 03:40 PM	#16
Xtabi Colonel 1702 Rep 2,127 Posts Drives: 2016 M3 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Ohio iTrader: (0)	Looks great in pictures. I bet it looks phenomenal in person! __________________ 2016 F80 \| MG/SO \| DCT \| Adaptive M Suspension \| 19" Black 437M Wheels \| CF Roof \| CF Trim
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10-02-2015, 03:43 PM	#17
rr006rbc Colonel 1204 Rep 2,818 Posts Drives: '23 M440i GC Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: California iTrader: (38)	God I wish they offered this or Le Mans as a optional color... This thing looks ridiculous. Congrats man...full of jealousy.
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10-02-2015, 03:47 PM	#18
Shizzel720 Captain 490 Rep 661 Posts Drives: 2024 G87 M2 Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Hayward, CA...Bay Area iTrader: (2)	fantastic looking car. Enjoy!
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10-02-2015, 04:01 PM	#19
IM2C Major General 2067 Rep 5,373 Posts Drives: ∞ Improbability Drive Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: FL iTrader: (9)	Stunning color. __________________ ///\| g87 \| f87 Comp \| g29 M40i \| f97 Comp \| f80 Comp \| f80 \| f30 \| e92 \| tt \| S5 \| e92 \| 350z \| e90 \|
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10-02-2015, 04:06 PM	#20
Cfichman Second Lieutenant 48 Rep 224 Posts Drives: Tesla M3P Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Miami iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 BMW M340I (wif ... [0.00] 2019 Tesla Model 3 ... [0.00]	sex
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10-02-2015, 04:42 PM	#21
haynstyleM2 Major 358 Rep 1,199 Posts Drives: '24 M2 Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Honolulu, HI iTrader: (0)	awesome color! love SMB! looks like more and more SMB M's are arriving......
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10-02-2015, 05:46 PM	#22
saleen556 Captain 233 Rep 687 Posts Drives: 2016 M3 Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: PORTLAND OR iTrader: (1)	Beautiful car. Thats a similar color to the laguna blue stingray I'm getting.
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