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View Full Version : BMW M3 / M4 Competition Pack - Details and Pricing



killramos
01-14-2016, 08:28 AM
So the highly rumored competition pack has been announced for the new M3 and M4. Pulling some information from 2 different sources. Have a feeling the M Power stuff is less correct tbh.


Summary
Power output: 444 HP ( M Power lists it as 450 )
0-60 DCT: 3.8 seconds (sedan/coupe), 4.1 seconds (convertible)
0-62 ( 100kph ) 4.0 seconds (sedan/coupe)
Tuned Adaptive M Suspension
New Springs
New Dampers
New Anti-Roll Bars
Reconfigured driving modes (Comfort, Sport and Sport+)
Reconfigured Active M Differential and DSC Dynamic Stability Control
Forged, machine-polished, weight-and rigidity-optimized, multi-spoke 20-inch M alloy wheels (front 9J ×20; rear10 J ×20) Mixed tires sizes (front: 265/30 R20, rear: 285/30 R20)
Special lightweight M sports seats
Seatbelts with woven-in BMW M stripes cap
M sports exhaust system with black chrome tailpipes
BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line exterior trim
High-gloss Black finish on the BMW kidney grille, the side gills and the model badge on the tail
$5500 for sedan/coupe, $5000 for convertible

Highlights include 444 HP boosted from 431, which is a pretty significant boost for a BMW competition pack. The 431 was VERY underrated in the first place so I have a feeling this brings the engine to a nice halfway point between the base and the M4GTS engine.

New suspension and re tuned adaptive dampers standard, we can hope this fixes some of the balance issues with the M3/M4 that come up so often in this cars driving impressions. Not lowered any further however which is something anyone planning to daily one would appreciate. Some adjustments to the M-Diff software as well. I imagine some of these have the potential to be flashed onto older cars which isn't unusual. M sports exhaust standard.

New rims are pretty meh imo, the stock ones are better. The win here is the extra cm of rubber on all 4 corners vs stock.

But those lightweight seats and M seatbelts are :drool:
http://cdn.bmwblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/BMW-M3-M4-Competition-Package-2.jpg

High gloss black finishes all around, all the press photos show CF interior inlays though I don't know if its standard or not.

Net result of all of this is .1 seconds faster to 60, and an additional $5,500 US out of your wallet.

I am most excited to heard about the dynamics. I really want to want an M3. But most of the reviews that I have read, or impressions I have heard from people I know who have driven them aren't that great. I would also love to heard some back to back track times.

Overall, a pretty good competition pack imo.

http://www.m-power.com/_open/s/editorial.jsp?id=3517&lang=en

http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1214853

schocker
01-14-2016, 10:49 AM
Competition package is always awesome. I really like these wheels in that finish though :drool:

killramos
01-14-2016, 11:21 AM
To each their on on those rims. I Would personally be trying REALLY hard to get them off an order.

But yea it really seems like a good competition package. Much more increment than the one on the E92 imo.

killramos
01-19-2016, 02:20 PM
Another potentially juicy piece of info found in the sales brochure:


ZCP Competition Package

21T 20" Forged Light Alloy Wheel Star-spoke Style 666 M with Mixed Performance Tires x x x
(20x9.0, 265/30 R20 front and 20x10.0, 285/30 R20 rear)

2VF Adaptive M Suspension + rear axle air suspension

7M9 BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line with extended contents

7MA Competition Package

7MN M Competition package
"444hp, new settings for suspension, DSC and Active M Differential. Visit PKOD for full details. For F80/F82 models,
Black Full Merino Leather Trim with Silverstone stitching (Z1XX) is available via special request - contact Regional
Distribution Office."

ZCP will delete STD or 100% equipment

ZCP cannot be ordered with LKJR or X3JR

Rear air suspension on an M3? Interesting to say the least. Anyone else have any comments?

Pretty sure that isn't an option currently so is this the evolution of M Adaptive?

RickDaTuner
01-19-2016, 04:19 PM
Originally posted by killramos
Another potentially juicy piece of info found in the sales brochure:



Rear air suspension on an M3? Interesting to say the least. Anyone else have any comments?

Pretty sure that isn't an option currently so is this the evolution of M Adaptive?

