2016 BMW M3

Highlights

• Striking Sakhir Orange
• Low mileage example
• Up-to-date service record
• Akrapovic exhaust system
• Chipped and remapped

Overview

Up until a decade ago, BMW’s M Division shied away from forced induction with its compact saloon, with all previous M3s remaining resolutely old-fashioned and proudly normally aspirated.

But with the F80 generation, which debuted in 2014, it was a case of all-change. In a car market with an ever-increasing focus on keeping down emissions, the only way to make the M3 fast enough and exciting enough was to turbocharge it. Twice.

After all, if Munich was going to break with tradition, it may as well go at it hell-for-leather. M-Division looked at every aspect of the F30 3-Series upon which the F80 M3 was based, considering ways to make it faster, fine tune the handling, reduce weight and improve the aerodynamics.

Under the bonnet, the F80 got BMW’s S55 twin-turbocharged straight-six engine, to which a brace of turbochargers were bolted. The upshot? 430bhp and 550Nm of torque – enough to make even the most hardcore of drivers admit it was “quite quick.”

By that, we mean 0-60mph in 4.1 seconds with a manual gearbox, or 3.9 seconds when fitted with the DCT gearbox found in this example. This one is also lightly modified, with a remap, lowering kit and aftermarket satin black alloys.

It has covered just over 37,500 miles from new and is a great example of the breed, finished in fabulous Sakhir Orange, which really brings out the surfacing and details. If you’re looking for an M3 but with a degree of personalisation then this could be just the ticket.

History and documentation

• UK V5C
• MOT with no advisories expires 27 April 2025
• BMW onboard service monitor shows inspections carried out at: 1,076 miles (2016), 6,657 miles (2018), 12,986 miles (2019), 18,047 miles (2020), 21,054 miles (2021), 25,245 miles (2022), 35,347 miles (2024)
• Sadly there is no documentation of the remap but in combination with the uprated exhaust, we would expect this car to be usefully faster than the already speedy M3

Interior

• Shell-backed lightweight black leather sports seats with M logos
• Carbon-fibre effect dash inserts
• Alcantara BMW M-Sport steering wheel
• iDrive controller with adjustable drive and damper settings
• Standard BMW infotainment with reversing camera
• Electrically adjustable memory seats
• Climate control
• Cruise control
• Alcantara armrest and door trims with trademark blue and red ‘M Power’ stitching
• Very small amount of wear to the driver’s side seat bolster
• Alcantara headlining
• Original BMW over-mats

Exterior

• Stunning Sakhir Orange paint in great condition
• Carbon fibre side skirts and rear spoiler
• Good overall condition with only a few minor marks and paint chips
• 19-inch Flow Form alloy wheels
• Bridgestone Potenza tyres with even wear
• Minor road rash ahead of rear arches
• Carbon fibre door mirrors
• Carbon front and rear diffusers
• Appears sound underneath
• No dents or evidence of previous damage

Mechanical

• 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight six
• Performance chip and remap
• 0-60mph in 3.9 secs as standard (prior to remap)
• Seven-speed dual clutch semi-auto transmission
• Akrapovic quad-exit exhaust system
• Sounds incredible and is ‘very loud’ according to the vendor
• The vendor reports that the car drives well with no known faults

Summary

This is one for the M-Car enthusiast, and certainly not one for shrinking violets with its distinctive orange colour scheme and lairy exhaust system.

It’s a nice, low mileage car though, and the modifications have been subtly and tastefully carried out, so while it makes a statement, it’s one of bold performance rather than brashness. If you’re ready to immerse yourself into what has to be one of the most sensational M Power models ever made, then this twin-turbo M3 will certainly leave you feeling satiated.

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This seller is located in Bristol.