Automotive DIAGNOSIS ,REPAIR, MAINTENANCE

DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR, MAINTENANCE, PARTS AND LABOR, SHOP OPERATIONS, TECHNICIAN'S REFERENCE, DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES(dtc), RELAYS AND MODULES, SENSORS AND SWITCHES,ENGINE, COOLING AND EXHAUST, POWERTRAIN MANAGEMENT, TRANSMISSION AND DRIVETRAIN, BRAKES AND TRACTION CONTROL, STARTING AND CHARGING, POWER AND GROUND DISTRIBUTION, STEERING AND SUSPENSION, HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING, RESTRAINTS AND SAFETY SYSTEMS, ACCESSORIES AND OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT, BODY AND FRAME,CRUSIS CONTROL.

Wednesday, December 31, 2025

Honda's New Hybrids Will Sound Better Because Americans Like Loud Cars

Americans love exhaust notes, and Honda will happily oblige with its new hybrids.

Dead: Karma Revero

Production for the 536-horsepower extended-range electric vehicle ends after eight years.

Ford Won't Ditch Apple CarPlay: 'It's a Product Our Customers Really Enjoy'

Ford says it’s committed to giving customers choice—and that includes Apple CarPlay.

G82 M4 in Individual Speed Yellow with M Performance Kit – High Gloss Black Graphics

We have seen the G80 in Individual Speed Yellow such as here and the G82 here, but this time we see with the G82 presented with the M Performance Kit and High Gloss Black Graphics applied.

Photos courtesy JKC BMW.

Tuesday, December 30, 2025

A Century Later, This Historic Italian Automaker Is Back

Founded in 1903, Itala was one of the most innovative Italian car brands. Now it's returning in 2026.

This Lifted Toyota GR86 Was Made To Rally. And You Can Actually Buy One

Kuhl Racing will debut its GR86 Outroad next month, and customers in Japan can actually order one.

This Modern Testarossa Concept Is What Ferrari Should've Built

Digital artist Luca Serafini offers up his take on a modern Testarossa—and it’s an absolute stunner.

Subaru Teases a New STI Model. Again

A new video teases an STI model for the Tokyo Auto Salon. Could this actually make it to production?

Monday, December 29, 2025

Why McLaren's Headquarters Keeps Showing Up in Hit Movies

McLaren's Woking Technology Centre has quietly become a go-to filming location for Hollywood.

SEMA Is Fighting To Save America's Local Race Tracks

Through the power of legislation, SEMA is trying to save existing race tracks from 'nuisance' complaints.

This Hemi V-8-Powered Jeep Renegade Is an Excellent Use of Free Will

An American owner has turned his Renegade into an SUV with over 500 hp, using the same mechanics as a Dodge Charger

This State Wants to Remove Some Speed Limits Entirely

Arizona is proposing a new bill that would remove speed limits on certain stretches of road entirely.

Sunday, December 28, 2025

Corvette ZR1 Stuns Ferrari 296 GTB in a Drag Race

The Corvette has a much lower price tag—but a lot more power.

Laguna Seca Blue With Tartufa Buckets on G80 M3

Thought to share my G80, been loving it as a daily.

Friday, December 26, 2025

Suzuki Built Five Adorable Concepts We're Not Allowed to Have

Two cars take inspiration from the Monster Hunter video game franchise.

New Corvette Grand Sport Could Debut With a 6.7-Liter V-8: Report

General Motors is developing the sixth-generation small-block V-8, and the Corvette could get one with a 6.7-liter displacement.

We Actually Got a Chinese Rotary Engine Before GTA VI

Changan has developed a new Wankel engine for use in the 'low-altitude economy.'

One Year With My M3Cx, 4 Years and 289 Days With My Two G80s

Yesterday was one year since my Christmas Eve impulse purchase of my Borusan Turkish Blue M3 Competition X-Drive. There have been a number of days when I missed my IOMG 6MT M3, but not all that many.

I havent done any serious mods to this car, or the last one, so my enjoyment of the platform has been with the cars "as designed".

Heres a collection of thoughts that have stuck with my over the last year, and over the almost 5 years of total G8x ownership:

– Ive had zero serious issues with my G80s. Theyve been totally reliable, starting every single day I needed them to. I had a low coolant moment, once, with my 1st M3 that did not repeat. I put 12,815 miles on my Blue M3 this year and it never had a twitch of an issue.

– I loved my manual M3 and dislike that Im again without a manual car. However, if I ever figure out how to make my life work with two cars instead of one, the M3 Id keep is the X-drive, not the 6MT. I would add another manual car to the garage, preferably one thats a less powerful and smaller. For a manual car, Id prefer more time in each gear and for it to be a smaller coupe. An older Cayman, perhaps. Something like that.

