Bought a 2003 M3 in July 2004, car seems restricted in that I don't feel 300+ horsepower. Any suggestions?

It's that smooth... the 333hp are there, no worries.

Thanks, just doesn't seem like it. I'm thinking of making a mods to the M3. I've already changed to a short shifter. About to purchase Dinan exhaust and possibly a resonator bypass pipes.

If you are look for HP... convert the exhaust to a euro exhaust setup and get some performance software. If you're looking for that slam you into the seat power, you won't find it due to the nature of the engine and it's powerband.

The reason I picked Dinan was that it wouldn't void the factory warranty. It's a little on the pricey side. Are there others - can you point me to a website? Maybe I looking to have the car breathe a liitle better.

DINAN does void the factory warranty... however, DINAN has arranged a deal with some (not all) BMW dealerships to send the bill to DINAN when anything goes wrong. However, DINAN still reserves the right to deny the warranty (I have two friends with denied warranty claims for DINAN superchargers).

Most aftermarket products carry a warranty of their own...

I don't get it ... what are you trying to improve here? My recommendation, take a step back before throwing money at this car and figure out what you want? More HP? More torque?

It sounds like you want to FEEL like the car accelerates faster. If that is the case, get a LTW flywheel or shorter gearing. That would be the best bang for the buck, no HP gains -- but, it would give you that sensation I think you are looking for.

If you want HP -- be prepared to spend AT LEAST $5K .... and be methodical about how you approach it. I have pretty much done all you can NA to get power. If I was to redo it again, I would do gears, LTW fly, and exhaust ... that's pretty much it and just focus on lightening the car up.

I think I have enough HP. Just want to be able to feel it and hear it. I also have a 911 Turbo that I DON'T have to BEG for the power and feel.

Yeah... the turbo has the push you into the seat feel to make the car feel fast. I'd recommend gearing and a flywheel then to try and give you the same feeling in the M3.

Thanks for all your reponses. I think I'll try the Dinan exhaust first and possibly the resonator bypass so I can at least change the sound also get rid of the rasp noise.

I don't think you can go wrong with the Dinan exhaust. The dinan intake also sounds cool! You might want to get the dinan software -- makes the engine throttle response peppier. Plus, just drive around with sport mode on! :)

The reason I picked Dinan was that it wouldn't void the factory warranty. It's a little on the pricey side. Are there others - can you point me to a website? Maybe I looking to have the car breathe a liitle better.

hey where in chicago do you live

I have the dinan S package on mine with RaspX midpipes. Do a search on Dinan on this site and you should see all of my past recommendations. I am happy with my purchase - sound, performance, value - the Dinan setup works. The biggest change in the car was in the sound and the overall responsiveness. I'll try and bottle the exhast note and post it to my site. If you are interested you can check out my link for pictures of the Dinan parts. I think you should expect to pay MSRP less 15% if you are a BMW CCA member. If you are in Atlanta anytime soon look me up.

I live west of Chicago in a town called Bloomingdale. How can I get the 15% of MSRP you're referring to?

I live west of Chicago in a town called Bloomingdale. How can I get the 15% of MSRP you're referring to?


Contact someone at the WindyCity BMWCCA group. If you are not a member you need to be. Someone in your area should be able to help you locate a dealer that will give you a discount, else drive somewhere that will. My dealer at Global saved me over a grand.

http://www.windycitybmw.com/home/