M5Kid said:
Chuckc,
Any thoughts on the Competition Package? I just read an article in the latest Motor Trend that did a writeup on the M3 with Competition Package. They said that it was a very nice addition, as the brakes were much improved (fade free), and the quicker steering box and less instrusive DSC were welcomed changes.
If it were me, I would look into an M3 with Competition Package and SMG. If your plans were to do some track work, I feel the car would be more enjoyable and suited for that environment. Furthermore, a BBK wouldn't be necessary anymore. Perhaps GC coilovers and R-compounds would be the only changes needed, if your real serious.
Travis
Yes, intially I was very interested in the comp pkg. A friend of mine, who has been racing BMWs and teaching in driving schools for well over a decade took one out at a track in Buttonwillow, CA. He currently has an E46 M3 with a basic setup for track work (Bilstein suspension, 6 spd, stock motor, track pads, SSRs with Kumho MXs). His review of the comp package is as follows:
1. Track mode DSC - intrusive just when it is starting to get fun. The owner of the car turns it off on the track, and so did my friend.
2. Brakes - a little better than the standard M3 brakes. I am not sure if the stock pads were being used.
3. Steering - not that noticable of a change
4. Suspension - better than the suspension that came on pre-2005 M3s (all 2005s M3s share the same suspension now) For track work he placed it between the pre-2005s and his Bilstein setup.
Final analysis: Too little, too late.
:M5launch: