M3/M4 [Official] BMW M3 & M4 Competition Package (F80/F82)
- Thread starter Betty Swollocks
- Start date
The BMW M3 is a high-performance version of the BMW 3 Series, developed by BMW's in-house motorsport division, BMW M GmbH. M3 models have been produced for every generation of 3 Series since the E30 M3 was introduced in 1986.
The BMW M4 is a high-performance version of the BMW 4 Series automobile developed by BMW's motorsport division, BMW M, that has been built since 2014. As part of the renumbering that splits the coupé and convertible variants of the 3 Series into the 4 Series, the M4 replaced those variants of the BMW M3. Official website: BMW M
nikola1984
Kraftkurve King
BMW M3 Competition Package (2016) review
Published: Today 02:50
Specs
Rivals
Other Models
Tim Pollard
Digital editor-in-chief and motoring news magnet
More info on BMW 3-Series
► New, brawnier BMW M3 tested
► Extra 19bhp, sharper chassis
► Full UK review of faster four-door
They're a discerning bunch, BMW M3 buyers. Did you know that 70-80% of the last E90 generation sold in the UK had the Competition Package upgrade? This option's not been available yet on the F80, but now the go-faster box of tricks is coming on stream - and we've just driven the new, more powerful Comp-spec M3 for the first time.
When you see what your £3000 premium bags you in the way of extra goodies, you can see why Munich is forecasting this car will count for the majority of sales again:
Click here to get a finance quote on a BMW M3 in CAR's new leasing section.
How to spot a BMW M3 Competition Pack
From a distance, this could be mistaken for any old M3: take one regular four-door 3-series saloon, stick some big rims on it, and a discreetly macho bodykit, with just the right mix of menace and modesty, so you won't stick out like the Porsche-slayer you are.
But there are subtle differences. That Shadow Line matt black trim lends a stealth cloak, replacing chrome on the side window graphic (what designers call the DLO, or daylight opening), the M3 badge on the bootlid, the kidney grille and side gills too. The 20in rims are also new.
How does the Competition Package affect the drive?
There's no mistaking the underlying M3 qualities at play here - but everything about the Comp Pack car feels sharpened. The sports exhaust has been recalibrated, and there's a dose of additional woofle, immediately noticeable at start-up. It's less clattery than the first regular M3s we drove.
Those 19 extra ponies make themselves felt on the road. The M3 has never been a slow car and the turbocharged six-cylinder now has performance capable of out-slugging even junior-league supercars: 0-62mph takes just 4.0sec (a tenth faster), when equipped with the twin-clutch auto, like ours was (instant gearchanges, lovely tactile metal paddles - take note Jaguar). We still miss the E90's zesty V8, if we're being honest - this straight six 3.0-litre is less charismatic, but it sure does pull like a train.
Zip the drive mode into Sport or Sport+ and it sounds raspier, fruitier. It's like M division engineering composers have learned how to fine-tune turbo'd engines and re-inject a frisson of fun. And the chassis handling is sublime, feeling hunkered down with an iron glove of body control yet a decent degree of compliance to soak up the patina of bumpy roads. Traction is impressive too, the active diff keeping all 406lb ft of blown torque on the road most of the time.
Special mention to the accurate, well judged steering too: it's not the most feelsome helm, but the M3 feels more agile than ever. All the more impressive, since our car rode on winter tyres and smaller, 19-inch wheels. We also had £6k's worth of ceramic brakes, which proved supremely powerful and fade-resistant, if a little grabby at low speeds.
The extra equipment
Those lightweight sports seats are quite something, with cut-outs to differentiate them from regular M3 pews. We're not fans of their backrests' naff illuminated M tricolor badge that glows cheaply at nighttime, but the thin buckets are grippy and more comfortable than their skeletal structure suggests. The discreetly M-striped seatbelts are a nice touch, too.