– I wish more of the miles I was putting on my current M3 werent bad highway commute miles. I sometimes feel like Im wasting the M3 using it on the commute, even though its capabilities have saved me from getting hit by idiots twice this year. Performance capabilities are also safety capabilities sometimes.

– My M3s have completely removed any desire I could have for cars that are any faster. I dont have time in my life to race folk on a track and I truly feel that these cars are as fast as any needs a car to be off the track. Or perhaps a bit too fast.

– When it comes to outright performance, Im very pleased with my M3s. Theyve given me all the performance I wanted every time Ive asked them to. I cant say Ive used their full potential that often, but thats the point. Anything I want, theyve been able to give. Especially the current X-Drive car.

– The base seats continue to be the best seats Ive ever owned for daily use of a car. They make me happy on every drive. Ive hated the seats in a lot of the cars Ive owned, so this is a big thing for me.

– I still appreciate the appearance, overall, of my M3 every time I see it. Every morning when I go into the garage, every time I turn back to look at it after I park. I still cant say that I love the grille, but at least it never looks boring. Ive never gotten tired of it.

– Ive been asked by people if the Borusan Turkish Blue is a wrap 97 times in the last year. Ive kept count. Random folk in parking lots, a couple of dudes in cars at traffic lights, and attendees at car meets. Its been fun to keep count.

– X-Drive has made a difference driving in Portland rain. I only drove in snow for two minutes last year but I have appreciated the extra traction in even normal driving in the rain. However, Im not entirely happy with the car in heavy rain on the highway. I dont think the car is ever actually exhibiting unstable behavior but I get to the point where I feel like I need more information from the steering in heavy rain than Im getting.

– After driving this platform for so long, I dont generally need the steering feel thats missing because I know the car so well. That doesnt mean that I dont feel that the lack of steering feel is this cars (and many modern cars) great flaw. I dont think the steering is as numb as some make it out to be, but it isnt what it should be. Even in a non-performance car, low steering feel can lead normal/bad drivers to not understand the conditions theyre driving in and to make mistakes. I also wish that Sport mode steering was a bit heavier…but thats just me. I like a bit more steering resistance at highway speeds.

– This is going to annoy a few folk: iDrive 8.5 has been fine. I do like the screens and Ive had zero issues with the things that moved from buttons in iDrive 7 to 8.5. Ive had a few 8.0 loaners and that version did annoy me, but 8.5 has been fine. Voice Control seems a bit more stupid when it comes to choosing a new album to listen to by voice, but thats my only complaint.

– My biggest complaint about the Auto transmission is the choices BMW made about shift points in all three modes. Mode 1 is for parking lots, mode 2 is mostly usable but holds too low in the RPM range quite often, and mode 3 is entirely stupid for anything but really twisty roads. Thank the car gods for shift paddles.

– Overall, I love this car. Its everything I need almost every day in a one-car enthusiast solution that I can afford. There isnt currently another car in my affordability range that I would rather have. There really isnt. Every other option has a different set of positives and negatives that leave me uninterested in them. That being said, I do recognize that my commute to work doesnt entirely mesh with this car. I would be better served, Monday to Friday, by an EV. I have home charging and the drive is not fun. I dont know that could sacrifice the feel of this car for an EV, but I recognize what an EV would change about my daily drive. Currently, there are no EVs that I find acceptable, so it wont happen. If the future brings a car to the market that changes the equation, well see what happens.

A few pics to round out the long post:
The first shot is from running errands yesterday after weeks of rain and filth. The second is immediately after I bought the car a year ago, and the third is one of the last I took of my 6MT M3.

Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Audi Made a Stop-Motion Holiday Video With Die-Cast Cars. It's Awesome

With RS6s, Quattros, and Q8s galore, Audi’s stop-motion holiday video is filled with holiday cheer.

The Alpine A110 Could Still Come to America: 'We Need To Go to the US'

Alpine will likely sell its A110 sports car alongside a high-volume SUV.

G90 M5 on Vossen Forged VPS-2 Wheels

Wheel Brand: VPS-2
Wheel Specs: 22×10.5 Front and 22×11.5 Rear
Wheel Finish: Gloss Black

America's Last Volvo Wagon Is Dying As Buyers 'Overwhelmingly' Want SUVs

Order books for the V60 Cross Country will close in late January.

Monday, December 22, 2025

Monthly Car Payments Hit a New High: $748

The average monthly new-car payment is nearly $750, used-car payments are over $500.

