Since the days of childhood remembered, many have been lamenting over the fact that the Decepticons in the Transformers series were always the cooler of the robots. From fighter jets to heavy tanks and even pistols, the bad guys always had the better weapons to transform on screen. It felt like the Decepticons always won the coin toss, calling first dibs at the things they could transform into. Food for thought though; what if these cynical, wicked robots were a reality?

Enter the BMW E90 series; first introduced in 2004, the E90 was the fifth descendant of BMW’s compact executive 3 Series lineage. Made available in saloon, coupe and estate forms respectively, the versatile E90 3 Series quickly made headlines around Europe as the best selling entry level luxury car in North America. Although the E92 coupe is widely recognised as the powerhouse M3 variant here in Singapore, the E90 saloon still exists as the lesser known of the evils; still nonetheless evil and equally brutal as its two-doored sibling.



Powered by a naturally aspirated V8 motor beneath its lean, muscular form, this particular sedated looking four-door sedan would be a definite pick for a mean Decepticon in an alternate reality, but for Allan, the owner of this issue’s Cover Car, a deceptive looking M3 in an E90 saloon skin. Citing one reason for purchasing the saloon variant of the M3, Allan wanted to accommodate business clients with it; yes, an M3 that works as a daily drive and workhorse for its owner. However, that does not mean that Allan was going to leave this already-horse whipping car stock.



With a history of owning tuned automobiles, Allan has a wealth of tuning knowledge and a penchant for creating unique automobiles that he can call his own. Work on the beastly V8 motor begins with an AA Green air filter, that expands the breathing capacity that is essential for naturally aspirated engines to make more power. A Macht Schnell Performance underdrive pulley kit replaces the heavy, stock one to keep parasitic loads off the engine’s crank, reinstalling critical torque and response; another important requisite for naturally aspirated performance machines.

The intake side of things is then carefully matched with the exhaust end; an exotic Akrapovic GT4 front pipe that feels like an almost necessary tuning part, completed with a lightweight tuned Iconel exhaust by M Performance; giving Allan’s M3 an almost ferocious audio note, especially when its high-revving V8 motor is put to the test. To top all that tuning off, an ESS Stage 2 ECU tuning software takes care of optimising performance figures, giving the German saloon a strong dosage of ‘oomph’ and the reassurance to scatter its turbocharged rivals.Handling is not spared either. Not only was the ZCP Competition suspension system installed, its springs were upgraded to stiffer ones by H&R, along with modified bump-stops with shaved paddings for that refined drop in height without the headache-inducing wheel arch scraps.



Not only is this setup perfect for gracing photo shoots, it provides the saloon with the cornering prowess it needs when it needs to leave the competition behind in tight situations. Pulling stops on its massive powerplant is done in prestige with premium Brembo race monoblock brakes; six massive forged pistons up front and four equally intimidating pistons in the rear; both working in synchronised harmony to provide unbelievable stopping distances when called upon.



The exterior of Allan’s M3 is surely deceptive upon first glance. Although wrapped beautifully in a Frozen Grey appearance, the 320i badge on the rear is its first attempt to throw unsuspecting and would-be predators off their guard. Surely, tell-tale signs that this is no ordinary 3 Series begin with subtle details, like the Vorsteiner carbon fibre rear diffuser planted over the quad exhaust system and the M Performance trunk spoiler on the boot. The sides get customised downforce sideskirt extension treatment and an Arkym Clubsport carbon fibre splitter in front, along with a degree of black chrome that exists on its front and side grills. If all else fails,   one should note that the M3 wears an incredulously rare and expensive set of 19” full-forged alloy BBS FI rims that weigh slightly over 8kg per rim; all shod in premium Michelin Pilot Super Sport rubber in eyebulging dimensions.



How about that for a “standard 320i”?As a daily driven ride, there should be no discomfort while plying the public roads; enough reason for Allan to leave the cabin unscathed; though some signs of vanity exist, like the velvety, alcantara BMW Performance steering wheel and matching M pedals to boot. Competition carbon fibre interior trims tuck the monotonous dashboard features away, while a multi-function Scan Gauge II provides vital signs on the M3’s overall health, such as voltage, fuel state, water and oil temperatures.Deceivingly elegant like a meek 3 Series, Allan has already had his fair share of strangers and individuals on the road who have already fallen prey to the fake guise that is the 320i badge on the rear.

While not many have seen the four-doored M3 variant prowling the road, the fact exists that these are pretty much real, although rare in numbers. Should you spot a seemingly similar 3 Series that matches the description here, let REV’s feature on this ‘Decepticon’ serve as a stern warning, not to judge a book by its cover; for there is always more than meets the eye!

BMW E90 M3 Sedan

Engine
AA Green Air Filter, Macht Schnell Performance Underdrive Pulley Kit, Akrapovic GT4 Front Pipe, M Performance Iconel Exhaust System, ESS Stage 2 ECU Tuning Software

Undercarriage

ZCP Competition Suspension Kit, H&R Upgraded Springs, Modified Bump-Stops, Shaved Paddings, Brembo Full Race Monoblock Brakes (F: 6-Piston, R: 4-Piston), 19” BBS FI Full-Forged Aluminum Alloy Rims, Michelin Pilot Super Sport Tyres (F: 255/30/19, R: 295/30/19)

Exterior

320i Badge, Black Chrome Front Kidney Grilles, Black Chrome Side Grilles, Vorsteiner Carbon Fibre Rear Diffuser, M Performance Carbon Fibre Trunk Spoiler, Customised Downforce Sideskirt Extensions, Arkym Clubsport Carbon Fibre Front Splitter, Carbon Fibre Side Mirrors

Interior

Scanguage II, BlackVue DR500 II DVR, Competition Carbon Fibre Dashboard Trims, M Performance Alcantara Steering Wheel, M Performance Pedal Set