All New Competition Package for the 2005 BMW M3 Coupe
11/16/2004

Woodcliff Lake, NJ - November 16, 2004... Already renowned for its performance and handling, the new Competition Package takes M3 performance to the razor?s edge. Every aspect of the M3?s handling has been tweaked resulting in the best-handling M3 ever.

The wheels are 19-inch forged-alloy wheels with high-performance tires. They connect to a suspension that has been tuned specifically for the Competition Package. Turn-in is quicker with a more direct steering ratio which goes from 15.4:1 to 14.5:1.

M Track mode and brake system taken from the BMW M3 CSL
The Dynamic Stability Control system includes a less intrusive M track mode, as on the M3 CSL, ensuring the security of DSC and spirited driving too. For inclement conditions the regular DSC mode remains. The brakes, also adopted from the M3 CSL, include compound and cross-drilled rotors. The front rotors have also been enlarged from12.8 to13.6 inches.

As the serious enthusiast would expect, the Competition Package is available in combination with the standard six-speed manual or the optional Sequential Manual Gearbox.

The interior enhancements of the package are subtle but purposeful. The Alcantara steering wheel and handbrake grip feel good to the touch. The addition of the steering wheel-mounted button for the DSC M track mode requires the deletion of the multi-function controls and cruise control. The Competition Package is available with all M3 Coupe interior and exterior color combinations. Two trim items are exclusive to the Competition Package. Special Competition Package aluminum trim is included on the interior. A new exterior color, Interlagos Blue, is offered only with this package.

The Competition Package will be available for 2005 M3 Coupes beginning with December 2004 production and it will make its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The price for the package will be $4,000.

http://undergrad.nova.edu/kevin/e46m3competitionpkg.jpg

Courtesy of BMW NA.

niiiiiiiiiiiice! :buttrock

i like it. sign me up for 2.

but mommy i want it nowwww

That's hot!!

but mommy i want it nowwww

no bangle= happy Deep

no bangle= happy Deep

Yeah well enjoy it.. this is the last non-bangalized model to come out from BMW.

yes i know bangle worked on the e46...it doesnt have a bangle butt and fugly styling though

Nice! I wonder if the more aggressive DSC system will be something we can add to our cars. BTW does anyone know if the front calipers are the same and they just added larger rotors (retrofit the larger diameter to my car)?

For 4K thats a pretty sweet deal.

im in! (after i graduate, get a job, and then save some money)

I'm going to order mine Siver/Imola for december production...Does anybody know if the suspension hight is going to be lower or is it jut going to be stiffer?

Thanks

I'm going to order mine Siver/Imola for december production...Does anybody know if the suspension hight is going to be lower or is it jut going to be stiffer?

Thanks
It is lower... I think it's 30mm lower, but I can't remember the exact specifications as I don't have the original press package handy.

Sounds really really sweet

I want 12.

I expected it to be so much cooler

I'm going to order mine Siver/Imola for december production...Does anybody know if the suspension hight is going to be lower or is it jut going to be stiffer?

Thanks


we are going to have twin cars, i just ordered my zcp silver/imola :cool

I'm going to order mine Siver/Imola for december production...Does anybody know if the suspension hight is going to be lower or is it jut going to be stiffer?

Thanks
W T F do you do that you own 4 bimmers, and want another ///M3 ? please. clue a brotha in.

W T F do you do that you own 4 bimmers, and want another ///M3 ? please. clue a brotha in.

My M3 going on the market next friday...You may wanna check Autotrader.com by that time.

we are going to have twin cars, i just ordered my zcp silver/imola :cool


Cool!! What options are you getting?

I'm getting everything including Nav and sunshade. The only thing i don't want is SMG! :)

those rims are soooooo beautiful. they should put those on the new M5 instead of the ones that are in all the pics. By the way TC M3 i envy your Bimmer collection

Cool!! What options are you getting?

I'm getting everything including Nav and sunshade. The only thing i don't want is SMG! :)

nav, smg, premium, cw, xenons, hk :D

Is it just me or does that first picture make it look more like an "Offroad" package with all that wheel gap? If I had the presidents I would get one.