G65 X5 PHEV Plug-in Hybrid Spied

A plug-in-hybrid PHEV BMW X5 G65 prototype has just been spied at the BMW M test center at the Nurburgring. Clear signs of the PHEV powertrain include the quad exhausts and charging port. (Spotted by @ringprototypes)

Catch up and follow G65 X5 news at: https://www.bimmerpost.com/x5/g65/

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The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder's Updates Come With a Higher Price Tag

More standard equipment increases the Pathfinder's starting price by $1,100.

Hyundai Teases Its Biggest EV Yet, And We Think We Know What It Is

It'll be even bigger than the Ioniq 9.

Friday, December 19, 2025

2027 M3 EV (ZA0) Reveals Production Headlights

The 2027 M3 EV (ZA0) prototype shows us for the first time its production headlights.

To recap, here are configuration and production schedule details for i3 and M3 EV from the Future BMW Models Thread.

ZA0 M3 EV

In production 03/27-10/34, only one version for the time being.
Do not expect powertrain specs here until just a few months before start of production (EV specs are not as discoverable as legacy powertrains were)
Powertrain aside, seems to be trying to provide a familiar M experience. Inside, expect higher quality interior with regular M seats standard and buckets (built with that newly announced "natural fiber") available as an option, M design trims and seatbelts, HUD as standard; outside you will see more of that "natural fiber" as trim pieces, M specific 20" wheels (options include forged 20" or staggered 20"/21" wheels), optional carbon brakes and M headlights. Purists will be disappointed to know that the panoramic sunroof of the regular i3 will remain with no lighter weight option (though the battery down low should make center of gravity concerns irrelevant)

NA0/NA1 i3 EV

In production 07/26-10/34
Model range: 20, 40, 40 xDrive, 50, 50 xDrive, M60 xDrive
Will be made in Germany and SLP (SLP starts with one year delay).
07/26: starts with a single European model
11/26: adds another European model and two US models
03/27: adds M60 xDrive for all markets
No major news on the packaging front, your typical 3 series car, the notable things are the availability of multifunction seats you previously could only get in a 5er or higher, more Iconic Glow exterior, standard panoramic glass sunroof, optional driver assistance at Highway and Highway/City levels (see the April 2025 update below), optional Security Assistant, panoramic vision with optional HUD, regular audio or optional HK. The wheels range from 19" (standard) to 21". Specific to M60: adaptive M suspension, M brakes, M steering wheel, multifunction seats, HUD, and HK audio become standard, the wheels start at 20", sport tire option unlocks higher top speed, M colored headlights available as an option, adds the usual M exterior bits.

Catch up on the latest ZA0 M3 EV news at: https://www.bimmerpost.com/?s=za0

Meet Rimac's Rarest Hypercar Yet

It’s already sold out—and it comes with so much more than just Nevera R.

From Trucks to Teslas: America's Most Popular Vehicles by State

The F-150 still leads the nation in sales, but a state-by-state breakdown reveals what most Americans actually drive.

Volkswagen Warns Small Gas Cars Are Doomed

The company's boss believes the future is electric in this segment.

Thursday, December 18, 2025

Get Ready: The New Ram TRX Might Debut On January 1

Stellantis' CEO confirmed the truck would return, but he didn't say when.

Porsche Resets a Carrera GT to Zero Miles

But it didn't look like this when it was built 20 years ago.

The EU's New Small Electric Car Category Comes With 'Super Credits'

Automakers will be encouraged to build affordable electric cars in Europe.

Wednesday, December 17, 2025

Jaguar Explains Its Radical Rebrand: The Old Strategy 'Didn't Work'

Jaguar's recent attempt to best BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Lexus failed. Now, the company is looking for a new way forward.

Audi Made the Perfect Tribute to the Five-Cylinder Engine

The GT50 concept was created by apprentices in Neckarsulm, and it does its iconic Audi forefathers proud.

The New Electric Jaguar Has Over 1,000 Horsepower. Does It Even Matter?

First confirmed specs reveal the wild EV has three electric motors and standard 23-inch wheels.

The EU's Decision to Cancel 2035 Combustion Engine Ban Leaves Automakers at Odds

Volvo opposes reverting the ban, while Volkswagen, Renault, and BMW have a different stance.

Tuesday, December 16, 2025

G90 M5 in Indivudal Fire Orange and Urban Green

We have seen the G99 in Fire Orange before here but this time, we see the G90 presented in Fire Orange.

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We also see it presented here in Individual Urban Green.

