BMW M3 Competition
There was a time when the E92 M3 represented the ultimate dream car for many men. With its stunning exterior design and the distinctive growl of its naturally aspirated V8 engine, just a bit of exhaust tuning could make it resonate throughout the parking garage, making its presence felt even from the lobby on the first floor...
The BMW M3 was truly a thrilling package filled with exciting features. However, with the introduction of the F body, it had to share its popularity with the M4 Coupe. Personally, if I were to own an M, I would choose the four-door M3 with its robust rear fenders.
Then the G body M3 was released. For some reason, only the top-tier Competition trim arrived in the country.
Looking at the specifications, the M3 Competition boasts a 3.0-liter inline-six TwinPower turbo engine paired with an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission, delivering an astonishing 510 horsepower and 66.3 kg.m of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds.
The Competition trim also features impressive seats. The lightweight sports bucket seats, made from a combination of carbon fiber, leather, and Alcantara, are ready for the track without any modifications.
The carbon fiber is stunning... It looks stiff and uncomfortable just by glancing at it, right?
However, once you sit down, it surprisingly isn't uncomfortable at all. While the design firmly supports your body without any wobble during movement, it doesn't feel awkward or cause back pain even after long drives.
However, the bucket seats are relatively narrow, which might make them uncomfortable for drivers or passengers with a bit of extra weight. For reference, I’m 6 feet tall and weigh about 183 pounds, and when the bucket is adjusted to its maximum width, it gives just the right amount of support. However, if I gain even a little weight, it might become uncomfortable.
Additionally, the protruding sides of the seat create a bit of resistance when getting in and out. It might become easier with practice, but especially when exiting, you might hear some grunting sounds. Isn’t that the true experience of getting out? Haha.
While I wouldn’t consider comfort for passengers or elderly family members in the backseat when driving an M3, there is enough space for two adult men. It’s not overly spacious, but it’s manageable.
Interestingly, during my test drive of the BMW M3, I traveled to a golf course about two hours away from Seoul, and I found it to be incredibly comfortable. I kept muttering to myself... Is this really an M3? And a Competition Edition at that?
In a previous post, I mentioned the test drive of the M340i Touring, noting that the firm M suspension made long-distance driving somewhat uncomfortable. Surprisingly, the ride comfort of the M3 was not at that level.
Of course, when you switch to M mode with the sport suspension setting, the damping becomes noticeably firmer. However, the ride comfort in regular Comfort mode differs significantly from what I remember of previous M3s and M4s.
Moreover, it includes driving assistance features related to semi-autonomous driving... not exactly what you’d expect from an M, right? Haha.
The metallic green color of the M3 Competition gives it a sexy rear end... I actually prefer that rear view over the front design. The neatly arranged tail lights, the large twin exhausts symbolizing the M, and the robust fenders all contribute to its appeal!
Back when I was heavily into tuning, I found cars with over-fenders and negative offset wheels fitted with good aspect ratio tires to be incredibly attractive.
The M3 exudes a certain muscular charm, reminiscent of a man who works out for two to three hours every day.
The exhaust note is also impressive... While the six-cylinder turbo engine doesn’t produce the explosive sounds of the past, it still delivers a delightful popcorn-like exhaust sound in M mode.
The M3 features different wheel/tire sizes for the front and rear, with 19-inch wheels in the front and 20-inch wheels in the rear. The wheel design is also striking, isn’t it?
And the now fully aged large radiator grille... I used to question why BMW expanded the kidney grille so much, but that initial impression has faded, and now I find it to be quite fitting, even reminiscent of classic BMW designs.
Interestingly, when I happened to see it next to a Grandeur, I noticed they look quite similar! Haha, maybe it’s the headlights?
Of course, the DNA of these two models is completely different, with real carbon accents throughout the interior and the M symbolized by the tri-color stitching on the steering wheel and the red M button!
The highlight is undoubtedly the manual driving experience using the paddle shifters in M mode.
When you select the M drive mode next to the gearbox, the design of the instrument cluster changes to a layout that focuses on speed and driving. The left M1 mode and the right M2 mode...
Let you set individual preferences for the engine, suspension, steering, and brakes. For example, the M1 mode can be set for everyday comfort with a bit of speed, while M2 can be configured for a full track mode.
