It's nearly impossible for us at EAG to choose a favorite M car - some people like the classic feel of an E28 M5 or possibility of an E30 M3, while others may prefer the astounding speed of a G80 M3 Competition or F90 M5 CS. But one car that pretty much every M enthusiast can find common ground with is the F9X generation M3. Considered by the old-school enthusiasts as the “last real” M-Car thanks to its naturally aspirated engine and individual throttle bodies, fans of the newer M cars appreciate it for its speed and offering just enough tech to still be usable in modern times, without it completely overtaking the driving experience.

This 2011 BMW E90 M3 Competition was delivered new to BMW of Dallas in Dallas, TX, and currently shows just 28,441 miles. Finished in Melbourne Red, this M3 is on its third trip through the EAG workshop and remains in exceptional condition. Ordered from the factory with the Competition Package, which gives it a great stance and the sought-after 19” split-spoke wheels. To give the car a better fitment with those wheels, in 2021, we installed a set of spacers both front and rear that just slightly push the wheels out to fill in the fenders perfectly, and we installed a new set of new Michelin All-Season 4 tires while the wheels were off.

On the inside, Black Novillo leather covers the seats, center console and door cards, and the E9X signature “Carbon Leather” interior trim was optioned on the dashboard. This car was pretty loaded from the factory with boxes like the Convenience Package, Premium Package 2, Enhanced Premium Sound, and a moonroof all fitted from the factory. As you would expect from a car of with such low mileage, the interior is nearly immaculate and still has that matte-leather look that you would have found on this car when it was new.

Powered by BMW’s famous S65 4.0-liter V8, this E90 M3 is punching out a bit more than the advertised 414 horsepower thanks to some Dinan modification we added on this car’s first visit to EAG. In 2016, when the car had just over 10,000 miles on the odometer, its new owner wanted us to add the Dinan P1 Power Pack, which includes performance engine software, a cold air intake, and a freer-flowing exhaust with black tips. This undoubtedly frees up a bit of extra power and gives the car a nicer sound, both on the induction and exhaust sides. Then, in 2021, when we installed the previously mentioned wheel spacers, we also added Dinan’s DCT software, which gives the 7-speed gearbox quicker and smoother shifts while driving fast but also makes it much nicer to use around town.