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Source: Instagram – mzansibmw and unitedbmwga

https://www.instagram.com/p/DLcj76uN…en&img_index=1

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DRdF0u5jha9/

https://www.instagram.com/unitedbmwg…2/?img_index=5

The Nissan Altima Refuses to Die

The compact sedan lives on for another year, but with fewer trims and a higher price.

Nissan Will Double Its Nismo Lineup in a Performance Push

The portfolio will grow to 10 models in the coming years.

Volkswagen Is Lining Up a Wave of New Models for 2026

The new ID.3 and ID.4 are coming next year, alongside many other products.

Monday, December 15, 2025

M3 GTS (E92) vs M4 GTS (F82) – BMW’s Rarest M Cars [ Driven+]

Quote:

In today’s special video, I get behind the wheel of two of BMW M’s most exclusive creations — the BMW M3 GTS (E92) and the BMW M4 GTS (F82). These are the ultimate evolution of their respective generations, built in tiny numbers and designed to bring race-car engineering to the road.
We head to North Wales to put them through their paces — with a walkaround, 0–60 tests, and back-to-back drives on some of the UK’s best driving roads.

BMW M3 GTS (E92)
Engine: 4.4L naturally aspirated V8 (S65)
Power: 450hp
0–60 mph: 4.4 seconds
Weight: 1,530kg
Units produced: 138 worldwide

BMW M4 GTS (F82)
Engine: 3.0L twin-turbo straight-six (S55) with water injection
Power: 500hp
0–60 mph: 3.8 seconds
Weight: 1,510kg
Units produced: 803 worldwide

Both cars represent the purest expression of BMW M engineering — one old-school and analogue, the other high-tech and turbocharged. But which is the better driver’s car?

A massive thank you to BMW UK for providing the M3 GTS, and to my friend Kris for trusting me with his stunning M4 GT

Thanks, Tariffs: Two Luxury Automakers Just Announced Price Hikes for 2026

BMW and Porsche will see prices on many of their models increase going into 2026.

Porsche's Electric Sports Car Platform Could Support Gas Engines After All

The architecture underpinning the 718 Boxster and Cayman EVs is reportedly being modified to accommodate ICE.

Mercedes Uses Common Sense and Screws to Make Headlights Repairable

Using recycled airbags for engine mounts is also part of a new sustainability push.

Sunday, December 14, 2025

Alexander Karajlovic Appointed as New BMW M Boss

Article courstsy of Evo Magazine.

Alexander Karajlovic takes over as BMW M VP for development

As Dirk Häcker enters retirement, BMW M now has a new boss…

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There’s a changing of the guard happening at BMW M. As Dirk Häcker enters retirement after an eleven-year stint as BMW M’s Head of Development, Alexander Karajkovic takes the reins at the top of the tree as BMW M’s Vice President for Development.

Häcker had been at BMW since 1988, with positions in vehicle development and dynamics from 2001. He was put in charge of development at BMW M from 2015, complementing his official role with driving instructor duties at the BMW Driving Experience. The right sort of character to be shaping BMW’s ultimate driving machines, then.

In recent years, he was one of the driving forces behind BMW M’s return to offering Touring models, a part of the cohort that seeded the idea during G80 development. He’s also been around to oversee BMW M’s exhuming the CS badge to denote sub-models with more focus – to great effect too, with the original M2 and M5 CSs both resolved to an evo Car of the Year winning standard, a first for BMW M.

He’s set the development strategy of BMW – one that looks directly at the previous generation car and where it left off, to shape where the model must go next. He leaves having been at the forefront of the conceptualisation and development of next-generation electric M cars, the Heart of Joy control systems and the quad-motor testing mules to prove the concepts.

So what about Karajlovic, the man that’s to take his place? He’s been Vice President for the BMW M product line between January 2021 and May 2023, before returning to BMW Group Development for a stint. Karaklovic takes up the role with ‘a proven track record of chassis development know-how’, in BMW M CEO Franc van Meel’s words. We’re excited to see what direction he takes BMW M in, especially in such divisive, tumultuous times for the motor industry.

Link to article: https://www.evo.co.uk/bmw/208378/ale…or-development

The Corvette ZR1 Won't Stop Breaking Lap Records: Video

The Magician of Mosport, Ron Fellows, set a new lap record in the 2026 Corvette ZR1.

Friday, December 12, 2025

Study: US Luxury Car Market Will Nearly Double to $215 Billion by 2035

That number is expected to grow from $110 billion today to as much as $215 billion by 2035.

This Gorgeous 911 GT3 Was Designed for a Porsche Legend

In honor of the father of the 911's 90th birthday, this special edition uses design elements inspired by Ferdinand Alexander Porsche's own car.

