[RockinPA]

**This is a lengthy post where I'll do my best to summarize the process of ordering the two vehicles, some of the options we selected, and what we've done thus far to both. And of course- lots of pictures! **

I have been a huge BMW fan as long as I can remember — from a commuter friendly 530e to a BMW motorcycle, I love them all.

My first M car was a 2016 Yas Marina Blue M3. It was the nicest car I'd ever owned and I ordered it to my spec. I was incredibly proud to own that car and even sold my Ducati at the time after I found it's motorcycle twin (BMW R nineT Urban G/S). Both were incredible machines. That definitely made me a BMW Motorrad fan, too! Those toys came and went.

Fast forward to August of 2021, I placed an order for my new, G80 xdrive. I was so damn excited! More on that later…

The 2022 LCI X3M Competition
While waiting anxiously for my M3, my wife sold her 2019 RR Sport at the end of last year. I saw the opportunity to sell her on the M brand. Having come from a prior Mercedes, she loved the luxurious ride and interior of the Mercedes brand and nearly went back to it. That's when I found a used, year old X3M Competition at a local dealer and arranged a test drive. She was hooked! The sound of the engine, the sportiness of the drive, and the overall value of what you get for the price point was enough.

We placed an order for an X3M Competition in mid November of 2021 and took delivery right around New Year's Day. She absolutely loves it!

X3M Timeline:
11/12 week 49 allocation secured. Straight to 112, scheduled for production.
11/18 status 150- production begins
12/5 entering the assembly line
12/6 assembly in progress —> quality check —> awaiting carrier assignment
12/15 dispatched from factory
12/21 arrival to KC
12/28 arrival to San Bernardino
12/29 released to carrier with an ETA of 1/3/22
1/4/22 At Dealership- picked up

Factory Specs:
Fully-loaded. There is nothing this car does not have.

"Mod" list: Purely cosmetic thus far
PPF on entire front end and all rock chip prone areas
Ceramic Coating
Ceramic Window tint
AutoTecknic F9X X3M Dry Carbon Seat Back Covers
THE AutoTecknic Red Audio button
IND F97 X3M Painted Rear Wiper Arm + Cap - Gloss Black (small detail with huge cosmetic effect)

Future Plans:
RG Sport Mid Pipe (wife is +/- on this)
Gloss black front lip (once available)

I am impressed with the S58 in both applications. It pulls for days! I do miss the DCT I had in my F80. I miss how aggressive the shifts were- borderline violent at times but in a good way. The ZF 8-speed is growing on me, though!

The ride in the X3M is pleasant. It definitely isn't plush (even in comfort mode) but it has an aggressive, sporty ride quality that my wife and I love. The sport seats are very comfortable and the aggressive bolstering holds you in nicely during spirited drives. You cannot feel it's size. It drives small. The higher seating position is a nice change from my M3 at times. My wife absolutely loves it and tells me, "I will always have an M car now!"

How does it drive compared to my M3? It's different. Mostly in the obvious ways- higher COG, higher seating position, heavier, etc. They are just different and damn near equally as fun- the M3 obviously wins though. It is just too good!


Now for the M3…


2022 Mexico Blue M3 xDrive

Brief, factory spec overview:
Mexico Blue Individual
Black full leather
Carbon Fiber Bucket Seats
826 M black wheels with red calipers
Carbon fiber interior trim
Carbon fiber exterior package
M performance carbon fiber front splitter/lip
M performance carbon side markers
Executive package
M drive professional
LED laser headlights
M shadow line lights
Parking assistance package

As I mentioned previously, I placed my order in August of 2021. I initially ordered Brooklyn Grey with Fiona Red interior. I always thought I was too impatient for an individual order but decided to bite the bullet and go for it.

In came Mexico blue! I wanted a bold interior color as well but I just couldn't picture anything other than black. I felt there would be too many colors going on if I selected any other color. I couldn't be happier with my decision!

The wait felt like an eternity. I will post the timeline below for those that are interested in how long it took to go through all the various stages. Ultimately, it was fun to track and I must admit, I missed the whole tracking process after it finally arrived.

I took delivery on February 10, 2022. Almost exactly 6 months later.