Minimodder why get the Smg? I wish my bimmer was a 6-speed manual :confused

:buttrock It just keeps getting better and better. :buttrock

I was expecting a new airbox.. for someone buying a new car, this would be worth it.. but certaintly not worth it to someone who already owns an E46 M3 and buying a new one just for the comp package -- deapperciation sucks.

I dont like the rims im in the market for an M if I order one someone trade for the other 19's with me or ebay the stock ones and order some other rims

For $4,000 I think I'd rather retrofit a 330iZHP wheel and live with the extra buttons, the zhp shift/ebrake boot, score some stoptechs, and just keep DSC turned off at the track and end up with basically the same thing.

:shrug:

<- Hoped for a CSL'eque model as a farewell to the E46

does anybody have any handling numbers?

Is it just me or does that first picture make it look more like an "Offroad" package with all that wheel gap? If I had the presidents I would get one.
My thoughts exactly.....looks like the 4x4 competition package to me in the 1st and 2nd pic

basically, you are getting the wheels, bigger brakes, a few m3 csl driver options, and slightly better suspension. different interior.

hmmm most of that stuff shouldve been standard for the M3.

now you are up over 60k..

is there any badge or something in the interior that says Competition on it?

I like the color. but when you factor it in, asside from the csl stuff. isnt 4k for the extras a good deal if your going to mod it anyway?

Is it me, or does the competition package have the same undersized tires that the optional 19" package?? I still can't believe that BMW puts 225's on the front and 245's on the rear for their 19" package :confused

Is it me, or does the competition package have the same undersized tires that the optional 19" package?? I still can't believe that BMW puts 225's on the front and 245's on the rear for their 19" package :confused
They actually come with 255/35/19 in the rear and there are a number of reasons.

#1 - No speedo correction needed when swapping tire sizes from the 18"s to the 19"s, there is absolutely 0 speedo correction needed.

#2 - Upon installing new tires, since they are stretched on the rim, there is less instability with the tires are new (less chance of a idiot driver putting it into a wall at high speed).

Yeah, they look like crap, but don't ya think if there was a decided advantage to it, the engineers would have made the legal guys come up with a sticker to put on the dash or manual? Plus, remember... there are guys there that have to water the car down to appeal to a larger market, not just the enthusiasts.

They actually come with 255/35/19 in the rear and there are a number of reasons.

#1 - No speedo correction needed when swapping tire sizes from the 18"s to the 19"s, there is absolutely 0 speedo correction needed.

#2 - Upon installing new tires, since they are stretched on the rim, there is less instability with the tires are new (less chance of a idiot driver putting it into a wall at high speed).

Yeah, they look like crap, but don't ya think if there was a decided advantage to it, the engineers would have made the legal guys come up with a sticker to put on the dash or manual? Plus, remember... there are guys there that have to water the car down to appeal to a larger market, not just the enthusiasts.

Thanks for the correction. Why not put 245's on the front & 275's on the rear? Is there a speedo correction that needs to be made with this combo?

Thanks for the correction. Why not put 245's on the front & 275's on the rear? Is there a speedo correction that needs to be made with this combo?
Yes... with that tire combo, the speedo needs to be corrected and because of the differences in tire rolling diameter front and rear plus the differences in rolling diameter between front vs. rear, the DSC/CBC need to be reprogrammed or when you push the car to the limits, it WILL freak out, ask me how I know.

Plus, when new, the 245/275 tire combo gives an uneasy feeling as if the front and rear of the car are disconnected. Plus, the 19x8.5 and 19x9.5 rim size will fit 245/275 but a 19x9 and 19x10 are better.

Yes... with that tire combo, the speedo needs to be corrected and because of the differences in tire rolling diameter front and rear plus the differences in rolling diameter between front vs. rear, the DSC/CBC need to be reprogrammed or when you push the car to the limits, it WILL freak out, ask me how I know.

Plus, when new, the 245/275 tire combo gives an uneasy feeling as if the front and rear of the car are disconnected. Plus, the 19x8.5 and 19x9.5 rim size will fit 245/275 but a 19x9 and 19x10 are better.

