2024 BMW M3 Competition
05/22/2024
Shahed Hussain
The BMW M3 needs no introduction to car enthusiasts. Unlike the standard M3, the track-ready Competition is available in both RWD and AWD (xDrive). Slotted above the base M3 ($76,000), the M3 Competition MSRP starts at $80,200 (RWD) or $84,300 (xDrive).
At the 2024 MAMA Spring Rally, BMW brought an M3 Competition for supervised laps at the Road America circuit in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. BMW had an experienced test driver in the front passenger seat for vehicle and driving instruction during the lap. His tips for braking points and apexes were essential to explore the M3's capabilities.
In one lap, it's possible to get only superficially familiar with the M3 and its phenomenal track capabilities. During our short driving session, we were impressed with the M3's superb brakes as it repeatedly slowed from 100+ MPH straights to 30 MPH corner entry speeds with no perceptible fade or signs of overheated rotors. BMW's 503-hp 3.0L inline-6 delivers smooth, linear power with minimal turbo lag. Coupled to the inline-6 is an 8-speed automatic transmission that snaps off rapid shifts like an expert race driver. Flying down the straights or around curves, the transmission always selected the right gear, but steering wheel paddles allow the driver to shift gears on demand.
The challenging track layout has uphill and downhill straights, blind 90-degree bends, and high-speed curves to deceive inexperienced drivers. As we expected, the M3 Competition's firm suspension tuning is perfectly suited for the nearly flawless tarmac at Road America. The M3's communicative steering inspires confidence with its immediate turn-in response and precision. Steering effort is ideal for track use with just enough weighting for stability, but not too heavy for extended hot laps.
As a track day superstar, the M3 Competition has few competitors, especially among sport sedans. Is it worth the $4-8K premium over the standard M3? If the extra 30 hp (503 hp vs. 473 hp), available AWD, and track-tuned suspension sound appealing, then the answer is an unqualified "Yes".