Otherwise, it's a stock BMW interior. The iDrive controller has evolved into a logical system of Germanic efficiency; the navigation is a paragon of clarity; the dashboard design is slightly less polished, less cohesive than what you'll find in an Audi A4 or Mercedes C-class; but the driving position and major controls are all brilliantly placed. There's no doubting the M3 is a proper driver's car first, and a sensible four-door family chariot second.
Verdict
The Competition Package improvements do enough to nudge the M3 back up to a five-star car. CAR was disappointed by 2014's four-door, which felt like a step back from the brilliant E90-era V8. Now with 2016's upgrades, it feels like the M3 is back on its game.
We'd wholeheartedly recommend the extra performance, sublime chassis tweaks and extra character of the M3 Comp Pack.
Specs
Price when new: £59,595
On sale in the UK: March 2016
Engine: 2979cc 24v straight-six turbo, 444bhp @ 7000rpm, 406lb ft @ 1850rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed M double-clutch auto, rear-wheel drive
Performance: 4.0sec 0-62mph, 155mph, 34mpg, 194g/km CO2
Weight / material: 1595kg/steel and aluminium
Dimensions (length/width/height in mm): 4633/1877/1430mm
Published: Today 02:50
- At a glance
- Handling5 out of 5
- Performance5 out of 5
- Usability4 out of 5
- Feelgood factor4 out of 5
- CAR's Rating5 out of 5
Specs
Rivals
Other Models
Tim Pollard
Digital editor-in-chief and motoring news magnet
More info on BMW 3-Series
► New, brawnier BMW M3 tested
► Extra 19bhp, sharper chassis
► Full UK review of faster four-door
They're a discerning bunch, BMW M3 buyers. Did you know that 70-80% of the last E90 generation sold in the UK had the Competition Package upgrade? This option's not been available yet on the F80, but now the go-faster box of tricks is coming on stream - and we've just driven the new, more powerful Comp-spec M3 for the first time.
When you see what your £3000 premium bags you in the way of extra goodies, you can see why Munich is forecasting this car will count for the majority of sales again:
- 19bhp power upgrade
- 0-62mph sprint drops to 4.0sec
- Chassis: recalibrated springs, dampers, anti-roll bars
- Updated driving modes, Active M Differential
- 20in M alloy wheels with 265/30 (f), 285/30 (r) tyres
- Lightweight M sports seats, M-striped seatbelts
- M sports exhaust, Shadow Line black gloss detailing
Click here to get a finance quote on a BMW M3 in CAR's new leasing section.
How to spot a BMW M3 Competition Pack
From a distance, this could be mistaken for any old M3: take one regular four-door 3-series saloon, stick some big rims on it, and a discreetly macho bodykit, with just the right mix of menace and modesty, so you won't stick out like the Porsche-slayer you are.
But there are subtle differences. That Shadow Line matt black trim lends a stealth cloak, replacing chrome on the side window graphic (what designers call the DLO, or daylight opening), the M3 badge on the bootlid, the kidney grille and side gills too. The 20in rims are also new.
How does the Competition Package affect the drive?
There's no mistaking the underlying M3 qualities at play here - but everything about the Comp Pack car feels sharpened. The sports exhaust has been recalibrated, and there's a dose of additional woofle, immediately noticeable at start-up. It's less clattery than the first regular M3s we drove.
Those 19 extra ponies make themselves felt on the road. The M3 has never been a slow car and the turbocharged six-cylinder now has performance capable of out-slugging even junior-league supercars: 0-62mph takes just 4.0sec (a tenth faster), when equipped with the twin-clutch auto, like ours was (instant gearchanges, lovely tactile metal paddles - take note Jaguar). We still miss the E90's zesty V8, if we're being honest - this straight six 3.0-litre is less charismatic, but it sure does pull like a train.
Zip the drive mode into Sport or Sport+ and it sounds raspier, fruitier. It's like M division engineering composers have learned how to fine-tune turbo'd engines and re-inject a frisson of fun. And the chassis handling is sublime, feeling hunkered down with an iron glove of body control yet a decent degree of compliance to soak up the patina of bumpy roads. Traction is impressive too, the active diff keeping all 406lb ft of blown torque on the road most of the time.
