Build Thread: 2015 BMW M3 (Lots of Photos & Videos!)
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After lots of research and debating, I got some 20" wheels! I was torn on everything between 18", 19" and 20". Part of me wanted an 18" setup for the track and to get traction on the street, but this is my daily. So I opted for some 20's because I think they fill out the wheel wells better than 19's.
I reached out to Variant Wheels after watching a fellow YouTuber install a set of their wheels. They hooked me up and gave me a discount code to share with you guys if you're interested in purchasing a set of wheels from them (see below)! They have a few off-the-shelf options and allow as much customization as you'd like when it comes to size, offset and color and design.
I chose their machine silver "Argon" wheel in 20x10" and 20x11" I let them choose the offset, but it seems like they recommend ET20 in the front and ET35 in the rear for a flush F8X fitment.
WHEELS:
- Variant Argon wheels: https://variantwheels.com/product-category/wheels/argon/affiliate/jakespence
- Other Variant wheels for your BMW: https://variantwheels.com/cold-forged/affiliate/jakespence
- Use code BIMMERSTREET for 20% off and free shipping!TIRES (currently on sale!):
- 265/30/20 Falken Azenis FK510: https://amzn.to/2ZLOqiH
- 295/30/20 Falken Azenis FK510: https://amzn.to/2XGVnP4Check out my unboxing and test-fit video:
Here are some photos of the wheels to hold you over until the tires show up.
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The tires showed up and I mounted them right away! I am thoroughly impressed with the Falken Azenis FK510 tires. Tread pattern is extremely similar to Michelin Pilot Super Sport and the grip is actually better. Not an apples-to-apples comparison because the MPSS tires weren't new and were narrower, but the Azenis are super grippy! Very happy with the look, feel and sound of these tires.
The fitment is perfect IMO. I have since raised the rear by installing the EMD rear spring spacer that I initially left out when installing the lowering springs. It now sits about 1/2" higher than in the video and photos below... will get some updated pictures of that soon. It didn't really rub, but I wanted the extra clearance for when I have a full tank of gas and 5 passengers.
Let me know what you think!
Reminder of the wheel/tire info...
WHEELS:
- Variant Argon wheels: https://variantwheels.com/product-category/wheels/argon/affiliate/jakespence
- Other Variant wheels for your BMW: https://variantwheels.com/cold-forged/affiliate/jakespence
- Use code BIMMERSTREET for 20% off and free shipping!TIRES (currently on sale!):
- 265/30/20 Falken Azenis FK510: https://amzn.to/2ZLOqiH
- 295/30/20 Falken Azenis FK510: https://amzn.to/2XGVnP4Check out my initial impressions video (ignore the clickbaity thumbnail):
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Nice work incorporating some of that new A-town "street art". I was like "who paid for all of this shit?" when I walked through there a couple weeks ago. Like they're trying to make Appleton into some cultural hub or something. Is mile-of-music even happening this year?
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Nice work incorporating some of that new A-town "street art". I was like "who paid for all of this shit?" when I walked through there a couple weeks ago. Like they're trying to make Appleton into some cultural hub or something. Is mile-of-music even happening this year?
They are, and no.
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They are, and no.
Appleton isn't ready, lol.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.postcrescent.com/amp/1283535002
At least it's a local artist doing the murals, unlike all the bands at mile...
I did find another article that stated the mile-of-music mural was paid for by "an anonymous donor". Cory Chisel maybe?
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I threw the stock wheels back on and took the car to its first autocross at Road America! This was essentially my first autocross as well, my only other time being a few laps 5 years ago. Was nice talking to @KaiserRolls and seeing him make me look like a n00b on the track.
That being said, I'd love some feedback/tips/advice on my driving. I'm going to another autocross with it this weekend and would love to improve!
I placed #74 out of 147 cars. My best time was 58.925s. First place had 53.322s and average time for everyone was 59.751s: http://fvscc.com/results/2020_Summer/Event1_raw.htm
I have tons of parts ready to install on the M3 so be sure to subscribe if you enjoy YouTube content: https://www.youtube.com/jakespence135
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Kudos on getting out and enjoying your car. Did you drive with stability control on or off? ( I didnt get a chance to watch the whole video yet. There was 1 crash at my last visit to Blackhawk farms by a guy in an F80 that switched stability control off. The immense torque of those cars seems challenging to control. If M-Dynamic mode is still a think its probably a good way to go especially as it provides understeer correction as well, not just oversteer. On my E46 I didn't detect any stability control intervention with the more lenient ZCP/CSL "M-Track mode" on.