M3 Timeline:
8/28 Allocation secured, week 40. BG with full Fiona red requested … pushed to week 45 (first week of November)
10/11 individual build requested by CA to BMW
10/15 individual build accepted - Mexico blue, Tartufo interior, estimated for week 47
10/20 requested interior color change from black to Tartufo
10/27 order accepted once again. Genius reported confirmed build week 50
11/4 status 112, scheduled for production
11/12 Requested addition of carbon buckets
11/16 Carbon buckets added. Build week confirmed, week 50
11/24 Production begins. Est completion 12/13
12/7 Exterior body assembly begins
12/8 In the paint booth
12/9 Entering the assembly line —> assembly in progress
12/13 Quality Check
12/18 Dispatched from factory
12/20 At the port
12/28 departed on the Atlas Leader with an estimated arrival to Port Hueneme on 1/26/22
2/2 Arrived at Port Hueneme
2/2 Arrived at BMW VPC. Estimated to leave 2/5 and reach dealership 2/6
2/4 Work order complete (MP front splitter installed) and released to a carrier. ETA 2/8
2/10 Vehicle arrived at dealer and DELIVERED!

I arranged for a flat bed tow truck to pick it up and take it straight to my garage until my appointment came for full PPF, ceramic coating, and window tint. It was so hard to not drive it but my OCD knew I had to wait until the prep was completed. I didn't want any rock chips in the beautiful, Mexico blue paint! A few days later it went to Rhino Films in Huntington Beach, CA where it would spend a few weeks undergoing paint correction, full PPF, ceramic coating throughout (wheels/calipers included), and full ceramic window tint. That wait was the hardest part! Rhino did an excellent job- huge thank you to Luis and Alex at Rhino!

I FINALLY, really took delivery in early April (After PPF). What did I notice first?

The carbon fiber bucket seats make the whole interior and car! They are fire! The car feels and looks so incredibly special with them. The esthetics and ergonomics can't be beat (I am 5' 9", 190 pounds for reference). They fit me perfectly. The seat's communication with the chassis provide an elevated experience every time I get behind the wheel where I can't get the smile off my face- approximately 1,800 miles of seat time thus far! I can't imagine the car without them.

I love the xdrive system. It really is the best of both worlds! Rear wheel drive at the touch of a button AND being able to dial up or down the amount of traction is such a blast! The car feels so incredibly planted yet playful when you want it to be. The launches…insane!!

I ticked many options on this car including lots of OEM carbon fiber- carbon fiber roof, carbon fiber exterior package, carbon fiber interior trim, carbon fiber buckets, as well as the M Performance carbon front splitter and side vents. I came very close to buying the M Performance side skirts and rear winglets too but I am not sold on the little wing/ appendage that protrudes from each. For now, they'll stay gloss black.

The only options this car does not have are the M Driver's package (155 mph is likely way more than enough), driving assistance pro (I'll do the driving and I hate the look of the radar module), and CCB's (I had to stop the bleeding but was tempted).

Some options I love (and I'm happy I got) are the carbon fiber bucket seats, all the carbon fiber inside and out, and the full leather (gives the interior a much more premium feel). Overall, I am very happy with my spec (and I suppose that's a good thing with a $102,025 MSRP)!

I haven't been able to stop driving this incredible machine. After my break-in service was completed, the mods began! First stop, EAS for the PSI mid-pipe purchase and installation. The PSI mid-pipe is exactly what this car needed as my only real complaint the first 1200 or so miles was the sound. It is lacking. The PSI mid-pipe fixed all of that! I love the deep exhaust tones, zero drone, and burbles on downshift. It sounds incredible! I may add an axle back system at some point but I am now in no rush and will await all options that slowly come to market. Huge thank you to everyone at EAS!

Next stop, that same day actually, to see Ben at RG Sport. Ben and Alo are amazing dudes and offer that custom, personalized service often lost in todays world. Ben and Alo installed the MSS adjustable suspension kit, 15 mm front and 12 mm rear spacers, M Performance door projector lights, M Performance steering wheel, my Uniden R7 radar detector using my wire tap and blendmount, and last but not least, the all important Autotecknic red audio button. I can't say enough positive things about these two guys! Anyone lucky enough (like myself) to live within driving distance to this shop should definitely pay them a visit!

I am new to lowering cars but Ben and other forum members did an awesome job explaining things to me. I love the stance now. I wanted to maintain the factory rake (slightly higher in the front) and did not want that slammed look. I wanted to get rid of the ugly wheel gap, tastefully. Ben accomplished just that. The MSS kit rides just like factory and maintains the factory damper adjustability. The only "negative" I have experienced thus far is, pot holes and otherwise rough transitions in the road do feel a little more harsh. Both seem to be more pronounced. I do my best to avoid them but sometimes, it's unavoidable. Most of the roads around here are in great condition so I don't see this as an issue. I love the ride quality overall!

