My BMW M3 Is Back To Stock? Let Me Explain...

[@tractioncontroldelete]

The 666M wheels look really good with your suspension drop. I think the darker color goes well with the black details. Your points about the front lip nailed it!! It’s crazy how easy it is to go overboard with the mods… we’ve all been there lol

[@TommyLGarage]

I'm glad i was able to pull myself in

[@jaymariano1028]

I totally agree with you! Modified F80s seem like they are getting too oversaturated and seeing a “stock” F80 makes it special in a sense. But the stock wheels you have are my favorite stock wheel and it looks awesome with the F80 body!

[@TommyLGarage]

Well said!

[@Timujin007]

I’m glad you are not selling the car, that is the first thing I thought when I saw the title of your video! M666 one of the best looking wheels out there, and the best stock wheels hands down!

[@TommyLGarage]

I agree. And the shadow line 666 are amazing

[@mikediazArtist]

Great choice 👍🏼 I never modded my F80. I’m not into the tuner look and as a designer by profession I wanted to honor the original design BMW designers spent countless hours on. The F80 will also definitely appreciate in value over time and the ones that have all original parts and in the best condition will be the most elegant and most desired.

[@TommyLGarage]

That and the fact that all this fake aero probably makes the driving experience worse.

[@VNGLRS]

Great hot take man. The OEM+ look has always been something I loved over an over-modified exterior. The "Extra modified"-look is great on certain cars but over time you can't beat the simplicity of the OEM look.

[@TommyLGarage]

I agree - that was my thought process

[@jaman2366]

I actually love the 666 wheels more than any wheels made for the m4. They are so unique. Only downside is cleaning them but they look amazing

[@TommyLGarage]

Totally agree

[@uncleben4536]

The more time that goes by, the more I don’t like driving a heavily modified car. All the headache that comes with modifications causing issues. It’s hard to find modifications that have only upsides and no downsides. The car still looks great, now you just don’t have to worry about clearance as much.

[@TommyLGarage]

I agree with you! Maybe we're just getting older

[@DippinItUp1]

He really is onto something here. After 5 years with my subaru WRX it looked crazy with front lips, side skirts, splitters, rear diffusers, canards and a big duckbill. Just before I sold it I removed almost every exterior mod except for the suspension drop and the wider wheels I sold it with and I was amazed how simple, clean and aggressive it looked. Almost made me regret selling it at that point in time. OEM+ look is uber clean and timeless IMO.

[@TommyLGarage]

OEM+ is the way to go for sure

[@lc500yyc]

It's all about your personal connection to the car, there are people with Lambos and Ferraris who have no real passion for the vehicles they drive. It's not always about showing off and impressing others... whatever decision you make that results in a more enjoyable experience for yourself is a good one!

[@TommyLGarage]

Thanks!

[@RyanTX34]

I got my BSM F82 Comp back in July and while I was initially wanting to put all of the exterior mods I decided that I’m going to lower it and add spacers and that’s it. My dad has an F10 and F82 and he only lowered and added spacers, focusing purely on performance, and I now agree with him.

[@TommyLGarage]

I agree. Why mess with perfection, right?!

[@jamesyang8189]

100% agree with your choice. I spent $900 to go back to OEM springs for comfort and daily liveability, best $900 spent. Kept my mudflaps and spacers.

[@PhonesOnaDailyBasis]

That moment when before look so much better than after

[@TommyLGarage]

it depends on the age of the recipient

[@bkoreo]

It makes sense! The car still looks good. I have the same wheels on mine and stock suspension and I scrape my front lip more than I’d like 🙈

[@TommyLGarage]

Time to approach driveways at an angle :)

[@heavyevo]

Just signs of getting older. Im 38 and I have a mk4 supra heavily modified (u filmed it in a previous video at Sal's) and i feel the exact same way. Ive also started to turn it into a less racecar and more into a fast cruiser. Putting in a more forgiving clutch and tire combo. Love the vids, been a subscriber for yrs

[@TommyLGarage]

I love that Supra by the way! Such a lovely clean example. And I like how on the outside it’s fairly stock. Really nicely done!!!!