Special mention to the accurate, well judged steering too: it's not the most feelsome helm, but the M3 feels more agile than ever. All the more impressive, since our car rode on winter tyres and smaller, 19-inch wheels. We also had £6k's worth of ceramic brakes, which proved supremely powerful and fade-resistant, if a little grabby at low speeds.
The extra equipment
Those lightweight sports seats are quite something, with cut-outs to differentiate them from regular M3 pews. We're not fans of their backrests' naff illuminated M tricolor badge that glows cheaply at nighttime, but the thin buckets are grippy and more comfortable than their skeletal structure suggests. The discreetly M-striped seatbelts are a nice touch, too.
Otherwise, it's a stock BMW interior. The iDrive controller has evolved into a logical system of Germanic efficiency; the navigation is a paragon of clarity; the dashboard design is slightly less polished, less cohesive than what you'll find in an Audi A4 or Mercedes C-class; but the driving position and major controls are all brilliantly placed. There's no doubting the M3 is a proper driver's car first, and a sensible four-door family chariot second.
Verdict
The Competition Package improvements do enough to nudge the M3 back up to a five-star car. CAR was disappointed by 2014's four-door, which felt like a step back from the brilliant E90-era V8. Now with 2016's upgrades, it feels like the M3 is back on its game.
We'd wholeheartedly recommend the extra performance, sublime chassis tweaks and extra character of the M3 Comp Pack.
Specs
Price when new: £59,595
On sale in the UK: March 2016
Engine: 2979cc 24v straight-six turbo, 444bhp @ 7000rpm, 406lb ft @ 1850rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed M double-clutch auto, rear-wheel drive
Performance: 4.0sec 0-62mph, 155mph, 34mpg, 194g/km CO2
Weight / material: 1595kg/steel and aluminium
Dimensions (length/width/height in mm): 4633/1877/1430mm
Rainer271
Kraftwagen König
BMW M3 and M4 Competition pricing announced for Australia
BMW Australia has released pricing details for the M3 and M4 Competition models which are bound to hit dealerships mid-May.
Announced at the beginning of the year, the Competition variant is available for the M3 Sedan, M4 Coupe, and M4 Convertible. The M trio comes with an extra 14 kW of power for a grand total of 331 kW while keeping the same 550 Nm of torque as before. In a bid to please everyone, BMW Australia will sell you the three M models with a choice of either a six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic.
Go for the manual and the M3 Sedan along with the M4 Coupe will sprint to 62 mph (100 kph) from a standstill in 4.2 seconds (4.5s for the M4 Convertible). Selecting the M Double Clutch transmission will reduce the sprint time to 4.0 seconds (4.3s for the open-top model). Compared to the non-Competition models, all three are 0.1 seconds quicker in the sprint.
Aside from packing more punch and being slightly faster, the Competition models also get 20-inch M light alloy wheels featuring a machine-polished star-spoke design. The cars come equipped with 265/30 R20 front and 285/30 R20 rear tires and take advantage of a recalibrated Active M Differential. As if this wasn’t enough, the Competition variant brings upgraded springs, dampers, and anti-roll bars, along with new settings for the three driving modes (Comfort, Sport, Sport+).
On the outside, the cars are adorned with the BMW Individual Shadow Line trim featuring a glossy black look for the kidney grille, side gills, rear model badge, and window trims. The same finish can also be noticed on the quad exhaust tips which according to the Bavarian marque grant a “suitably track-honed acoustic.”
BMW also made some tweaks inside the cabin, adding M leather-wrapped seats that are lighter than the regular ones while keeping the electric adjustment and the lateral support.
Available mid-May, the BMW M3 Competition Sedan will set you back $144,900, followed by the M4 Competition Coupe at $154,900, and the M4 Competition Convertible from $165,900.