Stellantis Is Still Figuring Out Which of Its 14 Brands to Keep

Carlos Tavares kept all of them, but his successor might not.

The EU Nears Decision Allowing Combustion Engines Beyond 2040

It's increasingly likely that sales of new cars with combustion engines won't be outlawed anytime soon.

Thursday, December 11, 2025

Yes, Honda Prelude Markups Are Happening. But It's Not as Bad as You Think

Far more Preludes are listed online at MSRP than the ones circulating on social media with huge markups.

Porsche Admits Chinese Automakers Are Innovating at 'Breathtaking' Pace

But it's fighting back with a renewed dedication to gas engines.

Land Rover Spends 300 Hours Painting a Classic Defender V-8

You can still buy an old Defender straight from Land Rover, but it'll cost you.

Audi Gives Up Control of Italdesign After Selling Majority Stake

A tech company will manage the fabled Italian design house.

Wednesday, December 10, 2025

Car Designer Claims People Will Grow Tired of SUVs

Genesis believes wagons like this one might become fashionable one day.

2026 Opel Astra Revealed: Facelift Brings a Light Bar and Smarter Headlights

The Astra is a car we'd love to have in the US, but it's not going to happen.

2026 Mercedes S-Class Facelift: Here's an Early Look

Don't worry, the bulge on the roof will be removed from cars sold to customers.

2027 Kia Seltos Revealed: New Look, Familiar Engines

The second-generation Seltos is larger than the outgoing model and has received a much-needed makeover.

Tuesday, December 9, 2025

Watch: Travis Pastrana's Final Gymkhana Is a Full-Throttle Aussie Spectacle

Behind the wheel of his 670-horsepower Subaru Brataroo, Pastrana pulls off some of the craziest Gymkhana stunts we've ever seen.

New BMW Boss Takes the Wheel Just Before a Product Blitz

Around 40 cars will be launched by the end of 2027.

The Lotus For Me Is the Weird Name of Brand's First Plug-In Hybrid

The Eletre gets a gas engine with double duty, but that's not the most interesting part.

Scrambling for Cars, Ford Will Sell Models Developed and Built by Renault

The first two cars will go on sale in early 2028.

Monday, December 8, 2025

Want a New STI? Let Subaru Know

With enough interest from fans, Subaru says it may consider bringing a new STI model to market.

M3 G80 Full Teardown After 100,000 km Endurance Race – Rated Extremely Reliable

The BMW M3 in a 100,000-kilometer endurance test
After AUTO BILDs teardown, its clear: The 480 hp BMW M3 G80 beats them all! Heres how the 100,000-kilometer endurance test went.

https://www.autobild.de/artikel/bmw-…-23472831.html
may need to have Chrome translate.

Smart's First Sedan Is Also Its Biggest Car Ever

It's nearly as long as two original ForTwos.

2026 Mercedes GLB Revealed: Seven Seats, Three Screens, Two Trunks

...and plenty of stars.

Sunday, December 7, 2025

Oxford Green Individual G99 M5 Touring

After waiting more than a year since I placed a deposit, I finally received my Oxford Green over Silverstone G99 last week. I immediately had the OEM winter wheel set (powercoated highland bronze) installed (days before our first snowstorm) and had the car detailed and PPF and tint installed.

Ive been fortunate to have owned a F10 M5, F15 X5M, Cayenne Turbo S E-hybrid, and a RS6 performance prior to picking up this car and also have a M8 competition convertible. So far, Ive really liked the G99. The Oxford Green is a great color and changes from nearly black to bright metallic green depending on the light. I would have preferred a brown interior but the Silverstone works.

Compared to the F10 M5, X5M and M8, its more comfortable but also has effortless acceleration. For most driving, you dont feel the weight. My Cayenne and RS6 had air suspensions and therefore had modes where the cars were really comfortable (but had lots of leaning in curves) but the G99 sits between being too soft or too firm. Being lower to the ground, the M5 handles better than the Cayenne. As others have said, the rear sometimes makes a clunk when going over speed bumps or potholes, but I think it is more the sound than anything else as the car does not get off balance. I’ve also only driven the car on the winter wheels at this point. I need more miles to fully form a final opinion.

I will say that the G99 handles hybrid mode better than the Cayenne. The Cayenne really had a noticeable switch between electric and ICE modes, and consequently sometimes I just drove around in electric mode. The M5 switches back and forth without it being noticeable. Part of this is the soundtrack that the G99 produces internally as it produces an engine like sounds even when in electric mode. The M5 also does a much better job of charging the battery – you had to drive the Cayenne in Sport Plus on the highway to get any charging. As such, I ended up charging the Cayenne every day where I have charged the M5 once in a week.

