It’s not often that we run a feature that doesn’t have too many modifications. This sleeper BMW M3 coupe owned by Ricky is one exception. Almost all the modifications on this car can be seen right from the photos. That’s right, all his modifications are exterior and interior except for an x-pipe under the car. However, all these additions to the car are not just for looks. These modifications have a track purpose for Ricky who spends most his weekends driving his car on the track. He is a true track junkie whose goal is to make the best out of a relatively stock car.
Many will argue that a stock car may not be good enough for the track and would justify spending top dollar on performance and under the hood modifications, but not Ricky. When Ricky first got the M3, he bought “the ultimate driving machine” and did not want to change the car’s engine and performance at all. Instead he went about to bring out as much of the car as he could on the track as possible. So far the track has claimed two of his previous front lips due to heavy down force which explains his current setup. Lose two lips? No problem, bolt two lips back on plus a couple of supporting rods for safety. Technically it’s a lip plus a splitter. He feels that all his current modifications will help him get better times out of a stock BMW M3.
Sometimes less is more, but that seems like a hypocritical statement when it comes to this car. The blazing red color and huge rear wing makes everyone think it means serious business and it does. This car is a testament that it’s not always about the modifications on a car. The driver himself is one of the most crucial factors when it comes to tracking a car. Ricky has been to plenty of southern California tracks and has been outrunning cars that have better numbers on paper than his “stock” M3. In the hands of a track amateur, this car may not perform as well.
His whole front end has been clear bra’ed just to keep his car clean. What you see on the hood is not poor post-processing, but a stain clear wrap which is thicker than regular clear bra material.
Given that Ricky spends most of his weekends on the track, this huge wing is justified. The quality of this product is just amazing coming straight from Japan.
The finish on these Volk TE37 Super Laps are truly unique. Ricky wanted to buy a couple spares just in case of track damage, however, when he received the new wheels he discovered that the finish for every batch is different and did not match his original set of 4.
Prepare to be surprised at minimal amount of modifications this BMW M3 coupe has. This car from Ricky’s personal garage, is the least modified. Be on the look out for his Nissan GT-R beast, fully-tuned Honda S2000, and his girlfriend’s Nismo 370Z soon.
Modifications
Exterior:
- APR front splitter
- GT4 Front lip
- Satin wrapped front hood
- GTS grills & vents
- Varis 1430 Euro Edition GT Wing
Interior:
- Recaro SPG
- ACG San Diego custom roll bar & rear seats delete
Wheels:
- Volk TE37SL
- Hankook RS3 285/35/18
Performance:
- Vanguard Ti exhaust
- Challenge X-Pipe
- AP Racing BBK
- Moton suspension
Hope you enjoyed this feature. Let us know what you think by leaving a comment below.
About the Author
John Zhang
A freelance photographer currently available for projects in the Los Angeles area who goes by the alias 1013MM. He also enjoys long walks on the beach :D
September 8, 2011 at 3:01 pm
to much editing on some pics..but looks clean
September 8, 2011 at 7:57 pm
not editing, its a shooting style.
September 8, 2011 at 4:10 pm
A sleeper is a stock “looking” car that isn’t stock under the hood. This exactly the opposite.
September 8, 2011 at 7:57 pm
same meaning in a reverse kinda way.
September 9, 2011 at 5:44 am
So you are saying that a “stock under the hood” car with numerous spoilers and wide bodyparts is a sleeper but in a reverse kinda way? That doesn’t make sense…. It’s just the opposite. The bodyparts may or may not be functional, but either way, it’s just the opposite of a sleeper. (meaning functionality doesn’t turn a ricer into a sleeper, it just turns it into a functional track car)
September 9, 2011 at 12:30 pm
I think of it as the driver as the “sleeper” not the mods under the hood.
What I meant to say was, from the outside, you would think that this car has so much done to the engine, but in fact, there are no engine mods. It’s all about the driver that really surprises you.
September 9, 2011 at 12:33 am
Quality car, but a bright red M3 with a massive wing and front splitter is far from a “sleeper”.
September 9, 2011 at 1:33 am
I think It’s a pretty bad ass car. Sleeper term is debatable but for the most part a typical person the street would just see a 3 series with a giant wing on the back and not think twice. An experienced car enthusiast would know better. Photo’s look great btw John.
September 9, 2011 at 12:27 pm
Thanks!
September 9, 2011 at 4:50 am
i’d seen his modification posts of the GTR and s2000, really awesome jobs. looking forward to see the 370
September 9, 2011 at 6:31 am
Forgot to mention Ricky’s Moton suspension
September 9, 2011 at 12:27 pm
Better safe than sorry. It was not mentioned to me, but the post has been modified
September 11, 2011 at 1:51 am
Wow, that’s what you call “TRACK RACER BALLIN” right there. An M3, a GT-R, an S2000 AND a Nismo Z for the wifey?? Geez, wonder what his kid’s gonna get…
September 11, 2011 at 5:30 am
and a porsche.
September 13, 2011 at 9:53 pm
clean. but he put the stickers on the wrong spokes… ugh.
October 31, 2011 at 1:46 am
This thing is so freakin sexy like wow It’s crazy how a few mods can make a car jaw droping
November 1, 2011 at 2:04 pm
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