Source: BMW Australia
BMW Australia has released pricing details for the M3 and M4 Competition models which are bound to hit dealerships mid-May.
Announced at the beginning of the year, the Competition variant is available for the M3 Sedan, M4 Coupe, and M4 Convertible. The M trio comes with an extra 14 kW of power for a grand total of 331 kW while keeping the same 550 Nm of torque as before. In a bid to please everyone, BMW Australia will sell you the three M models with a choice of either a six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic.
Go for the manual and the M3 Sedan along with the M4 Coupe will sprint to 62 mph (100 kph) from a standstill in 4.2 seconds (4.5s for the M4 Convertible). Selecting the M Double Clutch transmission will reduce the sprint time to 4.0 seconds (4.3s for the open-top model). Compared to the non-Competition models, all three are 0.1 seconds quicker in the sprint.
Aside from packing more punch and being slightly faster, the Competition models also get 20-inch M light alloy wheels featuring a machine-polished star-spoke design. The cars come equipped with 265/30 R20 front and 285/30 R20 rear tires and take advantage of a recalibrated Active M Differential. As if this wasn’t enough, the Competition variant brings upgraded springs, dampers, and anti-roll bars, along with new settings for the three driving modes (Comfort, Sport, Sport+).
On the outside, the cars are adorned with the BMW Individual Shadow Line trim featuring a glossy black look for the kidney grille, side gills, rear model badge, and window trims. The same finish can also be noticed on the quad exhaust tips which according to the Bavarian marque grant a “suitably track-honed acoustic.”
BMW also made some tweaks inside the cabin, adding M leather-wrapped seats that are lighter than the regular ones while keeping the electric adjustment and the lateral support.
Available mid-May, the BMW M3 Competition Sedan will set you back $144,900, followed by the M4 Competition Coupe at $154,900, and the M4 Competition Convertible from $165,900.
Source: BMW Australia
Rainer271
Kraftwagen König
FIRST DRIVE: 2016 BMW M3 Competition Package
While the current F82-generation BMW M3 is a very good sports car, one that’s both incredibly fast and agile, it’s been criticized quite a bit for its lack of “purity”, especially in comparison with its predecessors. With 425 hp from its 3.0 liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine, the M3 has plenty of power and with its aluminum-extensive chassis and electronically-controlled limited-slip differential, it has all the equipment necessary to handle well. But it lacks some of the spark, some of that fizz that made its predecessors so fantastic.
It appears that BMW has heard the calls of enthusiasts asking for a more pure driving experience and created the Competition Package. And if you’re of the many BMW fans wishing for a more pure M3 experience, then we’d suggest driving the BMW M3 Competition Package.
I picked up a BMW M3 Comp Pack from the BMW Welt, as if it were a European Delivery pickup. We’ve mentioned it before, but if you’re a BMW fan, you should definitely experience the Welt. Picking up a car from there makes it an even more special experience, especially when it’s a gorgeous Alpine White BMW M3 Competition Package.
STYLING AND POWER UPGRADES
The Competition Package gives the M3 a bit of a power bump over the standard car, up to 444 hp. On top of the power bump, the Comp Pack brings chassis, suspension and steering tuning as well as tuning to the limited-slip differential and some interior tweaks, such as the new lightweight seats from the North American BMW M4 GTS and seatbelt with M-colored stripes. There’s also a new, recalibrated sports exhaust and a set of 20″ Style 666M wheels. So the Competition Pack is a very comprehensive performance package and isn’t just an aesthetic upgrade.
When starting up the M3 Competition Package, the first thing you notice is the noise. The new sports exhaust is much louder than before, especially right after a cold start. It’s so loud, in fact, that in Sport and Sport+ mode BMW actually had to bring it down a few decibels to keep it street legal. So the complaint of the standard M3’s somewhat weak exhaust is gone immediately from startup. But it’s not only louder, it sounds better overall, raspier.
