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      01-05-2025, 01:51 PM   #1
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The ULTIMATE Daily Driver BMW! (Modified G81 M3 Touring)

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Across this forum and on social media, everyone loves a brightly-coloured BMW Individual M3 with an Adro front bumper and 1,000 horsepower. We get it… we do too!

This build, however, was curated to be the perfect daily driver with an incredible specification, blistering performance and an exhilarating driving experience without drawing too much attention to itself or compromising the practicality of the Touring body style.

For many BMW enthusiasts, this would make the perfect daily driver!

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Why did Barry (the owner) choose the M3 Touring as his base?

“I always wanted to have an M3. So many years of watching people create M3 Tourings rather than BMW building one. Then BMW announced the G81 and I came across a cancelled order at my local dealership and the spec was perfect”.

*Clearly not perfect enough as we start going through the mods…

Check out the full detailed mods list: https://r44performance.com/collectio...fications-list

PERFORMANCE

We’ll start with the performance upgrades and tuning.

Although there’s no single turbo kit and no built engine under the hood, this M3 benefits from the R44 x Tom Wrigley Performance Stage 2 package, delivering an impressive 630 wheel horsepower and 800 Nm torque. That’s plenty for daily use and probably too much for the wet and greasy roads here in the UK.

Most importantly, the throttle response is sharper and the ZF 8-speed transmission has been mapped to speed up gear changes and respond faster to inputs.

To support this package, we fitted our signature R44 titanium cat-back exhaust system and 200 Cell sports cat downpipes. This combination gives an aggressive tone without the anti-social sound you’d get with catless downpipes.

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We asked Barry what his favourite modification was so far:

“My favourite mod at the moment has to be the R44 exhaust. Even before stage 2, it completely brought the car to life”.

To keep everything cool, this M3 Touring is equipped with CSF’s front mount heat exchanger, engine oil cooler and ZF8 transmission cooler. Crucially, the CSF upgraded items are made from aluminum instead of plastic with additional rock guards to ensure reliability with daily driving. The factory radiators are completely exposed and you’re always one large rock away from disaster.

EXTERIOR

Exterior-wise, the car’s been transformed with an array of carbon fiber upgrades from MHC LDN. The owner, Barry, opted for the iconic SP1 front lip—the first carbon splitter for the G8X platform to become available to the public. Nearly four years on, it still looks amazing. The carbon twin fin front ducts and GT front grille add the aggression the stock front bumper lacks.

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A subtle detail you’d be forgiven for missing is how the twin fin ducts line up with the two creases in the SP1. It’s this attention to detail that sets MHC apart from other carbon companies on the market.

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You may also notice the LCI front headlights. Despite Barry’s car not being a 2025 model year, we retrofitted the ‘CS’ LCI headlights to his car to replace the regular LED headlights he had. Install requires some minor coding, and we can connect you with a reliable BMW coder when you purchase a set. Being the CS version, the rear of the lights is tinted, which looks far more aggressive than the silver. The DRLs can also be yellow while stationary, which is another cool feature.

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Around the side of the car, Barry opted for the MHC LDN SK1 carbon side skirts which flow into the SS1 rear side splitters. This low-line kit gives any G8X M3/M4 a more imposing stance, especially when the car is lowered. He also opted for full-replacement MHC carbon side badges which are a nice touch.

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SUSPENSION & WHEELS

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Speaking of which, Barry’s G81 is dropped on a set of KW V3 coilovers which have absolutely transformed the handling. Not only do they lower the car’s centre of gravity and offer lots of adjustability, but they dramatically improve steering feel - something modern M cars have lost through electronic assistance.

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Now might be a good time to mention the wheels. This is a set of staggered 20”+21” Vossen HF5 forged alloy wheels finished in gloss black. They follow the blacked-out theme and reduce unsprung mass—something you really notice from behind the wheel.

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Luke from Geobyluke did an alignment and sorted all the suspension geometry to ensure this new setup was ready for Barry to enjoy.

FINAL EXTERIOR MODIFICATIONS

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At the rear, we find the MHC LDN DF1 LED rear diffuser, again finished in pre-preg carbon fiber. Above is the combination of SOOQOO’s upper and lower rear trunk spoilers. Altogether, these carbon pieces create a far more aggressive look than stock.

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Final touches on the exterior include a set of 50th Anniversary roundels and some gloss carbon AP arch guards.

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If you thought the exterior mods were extensive, wait until you see the detail Barry went into when customizing his car’s interior and engine bay. It’s amazing how many small intricate components you can install on these cars to set them apart.

INTERIOR

As you climb into the car, the first thing you notice is the SHFT flat-bottom carbon fiber and Alcantara steering wheel with the integrated LED display. Not only does this wheel look far more special than the OEM item, but it’s ergonomically superior with moulded grips and premium materials. Reach to change gear and you’ll feel the JQ Werks magnetic paddle shifters which have an engaging and satisfying click. JQ’s updated design added some billet aluminum behind the carbon which adds a solid, weighted feel.

To further make the cabin a bit more premium, there are several aftermarket carbon fiber upgrades including the SHFT central air vent trim, seat base trims and full carbon seatback covers.

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Additionally, there are numerous OEM M Performance modifications including the Alcantara armrest, knee pad set and LCI centre console model designation trim.

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One of the more unique upgrades was Barry’s decision to swap out the OEM plastic hood latch release handle with a less flimsy billet item from Carbonex. It’s little touches like these that add a feeling of quality throughout the build.