[@heavyevo]

@@TommyLGarage thank you i appreciate the it.

[@magikmastr]

Great video. I recently cracked my front lip after about 9 months of babying the car around driveways and speed bumps. It has since been off and now that I’ve driven without it, I drive so much more stress free. While the front lip looks AMAZING, the added caution is starting to seem like it’s not worth it

[@TommyLGarage]

We are on the same page! Our cars are not show cars.

[@madeirask8]

I like what you did. Love you M666. Cars don't have to be super moded on the outside to look amazing

[@TommyLGarage]

Couldn't agree more!

[@rylandsilva]

Well I qualify as middle aged (53) but still a kid at heart when it comes to sports cars amd racing. Just installed an AWE track edition exhaust on my f80 and love it! Also have a spec miata headed to the track soon but will occasionally take out on the street. Probably a funny sight to see. Glad you're keeping it and those stock wheels will never get old to me!

[@TommyLGarage]

Spec miata must be so much fun!

[@markadcock1445]

I have the identical car only in black sapphire metallic. Six speed manual, sunroof, competition & executive packages. Big fan of bone stock. Bravo!

[@TommyLGarage]

Thanks! stock is the way to go

[@jackneedham9958]

Totally agree with lowering with no lip…if you live in the city like I do…you would go through several front lips!

[@TommyLGarage]

I went through 2 :)

[@Humba69]

I feel you. I am not even lowered but I scrape in my driveway, in the grocery, in the mall…all over the place. It adds the stress having a lowered daily.

[@TommyLGarage]

we need SUVs!

[@whiplash2486]

just bought a '18 F80, Avus Blue/Sakhir inside. planning to keep it as stock as possible as well. trying to catch up on all your videos now.

[@TommyLGarage]

Good choice! Invest in my mud flaps :)

[@jondas05]

Hey Tom, your f80 is definitely looking better, I ike the OEM+ look. Are you going to keep the m performace suspension? will you raise it? what are you the spacers you are using with the 666 wheels?

[@TommyLGarage]

Thanks. I am keeping the MP Suspension. And these wheels have 12mm spacers

[@darinbyrne]

I’m with you on the look of the 666M wheels and the joy of driving and not worrying about scraping. I lowered my F82 in the spring and although it looks great, I am more conscious of bumps, curbs, and parking lot ramps. I ran my track Apex wheels all summer, but happy to put my beautiful 666Ms back on.

[@TommyLGarage]

seems like OEM is always the way to go

[@chitterlingsrtasty]

Makes sense to me. Lowering(modest) looks good but not practical for me.

[@TommyLGarage]

as long as front lip is not too low

[@davidsmallridge832]

I have subscribed to the fact that if a modification changes the way I would normally drive I won’t do it. In 6 years my SSII F80 has only a CF spoiler for exterior changes. I do wish I checked off CC brakes so I would not have to keep cleaning the brake dust off the wheels. I wholeheartedly agree with you. When I kept seeing your changes, I knew you were making changes in how you drove it. Never saw that in your videos. Haha.

[@TommyLGarage]

I didn't realize these visual changes were actually making the driving experience worse

[@chriswyatt2874]

While You make some very valid points about the anxiety that driving with a lip brings I can’t help but think how amazing and finished the car looks with all of the exterior modifications. Now I will admit my car isn’t lowered to the level of your car but I still have to watch how I drive. I think your point about modded F80/82/83 I think really depends where you live. Here in Virginia Beach,Va modded M cars are pretty rare. I love it! Lol.

[@TommyLGarage]

I think it looks good either way - the lines on these cars are so perfect.

[@kachm3]

Tommy love the way you keep the M3 going switching up back and forth 💪🏼Thank God your not selling the car 🙌🏼 quick question…want to sell those GTS taillights lol

[@TommyLGarage]

Thanks 👍 And no no the GTS tail lights are not for sale :)

[@ashishpatel350]

Love the stock Wheels

[@TommyLGarage]

Thanks! Me too

[@kirkthorpe5392]

Love it! Also, the original wheels look so much better, glad you went back to them!

