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Front Air Dam's: M3 vs 3 series
When contemplating replacing my original 328is front air dam with an M3 style one, I started to think about whether they were only different esthetically. I mean, the wider, open ended grate look of the M3 dam suggests that it allows better air flow, but does it? I took the silly front license plate molding off my 328 air dam, & it exposed the full grill look of that model. Now the M3 dam looks taller, but I'm not sure if that's just an illusion. Both grates start just below the bumper, & although the M3 grate looks higher, isn’t that an impossibility? As for the with, sure the M3 dam has the added air inlets (next to the fogs), but the original dam's grate runs fully across the width of the dam, right up to the fogs. So which induces more air flow? I gotta agree the M3 dam looks sportier, but at around $500, does it give any more performance?
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Every Boy Becomes A Man. A Fortunate Few Reverse The Process. 97 328is Black on Black 5 speed Sport Package, Short Arm Intake with ABS Molded Heat Shield, Custom Mounted Front Strut Bar, Elevated Clutch Stop, Polished Aluminum Roundel Shifter, AC Schnitzer Aluminum Pedal Set, Chrome Instrument Cluster Rings & Carbon Fiber Bezel, Crystal Clear Corners, OEM Clear Tail & Side Lights, Scalloped Headlight Trim, Custom 'is' Grill Badge, Alpine C43 Stereo Upgrade, Front Bumper Filler |
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06-17-2003, 05:13 AM
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Registered
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Palos Verdes Estates, CA
Posts: 878
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Maybe at ultra high speeds, and if you also had the M3 Lightweight splitter extensions (which makes it look like an ugly snow plow but helps with high speed air flow). I personally think that the M3 bumper is the best looking front bumper out on the market. Compared to reiger, ACS, hamann (very ricey), and even the Zeemax kits, the M3 bumper is just so classic and aggressive. The front lip makes it look even better. Subtle, yet in your face at the same time.
There are two kinds of M3 bumpers, the Luxury version and non luxury (sport). The lux came on those with the luxury package (wood grain interior, leather door panels, lux sport seats (not vaders). The front bumper has plastic slats, compared to the normal mesh. THere is also no front lip. I personally think it doesnt look as good as the sport version. Your car won't be any faster, but it sure will look better. I would look into buying a used one (pray that it is cosmos black). THat way you don't have to pay for painting. However, I do not think normal 3 series cars came with the same cosmos black, but rather jet black. I have no clue how much it'll match up. Look to spend around $350 for a used bumper with all the necessary hardware (mesh, ducts, and mouldings).
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1997 M3 Sedan 5spd Artic Silver/Dove M3 Bumpers/Mirrors/Sideskirts S52 3.2L, M3 Wheels, M3 suspension, M3 Brakes Oh wait...it's a stock M3 |
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06-17-2003, 10:22 PM
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Senior Advisor
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: state.....of confussion
Posts: 440
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Are you talking e36 or e46? if its an e36 yea, all the m3 stuff will bolt up you would just need to get new air ducts, side brakts, and mlds.
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...96 Chevy heavily Modded such items include... lil' pine tree air freshner.... duct tape rht front arm rest (i'ts falling) zip tie holding in rear tail light.... hi concentrate windsheild washer fluid... sticker of Speedy Gonzales..rear bumper... |
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06-18-2003, 07:22 AM
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1997 BMW 328is M52 In-Line 6