The M Performance steering wheel adds an extra special, premium feel to the interior. The blue stripe at 12 o'clock compliments the Mexico blue exterior nicely. It does feel a bit thicker on the alcantara wrapped areas. I would say it feels much like the stock thickness on the leather wrapped areas. The heating element is lost but this is a non-issue here in Southern California. I love it! Huge shout out to Dylan at IND for all his help with this and all the other custom painted parts! Which leads me to my next modification comment—

The painted engine cover. Let's face it, the engine bay on the G8x is boring. At least on the F8x, there was some carbon fiber. The painted engine cover looks amazing! The team at IND does an exceptional job on these! It gives the engine bay the character it's lacking and looks amazing. The painted, reflector deletes too of course! All, a perfect match to the OEM, Mexico blue paint. Thank you Dylan and IND! Their attention to detail and next level customer service (and let's not forget about their packing skills) can't be beat! My wife and I will be customers for life.

M3 Modifications:
MSS Sports Adjustable Ride System
H&R 15 mm front and 12 mm rear spacers
PSI Mid-pipe
BMC Air Filters
M Performance steering wheel, Mexico Blue Stripe

M3 Cosmetics:
Full PPF
Full ceramic coating including wheels and calipers
Ceramic 35% window tint all around, 80% on the windshield
IND Mexico Blue painted engine cover
IND front and rear Mexico blue reflectors
M Performance door projector lights and 50th Anniversary M slides
M performance floor mats
M performance carbon fiber side markers
BMW M Performance Carbon Gas Cap
AutoTecknic G8X M3 / M4 Dry Carbon Competition Oil Cap Cover
M Performance carbon fiber license plate frame
AutoTecknic Red Audio Button
M Performance Alcantara center armrest

"Other" Enhancements:
Uniden R7 radar detector installed using the Blendmount and Mirror tap

Still awaiting install:
50th anniversary M hood and trunk roundel
50th anniversary M floating wheel caps

Under Consideration:
Bavsound ghost underseat subwoofers
BMW M Performance G8X M3 / M4 Alcantara Knee Pad Set
Mexico blue seat belts
Carbon fiber side skirts
Carbon Fiber rear winglets

If you've read this far (or scrolled), here is the best part! The photos!

Huge thank you to everyone on this forum for all of your help throughout the ordering process and now that we have taken delivery! We are super excited to share these two beautiful machines with you all!

Also, a huge thank you to my wife for putting up with me throughout this process and for being so understanding (being married to an OCD, car guy like myself). I'm so glad you love your car (not like I had any doubts)! Most importantly, I am stoked to be able to share my passion for these cars with you! I see many more M cars in our future!

We hope to meet some of you soon at a future south OC cars and coffee. The Mexico blue beast will be heading there this Saturday, April 9th to any of you that may be able to make it!

Thank you for reading.


Cheers!

-Mike and Danielle

[RockinPA]

More Photos:

[GaoKS]

Great story and absolutely beautiful cars!! Thanks for sharing and enjoy in good health!

[NightWriter]

Nice, thanks for sharing.

I'm curious regarding the PSI mid-pipes: Are they basically just deleting the factory resonators, or is anything else going on there?

(My layman's understanding is that resonators are supposed to help improve exhaust sound, even if they temper it moderately, but perhaps with the G80 they're doing more harm than good?)

[2011ninja]

That's a awesome man!

Absolutely beautiful cars; especially the M3!!!!!!!!!

Great you and the wife can share and enjoy the new rides. That's great!!!!

Your enthusiasm for the cars comes through in your write up… great to read stuff like this!!!

🦅

[playswcars]

Mexico Blue looks stunning! Well done OP!

[vj123]

Its a great writeup and congrats again.

Great choice of vehicles and its a perfect two car garage!

[ROBERT1183]

Awesome combo!!! My wife would like to get into a X3m down the road when the market chills out.

Seems like us black carbon buckets are a rarity lol. Cant go wrong with black.

[DrSamSnell]

Great write up and congrats on the beauties!

[KnightedBMW]

Great write up and great combo!!

[spicoli024]

Nice whips!

Quick question: Does the heated steering wheel still work with the M Performance wheel or is that a “dead” button?

[Phiberoptik]

How is the everyday ride in those CF bucket seats?

[2011ninja]

Originally Posted by spicoli024

Nice whips!

