All-new Competition Package For The 2005 Bmw M3 Coupe

[epj3]

For Discerning Driver Who Wants the Ultimate in M3 Handling Performance

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.


I'll post pics later

 

[theBMWenthusiast]

nice...this was on a press release a while ago, but not much info, glad to see the changes, and looks like ill be the first to see it since im going to the auto show....ill remember to tkae some pics

 

[Chesty Bonds]

Pity the brakes on the CSL are no good. Given that the standard M3's stoppers are a standing joke among trackday goers, it seems unforgivable that the CSl retains essentially the same fade-prone stoppers as its lesser brother. In a car that costs over $200K, that purports to be the ultimate lightweigt road-racer, there should be only the very best in braking technology.

I like the reduced steering ratio though and the fact that they've offered the choice between SMG and a full manual is reassuring - at least they haven't completely lost their marbles.

 

[epj3]

nice...this was on a press release a while ago, but not much info, glad to see the changes, and looks like ill be the first to see it since im going to the auto show....ill remember to tkae some pics

Well, today was the "offical" press release from BMW.

 

[poboyis]

sounds like an M3 with CSL brakes, suspension, and steering, just less power than the CSL and a bit heavier

 

[BMW-FW26]

They should have used the Porsche yellow brakes. That would be funny to see an M3 driving down the street with 14" silicon carbide brakes that say "Porsche" on them.
No but really it should get something big, like Brembo's real brakes, not the GT big brake kit everyone buys, but real 6 piston brakes and 1.7" wide rotors. I want the brakes to cost more than the whole current option itself.

 

[Tom]

The only thing I really like about that package are the wheels and brakes.

 

[Chesty Bonds]

No but really it should get something big, like Brembo's real brakes, not the GT big brake kit everyone buys, but real 6 piston brakes and 1.7" wide rotors. I want the brakes to cost more than the whole current option itself.

You're damn straight. I think a big-brake system should've come before a lot of the other stuff on the CSL.

 

[epj3]

The brakes on the CSL are single piston caliper too. I don't understand why everyone is complaining about the brakes? The brakes on the M3 stop that heavier car a few feet shorter than the corvette, and not too far behind the porsche. It actually stops the car faster than a mclaren f1s brakes.

I think it's obvious stock brake pads and fluid won't be track worthy like a porsche will be "out of the box", but with a set of pagid pads (used on almost all racing bmw's), and ATE racing fluid, it'll keep up with the best of 'em.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showpart...=46161&prod=20031200&btnr=34_0757&hg=34&fg=05

 

[poboyis]

The brakes on the CSL are single piston caliper too. I don't understand why everyone is complaining about the brakes? The brakes on the M3 stop that heavier car a few feet shorter than the corvette, and not too far behind the porsche. It actually stops the car faster than a mclaren f1s brakes.

I think it's obvious stock brake pads and fluid won't be track worthy like a porsche will be "out of the box", but with a set of pagid pads (used on almost all racing bmw's), and ATE racing fluid, it'll keep up with the best of 'em.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showpart...=46161&prod=20031200&btnr=34_0757&hg=34&fg=05

 

[Chesty Bonds]

Epj3, there is no doubt that a cars brakes have to work appropriately on public roads - you're right about that. But why do the CSL's and the M3's brakes suffer from fade even in this instance??

The enigma of the CSL is that it's offered as a track-car for the road - the ultimate M3 if you will. They've compromised creature comforts in the effort of saving huge amounts of weight (over 100kg) yet they've completely skimped on the brakes. Wtf is that supposed to mean? It's completely opposed to the theory applied to the rest of the car. To me, it seems BMW have snatched defeat from the jaws of victory.

 

[epj3]

Epj3, there is no doubt that a cars brakes have to work appropriately on public roads - you're right about that. But why do the CSL's and the M3's brakes suffer from fade even in this instance??

The enigma of the CSL is that it's offered as a track-car for the road - the ultimate M3 if you will. They've compromised creature comforts in the effort of saving huge amounts of weight (over 100kg) yet they've completely skimped on the brakes. Wtf is that supposed to mean? It's completely opposed to the theory applied to the rest of the car. To me, it seems BMW have snatched defeat from the jaws of victory.

Skimped on the brakes? What are you smoking!??! Stock base model E46 M3's 60-0 breaking distance is 112 feet. That's NO joke, the porsche 911 GT3 is 110 feet!!! Again, ANY car will suffer brake fade on a track like that. It would cost a LOT more money to put true racing pads on a car, and racing pads, like racing tires, wear down much faster and tend to be noisy and dirty.

Why do you think you're paying for when you buy a porsche? Yup, a race-ready car.

 

[Chesty Bonds]

Yes, but will buyers of the CSL expect their brakes to fade after 2 laps? I don't think so. And a single piston calliper is totally inadequate on a high-performance BMW.