[@TommyLGarage]

Thank you! I agree

[@cokemachine62590]

What matters is that you enjoy it. That’s really the only thing that should matter

[@TommyLGarage]

True!

[@nagaumagarikiparthi640]

Completely agree with everything you said. That's why I have never gotten a lip. Planning to do the same except gotta keep my FI-Rs

[@TommyLGarage]

FI-Rs are so sweet

[@alexrico9989]

Definitely can appreciate your argument. It looks great! Mine has been mostly OEM+ until this point. I have the car lowered roughly 30mm on KW DDC coilovers with an m perf (non carbon fiber) lip and admit I do find myself driving like a grandma through parking lots and areas I don't know to avoid scraping. It's a tight squeeze to fit my daughters in the back with one in a booster and one in reverse facing baby seat but we make it work haha. I think we can all agree the F80 is still considered a stunning car.

[@TommyLGarage]

It's stunning as long as it's not slammed on airbags :)

[@Infinitesyndicate.]

Rock your car however you want. It's yours! Ride height has always been a finicky thing for me. I've always been performance over aesthetics but always hated going out of the way to not scrape a car cause of ride height.

[@TommyLGarage]

Life is so much easier without scraping ! :)

[@shameemlottering6048]

The car is still awesome to me .keep up the good work man

[@TommyLGarage]

Thanks!!

[@acnoekozz2568]

So basically I just watched a ten minute video about how you’re turning the car into a sleeper. Jk just kidding. Lowered cars in the North East is next to impossible thanks to the great roads we have here in the Tri State area. I think the decision is a great one that brings more comfort and less stress, allowing you to really enjoy the car how it’s meant to be. The car in stock form is a beautiful car as is. Glad you’re keeping her

[@TommyLGarage]

I don’t think a bright blue M3 is a sleeper hehe

[@mikebellows754]

I like it. That's how I roll in my F80 comp. Think they look much better stock/almost stock vs having all the extra bits and pieces on them. Especially with the black 666's. Your car looks much better IMO!

[@TommyLGarage]

Thanks! I kind of agree

[@nuevocomienzo9571]

The only cosmetic nitpick I have with the OEM F80 is the trunk spoiler and rear diffuser, both of which I ended up replacing (M performance spoiler, and turner motorsport rear diffuser). I'm on the fence with the front lip -- I'd like to install the M performance one, but I worry about ground clearance. I did hear that the front lip and the trunk spoiler work in tandem to produce better aerodynamic, but this probably doesn't matter unless you track the car. Did you keep the spacers on your wheel? That's probably one additional cosmetic change I'd like to do to my car.

[@TommyLGarage]

You're right about the trunk lip!

[@kindafast6712]

Understand your perspective of Being a parent. Pro and cons. And I guess it’s different because of the situation. Now here in Colorado there is a hand full of f80 and f82 that are lowered with lips. I don’t see them very often. I see so many stock ones. As a parent my daughter tells me she feels like a celebrity when I pick her up in the f82. And it’s nothing but positivity for me. But I understand where you are coming from. Good video

[@TommyLGarage]

I know the celebrity factor feeling. Pulling up to school in a cool car definitely feels great

[@bannerrj41]

I’m happy your not selling your car. I your car with all the cosmetic upgrades but whatever make you happy.

[@TommyLGarage]

Thanks! Car is staying :)

[@redrex91]

Hard to beat the look of the 666m wheels. Car looks fantastic. I have kept every single oem part of my car in the boxes where the aftermarket parts came in, for the most part, to include my 437 wheels in the bbs boxes. If I were to sell the car 10 years down the line it would be alot more valuable oem than with the aftermarket stuff. I couldn't believe the rocks on the lip 😱 that's crazy lol

[@TommyLGarage]

Keeping the stock parts is very smart indeed!

[@fabricecadet9109]

I get the lip and side skirts but I’m confused about the taillights though. Why remove them?

[@TommyLGarage]

too much bling for me without any body kits

[@M3_Foss]

Great choice going with the 666M Wheels. I have them and people really love them and the ones that really love them the most are the ones that used to have them but sold them off and have aftermarket rims. Car looks clean!

[@TommyLGarage]

Thanks! It’s amazing how going back to stock feels so refreshing

[@MamunShaikh]

That OEM+ Vibes. I’m all about it

[@TommyLGarage]

Thanks!!

[@sijo24]

I agree with you I drive a stock F80 manual with competition and carbon ceramic brakes. Love the car except the Manual disengaged gear shifts. I installed the clutch stop but still jerky sometimes

[@TommyLGarage]

Owning a porsche made me realize how bad the BMW transmission is

[@saga0796]

Whatever makes you happy.

[@TommyLGarage]

Thanks :)

[@decepticon219]

Could you please make a short video on how you converted your car phone mount to MagSafe?

[@TommyLGarage]

Here you go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qp7WZmeQgrR-b7c

[@keloncooper8687]

These cars are beautiful from the factory, so I'm down with your decision!

[@TommyLGarage]

Thanks!

[@Jbpgarage]

Haha totally understandable being a parent myself 👍🏿, that’s why I have a daily and X5 for family duties.

[@TommyLGarage]

Absolutely!!

[@scottmayers1460]

I had 666’s on my f80 and they are beautiful wheels. However. I can’t possibly imagine describing theM as easier to clean.

[@TommyLGarage]

I thought so too...until I installed my aftermarket wheels.

[@razzy530]

Best decision EVER! Every otherF80/82 is like bringing "Sand at the Beach"

[@TommyLGarage]

I agree!!

[@rickpotter775]

Hey Tommy! Routine refreshes reignite the love for the car I'd say. On that note, question for you. On your Richland's, which offsets did you select? I'm looking at getting the Project Nurburg RF GT4's, and want the same fitment that you were running. Thanks!

[@TommyLGarage]

Hi there. I had the aggressive front offset and 10.5 inch rear wheel. I say go with 11 inch rear wheel.

[@rickpotter775]

Thanks brother. Keep up the great content! @@TommyLGarage

[@TommyLGarage]

@@rickpotter775 thank you!!!

[@zachw1117]

I’ve kept mine stock on the exterior for the same reason. Two car seats in the back, love being able to take the family and not have to plan a different route due to a speed bump or pot hole. Screw what everyone else thinks though man, if you’re happy with it that’s all that matters!

[@TommyLGarage]

We are just wise parents :)

[@Robwilli]

Personally only mod I can't do is lower my car, other than that I can do whatever mods to a car. But lowering it or do those ricey (imo) "bags" is a big no-no. I respect everyone's preferences and whatnot, I'm not trying to hate someone that loves bagging their car, is just not my personal cup of tea. I do like the more stock look of your car. I would've done the same as you in your same position.

[@TommyLGarage]

Lowering and spacers are a must

[@wegoingplaces]

I would’ve kept the wheels though, Sir! But as far as the front lip, I would’ve gotten rid of it.

[@TommyLGarage]

I agree

[@lrburer]

I really like the stock look. So buch better. Says a lot about the design. I modifyed my F36 only interior and thechical wise.

[@TommyLGarage]

I agree. Stock is the way to go.

[@s.c.1972]

Not going stock to sell/trade it in??? I do know what you mean about wanting the car stock. I have a 2018 M550i and while tempted to mod it, I love how it looks stock and I don’t want to mess up the look of the OEM setup. Not an F80 type of a car, but one killer daily!

[@chuckgill3078]

WOW TOMMY it’s been a few years since I hit your channel up. Still love your custom mudflats! What happened Tommy!? You got old bro? YOU LOOK 50

[@TommyLGarage]

Lmao kids age you

[@josephgoias2945]

OEM+ is classy and timeless

[@TommyLGarage]

I agree :)

[@s2kseth]

Sir. Coming from a 48 year old and love me some M cars it's called "getting older" 😂😂😆 love your cars bro🙏🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@TommyLGarage]

Ahh you might be right. Thanks!!

[@K_N_44]

I don't understand... You had coilover suspension that you removed and put on stock suspension with lowering springs? If so why you just didn't adjust the aftermarket suspension to the height you like?

[@SlyEvoIX]

This vid confirms my decision not to get a lip. My f80 is lowered on swift springs and I already scrape my stock bumper. I would waste my money and destroy the lip in no time lol. Other than mpe and m diffuser and trunk lip my car looks pretty stock on 437ms. 550whp under the hood. 6mt!

[@TommyLGarage]

You are absolutely right. It took me a while to realize that simple is better.

[@carlj4992]

Love the 666 M wheels! I’m pretty much stock on my 17 F80 and yes no scrapes 😁

[@TommyLGarage]

Good choice!

[@jamaljuse6256]

I love the oem look

[@TommyLGarage]

Thanks! Me too

[@technopro-kz4xv]

Love those wheels 😍i have the same wheels in 20” on my 440i Gran coupe! 😃👌mine is stock, it comes with the M performance power kit, carbon fiber exhaust tips, front lip and rear diffuser and i want to keep it like that. You are 100% right, it’s difficult to find an stock car!

[@TommyLGarage]

We are growing up too! :)

[@TimChump]

It looks better now imho I’m trying hard to keep my M2 stock

[@TommyLGarage]

Thanks. I agree

[@gixxerhoff7502]

I would put the lip and skirts back on and raise the car back to stock height. The stock wheels look better IMO. My F80 is one of the ones you see that looks stock. I just can’t decide on the right aero yet.

[@TommyLGarage]

no no no... i can't drive a regular-height car :)

[@gsandovaljr]

You still have the side skirts? Ill buy them if theyre available.😁

[@TommyLGarage]

Sold sorry

[@bojanbrkic435]

The OEM look is definitely better. Do you still have the spacers on your wheels?

[@TommyLGarage]

Yes. 12mm front and back n

[@DC-88]

Much better tbh, always fan of that beautiful oem look. Would even skip the black line headlights and that M performance shift knob 😄

[@TommyLGarage]

Shift knob is sexy! :)

[@number36420]

The car looks better in the more stock form and also a lot more mature

[@TommyLGarage]

Thanks! I agree

[@MichaelNNguyen]

OEM FTW!

[@TommyLGarage]

I agree!!

[@Lumi9419]

Hi tommy what front lip was on the car? I really like it and would love to buy that one

[@jeffkierstein700]

I agree 100% with your thought process.

[@TommyLGarage]

Well thank you!

[@hevendranarayansamy2793]

First. Loved this video. It was like a throw back to your monthly huddle. And like the wheel advice.

[@TommyLGarage]

Thanks! I gotta do more of those free-spirited videos

[@zjldmd]

I say do what makes you happy. Although I like the splitter & am about to put one on my M4, it’s all about the enjoyment factor. I’m not planning on lowering my car, but like you if it scrapes a lot, I’ll probably end up taking it off. I like both sets of wheels you have. How did you get your clock to be on your display?

[@vonfragyou]

Was the front lip OEM? I am in process of installing OEM carbon fiber front lip, suspension height is default. It’s good if you are happy.

[@TheDailyDriven]

End of the day you gotta mod or un-mod the car to your taste. I respect all those points. Car still looks 👍🏻

[@TommyLGarage]

I totally agree!

[@Kuma_Cordova]

Still very clean/unique and your reasons are 100% legit! 👏🏿👍🏿

[@TommyLGarage]

Thanks and thanks for watching!

[@Staroy_by]

Yea but rear lights?? WHY??

[@TommyLGarage]

OEM baby!

[@Staroy_by]

@@TommyLGarage For OEM purposes, I get it then. Thought rear lights somehow affect going over speed bumps lol

[@sw4ngkthx]

Like the dark wheels with the car much more. Also like a more stock and less ricer boy look.

[@TommyLGarage]

I agree. Much better and I feel more mature driving it :)

[@Mimoza120]

Love these wheels 😍 These are my favorite for a 3 series

[@TommyLGarage]

Thank you!

[@anilbouri1485]

Stock can be king, after years of modifying cars I could not agree with you more. There is a reason stock setups are such, we enjoy our mods but rarely do they improve the years of time and millions of dollars that BMW has put into the R and D of the car!

[@TommyLGarage]

Stock..plus a mild drop...and spacers :)

[@kv8195]

Do you have a part number or link for the perforated leather wheel you found for the Porsche?

