Monday 15th February 2010

Greener, Meaner BMW M3 For 2010

BMW reveals 2010 tweaks for M3, including stop-start and 'Competition' pack

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There is no escape from the clutches of the greens, it seems. Even the 'ultimate driving machine' is not immune, as BMW has revealed that its updated 2010 M3 now comes with auto stop start.

The system is fitted to both six-speed manual models and those fitted with BMW's M-DCT twin-clutch transmission, making the M3 the first car to combine a dual-clutch automated manual gearbox with automatic stop-start.

But while the best we can say about the stop-start stuff is that it shaves 24g/km off the M3's CO2 output (oh, the excitement), BMW has at least provided a little extra interest for the enthusiast with the introduction of the optional Competition Package for the coupe and saloon models.

This includes suspension lowered by 10mm, extra-light alloy wheels, a tweaked 'sport' mode on the car's Electronic Damping Control, and a revised stability control program. Visual extras include a carbon fibre rear spoiler and front apron flaps.

[A.S.H]

Im finding this hard to say but I dont like this latest generation M3 at all.

[havoc]

As long as it's reliable I don't see the problem - with increasing weights these 'ultimate performance cars' seem to be getting 'ultimate thirst' as well - ~30mpg was eminently achieveable from an E36 M3, down to mid-late 20s in the E46, and the E92 is notably worse still. At least stuff like this will redress the urban mpg a little...

[sleep envy]

fanstatic idea, use carbon where you're more likely to get kerb and speed hump impact

[Gridl0k]

Are those new wing mirrors?

Have seen quite a few M3s and never noticed they have that classic double-strut arrangement.

[andyman_2006]

looks nice, although i still can't help but feel the start stop is a waste of time, and if its anywhere near as annoying as it is on a 120D then it will no doubt spen most of its time disabled!

The only benefit being '24g/km off the M3's CO2 output' so not enought to remove it from the 'silly' tax bracket then :-(

lighter wheels? robbed from the surplus old stock of CSL bits it seems! lol

i'm sure there not....but they look the same :-)

Suppose the price has been hiked again too?

Nice colour though.

[Stu R]

Can't do any harm - if you don't like it I expect it can be disabled, and the competition package looks nice yet subtle. I really rather like the latest M3s

I still wish they'd make a proper lightweight, carbon fibre clad CSL type monster though.

Edited by Stu R on Monday 15th February 13:09

[thehardman07]

My father's seriously considering one of these for his next car. The colour combo is pretty much decided but he's not sure whether to opt for the manual or paddle shift and if he should go for the standard eighteens or optional nineteens.

Any thoughts on what to tick and what not to tick on the options list?

[y2blade]

Gridl0k said:

Are those new wing mirrors?

Have seen quite a few M3s and never noticed they have that classic double-strut arrangement.

That is how they have always been on this shape M3 (E92)

I don't think they are any different from the ones I have seen


I could be wrong though, it wouldn't be the first time

[syncro.]

Artical said:

making the M3 the first car to combine an automated manual transmission with a dual-clutch automated manual gearbox.

Are you sure? I'd say the VW DSG gearbox was one of these and that was around before the M3 box.

[andyman_2006]

thehardman07 said:

My father's seriously considering one of these for his next car. The colour combo is pretty much decided but he's not sure whether to opt for the manual or paddle shift and if he should go for the standard eighteens or optional nineteens.

Any thoughts on what to tick and what not to tick on the options list?

hi,

considering one of these myself to replace my E46.....however....

Having test driven one last week, i'm suprised at how more refined, and grown up it's got! def not edgy raw feeling like the E46, and the throttle response no where near as good had to hike everything into m sport dynamic mode! brakes still feel under powered from high speed, but where i noticed the extra grunt was low revs in high gears.

As for options:

Depends what your used to really,

I'd tick:

-heated seats
-19" wheels
-Phone kit
-Ipod usb connection
-folding mirrors
-6CD with mp3 compat

there are loads of stuff to spend the cash on but NAV is standard which is something!

personally i'd stick with 6sp manual, the DCT seems rather un-involving! smooth and quick changing but rather boring....sorry DCT/Dual clutch fans!

Whether it's worth the extra cash over a E46.....depends on how much you can justify the upgrade.....it just does not drive like 'an upgrade'

Saying this i think within the next few months i'll go for one, prob in red, or white with red leather.

andy.

[BenKoflach]

The E92 wing mirrors have always been like that.
As for which gearbox to have, the DCT is supposed to be fantastic (I haven't driven a BMW double clutcher but I've driven others, they are good) so it depends what kind of driving your father is into. I'd personally go manual every time! Also, the 19" wheels look better and the ride is ok, so long as you ditch the horrid run-flats.
Cheers!

[TheRoadWarrior]

Can someone please explain this sentence for me;

>>The system is fitted to both six-speed manual models and those fitted with BMW's M-DCT twin-clutch transmission, making the M3 the first car to combine an automated manual transmission with a dual-clutch automated manual gearbox.

[A Scotsman]

Stop n start is bound to create stress not least on the driver. I hope it does have a means of disabling it.

[Motorrad]

I suppose making cars lighter to be 'greener' is out of the question these days with safety requirements and car buyers love affair with pointless gadgets.

Couldn't a car manufacturer make a car like this that ran full time on 4 cylinders in low performance 'emissions mode' when submitted for tests which you then disable when you take delivery of the car?

edit to add: likewise disabling the stop/start system.

Edited by Motorrad on Monday 15th February 13:45

[Gridl0k]

It's got a manually automated manual automatic gearbox, with an automatically automated manual option for when you want to manually automate the automatic gearchange.

What's so hard about this?

[Remagel2507]

TheRoadWarrior said:

Can someone please explain this sentence for me;

>>The system is fitted to both six-speed manual models and those fitted with BMW's M-DCT twin-clutch transmission, making the M3 the first car to combine an automated manual transmission with a dual-clutch automated manual gearbox.

Think what their trying to say is that all Double Clutch gearboxes in the past have been mated to an automatic style shifter so its like a normal auto but with the twin clutch set up. With the M3 it still has the same sort of principal as the old SMG but with dual clutches.

Then again I could be wrong and just have confused everyone

[baz1985]

M cars don't have run-flats.

[YAD061]

I think this evolution of the 3 series coupe is bloody gorgeous, the M3 version is not as tarty as the old E46 either

[BenKoflach]

Right you are actually, sorry, been looking at spec sheets for less interesting models all day!

[Lucozade]

finally offering CSL wheels.