BMW M3 Competition Package

BMW have just announced a new Competition Package that can be added as an option when ordering a new M3. For BMW, pricing is quite inexpensive really, at just £3,315 (AU$5,820). Nothing official from BMW Australia just yet, but you’ll read it here when it’s available.

For your extra cash you get restyled and lighter 19″ alloy wheels, a 10mm suspension drop and re-mapped settings for the Dynamic Stability Control and  Electronic Damper Control which offer “a more enthusiastic driving style“.

The Competition Package will be available for the 2011 model year, which, according to the release below, starts from late March production.

Also being introduced for MY11 is an Auto Start-Stop function. It will be available right across the M3 range and with both manual and DCT transmissions. This brings minor improvements to fuel efficiency and list of revised figures has been provided by BMW.

Included with the release of the M3 Competition Package are a few images of some carbon fibre add-ons, although nothing is said about these in the release below. It would appear these are some extra money-grabbing options that can be added to your M3 to help individualise it from your neighbour’s M3.

The new BMW M3 Coupé with Competition Package

16.02.2010 – BMW has introduced a Competition Package for its class-leading BMW M3 Coupé to enhance the model’s unparalleled driving dynamics. The package will go on sale 20 March, 2010.

The new Competition Package comprises a revised Electronic Damper Control with a new Sport setting which, when coupled with the 10mm lower suspension, improves the standard car’s already dynamic handling. A Dynamic Stability Control Plus system with subtly less electronic intervention than before allows for a more enthusiastic driving style. Exclusively designed 19-inch light alloy wheels, inspired by the popular E46 M3 CSL, complete the package.

The Competition Package is priced at £3,315 in addition to the standard BMW M3 Coupé’s £52,730 OTR price.

At the same time Auto Start-Stop technology comes as standard to all versions of BMW’s M3. The Coupé, Convertible and Saloon already feature Brake Energy Regeneration, lightweight engineering principles and on-demand use of ancillary systems to enhance all round efficiency. The introduction of Auto Start-Stop, on both manual and M DCT transmission-equipped cars, represents the first time a BMW model with more than four-cylinders and a transmission other than a six-speed manual has featured the technology. No other high performance car currently comes with this capability.

The benefits of Auto Start-Stop for all BMW M3 models results in significant reductions in CO2 emissions and an improvement in fuel consumption from the EU5 compliant powerplant. The table below outlines the full details:

BMW M3 Coupé

• CO2 emissions (g/km) non Auto Start-Stop 285
• CO2 emissions (g/km) with Auto Start-Stop 263
• Combined mpg non Auto Start-Stop 23.7
• Combined mpg with Auto Start-Stop 25.2

BMW M3 Convertible

• CO2 emissions (g/km) non Auto Start-Stop 293
• CO2 emissions (g/km) with Auto Start-Stop 269
• Combined mpg non Auto Start-Stop 23.0
• Combined mpg with Auto Start-Stop 24.6

BMW M3 Saloon

• CO2 emissions (g/km) non Auto Start-Stop 285
• CO2 emissions (g/km) with Auto Start-Stop 263
• Combined mpg non Auto Start-Stop 23.7
• Combined mpg with Auto Start-Stop 25.2

Figures quoted are for M DCT-equipped cars.

All BMW M3 models equipped with the system go on sale 20 March, 2010.