BMW News

    The BMW M3 and M4 are already potent cars that don't really need much—if any—tuning to be competitive, whether that's on the autocross course or setting lap times on the track. But there are those of us who don't like seeing a Comfort mode in their M car, especially the flagship M3. So BMW has announced a special Competition Package from BMW M GmbH that combines added sporting personality with enhanced dynamics. As well as extensive handling upgrades, the Competition Package also comes with additional equipment features and a hike in power that takes output to 444 hp.

    The extra power means improved performance. The BMW M3 Sedan and M4 Coupe with optional 7-speed M Double Clutch Transmission (M-DCT) sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds (without Competition Package: 3.9 sec.), while the BMW M4 Convertible reaches the same speed in 4.1 seconds (without Competition Package: 4.2 sec). The sprint time for models with the standard 6-speed manual transmission is likewise 0.1 seconds faster in all cases than without the package.

    The Competition Package includes Adaptive M Suspension, which has been extensively tuned to the enhanced performance and handling, and which features new springs, dampers and anti-roll bars, along with reconfigured driving modes (Comfort, Sport and Sport+). The standard Active M Differential on the rear axle and DSC Dynamic Stability Control have likewise been configured to match the upgraded dynamics. Forged, machine-polished, weight-and rigidity-optimized, multi-spoke 20-inch M alloy wheels (front 9J ×20; rear10 J ×20) with staggered tires sizes (front: 265/30 R20, rear: 285/30 R20) complete the list of chassis upgrades.

    For the BMW M3 and BMW M4 Coupe, the Competition Package includes special lightweight M sports seats that combine additional support on the track with exceptional comfort on the street. Seatbelts with woven-in BMW M stripes cap off an extremely sporty interior ambience.

    Eye-catching exterior highlights of the Competition Package include the M sports exhaust system with black chrome tailpipes. Even more than its good looks, the most distinctive feature of the M sports exhaust system is its potent sound, which brings added emotional resonance to the driving experience. The starting rumble and the distinctive burble on over run never fail to get under the skin of dedicated drivers time and again.

    The Competition Package for the BMW M3 and M4 is topped off by extended BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line exterior trim. In additional to the already standard high-gloss Black finish on the the side window trim, window recess finishers and exterior mirror frames and bases, the Competition Package also includes high-gloss Black finish on the BMW kidney grille, the side gills and the model badge on the tail.

    The Competition Package will be offered for a retail price of $5,500 on the M3 Sedan and Coupe and $5,000 on the M4 Convertible. With the boost in horsepower and improved suspension, the Competition Package should slot in nicely between the standard M3/M4 and the M4 GTS.—Nate Risch