Inside, the new lightweight seats look great and are very supportive. They’re firmer than the standard car’s seats, but will hold better through spirited driving and look very cool. They even work well while wearing a helmet, proving that BMW thought about its owners will take to the track. The M stripes woven into the seatbelt also look great.
While the engine was boosted to 444 hp, the extra 19 ponies isn’t all that noticeable without testing equipment. However, BMW did manage to make its mid-range punch even better and sharper, allowing for outrageous overtaking ability. The mid-range acceleration is probably the best you can get in a modern BMW right now and it inspires confidence in quick lane-change maneuvers or trying to sneak through tight spaces.
TUNED UP CHASSIS
But outright power isn’t necessarily the focal point of the Comp Pack, as handling and feel are more important. The new differential tweaks have transformed the M3 and it’s now more precise and planted during aggressive cornering. It will still slide if you turn the DSC off but it’s more fun and less snappy, better for daily driving.
The Competition Pack’s new springs, dampers and anti-roll bars create a much more aggressive ride than before. It’s both stiffer and flatter through corners, making it much more fun to drive quickly. The adaptive drive modes have also been adjusted, with even Comfort mode being quite firm. Sport and Sport+ are very firm and will likely only be enjoyed by enthusiasts and will make fans of the track happy. I drove in Sport and Sport+ during most of my time with it because it was more fun that way
The front axle is also far sharper, with better turn-in and immediate bite. The steering is also better, with a more connected feel to the road, remedying much of the numbness that has been criticized in the standard M3.
If you drive as hard as we do, you’ll want to choose the carbon ceramic brake package. It’s expensive, but worth it because the response and bite are superb. If you track your car, the carbon ceramics are a must-have option. After hours of heavy braking they suffered no fade, even after some hard driving on the Nurburgring. They’re also extremely powerful, able to stop the M3 from 250 km/h to 90 km/h in only a matter of seconds.
SHOULD I BUY ONE?
If you combine the added performance and handling upgrades to the gorgeous wheels, sportier interior and better sounding exhaust, the Competition is almost a must-have for any BMW M3 buyer. It’s purer and closer to what the M3 should have been from the beginning.
Source: FIRST DRIVE: 2016 BMW M3 Competition Package
( with pics)
While the current F82-generation BMW M3 is a very good sports car, one that’s both incredibly fast and agile, it’s been criticized quite a bit for its lack of “purity”, especially in comparison with its predecessors. With 425 hp from its 3.0 liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine, the M3 has plenty of power and with its aluminum-extensive chassis and electronically-controlled limited-slip differential, it has all the equipment necessary to handle well. But it lacks some of the spark, some of that fizz that made its predecessors so fantastic.
It appears that BMW has heard the calls of enthusiasts asking for a more pure driving experience and created the Competition Package. And if you’re of the many BMW fans wishing for a more pure M3 experience, then we’d suggest driving the BMW M3 Competition Package.
I picked up a BMW M3 Comp Pack from the BMW Welt, as if it were a European Delivery pickup. We’ve mentioned it before, but if you’re a BMW fan, you should definitely experience the Welt. Picking up a car from there makes it an even more special experience, especially when it’s a gorgeous Alpine White BMW M3 Competition Package.
STYLING AND POWER UPGRADES
The Competition Package gives the M3 a bit of a power bump over the standard car, up to 444 hp. On top of the power bump, the Comp Pack brings chassis, suspension and steering tuning as well as tuning to the limited-slip differential and some interior tweaks, such as the new lightweight seats from the North American BMW M4 GTS and seatbelt with M-colored stripes. There’s also a new, recalibrated sports exhaust and a set of 20″ Style 666M wheels. So the Competition Pack is a very comprehensive performance package and isn’t just an aesthetic upgrade.
When starting up the M3 Competition Package, the first thing you notice is the noise. The new sports exhaust is much louder than before, especially right after a cold start. It’s so loud, in fact, that in Sport and Sport+ mode BMW actually had to bring it down a few decibels to keep it street legal. So the complaint of the standard M3’s somewhat weak exhaust is gone immediately from startup. But it’s not only louder, it sounds better overall, raspier.