Granted, the M3 has stunning braking capabilities from 100kmh - 0. But that's only done ONCE. Porsches have very little brake fade issues. Why shouldn't the CSL be the same? After all, it's the 'ultimate' BMW at the moment. I'm not arguing this with you for nothing - it really is a general consensus that BMW brakes are very good when they're used within their limits (ie: city driving) but that those limits are remarkably easy to breach.

 

[epj3]

Yes, but will buyers of the CSL expect their brakes to fade after 2 laps? I don't think so. And a single piston calliper is totally inadequate on a high-performance BMW.

Granted, the M3 has stunning braking capabilities from 100kmh - 0. But that's only done ONCE. Porsches have very little brake fade issues. Why shouldn't the CSL be the same? After all, it's the 'ultimate' BMW at the moment. I'm not arguing this with you for nothing - it really is a general consensus that BMW brakes are very good when they're used within their limits (ie: city driving) but that those limits are remarkably easy to breach.

Stopping 2 feet short 60 - 0 and not far behind 100 - 0 of a super high performance porshce (aka best brakes in the WORLD on a production car...), is NOT inadequate, even if it is single piston claipers. Obviously they WORK. The CSL is not adequate of the Porsche - do you think the Corvette is adequate of a $200,000 dollar porsche? NO. It goes fast and turns, but thats it. A $60,000 M3 won't be as good as a porsche either.

 

[frolf]

dude that thing is hotnes

 

[///M SPEED]

I knew it was only time before some of the CSL parts started trickling down...

Although the calipers on the CLS are single piston I believe they are a larger diameter one....

 

[epj3]

I knew it was only time before some of the CSL parts started trickling down...

Although the calipers on the CLS are single piston I believe they are a larger diameter one....

Yup larger diameter.

 

[BMW-FW26]

A single piston caliper's pads wear on the rotor unevenly too. Ever notice the inside pad thins out faster? (Those DIYers) A 4 pistion setup would give such greater stopping power considering its stock brakes are so great as epj3 explained so nicely to us and you could even use exotic brake material like the Porsche GT or the Merc McLaren.

Oh yeah and I have faded my brakes on really aggressive highway driving more than once.

 

[epj3]

A single piston caliper's pads wear on the rotor unevenly too. Ever notice the inside pad thins out faster? (Those DIYers) A 4 pistion setup would give such greater stopping power considering its stock brakes are so great as epj3 explained so nicely to us and you could even use exotic brake material like the Porsche GT or the Merc McLaren.

Oh yeah and I have faded my brakes on really aggressive highway driving more than once.

Remember, cars like the M3 stop so quickly becuase of ABS and good brake design. I still don't see the need for multi piston calipers (which are larger and gives less cooling surface to the disc) if the single piston caliper is more than adequate. If you're going to be on the track then I would expect some kind of brake upgrade. The m3 was built to be a very sporty street car, unlike the porsche which is designed to be a road going track car.

It doesn't take a super powerful brake system anymore like it used to (to an extent... don't get me wrong!! Powerful brakes are necessary but not like it used to be). You can lock up the wheels in an instant with those stock brakes, but the ABS prevents that which is why in the end it doesnt really matter.

On my 325is I didn't notice any uneven wear from the front brake pads. Maybe your rotor was warped?

 

[Chesty Bonds]

Remember, cars like the M3 stop so quickly becuase of ABS and good brake design. I still don't see the need for multi piston calipers (which are larger and gives less cooling surface to the disc) if the single piston caliper is more than adequate. If you're going to be on the track then I would expect some kind of brake upgrade. The m3 was built to be a very sporty street car, unlike the porsche which is designed to be a road going track car.

It doesn't take a super powerful brake system anymore like it used to (to an extent... don't get me wrong!! Powerful brakes are necessary but not like it used to be). You can lock up the wheels in an instant with those stock brakes, but the ABS prevents that which is why in the end it doesnt really matter.

On my 325is I didn't notice any uneven wear from the front brake pads. Maybe your rotor was warped?

If the car is marketed as a road-going racer i would expect its brakes to stand up to a track day. If i'd just blown $200K on the best M-car money can buy i would not expect to have to upgrade the brakes so that they don't wilt under the pressure. And apart from the GT3-RS, all Porsches are designed for the road so that analogy is useless. A stock 911 Carrera is a road car - no doubt about it. But are the brakes inadequate for the road or track? You know that answer. BMW have missed a seriously good opportunity to create a car that would embody the spirit of M and yet they offer it with (comparatively) pissy brakes.

Understand this: if the car is offered with the Pirelli cut slicks (which negate your insurance on road-driving) then why isn't the CSL offered with badass brakes too? It's not logical and you know it. The CSL's brakes are not up to the standard that the car purports to set. Simple as that.