It really doesn't matter what type of spring they use, weather air, or steel coil.
BMW uses lateral accelerometers at each strut measuring the speed of suspension travel. This in conjunction with piezoelectric dampening valves in the shocks can control the rate of travel that the suspension encounters, in essence making an infinitely variable amount of positive spring rate during compression. Not much force is need to return the suspension to its neutral position, as an unweighted suspension component moves quite rapidly with little force

Think of the air spring really only being there to return the vehicles suspension to a neutral position, with added height control to maintain weight distribution

The old idea with air springs matched with single valved shocks was amazing for comfort, but dreadful for anything performance related.

A2VR6
01-19-2016, 04:20 PM
Originally posted by killramos
Another potentially juicy piece of info found in the sales brochure:



Rear air suspension on an M3? Interesting to say the least. Anyone else have any comments?

Pretty sure that isn't an option currently so is this the evolution of M Adaptive?

Interesting to see why they would just do the rear on air and leave the fronts conventional.

bjstare
01-19-2016, 04:30 PM
Originally posted by A2VR6


Interesting to see why they would just do the rear on air and leave the fronts conventional.

Not that interesting haha...


Originally posted by RickDaTuner

*snip*
Think of the air spring really only being there to return the vehicles suspension to a neutral position, with added height control to maintain weight distribution

That pretty much explains it. I'd be blown away if there was a different reason for them putting air only in the rear.



Also, those wheels are :drool:

A2VR6
01-19-2016, 06:36 PM
Haha Rick explained it basically at the same time I posted.

Have to wonder what the weight penalty is since you'd have to add a compressor and maybe a tank too.

RickDaTuner
01-19-2016, 06:46 PM
Originally posted by A2VR6
Haha Rick explained it basically at the same time I posted.

Have to wonder what the weight penalty is since you'd have to add a compressor and maybe a tank too. :thumbsup:

the compressor units weight about 20-22lbs, I've had to replace one or two in my day, but the airbags weigh next to nothing. I think there is actually a weight savings with air suspension. even with the added electronics.

benyl
01-19-2016, 10:35 PM
Similar to the suspension on the current E63 / CLS 63.

jutes
01-19-2016, 11:55 PM
What a giant turd this new m3/4 has become. Despite its lower hp/tq and problems, the S65 V8 is a much more enjoyable platform for an /M car.

killramos
01-20-2016, 07:48 AM
^ This something you know from personal experience with the new competition pack cars? You know the ones that haven't been released yet?

I have my own reservations about the new gen cars but i am at least willing to see what the ZCP does for the car before i discount this release.

:dunno:

It took 3 or 4 years for anyone to give the V8 M3's credit as well. Now all you hear is praise.

People really just hate change. :rofl:

gregrego
01-20-2016, 09:20 PM
Looks great! Love the seatbelts!

Not a bad price either.

killramos
02-29-2016, 11:46 AM
Initial reviews are in, and I would say positive!

http://www.topgear.com/car-reviews/m3/first-drive


What’s this?

Clearly a BMW M3, less clearly a BMW M3 with the new Competition Pack fitted. But you don’t have to look too closely to spot the design tweaks: the exhaust tips are black, so are the grille, window surround, mirror caps and side gills, and even the badge. I like that last one – it looks stealthy and cool.

Plus there are new wheels: 20-inch rims running 265/30 and 285/30 tyres (the standard M3 runs 19s that are 10mm narrower front and rear). I’m not sure about the design, although they’ve got plenty of visual clout.

But this isn’t just a cosmetic makeover, is it?

Absolutely not. Although I am going to point out the new ‘lightweight’ seats inside. I’ve used inverted commas, because as far as I can make out, it’s just the same seats, but with cutouts where your kidneys are. Looks cool, but gives your kids far too much temptation to jab/tickle/poke. I do like the seatbelts with the M stripes woven in to them. Subtle and tasty.

Fine, now what about power?

Well, there is more. The twin turbo 3.0-litre straight six has been uprated from 425bhp to 444bhp and as a result the 0-60mph time has fallen by 0.1secs to four seconds exactly. Torque remains at 405lb ft, which is plenty.

The engine crank case cover has had to be uprated to cope, but nothing else has, and in terms of character and delivery not much has changed. The engine note is a fraction sharper and more guttural, but I couldn’t detect any difference to speak of in the response, pick-up or outright acceleration.

It’s still a very, very effective engine. Overtaking ability is outrageous, mid-range acceleration is colossal, there’s just so much shove. However, the criticisms we have of the standard car, the slightly artificial noise and lack of top end sparkle and fizz, remain. And the gearbox still lurches with every full blooded upshift.