You'd think that while BMW is re-enigneering the steering rack they could re-do the speedometer and DSC sensors etc as well.

Kinda silly to market this compeition package with the same width tires as the regular M3.

You'd think that while BMW is re-enigneering the steering rack they could re-do the speedometer and DSC sensors etc as well.

Kinda silly to market this compeition package with the same width tires as the regular M3.
I thought about that... but then that would means everybody that wants to switch rims/tires would have to bring their car to the dealer to have some software updated. That could be cumborsome when guys want to go from 19s to 18s for track days or 18s to 19s on a weekly basis.

I'm just making stuff up now... there must be a decided reason tho whey they decided to stick with the 8.5 and 9.5 compared to the popular 9 and 10 rim upgrade.

:redspot i was wondering if this was a picture of the exact specification of the car becoming available to the U.S. so if anyone knows thatd be a help....

There are differences i noticed besides the obvious parts of the Competition Package itself...

One...no front bumper reflectors...did BMW finally realize how ugly they were and how bad they made the car look?

Two...the fog-light controls under the headlamp switch looks as if you can turn on one at a time. I know on my 2003 i had to turn both on.. I dont know if the switch is for a different purpose or what but if someone knows the information would be cool to know....

The pics just look flat out awesome... :buttrock

:redspot i was wondering if this was a picture of the exact specification of the car becoming available to the U.S. so if anyone knows thatd be a help....

There are differences i noticed besides the obvious parts of the Competition Package itself...

One...no front bumper reflectors...did BMW finally realize how ugly they were and how bad they made the car look?

Two...the fog-light controls under the headlamp switch looks as if you can turn on one at a time. I know on my 2003 i had to turn both on.. I dont know if the switch is for a different purpose or what but if someone knows the information would be cool to know....

The pics just look flat out awesome... :buttrock
It's a eurospec car... the amber reflectors are mandatory on US spec cars (thank the DOT for that).

The fog light switch is for front/rear fogs.

It's a eurospec car... the amber reflectors are mandatory on US spec cars (thank the DOT for that).

The fog light switch is for front/rear fogs.

Yup all the initial M3 press photos didn't have the amber reflectors either but ALL the US M3s have to have them.

Most owners' first mod is to swap them for painted reflectors, makes the car look much better IMO.

Erm.. Maybe I'm missing something, but who in the right mind is going to throw serious money at a very soon to be obsolete vehicle ???

Erm.. Maybe I'm missing something, but who in the right mind is going to throw serious money at a very soon to be obsolete vehicle ???
Just because the vehicle has stopped in production doesn't mean it's obsolete... :nono

Erm.. Maybe I'm missing something, but who in the right mind is going to throw serious money at a very soon to be obsolete vehicle ???

I for one... And my mind is right where it should be. :stickoutt

Just because the vehicle has stopped in production doesn't mean it's obsolete... :nono


Oxford English dictionary, quote:

obsolete

• adjective 1 no longer produced or used; out of date. 2 Biology rudimentary or vestigial.


..So a car that is no longer produced, and has been replaced by a newer version (i.e. out of date), fits the above description pretty well to me. :rolleyes

Just because it's no longer produced or been replaced with a newer version doesn't mean it's obsolete. The car is still a very formidable competition to cars that are just being produced now.

In that terminology, you could also say that all the historic Ferrari's are obsolete too...

I'm not going to enter into an argument about the definition of a word, but yeah, of course any historic vehicle would also be considered obsolete, and yes, of course the E46 M3 is a formidable competition to newer vehicles, but my point, worded differently this time to avoid using "That" word again, is that if you're going to spend a lot of money on a car, wouldn't you rather have the current model, how much extra would you have to spend if you waited just a little longer for the New model, and had a car that would be up-to-date for many years to come.
Just to emphasise my point, why do you think they are offering the competition package Right now ?

...wouldn't you rather have the current model, how much extra would you have to spend if you waited just a little longer for the New model, and had a car that would be up-to-date for many years to come?


You seem to be forgetting the practical realities of your car buying strategy.
I'm not saying that it's not sound in theory. I'm just saying that you're living in an ideal world-- not the real world.
Perhaps things are different in England, though. Here in LA, the dealer is actually doing you a favor by selling you a car.
It's that amazing, yes. If you don't buy it, somebody else will, so bye, bye.

Here's a brief rundown of what it would entail to drive the upcoming "current" M3 model, at least here in LA.
Pay a $2500 deposit to get in line at a dealership or pay even more (non refundable) at an eBAY auction for a spot-- you choose.
Once your turn comes up (maybe one or two years later) be faced with the possibility that the dealer will charge you
a $5,000 to $10,000 markup just to sell you and nobody else the car.
Forget (absolutely forget) about any dealer/manufacturer incentives on an M car unless the economy really is in the toilet.
If you don't want to go through all this, then be prepared to wait
three or four years for your car. Maybe even until the end of its production run.

Of course you can skip all this crap and pay a $25,000 markup right when
the car comes out and drive it straight off the showroom floor.
And many people in their right mind do just that.

Actually buying an outgoing model makes more sense than ever.
The dealer is obviously a little more open to price negotiation,
BMW and BMW dealers might offer better incentives, both equipment wise (hence the package)
and also financially (lower lease rates, lower APR, etc.)
as they're more than willing to move their inventory to bring the new cars in and rip off all the eager new model buyers... :stickoutt

And, yes, you might be buying an "obsolete" car production wise and technically speaking.
But not performance wise.

You seem to be forgetting the practical realities of your car buying strategy.
I'm not saying that it's not sound in theory. I'm just saying that you're living in an ideal world-- not the real world.
Perhaps things are different in England, though. Here in LA, the dealer is actually doing you a favor by selling you a car.
It's that amazing, yes. If you don't buy it, somebody else will, so bye, bye.

Here's a brief rundown of what it would entail to drive the upcoming "current" M3 model, at least here in LA.
Pay a $2500 deposit to get in line at a dealership or pay even more (non refundable) at an eBAY auction for a spot-- you choose.
Once your turn comes up (maybe one or two years later) be faced with the possibility that the dealer will charge you
a $5,000 to $10,000 markup just to sell you and nobody else the car.
Forget (absolutely forget) about any dealer/manufacturer incentives on an M car unless the economy really is in the toilet.
If you don't want to go through all this, then be prepared to wait
three or four years for your car. Maybe even until the end of its production run.

Of course you can skip all this crap and pay a $25,000 markup right when
the car comes out and drive it straight off the showroom floor.
And many people in their right mind do just that.

Actually buying an outgoing model makes more sense than ever.
The dealer is obviously a little more open to price negotiation,
BMW and BMW dealers might offer better incentives, both equipment wise (hence the package)
and also financially (lower lease rates, lower APR, etc.)
as they're more than willing to move their inventory to bring the new cars in and rip off all the eager new model buyers... :stickoutt

And, yes, you might be buying an "obsolete" car production wise and technically speaking.
But not performance wise.


agreed

Maybe you guys in the US take a different view because your cars are so much cheaper than in the UK. OK, everybody likes to think about future value when they spend money, but here's a comparison:


In UK, M3 Coupe, Basic List price =£41,150 = $79,119 :eyecrazy

In US, M3 Coupe, Basic List Price = £24,603 = $47,300 :eyecrazy

Yes, the cost is really so much different, oh, and it's not because we get paid more than you, job for job, we get paid less !


If you had to spend this much, do you think that you'd wait for the new model (Think Value, if in Five Years time, you have an E46 M3 on your driveway, or the new model) ??

I'm not disputing that the E46 M3 is not a good car, it's just very long in the tooth, and if someone was going to pay the kind of money neccesary to buy a new one in the Uk, it doesn't matter if it out-performs and out-handles a maclaren F1, it's still financial suicide at this time to buy an E46 M3.

Has anybody been to BMW's website lately?

I don't see anything called the Competition package in the options list when you build an M3.

can you add this to an exhisting e46 m3 or is it only an option on new ones?

Well, it sounds great for the most part. I don't want to give up my cruise control though. Hell, some of us have to drive a day or more just to get TO the track...

