CarEnthusiast Drives the BMW M3 Competition Package

[Mark]

| First Drive | Berkshire, England | BMW M3 with Competition Package |

BMW bundles up some equipment to create a Competition Package for its M3. It brings 10mm lower suspension, a re-programmed Dynamic Stability Control+ setting and new CSL-inspired 19-inch alloy wheels. The real big news is the addition of stop-start to the entire M3 line-up, this improving economy by six percent and reducing emissions from 285g- to 263g/km.

In the Metal

Wheels aside you'll not notice any visual differences between a Competition Package equipped car and the standard M3. That means you get a carbon-roofed, bonnet-humped coupé with the pent-up aggressive looks that define BMW's best M car. In optional satin finish paint it looks sensational, though it's a shame BMW didn't add a few more visual clues to highlight that you've added £3,315 of Competition Package to your standard M3. Interestingly, if you want the practicality of four-doors and the Competition Package you'll be disappointed, as BMW only offers the option on the coupé model.

What you get for your Money

The standard M3 delivers a high-revving V8 engine with 414bhp and the ability to reach 62mph in just 4.8 seconds (4.6 seconds with the M Double Clutch Transmission, M DCT). The Competition Package does nothing to change that, it only promising a bit more dynamic ability with suspension 10mm lower, lightweight alloy wheels and new settings within the Electronic Damper Control and Dynamic Stability Control+ systems. Add the Competition Package and it'll cost you £3,315 on top of the £53,275 for the standard car.

Driving it

The M3 has always astonished with its pace and the M3 with the Competition Package doesn't change that. Really, it feels no different, the suspension changes doing little to the ride quality and the revised settings within the damper and stability systems not really apparent on the road. Choose anything but the standard set-up on the Electronic Damper Control and the M3 is a bit too stiff for the public road in the UK. The changes are likely to make a slight difference to the M3's ability on a smooth, fast track, but without a standard non Competition Package equipped M3 to compare directly with, on the road it's difficult to see what advantage choosing the pack brings - unless you really like those wheels.

That's perhaps a measure of how brilliant the M3 is already rather than a criticism of the changes the Competition Package make. With the differences the Competition Package brings being so subtle a more sporting exhaust pipe or airbox would add some real appeal to it, and make it more obvious where you're spending your money.

The biggest difference then with the 2010 M3 is the inclusion of a stop-start system. It's odd to have the M3's 4.0-litre V8 shut down and sit quietly at traffic lights, it adding 1.5mpg to the car's combined consumption figure to record 25.2mpg when fitted with the M-DCT transmission. In real-world driving it's unlikely you're really going to notice the difference, as the M3 isn't the sort of car that you'll feel inclined to cruise in. It's at its best when it's going quickly, where it feels as hugely competent and composed as ever. It's just a shame there's not a touch more feel coming through the chunky steering wheel.

Worth Noting

BMW claims that the M3 is the first BMW non-four-cylinder manual-equipped car to be fitted with stop-start. That might be the case, but its suggestion that it's the first performance car in the world to do so ignores cars like Porsche's Panamera and the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG.

Summary

It's likely everyone will tick the option box for the Competition Package, but we reckon you could spend your money more effectively elsewhere on the M3's options list. If BMW added some more obvious visual identifiers than the smart wheels, or added a more exotic-sounding tailpipe, it'd be a default choice. For everyday use on the road it's debateable whether it's worth the additional outlay. What does impress is BMW's integration of its EfficientDynamics technology, which changes nothing about how the M3 drives - save for it shutting down when it's stationary. The additional fuel it saves is always welcome, particularly on the M3, which has always had a ravaging thirst. It still has, but perhaps now you can escape the wrath of the environmentalists when you sit silently at traffic lights.

Jump over to CarEnthusiast to read the entire article and see all the photos: http://www.carenthusiast.com/reviews...n+Package.html

[A2G]

how much difference does M DCT really make over the manual...is the 0-62 mph difference of 0.2 sec noticeable enough to make M DCT worth it and not go with manual?

[Eau Rouge]

Weird review, and it left me wondering...

| First Drive | Berkshire, England | BMW M3 with Competition Package |

BMW bundles up some equipment to create a Competition Package for its M3. It brings 10mm lower suspension, a re-programmed Dynamic Stability Control+ setting and new CSL-inspired 19-inch alloy wheels. The real big news is the addition of stop-start to the entire M3 line-up, this improving economy by six percent and reducing emissions from 285g- to 263g/km.

Wonderful Real Big News! What obvious errr...visible differences will anyone notice thanks to the 22g/km decrease?

