The F80 M3

The BMW F80 M3 first came on the scene in the year of 2014. This was the first time the M3 came with forced induction from the factory. The F80 M3 came with BMW's S55 engine (S55B30T0). The S55 was a 3.0L Straight six with dual mono-scroll turbochargers. Gone was the Naturally Aspirated V8 from The E9X M3 platform. The S55 may not rev as high as the S65 V8 but it made up for it in weight savings and plenty of torque. The F80 M3 shipped with 425 HP and 406 TQ. However in typical BMW fashion the numbers were underrated. Some owners were able to measure up to 470WHP from their stock F80 M3s. The torque of the S55 engine is also felt throughout the entire rev range. The lack of torque found in the E9X M3 platform had faded into history and the F80 M3 hit the streets & tracks proving that BMW knew

how to make a fast punchy sedan that could also take the corners! The F80 M3 is also surprisingly light weight for the size of the car it is. Weighing in at 3,515 to 3,580 lbs (depending on the spec of the vehicle). This was a weight reduction from the E9X M3. BMW gave the F80 M3 a carbon fiber roof as standard, a carbon fiber drive shaft (2015 - 2017), carbon fiber strut brace, a lightweight lithium battery, and lightweight hood & fender panels made of aluminum. Carbon ceramic brakes were also an option further deducting weight for the F80 M3. BMW also made sure the aerodynamics of the F80 M3 were good coming from the factory, there is not a single fake vent on the vehicle and every shape of the car plays into both visual design and aerodynamics.

When the F80 M3 hit the showroom floors it was another Bavarian masterpiece from Munich! The car was responsive, quick, and looked incredible. The only "shortcoming" the F80 had was the "numb" steering feel compared to the previous M3s. However these criticisms would fade in the years after the initial release as other competitors made the switch to electric power steering (EPS) . The EPS in the M3 was not as pleasing as the hydraulic rack found in the previous cars but when compared to the competition of the F80 M3 BMW proved that it was still a drivers brand of car. The competing AMG and Audi offerings fell short in this department and let the F80 shine as the clear drivers choice for the modern days of EPS. The F80 M3 could do it all, from solid laps time to an ultimate grocery getter the F80 proved to be one of the if not the best 4-door platform to get into.

The F80 M3 has now become an icon for driving pleasure and car culture. With its timeless interior design and its refined aggressive look the F80 etched itself in the automotive world as a “must have” car to any collection. Since its release the F80 platform has garnered the reputation of being one of the best cars for the money that can tick all the boxes an enthusiast could want. With endless aftermarket options for customization and tuning the F80 M3 is like a brilliantly designed set of Legos! You want a track car the F80 can do it, you want a sporty reliable daily-driver the F80 can do it, you want a straight line beast the F80 can do it! It is without a doubt one of BMW's best creations. The F80 proved BMW was ahead of the game, the engineering and thought that went into designing this car is simply unbelievable.