Always the last market to get the configurator here. What would your build spec be?

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After going through countless colors, they suggested the Platinum Wrapping Film (PWF) Intense Matt Sandstorm! Most recently, the CreativZwo team helped me come up with a different look! A black top roofline! I was a little skeptical at first, but as they say, its a wrap! Besides the wrap, some other mods include:

Interior

Evolve Billet Paddle Shift Set
Cvrbonized Carbon Fiber Steering Wheel

Exterior and Aesthetics

ADRO G80 M3 Carbon Trunk Spoiler
Motorsport24de Carbon Fiber Vented Hood w/ Power Dome
Sterckenn Carbon Fiber Front Lip Spoiler
Vorsteiner G8X Dry Carbon Aero Front Grill
Wrap: Intense Matte Sandstorm

Engine Bay & Mods

BMW Genuine CSL Strut Brace
CSF Dual Core ZF8 Transmission Oil Cooler
CSF Engine Oil Cooler with Rock Guard
CSF Front Mount Heat Exchanger
CSF Intake Manifold
Eventuri Carbon Fiber Cold Air Intake
Eventuri G8X Carbon Fiber Engine Cover
Mishimoto Skid Plate (G8X)

Exhaust

Active Autowerks GESI Catted Downpipes
Eisenmann Axelback Sport Exhaust
Inked Custom Midpipe

Wheels and Tires

Signature Wheels SV306S Two Piece Wheels (Brushed Sahara Sand)

Suspension

KW Height Adjustable System (HAS)
Fall-Line Motorsports Adjustable Front Sway Bar End Link Kit
Fall-Line Motorsports Adjustable Toe Arm Set
Fall-Line Motorsports Rear Sway Bar End Link Kit
Fall-Line Motorsports Rear Lower Tension / Fixed Toe Arm Set
Fall-Line Motorsports BMW Rear Camber Shim Kit
H&R Front and Rear Anti-Sway Bars

We got our allocation through a dealer in Louisiana and they turned out to be easy to work with. They had a super low ball offer on my G87 trade though so ended up selling to Carmax for $6k more.

As has been mentioned the hotel is no longer included, the new partner hotels are Hotel Hartness and the Grand Bohemian. We booked with Hotel Hartness and thought it was excellent. Theres hiking trails around the hotel and a local restaurant / bar both at the hotel and another within about a 10 minute walk. Limo ride was provided by BMW from the airport to hotel, and from the hotel to the performance center the next morning.

I didnt get many pictures at the Performance Center prior to delivery, but was definitely happy with the experience. We got to drive a watermelon spec M3 xDrive (IOMG/Fiona) and it gave my wife a lot of confidence driving the car. Shes previously been nervous driving my M cars. The flow for the day was: Classroom for overview of the day, braking exercise, autocross style course, skidpad, track ride with an instructor. After that we headed to the museum in some X5 M60is and on the way back hit the offroad course.

Then we had lunch, hit the gift shop and it was time to see our cars.

This was far and away the most thorough and professional walkthrough of a vehicle by the BMW Performance Center team of any vehicle Ive ever purchased. They made sure we had everything set up to our liking and answered all questions (unlike your typical dealer).

We were done at about 2pm and paused for a quick photo out front before hitting the road for our overnight stop.

We stayed at the Rivers Edge treehouse cabins in Robbinsville before hitting the Cherohala skyway the next day and the rest of our drive home. Was definitely a cool place to stay, secluded and right on a river, they even have a setup to wash your car at your cabin.

The next day we hit the Cherohala skyway early and barely saw any other cars which was fantastic…

This was our first time doing PCD and Id definitely recommend it if you can make it happen. Makes the experience feel more special. Only thing I wish we couldve done is the factory tour but thats currently under construction and will be available again soon.

At IND Distribution, we thrive on the passion and excitement that comes with high-performance cars and motorsport culture. This year, we had the incredible opportunity to attend the first MPACT Motorsport Festival at the amazing Circuit of the Americas in Austin, TX. It was a weekend filled with adrenaline, showcasing an amazing variety of vehicles, and connecting with fellow automotive enthusiasts. Join us for a look at our experience!

The Journey Begins: Rollout from Chicago

Our adventure, of course, began at home in Chicago, IL, where we meticulously loaded vehicles onto our transporters. Our lineup for MPACT Austin included our stunning BRG G82 M4, the aggressive G87 M2 build, and the iconic duo of our F82 M4 in Ultraviolet and the Gelbgrün F87 M2. And for good measure, we "threw in" our charming little BMW Isetta. Each vehicle, a testament to our commitment to performance and quality, was carefully prepared for the journey to Austin.

Arrival and Setup at Circuit of the Americas

Upon arrival at Circuit of the Americas, our team wasted no time setting up our expansive garage area. The setup featured a comprehensive product display, showcasing the premium "Family of Brands" that IND is renowned for. Our vehicles, gleaming under the extremely warm Texas sun, drew immediate attention and admiration from attendees. It was a good thing we brought water and t-shirts to hand out to the crowd!

The Event: Exploring the Paddock and Track

MPACT Motorsport Festival is not just about the cars; its about the entire experience. We took the time to explore the paddock and track area, capturing the vibrant atmosphere of the event. The paddock buzzed with activity as enthusiasts and professionals alike admired the variety of high-performance machines on display. From modern marvels to classic icons, the event had something for everyone.

Highlights of Our Display

Our booth quickly became a hub for festival-goers. The G82 M4 and G87 M2, with their cutting-edge design and performance enhancements, were crowd favorites with the G82 coming away with "Best Engine Bay" while the G87 won "Best BMW". The F82 M4 and F87 M2 were great to have on hand to showcase the evolution of BMWs M series, drawing comparisons and sparking conversations among enthusiasts. And, of course, the BMW Isetta, with its unique charm and historical significance, added a touch of nostalgia to our display.

Engaging with the Community

One of the most rewarding aspects of attending MPACT was the opportunity to engage with the automotive community. We met countless enthusiasts, each with their own stories and passion for cars. These interactions reinforced our commitment to delivering the highest quality products and services, as we heard firsthand how our work impacts the community.

A Weekend to Remember

The MPACT Motorsport Festival at Circuit of the Americas was more than just an event; it was a celebration of automotive excellence and community spirit. For us at IND, it was an opportunity to showcase our dedication to performance, quality, and innovation. As we packed up and prepared for the journey back to Chicago, we carried with us not just the memories of an incredible weekend, but the inspiration to continue pushing the boundaries of whats possible in the world of high-performance cars.

We look forward to many more events like MPACT, where we can share our passion, connect with fellow enthusiasts, and continue to set the standard for excellence in the automotive industry. Thank you to everyone who made the weekend unforgettable, and we cant wait to see you at the next event!

Alas, as I sliced through the rain-soaked roads and ascended into the thick, fog-covered summit of Hakone, that perfect scene was not to be. But once again, I’m getting ahead of myself, so let’s hit the rewind button once again.

Earlier this year, I had the incredible opportunity to navigate the mountainous Touge roads of Hakone and the mesmerising stretches of the Wangan in Tokyo. It wasn’t just a memorable drive; it marked the realisation of a dream that began over two decades ago when I first set foot in Japan. And as we all know, the best of dreams deserve a revisit, so with another trip to Tokyo lined up towards the tail-end of Spring, it was time to set things into motion.

The Plan
While my first run through the roads of Hakone in January was exhilarating, it was also an intense journey that began and ended in Tokyo on the same day, leaving my body battered and exhausted by nightfall. The tight schedule allowed little time to savour the sights as I blitzed through each checkpoint, aiming to cover as much ground as possible before daylight faded.

This time, however, while I planned to revisit and dive even deeper into the beautiful driving roads of Hakone, I also added a night in nearby Gotemba, allowing for a slightly more relaxed drive and the opportunity to explore the magnificent vista and surroundings of Mt. Fuji before making the return journey back into Tokyo, with a brief stop in Yokohama.

The Car
As you might have ascertained from the title and pictures, I didn’t get the Z4. It wasn’t for the lack of trying though because as it turned out, the Z4 Manual was not destined for Japan. At least, not officially. Instead, I found myself behind the wheel of something at the opposite end of BMW’s performance spectrum: Their ultimate touring machine. In place of a gorgeous and compact, 2-seater drop-top Handschalter Z4 M40i roadster with its 335 horsepower, I was about to push the starter button in BMW’s formidable 503-horsepower M3 xDrive Competition Touring, an ex-show car with every single M Performance option ticked off. It had quite the presence.

Yes, the entire M Performance catalogue for the G81 is here, boasting handmade carbon fibre body parts and panels both inside and out, an M Performance Coilover suspension setup, 20 and 21-inch M Performance forged wheels, a multitude of M Performance enhanced interior trim accents, and their bombastic M Performance titanium exhaust system with quad pipes exiting through a central position. Needless to say, fitting these additional goodies would significantly alter one’s final purchase price—I didn’t dare ask.

Departure Tokyo
With my luggage stowed in the cavernous boot (hot tip: never load luggage into an M3 equipped with an M Performance exhaust with the engine running), it was time to once again navigate out of the city and head towards Hakone. This time, however, the skies were grey and ominous, signalling what was to become the start of a very wet but very memorable day.

As I powered out of the metropolis, the M Performance Coilovers immediately made their presence known. Despite Tokyo’s typically smooth highways, the M3 Touring’s suspension was so responsive that every imperfection and painted road marking sent a distinct sensation through the chassis. Accelerating slightly improved the ride as it smoothed out the minor bumps, but it also heightened the car’s spirited nature, subtly encouraging me to push the accelerator deeper into the carpet at the expense of my license. Such is the nature of M.

Dancing the very fine line between smooth progress and possibly breaking the law, the light drizzle that had been showering Tokyo’s skyscrapers escalated into a full-blown thunderstorm as I pressed on southwards the legendary Hakone Turnpike.

The Highs of Hakone and the Izu Skyline
Turning off the highway, the heavy downpour finally subsided, giving me a moment of calm as I headed toward the Hakone Turnpike. This famous toll road in Japan is a favourite among drivers. It stretches about 15.7 kilometres (9.8 miles), beginning in Odawara and climbing into the Hakone mountain range. The road, which reaches elevations around 1,000 meters (3,281 feet) above sea level, offers a thrilling drive with sharp hairpin turns, sweeping curves, and long straights.

Today, this illustrious road is wet, and with a 503-horsepower, 650 Nm twin-turbocharged engine under my right foot, I felt a mix of excitement, hesitation and trepidation as I charged up the hill.

As my brief respite from the rain ended and the JDM heavens opened up once again, the M3 stayed firmly planted and always a step ahead of my intentions. The massive tires spewed water out their sides, clawing for any grip the damp surface could offer. As I pressed the accelerator deeper, the M3 unleashed a ferocious surge of power. My heart pounded in sync with the rhythm of the elevated road’s expansion joints, yet the M3 tore forward with uncanny confidence, undeterred by the relentless downpour.

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Even as I pushed into the wide, expansive bends of the Turnpike, the M3 tracked its line with unwavering accuracy. As the rear hinted at slip, the front end swiftly hooked up, pulling me out of each corner with surefooted traction. Powering up the rain-soaked roads of the turnpike, xDrive worked its magic seamlessly, and as the corners tightened further up the Hillclimb, the M3 delivered a confidence-inspiring drive with every turn of the wheel, urging me to push harder and deeper, even as the surfaces got wetter as I ascended the peak. Despite its 1,825 kilograms, the M3 blitzed straights and carved through corners with such agility that its published weight felt inconsequential.

As I finally let off at the end of the final straight, my mouth was dry, my hands were buzzing, and my mind was still trying to comprehend just how eye-wateringly capable and ruthlessly the M3 Competition Touring had taken on the Turnpike, even in the rain. It was an exhilarating experience, and now, I needed a moment to calm down.

After finishing up my lunch (Katsu curry is fab here), it was time to strap in once again for the Izu Skyline. As you can see from the pictures, it was evident that while the rain had stopped, a thick fog had settled over the rugged mountainous terrain, shrouding the scenery in an eerie silence, a silence that was about to be broken with a rapturous bark of a BMW S58 coming back into life.

"Bwar!!!"

With adrenaline still coursing through me, I set my sights and GPS on the Izu Skyline. Unlike the Hakone Turnpike’s fast, dynamic straights and sweeping curves, the Izu Skyline stretches approximately 40 kilometres through the lush Izu Peninsula. It is renowned for its narrow, tight technical curves and breathtaking vistas of the Pacific Ocean. When it’s not shrouded in thick fog, that is.

