It only took 20 minutes to realize I was in over my head, way over.
Though more subtle, the Steel Metallic Gray M3 was nonetheless a formidable ride due to a Hamann Stage II treatment. The engine was massaged with the EVO Sport airbox, Hamann ECU and its stainless steel exhaust. A gorgeous Hamann adjustable tiebar crowns the engine bay.
The bodywear includes Hamann's Competition front spoiler, brake cooling intakes, headlamp trim and side skirts. Running gear is the same as its more powerful stablemate.
The underpinnings included Hamann's fully adjustable RS suspension augmented with its sway bars. If BMW Motorsport does a special M3 suspension, chances are it will closely resemble the Hamann kit.
I didn't drive this car but got a good idea of its capabilities as it filled the rearview mirror.
It appears to me that Hamann has done its M3 homework thoroughly. Both cars were as close to perfect as I've ever seen-for the price, you should expect nothing less. However, if you happen upon a "Hamann deal" that appears too good to be true, chances are it is a forgery. According to Wheel Power, there are more imitation Hamann knock-offs than there are Rolex watches in Central Park. "These [fake] kits are made with inferior materials and have a terrible fit," said a spokesman for Wheel Power. To help counter that erosion of Hamann's good name, Wheel Power includes a certificate of authenticity with each component it sells. Each certificate includes a piece of a fine-art print that, when completed, creates a nifty image.
Should you care about genuine Hamann parts? Absolutely, especially with a car like the new M3. While second-grade parts will not make much difference on a 100-bhp vehicle, it's a different story with 400 bhp at 170 mph.
Just something to think about.