Compared to the RS6, it is really apples and oranges. The RS6 looks great, is low slung, has an enormous trunk, and was quick. I got a lot of attention from people admiring the car. I’m really glad I owned the RS6 although the Audi Quattro system is just not the same as the BMW or Porsche rear biased all-wheel drive systems. The RS6 is more analog than the M5. So far I am happy with the change – even got a thumbs up from a RS6 driver yesterday.

The G99’s electronics seem to work better than the Porsche or Audi. 1 out of 5 times I started the Cayenne or RS6, the car would either log me out or refuse to access my phone. Although all of the systems now have deep menus, I have found it easier to find things in the BMW. The G99, like other BMWs, has dispensed with the design language of cars with analog gauges – I suspect this is where all cars will be sooner rather than later. Perhaps related, the interior is nice but perhaps not as luxurious as my M8. As others have noted, more plastic, less stitching, less leather but not out of character with the lights and large screens. I wish it had soft close doors but to be honest my wife and daughter close the door hard no matter what and the M5 has a working hands free trunk, which the Audi and Porsche didn’t have. It’s true that I have both in the M8.

Here are some pictures from the pick-up at the dealership, with the winter wheels and tires and after the PPF and tint. It snowed yesterday so the car is dirty.

Saturday, December 6, 2025

iPE Double X-Pipe Exhaust – Install + Video Review on M5

Over the years weve tried hundreds of different styles of exhausts on various different cars, so its pretty rare that we try something out thats truly new to us.

IPE reached out to show us their new Double X-Pipe exhaust for the G90 M5. It promises a true mixture of both banks of exhaust gas, no drone and a deeper fuller exhaust tone.

We must admit we were intrigued, so our M5 was back on the lift to test it out and see how it really sounds!

The end result is very nice, different to other exhausts weve tried on the G90 M5 with the double x-pipe definitely changing the tone for the better.

Fitment and overall quality was spot on, couldnt ask for more. The tips are a great design but the huge Alpha N carbon diffuser does make them look a little lost. On a more conservative rear diffuser or even the M Performance style I bet they would look much more at home.

This exhaust and their downpipes either catless or sports cats are now available to buy on our website:

Head to our website now for pricing and to purchase

Friday, December 5, 2025

From Showpiece to Heartbreak (Stolen)! X3MC Individual British Racing Green

Update 11/16/25

From Showpiece to Heartbreak: The Story of My Stolen BMW X3M

Closter Police Department – Incident Update
Date: December 29, 2024
Location: Closter, NJ

The Closter Police Department is investigating a home invasion and vehicle theft that occurred on the evening of December 28, 2024.

The investigation began after Edison Police contacted Closter Police regarding a vehicle registered to a Closter resident that had been involved in two residential burglaries in Edison. Edison officers later pursued the vehicle, but the pursuit was terminated for safety reasons.

Closter officers responded to the owner’s residence and discovered that the vehicle had been stolen and the home had been burglarized. Investigators determined that a gray Hyundai sedan, bearing Virginia registration [removed], arrived near the residence around 8:30 p.m. on December 28. The suspects then stole a green BMW SUV, bearing New Jersey registration [removed], from the property. The Hyundai was left behind, parked and running.

As of the morning of December 29, the stolen BMW was being detected by license-plate readers in Newark. The investigation is ongoing in coordination with multiple law enforcement agencies.

Final Thoughts

This one hits close to home. The British Racing Green BMW X3M wasn’t just another project — it was one of those builds that captured everything we love about what we do at Detailer’s Domain. From the day it arrived, we treated it like a showcase: full paint correction, SunTek Ultra PPF, ceramic coating, and meticulous finishing touches that brought out the deep richness of that rare BRG paint. It wasn’t just a car — it was a statement piece.

To have it stolen, violated, and involved in something criminal — it’s gutting. Cars like this represent hours of craftsmanship, pride, and passion. For me and the team, it’s not about the material loss; it’s about seeing something you’ve poured yourself into taken and abused.

We always talk about protection — PPF, ceramic coatings, film, tint — but this experience is a reminder that real protection also means vigilance, awareness, and community. We’re grateful to the Closter and Edison Police Departments for acting quickly and keeping us informed as the investigation continues.

The BMW X3M may be gone, but its story reminds us why we do what we do: preserving beauty, celebrating the passion of enthusiasts, and protecting what matters most.

Lessons Learned: Protecting What You Love

If you’re a car enthusiast — especially one with a high-value or customized vehicle — here are a few lessons that came out of this experience:

Invest in layered security. Beyond factory systems, consider GPS trackers, hidden kill switches, and garage cameras connected to real-time alerts.