Today, the rain and misty clouds have transformed the serene landscape into a mysterious, almost otherworldly landscape for the M3 Competition Touring to explore and experience.

Even on the Izu Skyline’s challenging road surfaces and tight bends, the Competition Touring excels, delivering scintillating performance and steadfast ground-covering ability that instils confidence with each corner. It dives into turns and accelerates out with enthusiastic abandon, punctuated by a crackle of thunderous pops with every downshift, urging you to continue pushing further and faster in the pursuit of sheer driving pleasure.

While I was certain the car did most of the work keeping me planted in these slippery conditions, the engagement I felt behind the wheel was palpable. Every input elicited a precise response, enhancing my connection with both the machine and the road. It was a truly joyful experience, and one to be savoured for the full 40 kilometres.

Spirited Away
While the first day of driving delivered utmost joy even on one of the wettest days of Spring, what lay ahead of me as I dragged myself out of bed at the ungodly hour of 4:30am was a drive that promised an even greater state of driving bliss.

After the previous day’s grim weather obscured the beautiful surroundings, a brief look at day two’s weather forecast revealed a fleeting opportunity in the early morning to witness Fujinomiya in all its magnificent splendour. With sleep taking a backseat, I fired up the M3 for a brisk morning drive through the mountain roads of Fujikawaguchiko.

But first, a quick coffee and to take that photo. No, I’m not sorry for it. It was 530am, there was no one else around and it was just too beautiful to not take the shot.

Charging up a narrow Touge mountain road, the M3 Competition Touring, which had already performed exceptionally well in the rain, now revealed an even more ferocious demeanour on dry roads. It pulled and gripped even harder as it roared up into the mountains with increased tenacity, eagerly wanting to be unleashed.

With all four paws charging uphill through a series of rapid directional changes—left, right, left, right—the M3 Competition Touring continued to power and howl. Finally, the dense curtain of trees parted, unveiling one of the most breathtaking views I’ve ever experienced in the land of the rising sun and my jaw hit the ground. This was what I woke up for. It was beyond words and a sight that will stay with me for a long time.

Nestled at the summit of this touge is Tenka Chaya 天下茶屋, translated, it means tea house under the heavens and I think you can understand why they chose this name.

Beyond this heavenly teahouse, the road winds its way back downhill towards ground level. Like the ascent, it boasts an endless sequence of winding, flowing curves and tight hairpin corners—a playground perfectly tailored for the M3. With each bend, the car showcased its exceptional handling, flawlessly manoeuvring through every twist and turn. The M Performance exhaust crackled and thundered as the M3 surged through the gears, with the S58 powerplant applying ample engine braking to temper our “enthusiastic” velocities. I was addicted.

A Dream Reimagined
As my time with the M3 drew to a close and Tokyo’s iconic skyline began to loom in the distance, I found myself reluctantly easing off the accelerator, not wanting to let go of the exhilaration that had defined every twist and turn. The M3 had been more than just a car; it had become a conduit for emotions—each roar of its engine, each precise cornering manoeuvre resonated deeply within.

In those moments, whether powering up the Hakone Turnpike, navigating the intricate bends of the Izu Skyline or powering hard into the Wangan, the M3 had transcended mere machinery. It had become a partner in an unforgettable journey, amplifying the thrill of speed with a symphony of exhaust notes and the tactile feedback of its steering wheel.

As I parked the M3, its engine ticking softly as it cooled, a wave of gratitude swept over me. This experience wasn’t just about driving; it was about connecting with the essence of automotive passion.

With a lingering sense of fulfilment and, nostalgia, I knew this journey would remain etched in my memory—a tribute to the enduring allure of the open road and the inseparable bond forged between driver and machine. It wasn’t just a dream revisited; it was a dream reimagined. What a drive, what a car. Truly, the ultimate driving machine and BMW at their finest.

* Big thanks once again to BMW Japan for the kind loan of their press car.

We got sponsored by Eibach and tested out the front only lowering springs and installed my old white TE37’s. Running Michelin Pilot Sport 4S in 285/30/20 and 295/30/20 rear. Looking to swap the wheels out to diamond silver BBS LM’s in the near future.