* How To Fit OEM M3 Parts On A Non-M *

Nice info...

thanx!

nice write up, but wouldn't it be easier to buy an m3 instead of fully mod an 330? sounds like a lot of time, labor, and cost. for about 20k more, you can save time and get the bmw factory fit and finish without drilling or cutting and get the S54.

Originally Posted by steven107

nice write up, but wouldn't it be easier to buy an m3 instead of fully mod an 330? sounds like a lot of time, labor, and cost. for about 20k more, you can save time and get the bmw factory fit and finish without drilling or cutting and get the S54.

Most people get these parts secondhand and at low cost from friends who have replaced them on their M3... others just prefer the look of the M3 over all of the aftermarket alternatives. I made this thread to essentially save on labor costs - so people know what to expect when doing these conversions.

i have a 328ci, so if i get oem m3 front fenders and bumper, itll fit on perfectly? or do i also need hood?

Originally Posted by so simple

i have a 328ci, so if i get oem m3 front fenders and bumper, itll fit on perfectly? or do i also need hood?

You'll probably need to tweak the fenders a little bit inward, but yeah basically. There will be no welding or cutting or anything required in order to fit them, probably just about 10mins of tweaking (per side) to get the fenders and hood to line up perfect.. everything is bolt on (assuming you have all the proper m3 bumper bracketry and stuff).

It might look kinda strange though without the m3 hood.

Originally Posted by hi its me alec

You'll probably need to tweak the fenders a little bit inward, but yeah basically. There will be no welding or cutting or anything required in order to fit them, probably just about 10mins of tweaking (per side) to get the fenders and hood to line up perfect.. everything is bolt on (assuming you have all the proper m3 bumper bracketry and stuff).

It might look kinda strange though without the m3 hood.

Are you sure you don't need the hood? I called the dealer and they said you need the hood.... however, the parts person was getting this info by looking at the computer only and this information was not being conveyed by a mechanic who had done an actual conversion.

Do you have some direct or indirect experience with this? That M3 hood is very expensive.

Originally Posted by happybrowndog

Are you sure you don't need the hood? I called the dealer and they said you need the hood.... however, the parts person was getting this info by looking at the computer only and this information was not being conveyed by a mechanic who had done an actual conversion.

Do you have some direct or indirect experience with this? That M3 hood is very expensive.

You do not need the hood.

Why not just save up and buy an M3, who wants their 330 to look like an m3, then pull up next to an m3 and get smoked... i never undertood this

Originally Posted by semantik

Why not just save up and buy an M3, who wants their 330 to look like an m3, then pull up next to an m3 and get smoked... i never undertood this

because most people get parts secondhand off of their friends for dirt cheap... others can't afford the insurance for an M3 (like me). there are plenty of reasons why people do this, i'm sure only about 1% of the people who have M3 parts on their car have them to look like an M3. for example, IMO the M3 side skirts and mirrors are lightyears ahead of their aftermarket alternatives.

Just a quick check, is there a difference between the 330ci coupes and the 325's between '01-'03 and how big of a tire can you get on the fronts and backs?
Thanks for any help anyone can give me!

love this thread, but m3 prices are dropping so im gonna keep saving,

Originally Posted by AMv8(1day)

Just a quick check, is there a difference between the 330ci coupes and the 325's between '01-'03 and how big of a tire can you get on the fronts and backs?
Thanks for any help anyone can give me!

There are no significant differences besides the engine (duh.) The biggest tires you can get on the car without major fender modifications is probably 245f 255r, but it really all depends on the width and offset of the wheel. With the right offset, fender modification, and a good set of tires, you can fit 275's in the rear. If you're dropped, the camber increases slightly and it might even be possible to go 285/30/19 in the rear (although nobody has done it yet.)

Honestly though, there are way too many factors that go into it... it depends 100% on your car, wheels, drop, fender mods, brand of tires, and more. For example, on my car with my 19's, I rub every so often with 235's in the rear.

Originally Posted by hi its me alec

There are no significant differences besides the engine (duh.) The biggest tires you can get on the car without major fender modifications is probably 245f 255r, but it really all depends on the width and offset of the wheel. With the right offset, fender modification, and a good set of tires, you can fit 275's in the rear. If you're dropped, the camber increases slightly and it might even be possible to go 285/30/19 in the rear (although nobody has done it yet.)

Honestly though, there are way too many factors that go into it... it depends 100% on your car, wheels, drop, fender mods, brand of tires, and more. For example, on my car with my 19's, I rub every so often with 235's in the rear.

Brakes are smaller too.

And are you rubbing on the inside edge or the outside (fender) edge of the tire. If you are rubbing the fender then its wheel offset, if the chasis, you might try a 3 mm spacer. 235's should absolutely not rub.

Originally Posted by Tyler@UniqueDesign

Brakes are smaller too.

And are you rubbing on the inside edge or the outside (fender) edge of the tire. If you are rubbing the fender then its wheel offset, if the chasis, you might try a 3 mm spacer. 235's should absolutely not rub.

I'm rubbing on the outside... it's only when I'm turning super hard at 30mph on a bumpy road or something. It's not really an issue, it's only happened about 5 times in the past year.

Originally Posted by hi its me alec

---

Side Skirts:

Difficulty: 2/10
DIY: Yes.

Direct bolt on. No modifications needed. On sedans and tourings, the skirts will be a couple millimeters too long. No biggie though...

Safe Alternatives:
- Hammann GTR
- Hammann Competition
- OEM Mtech2
- AC-Schnitzer
- OEM Aero Kit (a.k.a. 'Mtech1')

---

Nice thread, I just wanted to chime in. Isn't also longer on coupes?

I've read that you can slide them back by elongating the mounting holes in the skirt.

Ron

Originally Posted by rohde88

Nice thread, I just wanted to chime in. Isn't also longer on coupes?

I've read that you can slide them back by elongating the mounting holes in the skirt.

Ron

no, coupe/M3 and sedan side skirts are different by about 1cm... M3 and coupe have the same side skirt length.

Originally Posted by hi its me alec

no, coupe/M3 and sedan side skirts are different by about 1cm... M3 and coupe have the same side skirt length.

Ok, but you can extend the mounting holes and have a flush mounting right(for sedan)?

Ron

Originally Posted by rohde88

Ok, but you can extend the mounting holes and have a flush mounting right(for sedan)?

Ron

right

or you could just chop 1cm off one of the ends.

Originally Posted by hi its me alec

right

or you could just chop 1cm off one of the ends.

this looks bad


i was under the impression that the only way fix this was to elongate the mounting holes. Also, I believe this isssue is on a coupe.

http://home.earthlink.net/~djburrows...330ci/id1.html

Ron

Informative, will be useful for years to come, and good reference for diy.
well done