The spoiler on the trunk lid, should it stay or should it go. All opions wanted. I am new the the M crowd and dont want to delete something that will be frowned on.

Thanks, Pat

Get it, and if you dont want it remove it. |To have it added afterwards can prove difficult as often they are not fitted straight and then look stupid!

I would agree. Get it and if you dont like it, take it off.

Scott

I say get it and KEEP it! i personally think it looks a whole lot better with it.

The lip spoiler actually reduces drag due to the liquid nature of air travel...for all you non physics buffs...i suppose its worth keeping

The car looks cleaner without the spoiler in my opinion. I deleted it, and have no regrets. Oh, and for those who tell you it has an aerodynamic benefit...don't believe them. I spent three days on the Autobahn covering over 1,000 miles, much of it in the 130-140mph range with a short burst up to an indicated 170mph (yes, I know it is 'governed' to 155; either I was on a downhill stretch or the speedo is quite optimistic, or a little of both). The car was completely stable at all times.

It is my opinion that the spoiler is not just for looks, it does does have a function.
More importantly, or at least equally as important as the downforce it creates at high speed, it the lift it it reduces.

Odd thing to have an opinion about - it either provides benefits or it doesn't. That should be scientifically justifiable.

It has been well hashed out that the E36 spoilers serve no purpose, with the exception of one on the M3 Lightweight... any evidence the E46 spoilers actually do something? Generally if it's pretty it's useless. Garish is golden. - Beau

beau...

The only evidence i have is the word of very close friend of mine by the name of Warren LeVeque who is a 2 time national solo champion (in a BMW M3 and a Yenko Stinger Corvair). He also is a licensed superbike rider.
That's good enough for me.
And i have an opinion on just about everything...odd, huh?

Well argued that the E46 spoiler might serve somewhat of a purpose in keeping the car planted. My question is HOW MUCH? I am indeed looking for a spoiler that is functional as well as good looking. I know ACS already has a spoiler that seems to really get down to business (www.acschnitzer.com) Even if the stock spoiler helps somewhat, it might still be to one's advantage to just go ahead and get a "real" spoiler if they are seeking a significant aerodynamic effect.

If it had a purpose, then why does the Cabrio come without it. And if it did have a purpose, would BMW really let you take it off?

Fezz

How aerodynamic do you think a convertible is, especially with the top down?
Also, how many American LeMans cars do you see without spoilers? For that matter, how many racing cars do you see without a spoiler?
A current M3, it seems to me, is about the equivilent of a 10 year old road racing car.
Just my opinion...not trying to star any BS.

The fastest production car ever made, the McLaren F1, does not have a spoiler. The Lamborghini Diablo doesn't come with a spoiler (it's an option, or at least it used to be), nor do any Ferrari models.

The 330i is capable of 150mph, and a spoiler is only offered as an accessory. If the E46 needed a spoiler for stability reasons, it would be on every model (like the spoiler on the Audi TT).

Race cars are a different story. Once you set up a full race suspension on your M3, then you can start playing with aerodynamics: Balancing maximum downforce for stick in the turns with the lowest possible drag for an extra mph or two on the straights.

On a street car the spoiler is just for looks, either good or bad depending on the individual.

Originally posted by Guest
The fastest production car ever made, the McLaren F1, does not have a spoiler.

Not true. It does and it comes up automatically.

Definitely it does have some downforce effect but as insignificantly as F1s that are wider and lower to ground.

Originally posted by Guest
The fastest production car ever made, the McLaren F1, does not have a spoiler. The Lamborghini Diablo doesn't come with a spoiler (it's an option, or at least it used to be), nor do any Ferrari models.

The 330i is capable of 150mph, and a spoiler is only offered as an accessory. If the E46 needed a spoiler for stability reasons, it would be on every model (like the spoiler on the Audi TT).

Race cars are a different story. Once you set up a full race suspension on your M3, then you can start playing with aerodynamics: Balancing maximum downforce for stick in the turns with the lowest possible drag for an extra mph or two on the straights.

On a street car the spoiler is just for looks, either good or bad depending on the individual.

How can you compare the body of an exotic car to M3's? Those cars are designed for speeds of 200mph+, are much more aerodynamic, lower, wider, etc. M3's lip serves very little purpose (if any at all) but I'd give it 10 for its looks:thumbsup:

Hey guest, I was about to respond but you stole my thunder. The spoiler for street driving is for aesthetics. Personally I don't care for it on M3s. Looks too highschoolish in my opinion.