Stay aware of trends. Vehicle theft rings are increasingly targeting performance SUVs and modern BMWs using relay attacks and key-signal cloning.

Keep documentation updated. VIN photos, plate numbers, insurance, and receipts — the more you have ready, the faster police can act.

Build a network. Enthusiast communities like the BMW forums, local car groups, and detailing shops often spot cars before authorities do.

Share your story. Awareness helps others protect themselves — and it honors the time, energy, and craftsmanship behind every build.

Remembering the Build

Before it was taken, this BMW X3M was a perfect expression of what Detailer’s Domain stands for — precision, protection, and passion. From its full-body SunTek Ultra Paint Protection Film to Nanolex Si3D Cerabide HD ceramic coating, this car reflected the best of what we do every day for our clients.

We’ll always remember the deep gloss of that British Racing Green under the shop lights, the way it looked rolling out for delivery, and the pride our team felt seeing it complete.

While this story doesn’t have the ending we hoped for, it’s a reminder of the connection between people, cars, and the work we love. At Detailer’s Domain, every project tells a story — sometimes of transformation, sometimes of loss, but always of passion and pride.

Update –
The car was recovered 10/31/25, and in the final posts, we have updated the current state of BRG. The recovery of the vehicle has given us complete closure.

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The car
Since the car market has been absolutely crazy, and for the first time its been pretty much sellers market. I decided to sell my 2020 BMW X3MC in Alpine White (leased with equity) for a 2022 BMW X3MC in an individual color, my buddy over at Bridgewater BMW, Jon Del Franco helped make it happen. Also thanks to Vito at BMW NA!

I loved everything about the 2020 but the horrible oem suspension! Remedied that with a set of KW V3s!

The new cars options below:

Exterior color – British Racing Green (312)
Interior – tartufo
Carbon Fiber Trim
Executive Package
Front Ventilated Seats
M Brakes in Black
Competition Package with 892M wheels
M Sport Seats

Here are some shots, better photos to come

Pick up at Bridgewater BMW

Wrapped with some scrap Xpel PPF we had at the shop for the ride home. We wrapped the high impact areas. So cold that I could only hope that it would make it back home without flying off.

Got the car back to the shop.

Next step

remove the factory wrap
remove wheels to clean
clean caliper and prep for ceramic coating
ceramic coat wheels
ceramic coat brake calipers
ceramic coat KW V3
install KW V3s
install Future Classic 12MM Spacers

Notice Factory Ride Height
BMW X3MC – British Racing Green by Detailers Domain, on Flickr
BMW X3MC – British Racing Green by Detailers Domain, on Flickr
BMW X3MC – British Racing Green by Detailers Domain, on Flickr

Notice the paint is really flat on the rockers, lets see if we can fix that during the light paint correction work.

BMW X3MC – British Racing Green by Detailers Domain, on Flickr
BMW X3MC – British Racing Green by Detailers Domain, on Flickr

Wheels off
IMG_2328 by Detailers Domain, on Flickr

Cleaning wheels with Nanolex Wheel Cleaner and Iron Remover, followed by prepping the wheels with Fictech Paddock to prep for Nanolex Si3D HD Ceramic Coating – same process for coating the brake calipers

BMW X3MC – British Racing Green by Detailers Domain, on Flickr
BMW X3MC – British Racing Green by Detailers Domain, on Flickr
90D024CF-6B48-47B1-884F-E797DB622CBB by Detailers Domain, on Flickr
BMW X3MC – British Racing Green by Detailers Domain, on Flickr
BMW X3MC – British Racing Green by Detailers Domain, on Flickr
BMW X3MC – British Racing Green by Detailers Domain, on Flickr
BMW X3MC – British Racing Green by Detailers Domain, on Flickr

Future Classic 12 MM Spacers were brought over from the 2020 and fit great!
A6F824CD-D27C-4613-9FEA-F088530986FF by Detailers Domain, on Flickr

KWs installed, Future Classic Spacers installed.
Wheel liners treated with Nanolex Trim Rejuvenator
BMW X3MC – British Racing Green by Detailers Domain, on Flickr
775D8DF5-F068-46FA-A86A-46A280E62B30 by Detailers Domain, on Flickr

More of our new car prep

Remove Door Handles, Emblems, Grills, Fender Gills, Taillights, Window Trim, and Mirrors for a clean PPF installation
Inspect paint for defects
Correction if needed
Polish out Glass
Ceramic Coat Glass

2022 BMW X3MC British Racing Green by Detailers Domain, on Flickr
2022 BMW X3MC British Racing Green by Detailers Domain, on Flickr
2022 BMW X3MC British Racing Green by Detailers Domain, on Flickr
2022 BMW X3MC British Racing Green by Detailers Domain, on Flickr

Paint inspection was going well till the front end … holograms on the front bumper, and unfortunately due to the PPF not holding up during the drive home the film was flapping around and caused some damage as well, marring from salt and adhesive from the film.

