2010 BMW M3 Gets Stop Start And A New Competition Package

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Porsche normally gets plenty of flack for launching ‘facelifted’ cars which don’t look any different to the one they replace. But BMW is fast becoming the master of the blink and you’ll miss it facelift.

Puts the B in subtle

Following on from the X5 and 3 Series Coupe, the 2010 BMW M3 has now got – drum roll please – some new rear lights! And that’s about it really. But, as ever, things aren’t that simple.

Two BMW firsts

For the first time ever, the M3 now has Stop Start so you won’t waste any precious super unleaded at the lights. You get this tech on both the six-speed manual and, also for the first time in a BMW, the dual clutch box too, which means the 420hp M3 will return exactly the same 22.8mpg with the manual and 25.2mpg with the DCT – that’s up from 23.7mpg before. CO2 emissions are also slightly improved.

The good stuff

And if you’re into what M3s are all about – performance – then you’ll be pleased to know that there’s a new Competition Package to opt for which includes the stuff from the Edition special model that came out last year.

What you get

This time BMW has elected not to fit seats which have been upholstered in the finest smurf hide, but has fitted the super 19-inch Y-spoke alloys, dropped the suspension by 10mm and recalibrated the dampers and stability control. The little rear wing and natty carbon front bumper flaps on the car pictured here are new optional extras too. All this stuff goes on sale in a couple of month’s time.