Anyone who's ordered one know if it's possible to keep the cruise control?

First of all, on the buying an obsolete car:

In reality, you're not, and the reason for that is that the NEXT M3 coupe will first of all, be vastly different. Not necessarily better or worse, but different. Most sources tell us that we're looking at a V8....some don't like the idea, plus that means more insurance on top of that. Secondly, the next M3 coupe won't be produced unitl....2007/08 and then it's a first year. And although BMW has a pretty good track record...first year cars are always a bit shaky. This particular M3 (E46) has had several recalls, I bought an '04, it had nice LED lighting (didn't have to get an upgrade) and it didn't have any of the recalls on it that the previous year did.
One time thing? Consider the following: One of my buddies owns a '99 M3 (e36) and the steering wheel (3 spoke) is coveted by all other e36 owners....so I'll disagree with you there. Plus, we're talking owning an M3...for a long time. Not leasing it for 2 years and then gettin' another one.

On the cruise control: I think you can relocate the cruise control via the handle, like windshield whipers and OBC output....but I'm not sure on that.

Well, it sounds great for the most part. I don't want to give up my cruise control though. Hell, some of us have to drive a day or more just to get TO the track...

Anyone who's ordered one know if it's possible to keep the cruise control?


once i get mine i can play around with it. i have a regular m3 steering wheel thati can test fit to it and see what happens

once i get mine i can play around with it. i have a regular m3 steering wheel thati can test fit to it and see what happens

Great! Send me a PM or email at ekl62a@mizzou.edu once you get it. Enjoy your new car!

-Evan

All New Competition Package for the 2005 BMW M3 Coupe
11/16/2004

Woodcliff Lake, NJ - November 16, 2004... Already renowned for its performance and handling, the new Competition Package takes M3 performance to the razor?s edge. Every aspect of the M3?s handling has been tweaked resulting in the best-handling M3 ever.

The wheels are 19-inch forged-alloy wheels with high-performance tires. They connect to a suspension that has been tuned specifically for the Competition Package. Turn-in is quicker with a more direct steering ratio which goes from 15.4:1 to 14.5:1.

M Track mode and brake system taken from the BMW M3 CSL
The Dynamic Stability Control system includes a less intrusive M track mode, as on the M3 CSL, ensuring the security of DSC and spirited driving too. For inclement conditions the regular DSC mode remains. The brakes, also adopted from the M3 CSL, include compound and cross-drilled rotors. The front rotors have also been enlarged from12.8 to13.6 inches.

As the serious enthusiast would expect, the Competition Package is available in combination with the standard six-speed manual or the optional Sequential Manual Gearbox.

The interior enhancements of the package are subtle but purposeful. The Alcantara steering wheel and handbrake grip feel good to the touch. The addition of the steering wheel-mounted button for the DSC M track mode requires the deletion of the multi-function controls and cruise control. The Competition Package is available with all M3 Coupe interior and exterior color combinations. Two trim items are exclusive to the Competition Package. Special Competition Package aluminum trim is included on the interior. A new exterior color, Interlagos Blue, is offered only with this package.

The Competition Package will be available for 2005 M3 Coupes beginning with December 2004 production and it will make its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The price for the package will be $4,000.

http://undergrad.nova.edu/kevin/e46m3competitionpkg.jpg

Courtesy of BMW NA.

holy crap thats sooooooo nice... :eyecrazy

Is The Bmw M3 Csl For Sale In The U.s.a? Will It Ever Be Sold Here?thansk.

Is The Bmw M3 Csl For Sale In The U.s.a? Will It Ever Be Sold Here?thansk.


Umn...no...It won't. Competition package...notice the absence of carbon fiber roof? Or the fact that rear deck spoiler is still stock....the M3 CSL will not make it to the US. I could list the reasons why, but it's been explained in painstakingly detail by members much more articulate than myself, so do a search.

Does anyone know if the calipers have been upgraded or is it just a larger rotor they're using?

anything I can do for help to get these new E46 M3 parts for retrofit let me know.

victor @
www.bmwtuners.com