It Only Takes a Few Mods To Turn the Old F80 BMW M3 Into a Poster-Worthy Ride

7 months, 2 weeks ago - 1 April 2024, autoevolution
F80 BMW M3
F80 BMW M3
BMW may have created much controversy over the years with the design of certain models. However, it takes guts to take such big steps when styling new rides, and this is something rivaling brands Audi and Mercedes lack.

The E60 5 Series from the Chris Bangle era was deemed the ugliest 5er at one point, yet it has aged like fine wine. The modern-day M3 and M4 seem like they'll age like fine milk at this point, but only time will tell if we're wrong.

In the meantime, we have learned to live with their bucktooth grilles, and if you cannot, then certain tuners have your back with new front bumpers that feature smaller kidneys, similar to the ones equipping the older M3 and M4. And speaking of the F80 (M3 Sedan), F82 (M4 Coupe), and F83 (M4 Convertible), they seem more visually pleasing than their successors.

Since you clicked on this story and you are now reading these lines, you likely think the same, so we'll move on to what we think is one of the best-looking F80 BMW M3s we've seen so far. It sports an Imola Red look with a few black accents here and there, as well as privacy windows all around. It also rides on a set of aftermarket wheels from HRE's portfolio.

The wheelmaker shared these images on social media a couple of days ago, revealing that they're part of its P101SC series. A quick search on HRE's website reveals these alloys are very expensive, especially for a sports sedan. They start at $3,025 per wheel in the smallest offering, 19 inches. Interested parties will have to contact them to find out how much a 20-, 21-, 22- or 23-inch set will cost them, as this information is unavailable online.

What we can tell you is that the ones equipping the F80 BMW M3 in question have a metal finish, and if you don't dig it, then you could choose one of the multiple hues available. HRE's website reveals that customers can choose one of the 77 different colors available for the P101SC wheels, in addition to the black or chrome lug nuts and bolts and the company's center caps replacing the car's OEM logos.

The SC101SC set already equips several other rides from different brands, including the Porsche Carrera and 911, and they are also the wheels of choice for various high-end Audis and a few restomodded classics. Thus, the uniqueness factor is not there, and between us, we think any Bimmer looks great on a set of Alpinas, including the previous-gen M3. So, do you find this one worthy of decorating your bedroom door (if it was the '90s)? We do, and we're not ashamed to admit it. 

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