In the Metal

Wheels aside you'll not notice any visual differences between a Competition Package equipped car and the standard M3. That means you get a carbon-roofed, bonnet-humped coupé with the pent-up aggressive looks that define BMW's best M car. In optional satin finish paint it looks sensational, though it's a shame BMW didn't add a few more visual clues to highlight that you've added £3,315 of Competition Package to your standard M3. Interestingly, if you want the practicality of four-doors and the Competition Package you'll be disappointed, as BMW only offers the option on the coupé model.

When does he starting writing about the positives and driving experience?

Of course BMW should have included BBK at that price. Throw in an Akrapovic Evo M3GT4 exhaust too boot and we have a £3,315 value, right?

Mercifully, praticality hasn't yet become the spade suit in the design of sports cars which means that the glass is still half full.

What you get for your Money

The standard M3 delivers a high-revving V8 engine with 414bhp and the ability to reach 62mph in just 4.8 seconds (4.6 seconds with the M Double Clutch Transmission, M DCT). The Competition Package does nothing to change that, it only promising a bit more dynamic ability with suspension 10mm lower, lightweight alloy wheels and new settings within the Electronic Damper Control and Dynamic Stability Control+ systems. Add the Competition Package and it'll cost you £3,315 on top of the £53,275 for the standard car.

Perhaps the guess is spot on, but it doesn't sound as if the reviewing party was interested in finding out whether there was or wasn't any change to the dynamic ability of the M3.

Driving it

The M3 has always astonished with its pace and the M3 with the Competition Package doesn't change that. Really, it feels no different, the suspension changes doing little to the ride quality and the revised settings within the damper and stability systems not really apparent on the road. Choose anything but the standard set-up on the Electronic Damper Control and the M3 is a bit too stiff for the public road in the UK. The changes are likely to make a slight difference to the M3's ability on a smooth, fast track, but without a standard non Competition Package equipped M3 to compare directly with, on the road it's difficult to see what advantage choosing the pack brings - unless you really like those wheels.

There it is. No track time!

That's perhaps a measure of how brilliant the M3 is already rather than a criticism of the changes the Competition Package make. With the differences the Competition Package brings being so subtle a more sporting exhaust pipe or airbox would add some real appeal to it, and make it more obvious where you're spending your money.

ORLY?

Someone is very very very concerned with being able to POINT TO something in order to feel better about spending the money. Somehow the idea of the reviewer spending a wooden nickel on a flywheel seems like a stretch.

The biggest difference then with the 2010 M3 is the inclusion of a stop-start system. It's odd to have the M3's 4.0-litre V8 shut down and sit quietly at traffic lights, it adding 1.5mpg to the car's combined consumption figure to record 25.2mpg when fitted with the M-DCT transmission. In real-world driving it's unlikely you're really going to notice the difference, as the M3 isn't the sort of car that you'll feel inclined to cruise in. It's at its best when it's going quickly, where it feels as hugely competent and composed as ever. It's just a shame there's not a touch more feel coming through the chunky steering wheel.

NEWSFLASH! The Real Big News is news that you aren't going to notice in real world driving, but you'll sure as hell notice it while driving through car mags.

Worth Noting

BMW claims that the M3 is the first BMW non-four-cylinder manual-equipped car to be fitted with stop-start. That might be the case, but its suggestion that it's the first performance car in the world to do so ignores cars like Porsche's Panamera and the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG.

Summary

It's likely everyone will tick the option box for the Competition Package, but we reckon you could spend your money more effectively elsewhere on the M3's options list. If BMW added some more obvious visual identifiers than the smart wheels, or added a more exotic-sounding tailpipe, it'd be a default choice. For everyday use on the road it's debateable whether it's worth the additional outlay. What does impress is BMW's integration of its EfficientDynamics technology, which changes nothing about how the M3 drives - save for it shutting down when it's stationary. The additional fuel it saves is always welcome, particularly on the M3, which has always had a ravaging thirst. It still has, but perhaps now you can escape the wrath of the environmentalists when you sit silently at traffic lights.

Jump over to CarEnthusiast to read the entire article and see all the photos: http://www.carenthusiast.com/reviews...n+Package.html

What about for those that check every possible option box when ordering? Obviously, Kyle's point is that for those confronted with a trade off situation they would, in his opinion, get more bang for their sterling pound by burning the £3.3k on other options (i.e. an electric sunshade, a moonroof, an individual interior, an individual paint, etc.); all which are highly noticeable and do absolutely nothing to enhance vehicle performance although they may excite a passenger that would otherwise be unfazed by a lower ride height .

Finally, a custom matte color -- Environmental Green -- would be perfect for anyone trolling the streets in a ZCP equipped M3 worried that others are having hateful thoughts about the one behind the wheel of "that Mother Earth-snuffing, gas-guzzling, damned sexy-looking M3".

