Shortly after the M4 was updated, the M3 Competition also gets its round of mid-life tweaks bringing it in line with the coupé. Aaron Stokes takes a deep dive to explore the changes on the facelifted 2024 M3 Competition.
The saloon and now touring BMW M3 has reached a stage during its life where BMW have decided that the M3 is due a facelift. Just like when the M3 was first introduced, there have been some quite controversial changes to the exterior of the M3 in the facelift.
I think it is best to address the biggest change on the outside of the M3, this comes in the form of saying goodbye to the iconic ‘angel lights’, as if the G80’s grill didn’t cause enough controversy amongst BMW purists, the facelift messes with another sacred BMW hallmark..
Personally, this will take some adjusting to get used to as before the changes, they helped carry over some of the design language of previous BMW M cars. With the more aggressive headlights, it brings more attention to that front grille.
Don’t worry I am not going to go with the cliché description. Instead, after much thought I feel I can sum up adjusting to the G80 M3 design language: for me it is like the breakfast roll from McDonald’s, not bad but we all missed the breakfast wrap.
That’s enough food talk for a new car article, so let's sink our teeth into what other changes we are getting on the M3. Looking at performance changes, the M3 saloon and touring both receive a 20 bhp bump. This means the 3-litre twin turbo S58 engine will be pushing 523 bhp through an 8-speed auto to all four wheels with its M xDrive all-wheel drive system, which is biassed to the rear.
However, after pressing a couple of buttons, you can make your M3 rear-wheel drive, just for when you want a little reminder of the cars that came before. If the thought of going back to rear-wheel drive doesn’t take your fancy, you can still rely on the trick ten-stage traction control system that will allow you to choose how much slip you want.
Naysayers have derided the G80 as too heavy and complicated, but the hard reality is the G series have by far the biggest motorsport credentials of any M3 since the holy E30, with the M4 GT3 proving extremely successful. Whilst it's true the extra power only comes courtesy of an engine remap, the S58 engine has true motorsport DNA with its forged crankshaft and 3D printed cylinder head. The manufacture of which permits much tighter tolerances thus improved airflow. The method also allows for the cooling ducts to be routed in a way that wouldn’t be possible using cast metal ducts.
But what do these changes do for performance? While the 0 to 62 mph sprint remains unchanged at 3.5 seconds, what has changed is the 0 to 124 mph time. Thanks to the power bump and a wider torque range, from 2,750 to 5,730 rpm, the saloon can do this in 11.8 seconds, whilst the heavier touring takes 12.4 seconds. Compared to the pre-facelift M3, that’s half a second quicker. Looking at top speed, without the M Driver’s Package you will be limited to 155 mph, but when specified the limit is raised to 180 mph for the saloon and 174 mph for the estate.
New wheels are available, including forged M-light alloys, which are available in silver and make a nice change from the near universally specified black wheels we’ve seen on M3s for the last few years. Needless to say, the silver finish makes us very happy!
With all this work to the M3, it leaves you hoping there have been interior changes. Well, good news! BMW has not neglected the inside of the M3. The biggest change is the introduction of a flat-bottom steering wheel which for the first time can be finished in alcantara, as an option. Normally flat-bottom wheels are a yes from me however, in the M3 I can’t quite get used to it yet. Like the front end, it will take some time to get used to.
As you’d expect, there’s a few ways to personalise the model, with the M Carbon package and M Track package available. What do these get you I hear you ask? Well, the M carbon package gives you according to the configurator: the rear spoiler, mirror caps, side inlets in the front bumper and diffuser inlet in the rear diffuser, all in carbon for £4,175.
The track package, which will set you back £15,275 gives you the Carbon interior trim, live cockpit professional, carbon ceramic brakes, M Drive professional, M Driver’s pack and the carbon front bucket seats. These options are on top of the £85,715 starting price.
As we all do when a new car is launched, I fell trap to the online configurator. I decided to spec my perfect M3. I decided to go for Skyscraper grey with diamond cut wheels (+£1200), for the interior I selected Fiona red and full marino black leather alongside carbon inlays (+£3475). To complete the configuration, I selected the M Drivers package and Technology package (+£5800), BMW Individual Shadowline headlights, M Brakes with red callipers, acoustic glass, ventilated front seats, drive assistant professional and parking assistant plus (+£3725), bringing my perfect Aaron-spec M3 to £98,415.
With an on the road price of £85,715 and first deliveries commencing in summer this year, how would you spec your brand new M3?
