[AutoGuide.com]

BMW's M3 is already considered one of the best handling cars on the market, and now comes a package that promises to increase handling even more, along with improving the looks.

The $2,500 Competition Package lowers the M3 by 0.4 inches, gives it 19-inch wheels with a greater offset, and adds new mapping for both the Dynamic Stability Control and the Electronic Damping Control systems.

It's a small upgrade to be sure, but when looking to shave tenths off of one's track time, every little bit helps.

Interestingly, it's the Competition Package that forms the basis of the recently released Frozen Gray M3 Coupe (shown) and with that model retailing for $77,600 this option looks like a steal.

At first glance, the M3 with the Competition Package looks almost no different from its brethren. The lowered height is subtle, but the larger wheels and greater offset is noticeable, if you know where to look.

Fired it up, and the M3's 4.0-liter V8 comes to life with a snarl. The dual-clutch 7-speed automated manual transmission is a bit tricky to use at first, but you quickly get used to it.

Getting used to it may not be necessary, though, since the transmission often seems to outsmart the driver.

More: 2011 BMW M3 Competition Package Review on AutoGuide.com

 

[BimmerE39]

If someone really wants to get the most out of their M3 they should save the money by not buying the competition package and look into buying a quality coilover system. I could only see this package being of benefit if it also upgraded the brakes.