Why I Didn't Purchase Any M Performance Parts?

This article is about why I didn't order any BMW M performance parts out of the factory. This is not to say that I will not buy any M performance parts in the future. I simply want to discuss my logic behind this decision and if it's right for the next buyer or not.

There’s two ways to look at the big picture. The first route to go is to buy the M performance parts you would like and have them installed at the port once stateside. This is assuming that you order the vehicle and not purchase it directly from the lot. The second route is to purchase the M performance parts afterwards and then install them. There’s pros and cons to both but definitely weigh the options before going either way.

Let’s talk about cost first. If the cost is an issue, I would say get the M3 or M4 and then buy all the options/packages you want because you cannot add them later on. There’s a few exceptions with aftermarket parts but for the most part, you cannot have BMW add packages to the car once the car leaves the factory. All the M performance parts can be bought online at a later time so don’t sweat if you simply cannot afford to buy everything at once.

If you know exactly what M performance parts you want and don’t like the hassle of having it installed later on then I don’t see why you wouldn’t want to have them port installed. One thing to consider is that if your accessories are port installed, you only need to pay for the price of the parts and not labor. It might be cheaper for you if you want something replaced that you cannot do yourself such as installing the M performance exhaust. However, the original parts that are being replaced on the car will not be given back to you. BMW keeps those parts for themselves. Going this route ensures you that pretty much out of the box, your vehicle is exactly the way you want it to be.

If you are unsure about whether to get some performance parts, I honestly would say to just wait and get the car. Test it out and if you still don’t like some part of the car, then go ahead and replace it. Let’s say your friend has the stock exhaust and you don’t like it then, it would make sense for you to get it port installed. The M performance parts can be ordered online and then you can ask BMW or any other technician to install for you afterwards but keep in mind that you do have to pay for labor. Also, you will get to keep the original parts that are being replaced and hey if you don’t like them you can go sell them to make a quick buck or two. 

For me, I don’t know if I’m going to like some M performance parts. Take the M performance exhaust as an example. I didn’t know if the exhaust note was going to be brilliant for me or have me wanting more. The performance exhaust was going to set me back a couple thousand dollars so to me it didn’t make much sense if the stock exhaust was acceptable for me already. I’ve heard it on the test drive and on numerous other instances as well. It seemed fine to me so I wanted to experience it for myself before I make any changes to an already amazing car. Also some parts also affect the functionality of the original vehicle as well. The carbon fiber rear diffuser eliminates the ability for the user to kick open the back trunk. Just be aware that some parts do indeed affect the usability of the car. 

​Most of the M performance parts are cosmetic changes but a few aerodynamic parts do actually help improve the performance of the vehicle. By how much I cannot say but they sure do make it look meaner and cooler. You can definitely live without any M performance parts on your car but I would certainly approve if you made some changes.