[gadget]

Originally Posted by A2G

how much difference does M DCT really make over the manual...is the 0-62 mph difference of 0.2 sec noticeable enough to make M DCT worth it and not go with manual?

its more than a difference in time. Do a this topic has already been beat to death.

[regensburg94]

That is an awesome looking photograph (frozen grey, right?)

However, ZCP doesn't seem worth it based on the few reviews I have read.

[besiktas]

be realistic, the comp pack was a dissappointment to all of us... more environmentally friendly, i am pretty sure people buying this car doesnt really care that much about it... i would rather use that 5K to cover an extra set of tires, fees for track events, gas cost, tiny exhaust mods etc.

[footie]

The Competition Package is only designed to heighten the sense of connection between driver and machine, plus with it's tweaked DSC offer those most gifted drivers a bit more room to play before the safety net calls it a day.

[jeff@autocouture]

I built the 4 door on bmwusa.com why do people keep saying you can't get it

[footie]

Originally Posted by Studntloan

I built the 4 door on bmwusa.com why do people keep saying you can't get it

Because according to BMW it's only available on the E92 Coupe.

[RevFreak14]

Originally Posted by A2G

how much difference does M DCT really make over the manual...is the 0-62 mph difference of 0.2 sec noticeable enough to make M DCT worth it and not go with manual?

It's a matter of preference, although I don't care who you are, there is no way you can rip thru the gears as fast as MDCT.

[Jeff_DML]

Originally Posted by Studntloan

I built the 4 door on bmwusa.com why do people keep saying you can't get it

In europe you cannot, no e90 love

I think the review is fair, seems reasonable that you cannot tell the difference unless you drive both back to back.

[jeff@autocouture]

ok that would make sense

[Meff]

Originally Posted by Eau Rouge

Wonderful Real Big News! What obvious errr...visible differences will anyone notice thanks to the 22g/km decrease? =

The start/stop feature reduces emissions yes, but it also helps BMW to continue to churn out 400 + hp NA V8s and still meet their ever increasing overall fleet emission targets as a manufacturer.

Even if you don't care about the environmental benefits, the gas savings alone should be welcomed as a good thing.

[1cleanm6]

i think comp is worth it....

keep in mind if u get the tech package at 3250, the comp package can be had for another 1750 dollars instead of 2500 dollars because the tech comps with the EDC.

So for 1750 dollars i def think its worth it, worse comes to worse sell the wheels..

[Eau Rouge]

Originally Posted by Meff

The start/stop feature reduces emissions yes, but it also helps BMW to continue to churn out 400 + hp NA V8s and still meet their ever increasing overall fleet emission targets as a manufacturer.
Even if you don't care about the environmental benefits, the gas savings alone should be welcomed as a good thing.

Indeed. BMW has acted to innoculate itself against potential accusations that it is promoting environmentally unfriendly automobiles even as it pushes the fuel efficiency envelope which, in combination, leave it in a win-win situation with environmentalists and consumers that desire greater miles/gallon.

My point earlier was to highlight an ironic comment by the author. While a marginal reduction in carbon emissions will not result in visually obvious changes to the environment, the author finds that to be the big news. On the other hand, the author bemoans the fact that the ZCP does not entail visually obvious changes and goes on to find the changes far less than big news. To me, neither the reduced emissions nor the ZCP warrant "big news", but while the ZCP may be overpriced for what it is, the CSL type wheels go a very long way toward making it attractive. To each his own.

[ase2dais]

nice!

[Oulixes]

The review is quite reasonable, low key description of the M3 car with the competition package. If a bit more of testing were included, the article would be more informative.

[duk]

i would have gotten it if the rims were forged

[BMW269]

In Europe you can also get Competition package on M3 Sedan (E90).

[Jeff_DML]

Originally Posted by Levi

In Europe you can also get Competition package on M3 Sedan (E90).

how about the UK then?

[marwan]

my competition M3 arrives on may 20th, the new wider wheels and 1cm drop is worth it for me! i will not be tracking my car, but i know for a fact it's gonna look bad ass!

this picture alone is worth the ZCP, the M3 drives fantastic as it is...and specially that my M3 happens to be white with foxy interior




i also ordered the performance zcp parts separately. plus a buncha stuff from IND.

[marwan]

Originally Posted by Boosted335

i think comp is worth it....

keep in mind if u get the tech package at 3250, the comp package can be had for another 1750 dollars instead of 2500 dollars because the tech comps with the EDC.

So for 1750 dollars i def think its worth it, worse comes to worse sell the wheels..

what is the tech package?