Inside, the new lightweight seats look great and are very supportive. They’re firmer than the standard car’s seats, but will hold better through spirited driving and look very cool. They even work well while wearing a helmet, proving that BMW thought about its owners will take to the track. The M stripes woven into the seatbelt also look great.
While the engine was boosted to 444 hp, the extra 19 ponies isn’t all that noticeable without testing equipment. However, BMW did manage to make its mid-range punch even better and sharper, allowing for outrageous overtaking ability. The mid-range acceleration is probably the best you can get in a modern BMW right now and it inspires confidence in quick lane-change maneuvers or trying to sneak through tight spaces.
TUNED UP CHASSIS
But outright power isn’t necessarily the focal point of the Comp Pack, as handling and feel are more important. The new differential tweaks have transformed the M3 and it’s now more precise and planted during aggressive cornering. It will still slide if you turn the DSC off but it’s more fun and less snappy, better for daily driving.
The Competition Pack’s new springs, dampers and anti-roll bars create a much more aggressive ride than before. It’s both stiffer and flatter through corners, making it much more fun to drive quickly. The adaptive drive modes have also been adjusted, with even Comfort mode being quite firm. Sport and Sport+ are very firm and will likely only be enjoyed by enthusiasts and will make fans of the track happy. I drove in Sport and Sport+ during most of my time with it because it was more fun that way
The front axle is also far sharper, with better turn-in and immediate bite. The steering is also better, with a more connected feel to the road, remedying much of the numbness that has been criticized in the standard M3.
If you drive as hard as we do, you’ll want to choose the carbon ceramic brake package. It’s expensive, but worth it because the response and bite are superb. If you track your car, the carbon ceramics are a must-have option. After hours of heavy braking they suffered no fade, even after some hard driving on the Nurburgring. They’re also extremely powerful, able to stop the M3 from 250 km/h to 90 km/h in only a matter of seconds.
SHOULD I BUY ONE?
If you combine the added performance and handling upgrades to the gorgeous wheels, sportier interior and better sounding exhaust, the Competition is almost a must-have for any BMW M3 buyer. It’s purer and closer to what the M3 should have been from the beginning.
Source: FIRST DRIVE: 2016 BMW M3 Competition Package
( with pics)
This is not the Competiton Package thread. I know it's confusing but the Spain only "Competition Sport" is not the Competition Package.
The Competition Package thread is here...
http://www.germancarforum.com/threads/bmw-m3-m4-competition-package-f80-f82.54952/
Thanks @Betty Swollocks for pointing out the correct thread, I tried to search it but only found the one for the Spanish CS.
Yeah all these additional M4 models is becoming a bit much, buyers wouldn't know eventually which one is which and which one is the best.
Yeah all these additional M4 models is becoming a bit much, buyers wouldn't know eventually which one is which and which one is the best.
Already posted in a separate thread on Wednesday.
http://www.germancarforum.com/threads/autocar-mb-c63-s-coupe-vs-bmw-m4-cp.55844/
http://www.germancarforum.com/threads/autocar-mb-c63-s-coupe-vs-bmw-m4-cp.55844/
klier
Premium
The real question is, what's miss Piggie doing in this thread??
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BMW M
BMW M GmbH, formerly known as BMW Motorsport GmbH, is a subsidiary of
BMW AG that manufactures high-performance luxury cars. BMW M ("M" for "motorsport")
was initially created to facilitate BMW's racing program, which was very successful
in the 1960s and 1970s. As time passed, BMW M began to supplement BMW's vehicle
portfolio with specially modified higher trim models, for which they are now most
known by the general public. These M-badged cars traditionally include modified engines,
transmissions, suspensions, interior trims, aerodynamics, and exterior modifications
to set them apart from their counterparts. All M models are tested and tuned at BMW's
private facility at the Nürburgring racing circuit in Germany.
Official website: BMW M
Official website: BMW M
