Ultimate all-rounder? M3 Touring with plenty of mods
Discussion
I’ve always been a fan of fast do it all family cars. When I was little, there was always a Lotus Carlton on my bedroom wall alongside the Lambo or F40. Now in my 40s, I’ve been lucky enough to own some incredibly fun cars (including a predictably awesome Exige 430 Cup for the last six years). But the love of something properly quick that I can throw the kids in has never left me.
Step forward the M3 Touring. To me, this is one of the best ways to cart a family around in relative comfort but then be able to go for an A/B road hoon whenever out on my own. BMW really did do a fantastic job of balancing those two needs.
My Touring is far from standard. To my eyes, BMW didn t quite get the styling right (understatement !). But with a few basic mods they can look infinitely better. In terms of power, they re obviously not lacking with just over 500bhp. Mine has between 650 and 820bhp, depending on the map. It s uttelry bonkers at full chat and works better on track than any 1.8 ton estate car has any right to. Again, hats off to BMW for making the base car such a special platform.
Plans for this year are to get it over to Germany, see how it goes around Silverstone GP (done plenty of times in Exiges but not yet in the Touring), and whatever other fun stuff crops up.
The journos have obviously raved about these. If you re considering buying one (even if completely standard), I d say go drive one. They re as good as everyone says!
Step forward the M3 Touring. To me, this is one of the best ways to cart a family around in relative comfort but then be able to go for an A/B road hoon whenever out on my own. BMW really did do a fantastic job of balancing those two needs.
My Touring is far from standard. To my eyes, BMW didn t quite get the styling right (understatement !). But with a few basic mods they can look infinitely better. In terms of power, they re obviously not lacking with just over 500bhp. Mine has between 650 and 820bhp, depending on the map. It s uttelry bonkers at full chat and works better on track than any 1.8 ton estate car has any right to. Again, hats off to BMW for making the base car such a special platform.
Plans for this year are to get it over to Germany, see how it goes around Silverstone GP (done plenty of times in Exiges but not yet in the Touring), and whatever other fun stuff crops up.
The journos have obviously raved about these. If you re considering buying one (even if completely standard), I d say go drive one. They re as good as everyone says!
Edited by GS5 on Saturday 23 May 06:34
Edited by GS5 on Saturday 23 May 07:11
Edited by GS5 on Saturday 23 May 07:11
Edited by GS5 on Saturday 23 May 07:12
Thanks. The main ones are:
- Engine work by AReeve
- Milltek system with single mid-pipe & valve controller
- Eventuri carbon intakes
- KW HAS kit
- Rayaa Forged 20/21 wheels
- Carbon exterior parts by TRE (plus OEM BMW)
- Steering wheel retrim by Royal
- Various other cosmetic bits & pieces
- Engine work by AReeve
- Milltek system with single mid-pipe & valve controller
- Eventuri carbon intakes
- KW HAS kit
- Rayaa Forged 20/21 wheels
- Carbon exterior parts by TRE (plus OEM BMW)
- Steering wheel retrim by Royal
- Various other cosmetic bits & pieces
It sits so well on those wheels too - aggressive stance, aggressive looking wheels - perfic 
andy43 said:
Gawd those wheels look good.
I m surprised to say the grille is aging nicely too, like a lot of BMW designs they initially seem to be a bit too ahead of their time.
Yeah, I hated the design when it was launched. Still not a huge fan of the standard front end but the CSL-style grilles have really grown on me. I m surprised to say the grille is aging nicely too, like a lot of BMW designs they initially seem to be a bit too ahead of their time.
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