HorsepowerFreaks offers a Stage 1 big turbo kit for the E46 M3 that comes with everything you need-besides installing itself-to push your S54 output past the 500-hp mark. The kit is designed as a completely plug-and-play affair that requires no cutting, welding or irreversible modifications. While precision-built parts, proper fueling, cooling, and a T67 turbo are key to making big power, it's the brains that make it all work. Filling this need is a plug-and-play engine management system that works in conjunction with factory electronics and ECU to ensure everything gets along. And if you're a true horsepower freak and Stage 1 power doesn't sound like enough, Stages 2 and 3 are also available. From $15,995
HPF
503.256.5600
www.horsepowerfreaks.com
Sometimes it's easier to find a complete engine swap than it is to find audio upgrades designed for your specific vehicle. Problems often arise when it comes time to add a subwoofer. Which is why JL Audio spends the time developing application-specific sub enclosures designed to offer maximum bass with the smallest footprint possible. Some applications have a minor impact on trunk space, while others like the Stealthbox enclosure for the BMW X5 can be installed with zero impact. Also available for the E90/E92 3 series and E60 5 series. Contact for pricing.
JL Audio
www.jlaudio.com
One term not frequently associated with BMW performance upgrades is "cheap," but the Juice Box Stage 1 from Burger Motorsports is one such paradox. For about a hundred bucks it offers an easy-to-install low boost upgrade for the N54 twin-turbo inline-six that increases peak boost pressure to 9.75 psi. Output increases with this standalone upgrade are claimed in the 20-30 wheel horsepower and 30-40 lb-ft range. $99
Burger Motorsports
www.burgertuning.com
Evosport has developed a set of performance exhaust manifolds for the S85 V10 engine powering the M5 and M6. These headers feature a pulse-tuned design, laser cut head flanges, and large primary pipes. To eliminate cross-flow between the individual pipes as they merge, a unique collector design was employed resulting in a claimed 62 percent increase in flow. To enhance performance of the long tube header, a two-stage ceramic coating (good for 2,100 degrees Fahrenheit) has been applied to decrease heat retention and increase exhaust scavenging. The coating also reduces underhood temperatures by a claimed 30 to 40 percent. $4,499
Evosport
714.901.3100
www.evosport.com
BMW Performance was launched in 2007 to address increasing customer demand for performance upgrades that won't void the factory warranty. Products range from simple cosmetics to real performance parts including exhausts, suspension, short shifters, brakes, and so on. One item that struck us was this Alcantara and leather sport steering wheel with an integrated performance computer and progressive LED shift lights recessed on either side of a larger icon-based display at the wheel's top. The center screen displays real-time numeric oil and water temperatures, g-force readings and a lap timer. Scrolling through the data is a breeze with hidden buttons located at 10 and 2 positions below the grip area. $1,244
BMW North America
www.bmw-perfomance.com
Got power? With big power there's always a need for a high performance clutch. For just this reason, Clutch Masters offers its FX600 and FX700 series twin disc clutch assemblies, which showcase motorsport technology adapted to meet the demands of high-horsepower street machines. They are engineered to hold big torque ratings while retaining smooth operation. By using a smaller diameter clutch assembly these systems feature a reduced rotational mass, meaning quicker, smoother shifting and better throttle response. The cover assembly is machined from billet aluminum, as is the flywheel (SFI spec 1.2 certified) From $1,600
Clutch Masters Industries
909.877.6800
www.clutchmasters.com
Active Autowerke's Signature X Pipe and Connecting Pipes for the V8 M3 are manufactured from 100 percent 304 polished stainless steel and are designed to work with most currently-available aftermarket exhaust systems. In addition to the enlarged mandrel-bent piping, the X-pipe has been designed to ensure that uneven exhaust gas pulses created by both cylinder banks come together as quickly and as smoothly as possible. The result is a claimed 12 hp at the rear wheels. Since the front connecting pipes eliminate the front catalytic converters, this unit is intended for off-road use; if you're a true environmentalist, Active Autowerke does offer an optional high-flow catalyst. $1,999
Active Autowerke
877.233.9303
www.activeautowerke.com
These H&R sport springs are designed to work with the M3's stock shocks. They will drop the car 1 and 0.6 inches front/rear respectively, giving the car a more aggressive lowered look, along with a lower center of gravity. All H&R springs are crafted from a special 54SiCr6 spring steel, shot-peened for extreme durability, and tested to the extremely high TV quality assurance standards. $489
H&R Springs
888.827.8881
www.hrsprings.com
Vorsteiner spends countless hours and engineering dollars trying to determine the best way to reduce vehicle weight. The latest porky item to get the lipo treatment is the exhaust system for the E90/E92 M3. Manufactured entirely out of titanium, the Vorsteiner exhaust weighs in at a mere 17 pounds, compared to 55 pounds for the factory system. In addition to the 68% weight savings, the bolt-on cat-back exhaust increases peak horsepower by a claimed 14 and torque by 13.2 lb-ft. These limited-production exhaust systems are individually serialized and finished with four 90mm adjustable tips (with optional blue torched finish). Contact for pricing.
Vorsteiner
800.601.7615
www.vorsteiner.com
There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all brake pad. That's why EBC offers a variety of pad materials, each designed to meet a specific need. Red Stuff is a street pad designed for high performance vehicles, a Kevlar fiber compound enhanced with ceramic particles offers good wear and cold friction, excellent hot friction, and low brake dust. Yellow Stuff uses an aramid fiber-based compound designed for both track and street use with excellent wear, hot and cold friction, and higher amounts brake dust. Both pads features a surface coating designed to condition the rotor surface and accelerate the bed-in process. Prices vary.
EBC Brakes
818.362.5534
www.ebcbrakesusa.com