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I’m really glad you were able to make it out man. If you keep at it you will no doubt improve. Autox is by far the cheapest/safest way to comfortably push a car.
I would try and keep 9/3 hand position on the wheel as much as possible. Avoid shuffle steering as the inputs tend to be jerky and can upset the car, I only overhand the wheel if it is super necessary on tight stuff. Line choice will get better with more seat time and definitely walk the course a few times. Looking ahead/through the corner towards the exit/apex whatever helped me a lot when I first started. Getting the car in the right position will help you not ruin the next 3 corners type of thing. I try to avoid “coasting” as much as possible. Either on throttle/braking/maintenance throttle. On RA Motorolex it’s super slick so I try not to be Hard on the brakes while doing large steering inputs. For slaloms I usually ignore the first cone and try to make that a braking marker (depending on the course Obviously, but RA they can usually be ignored because the slalom “entrance” usually lines up with a corner exit)I am by no means in a position to instruct and still am a Certified noob as well, but that’s some of the stuff I have picked up on riding with people that are way faster than me.
when they allow ride alongs, 100% get in someone’s car/grab an instructor
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Certified noob
Can you be my Certified Noob coach when I start AutoXing myself?
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Kudos on getting out and enjoying your car. Did you drive with stability control on or off? ( I didnt get a chance to watch the whole video yet. There was 1 crash at my last visit to Blackhawk farms by a guy in an F80 that switched stability control off. The immense torque of those cars seems challenging to control. If M-Dynamic mode is still a think its probably a good way to go especially as it provides understeer correction as well, not just oversteer. On my E46 I didn't detect any stability control intervention with the more lenient ZCP/CSL "M-Track mode" on.
I drove with stability control on for the first couple laps. My friends convinced me to turn it off for the last couple laps, but you're right, it's a lot of immediate torque to try to control. I talk about it in the video, but the S55 power comes on so abruptly. It's almost like an on/off switch... all motor then tons of boost/torque. It's not very predictable until you get a ton of seat time. I can see why someone crashed with it off at Blackhawk.
I’m really glad you were able to make it out man. If you keep at it you will no doubt improve. Autox is by far the cheapest/safest way to comfortably push a car.
I would try and keep 9/3 hand position on the wheel as much as possible. Avoid shuffle steering as the inputs tend to be jerky and can upset the car, I only overhand the wheel if it is super necessary on tight stuff. Line choice will get better with more seat time and definitely walk the course a few times. Looking ahead/through the corner towards the exit/apex whatever helped me a lot when I first started. Getting the car in the right position will help you not ruin the next 3 corners type of thing. I try to avoid “coasting” as much as possible. Either on throttle/braking/maintenance throttle. On RA Motorolex it’s super slick so I try not to be Hard on the brakes while doing large steering inputs. For slaloms I usually ignore the first cone and try to make that a braking marker (depending on the course Obviously, but RA they can usually be ignored because the slalom “entrance” usually lines up with a corner exit)I am by no means in a position to instruct and still am a Certified noob as well, but that’s some of the stuff I have picked up on riding with people that are way faster than me.
when they allow ride alongs, 100% get in someone’s car/grab an instructor
Well I'll be at Shawano this weekend to give it another shot! I'll definitely keep all of those tips in mind. Thanks for the insight.
Sounds like they'll be allowing ride alongs on Sunday
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You are probably already familiar with it as you are much more knowledgable about cameras, and video editing, but the Track Addict app and Race Render software are fun and can make for some valuable additions to video footage.
http://racerender.com/TrackAddict/Features.html
the Bluetooth OBD2 dongle I use on mine doesn’t really have an adequate sample rate but its the cheapest one and was really only made for diagnostics (Carista). Anyways, it syncs with gopro cameras which is cool
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You are probably already familiar with it as you are much more knowledgable about cameras, and video editing, but the Track Addict app and Race Render software are fun and can make for some valuable additions to video footage.
http://racerender.com/TrackAddict/Features.html
the Bluetooth OBD2 dongle I use on mine doesn’t really have an adequate sample rate but its the cheapest one and was really only made for diagnostics (Carista). Anyways, it syncs with gopro cameras which is cool
I've been meaning to look into this more! Gonna have to check it out and see if I can get anything setup before auto-x on Sunday.
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