There’s still not enough reason to hang on for high revs, when all the performance you’ll ever need/be able to use is available before 5,500rpm. Maybe the M4 GTS, when it arrives, will be different.

When’s that?

Mid-April, I understand. That’s the real specialist machine: 493bhp, 3.8 to 60, 190mph top end, only 700 made (only 30 of which will come to the UK, priced at £121,770), roll cage, harness, adjustable suspension, standard carbon ceramic brakes, carbon shell seats, 62kg weight loss etc.

But this isn’t that car, the engine isn’t that different, so why bother?

Because of the changes made to the suspension, differential and stability systems. Now, the standard M3/M4 (the pack is available on both, plus the cabrio) is a slightly divisive car. I love it, but others in the office don’t. They find it a bit wild, just a touch too lairy, rear wheel traction notable for its absence.

And they’re right, it is; I just happen to like that. But I prefer the way this one drives, and I think everyone else will too. Even I will admit that the rear axle on my long-term M3 is a little clumsy, seeming to push sudden torque to the outside loaded wheel as soon as you brush the throttle coming out of a corner, causing the rear end to skip an inch or two laterally, and meaning that you can’t really get on the power until the car is absolutely straight. By which time the pesky 4wd estate or hot hatch or whatever has pulled out a crucial few yards advantage. That is a bit frustrating.

But not in the Competition Pack?

No. The rear differential is transformed. It’s much more subtle in its actions, more precise and much more confidence inspiring. Now, when you open the taps on the way out of a corner, it feels like both wheels are driving, trying to get traction and drive forwards, not trying a spot of sideways showboating. It’s still fun, and will slide and smoke as much as you want if you disengage the DSC, you loon, but for everyday driving, even on quick, tight, fun roads, it’s not only more effective, but more rewarding, with a nice wide neutral point that makes the chassis feel a lot more balanced.

Anything changed at the front?

The springs, dampers and anti-roll bars are all new both front and rear, and the driving modes on the adaptive suspension have therefore been reconfigured. Overall it’s a little firmer, but not aggressively so – in fact it’s more that roll has been reduced a little – the ride actually felt less jerky and stilted than normal in both Sport and Sport Plus modes.

To return to the front axle, it just seems a tad sharper and more eager to turn in, but there’s still not a whole bunch of natural steering feel – you rely on the tyres to keep you informed about grip levels.

What about the brakes?

This one, unlike my own car, featured carbon ceramic brakes. If you drive your car hard in the Alps or do track days, have them. Mine start to fade, smell and suffer soon, these ones don’t – the pedal eventually gets a little more travel, but the power and bite don’t suffer. At £6,250 they are an expensive option, mind you – twice the price of the whole Competition Pack.

So, acid test, would you have the Competition Pack?

Absolutely, every time. It’s only a £3,000 option on the M3 and M4, a mere £2,200 on the Convertible. Even if the changes only included the cosmetics, I think that looks good value. However, look at it from the other side and the question is why BMW isn’t changing the standard car, when it’s been criticised in some quarters for its (mis)behavior.

£59,595 buys you the M3 Competition, while the M4 is £60,055 and the Convertible £63,350. I’d have the M3, not because it’s the cheapest, but because it looks the best. No-one else agrees – I think the sales split is well over 80 per cent M4.

BMW expects take up of the Competition Pack to be around the 75 per cent mark. I’m not sure why you wouldn’t have it. The Competition Pack takes the slack out of standard car, and the waywardness, too. It’s purer and more focused, usefully sharper and no less refined to live with.

I reckon it’s borderline transformative, the car the M3 always should have been.

As per usual the ZCP is just what the car should have been released with in the first place.:hitit:

dirtsniffer
02-29-2016, 11:57 AM
The wheels look pretty great while rolling :)

Sugarphreak
02-29-2016, 11:58 AM
...

Twin_Cam_Turbo
02-29-2016, 12:10 PM
Dream daily driver. Also tire sizing is whack as stated above. This is going to turn into a case similar to "911 winter tire sizing and options" in my opinion where theres like two tire options available that work.

rage2
02-29-2016, 12:21 PM
Tire rack is terrible for choosing sizes automatically. Those are Michelin Pilot Super Sport sizes. Competition wise, you'd be looking at Cup 2's which I think have the same size.

Welcome to oddball AMG tire sizes hahaha. I waited for a proper 285 forever for PSS, they didn't start making them until I sold the damn car.