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ENGINE BAY

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Pop that hood and you’ll find the stunning Eventuri gloss carbon fiber engine cover, MHC LDN carbon slam panel cover, Indiv carbon ECU cover as well as the discontinued Motech strut brace dressed with Downstar red billet hardware. To complete the engine bay, we fitted the Goldenwrench BLACKLINE S58 engine cap cover set. These are great value and really quick to install.

BRAKES

With so much time and effort put into this example, ensuring it stops before the tree is very important. Slowing down 630 whp is no problem for the new MMX 2-piece floating brake discs paired with EBC’s popular Bluestuff pads providing great bite and improved pedal feel.

FUTURE PLANS

Before making this post, we actually texted owner Barry if he had any future modification plans for the car. He responded “carbon hood, carbon fenders - to the moon…”

There’s honestly nothing we enjoy more than seeing a customer, who’s worked incredibly hard, get to enjoy building their dream BMW - exactly the way they want it down to the finest details. If you’d like to see us feature more customer builds, let us know!

Don’t forget, you can find the full spec list here: https://r44performance.com/collectio...fications-list

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      01-27-2025, 08:11 AM   #2
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Way to the YouTube, need to see the Vibez. This is beautiful let's ride around the city in Beamer...
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      01-27-2025, 08:23 AM   #3
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What’s the retail on those mods?
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      01-27-2025, 10:27 AM   #4
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Stunning transformation. What was the final cost of this insanely amazing project?
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      01-27-2025, 10:47 AM   #5
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Exquisite masterpiece
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      01-27-2025, 12:08 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by R44 Performance View Post
throttle response is sharper
Can you explain how to do that?

Every modern bmw I've driven that is not electric, the throttle doesn't do anything for a while when I press it. Even the F90 M5 that I tested.
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      01-27-2025, 12:32 PM   #7
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Doing groceries would be so much more efficient with this car.
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      01-27-2025, 02:32 PM   #8
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I am sure before long there will be three or four pages of people gushing over this car but for me what you’ve got here is a super tricked out station wagon. Barry clearly has tons of disposable cash so why not get a real sports car like an M8 or any number of supercars Instead of pouring money into what will always be a freaking station wagon. 🙄
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      01-27-2025, 06:24 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rlampare View Post
I am sure before long there will be three or four pages of people gushing over this car but for me what you’ve got here is a super tricked out station wagon. Barry clearly has tons of disposable cash so why not get a real sports car like an M8 or any number of supercars Instead of pouring money into what will always be a freaking station wagon. 🙄
Because wagons are awesome 🤩.

If BMW imported the M3 Touring…well, I wouldn’t own one, because it’s out of my price range.

But I would own an M340i x-drive Touring right now if BMW saw fit to bring it here. Or an M340d x-drive.

I own a G26, and I previously owned an F31, so I put my money where my mouth is.

My local dealer says that they would sell a bunch of wagons if they could.
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      01-27-2025, 06:37 PM   #10
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As an owner of a modded E91, I love this station wagon! Very tasteful mods. Congrats!
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      01-27-2025, 06:50 PM   #11
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Um, the perfect “daily driver” would not have tires so thin you’ll bend a rim just looking at a small pothole, or lowered with a body kit that excludes you from any parking garage.

Other than the Touring aspect, this is just another M3 build. Beautiful yes, but not as claimed a “daily”. A stock M3 Touring is a better daily. These mods make it less useable, not more.
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      01-27-2025, 09:02 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Blue Angel View Post
Um, the perfect “daily driver” would not have tires so thin you’ll bend a rim just looking at a small pothole, or lowered with a body kit that excludes you from any parking garage.

Other than the Touring aspect, this is just another M3 build. Beautiful yes, but not as claimed a “daily”. A stock M3 Touring is a better daily. These mods make it less useable, not more.
I put 17,000 miles (27k, km) on my G82 in 3 years, riding around with 295/25/21s in the rear. I never made it any less usable. Not everyone lives in 4 meters a year of snow.
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      01-27-2025, 09:50 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Limegrntaln View Post
I put 17,000 miles (27k, km) on my G82 in 3 years, riding around with 295/25/21s in the rear. I never made it any less usable. Not everyone lives in 4 meters a year of snow.
True, but far fewer people exist where roads do not pose a threat to 25 series tires.
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      01-28-2025, 12:50 AM   #14
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Badass wagon wow.
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      01-28-2025, 01:00 AM   #15
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Great ride. Love the small screen insert. Never seen that before. Question is how did the tire in the front seat not stain the leather? 😆
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      01-28-2025, 01:09 AM   #16
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Omg! No buckets? Clearly a poverty spec G81.
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      01-28-2025, 08:15 AM   #17
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Great car, loving the Touring body style.

Not so sure about the perfect daily, I wish the ride is not a total shake out because of the suspension lowering and very thin profile tires, or that only perfectly paved roads are for ever ahead of this beauty.
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      01-28-2025, 10:13 AM   #18
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Nice car. But definitely NOT a daily driver in places like New England.
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      01-28-2025, 09:41 PM   #19
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Peculiar mod bashing here…car looks incredible!
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      01-29-2025, 06:30 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ShockArrival View Post
Peculiar mod bashing here…car looks incredible!
I agree, it’s a beautiful build. Just not so much a “daily driver” build as advertised.
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      01-30-2025, 12:05 AM   #21
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If Darth Vader had a station wagon, this would be it… so menacing
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      01-30-2025, 12:46 AM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LuisBoston View Post
Nice car. But definitely NOT a daily driver in places like New England.
AWD with snow tires this car can do anything. I used to daily my f80 with blizzaks all through the winter no problem, ski trips to Vermont and all.
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