Quick question: Does the heated steering wheel still work with the M Performance wheel or is that a "dead" button?

No heat with new steering wheel.

Op said non issue since they live in California

[Vic55]

I choose to use this wisely and I choose to use it here:

[chicagofan00]

About damn time this thread got posted!

Congrats on both vehicles, Mike. They look great and you've done an excellent job so the the mods.

You definitely need to add the side blades and rear winglets though.

[chicagofan00]

Originally Posted by Phiberoptik

How is the everyday ride in those CF bucket seats?

The CF buckets are perfectly fine for a daily driver. I have them in mine and am in and out of them a ton with two kids, drop offs, errands, etc. Not an issue one but. Don't hesitate to get them!

[RockinPA]

Originally Posted by GaoKS

Great story and absolutely beautiful cars!! Thanks for sharing and enjoy in good health!

Thank you dude!

Originally Posted by NightWriter

Nice, thanks for sharing.

I'm curious regarding the PSI mid-pipes: Are they basically just deleting the factory resonators, or is anything else going on there?

(My layman's understanding is that resonators are supposed to help improve exhaust sound, even if they temper it moderately, but perhaps with the G80 they're doing more harm than good?)

Thank you dude! Secondary cats are deleted. Increased air flow and sound. I'm a layman too but this is my basic understanding. It sounds so much better! Well worth it!

Originally Posted by 2011ninja

That's a awesome man!

Absolutely beautiful cars; especially the M3!!!!!!!!!

Great you and the wife can share and enjoy the new rides. That's great!!!!

Your enthusiasm for the cars comes through in your write up… great to read stuff like this!!!

🦅

Thanks for the kind words! I appreciate it. I'm fortunate and stoked that my wife and I share similar interests- particularly with cars. Thank you so much dude!

Originally Posted by playswcars

Mexico Blue looks stunning! Well done OP!

Thank you! Like many of these colors, it's so difficult to capture in a photograph.

[RockinPA]

Originally Posted by vj123

Its a great writeup and congrats again.

Great choice of vehicles and its a perfect two car garage!

Thank you dude! We may be bias, but definitely agree! Loving these two machines.

Originally Posted by ROBERT1183

Awesome combo!!! My wife would like to get into a X3m down the road when the market chills out.

Seems like us black carbon buckets are a rarity lol. Cant go wrong with black.

Thank you! Do it! My wife and I love the X3M.
Lol, I agree. Prior to taking delivery, it seemed damn near impossible to find photos of the black interior. I'm stoked I ordered it! Looks amazing with the Mexico blue.

Originally Posted by DrSamSnell

Great write up and congrats on the beauties!

Thank you dude!!

Originally Posted by KnightedBMW

Great write up and great combo!!

Thanks dude! Much appreciated.

[RockinPA]

Originally Posted by spicoli024

Nice whips!

Quick question: Does the heated steering wheel still work with the M Performance wheel or is that a "dead" button?

Thanks dude! No heat in the MP wheel. It is now a dead button.

Originally Posted by Phiberoptik

How is the everyday ride in those CF bucket seats?

I wouldn't have the car without them! They are one of the best options you could select. They truly make the car!

Originally Posted by 2011ninja

No heat with new steering wheel.

Op said non issue since they live in California

Yessir!

[RockinPA]

Originally Posted by Vic55

I choose to use this wisely and I choose to use it here:

[img]https://media2.giphy.com/media/QPP39B3ywh7Tq/giphy.gif[/img]

Haha! Thanks, Vic! I appreciate all your help and advice throughout this process. Try and cruise to cars and coffee this Saturday am if you're able!

Originally Posted by chicagofan00

About damn time this thread got posted!

Congrats on both vehicles, Mike. They look great and you've done an excellent job so the the mods.

You definitely need to add the side blades and rear winglets though.

Lol! No kidding man! Thanks so much dude! I appreciate all your help and advice throughout this whole process. I'm excited to share more of this beast and I look forward to seeing the purple beast one of these days man.

Haha! I am definitely considering it… I'm on the fence. One minute I want to color match them, next I want to wait, next, I want carbon… 🤔

[50shadesofhockenheim]

Such an awesome combo.

Question - where did you order 50th anniversary floating center caps from? I was told they weren't available

[Vic55]

Originally Posted by RockinPA

Haha! Thanks, Vic! I appreciate all your help and advice throughout this process. Try and cruise to cars and coffee this Saturday am if you're able!

Where is it, when is it, and do they have beer?