Scangrip Handheld used to inspect the paint
2022 BMW X3MC British Racing Green by Detailers Domain, on Flickr

Holograms on the bumper
2022 BMW X3MC British Racing Green by Detailers Domain, on Flickr

Damage caused by the PPF that was flapping all over the place during the ride home, temps were 18 degrees F.
2022 BMW X3MC British Racing Green by Detailers Domain, on Flickr
2022 BMW X3MC British Racing Green by Detailers Domain, on Flickr

Some paint correction needed with the Rupes Bigfoot LHR15 MKIII and Koche Chemie Fine Cut (Rupes DA Wool Yellow followed by Rupes DA Yellow Foam)

2022 BMW X3MC British Racing Green by Detailers Domain, on Flickr
2022 BMW X3MC British Racing Green by Detailers Domain, on Flickr
2022 BMW X3MC British Racing Green by Detailers Domain, on Flickr

Results are insane!
2022 BMW X3MC British Racing Green by Detailers Domain, on Flickr
2022 BMW X3MC British Racing Green by Detailers Domain, on Flickr
2022 BMW X3MC British Racing Green by Detailers Domain, on Flickr

Nanolex Glass Polish —> IPA wipe down —> Nanolex Ultra Glass

2022 BMW X3MC British Racing Green by Detailers Domain, on Flickr

– After the correction we washed the car to free it of compound and polish residue
– Full Car PPF
– Getting the color match – IND PAINTED FRONT REFLECTOR SET

Prep for PPF

BMW X3MC – British Racing Green by Detailers Domain, on Flickr
BMW X3MC – British Racing Green by Detailers Domain, on Flickr
BMW X3MC – British Racing Green by Detailers Domain, on Flickr

PPF – Installing Xpel Ultimate Plus – Full Car

Getting the film ready
BMW X3MC – British Racing Green by Detailers Domain, on Flickr
BMW X3MC – British Racing Green by Detailers Domain, on Flickr
BMW X3MC – British Racing Green by Detailers Domain, on Flickr
BMW X3MC – British Racing Green by

Detailers Domain, on Flickr
IMG_2628 by Detailers Domain, on Flickr
IMG_2811 by Detailers Domain, on Flickr
IMG_2788 by Detailers Domain, on Flickr
IMG_2816 by Detailers Domain, on Flickr

IND sent out a BRG swatch to see if it matched, it didnt so I sent them out our fuel door for a perfect match….waiting on the reflectors to ship back
BMW X3MC – British Racing Green by Detailers Domain, on Flickr

BMW X3MC – British Racing Green by Detailers Domain, on Flickr

center console / display wrapped in Xpel
BMW X3MC – British Racing Green by Detailers Domain, on Flickr
BMW X3MC – British Racing Green by Detailers Domain, on Flickr
BMW X3MC – British Racing Green by Detailers Domain, on Flickr
BMW X3MC – British Racing Green by Detailers Domain, on Flickr

here are the after shots
more to come I had Mike from MachineswithSouls shoot the car.

Attachment 2815096

Attachment 2815097

Photos by MachinesWithSouls

Interior shots / Tartufo with Carbon Fiber
2022 BMW X3MC British Racing Green by Detailers Domain, on Flickr
2022 BMW X3MC British Racing Green by Detailers Domain, on Flickr
2022 BMW X3MC British Racing Green by Detailers Domain, on Flickr
2022 BMW X3MC British Racing Green by Detailers Domain, on Flickr
2022 BMW X3MC British Racing Green by Detailers Domain, on Flickr

More Tartufo! Photo credit – MachinesWithSouls

BMW is #2 Brand for Owner Satisfaction in 2025 Consumer Reports Survey

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https://www.consumerreports.org/cars…s-a1291429338/

Attachment 3867739

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Roof rails
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Individual customization
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November 2026
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March 2027
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Wednesday, December 3, 2025

E31 850i (6MT) Project Begins. Dyno, Exhaust, and More

This is a 1991 E31 850i with just under 150k Kilometers on it. 6MT and LSD as god intended.

The engine has to come out because of a leaky rear main seal, and we are planning to build a custom catback/valved equal length stainless steel exhaust for it and possibly doing some headwork for additional flow and power.

So I decided to dyno it to get a baseline!