[@TommyLGarage]

I don't; I found it on eBay

[@AmanSingh-ez5xx]

The car looks great Tommy! If it makes you happy that’s what counts. Enjoy 😊

[@TommyLGarage]

Thanks!!

[@TRDPRO]

Looks great in this form!

[@TommyLGarage]

Thanks!!

[@jbrown7403]

I thought for sure that you were going to say that you’re selling your F80…….whew! Glad that’s not the case!! 👍🍺

[@TommyLGarage]

Not yet!

[@zyzlol]

how about front lip + no lowering?

[@TommyLGarage]

No no no... that's a no no :)

[@thewizard1196]

Yup best way that how I’m keeping my g80…jus gonna order some spacers

[@TommyLGarage]

And TLG mud flaps I hope!

[@thewizard1196]

@@TommyLGarage yes one day when I’m around in jersey, or the next car meet, I’m based in PA close to The city.

[@TommyLGarage]

@@thewizard1196 I am mail them to you :)

[@vincent4226]

If I put a bunch of OEM CS parts (hood, splitter, wheels, diffuser, deck lid) on my F82 is it still considered stock?

[@TommyLGarage]

I think so! Hehe

[@moulha12]

It looks much better with stock wheels, your aftermarket wheels were taking away from the prestige of driving an F 80 M3

[@TommyLGarage]

Thanks! I agree

[@edgardoarroyo7418]

Car look 100% better with the stock look🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@TommyLGarage]

I agree !

[@IsmailiaSix]

Come to queens I got a stock one lol. Manual also. Yours still looks awesome

[@TommyLGarage]

Deal!

[@__julio__]

The car has to serve you, not the other way around! It has to be functional

[@TommyLGarage]

I agree!

[@s.c.1972]

How much faster is the NSX than your M3 with mods?

[@TommyLGarage]

not very much faster

[@rainersheitan7572]

Hi Tommy, nice video! Which Spacers do you have installed? Could you make a video with different spacers at the m666 rims? Greetings from Germany!

[@TommyLGarage]

12MM spacers front and back. I will do a spacers video for sure

[@suhailjamil3909]

Tommy gets bored easily lol. Well as long as you take it out on the car and not the wife, it's all good. 😂👍 I'd recommend a slight alloy change which I have on my M4. My alloys are totally standard like yours, but I have them on full gloss black, with a chrome outer trim. Really looks nice and quite modern as BMW do that with the new M4/M3 I've noticed.

[@TommyLGarage]

My car came with silver 666M. The shadow line 666M that I have are so much better

[@oficina_moomoo]

Looks great still, I probably would have kept the richland forged wheels just because I like the way they look (maybe would have gone a size smaller for ride comfort). I like to do some mods but I think there is a too much when it comes to mods. not that you were there at all, it looked great but I like this better. I think with a front splitter, you either choose a drop or a splitter, with both its going to be a pain in the ass in our NY/NJ streets. That said, you going to sell this car, I can feel it

[@TommyLGarage]

....want to buy it? :)

[@r3awak3n]

@@TommyLGarage Haha. I have an M2 comp already, 2 M cars in the house wold be amazing though

[@zaydsamodien_m3]

Tommy, you should try an equal length mid pipe, gives the s55 a high pitch note👌

[@TommyLGarage]

I don't like the high-pitched sound. I prefer the deep tone

[@crujones5319]

I've been trying to cure myself of the 'mod disease' for years. For my F80 I swapped on a set of 666 wheels and I think I'm going to keep it at that! (I'm not counting power upgrades, of course) :-)

[@TommyLGarage]

maybe a mild drop?

[@crujones5319]

@@TommyLGarage I go back and forth. One day it looks totally fine as is, next day it's ehh maybe it does need to come down a tad in front...!

[@crujones5319]

Also, does the fact that the front and rear tires are not the same diameter bug the hell out of you like it does me? And it's even worse on the G80!

[@robertwojcicki2635]

I like the decision!

[@TommyLGarage]

Thanks!

[@gavinlamp]

Bone stock m3's as a whole are incredible.

[@TommyLGarage]

I agree!