There are three flavors of M3, the base car, the Competition, and the Competition xDrive. The normal M3 has a 373-hp engine and is the only one available with a six-speed manual transmission. The two Competition models use a 503-hp version of the same engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. All three models share the same basic level of standard equipment and the differences are mainly down to the powertrains and accompanying performance hardware. The base M3 has staggered 18-/19-inch alloy wheels, automatic adaptive LED headlights with cornering lights and auto high beams, adaptive M suspension, heated and power-folding side mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, and front and rear parking sensors. Inside, there are dual iDrive 8 displays - a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and 14.9-inch touchscreen - under one curved panel, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, Merino leather upholstery, 14-way powered and heated front seats, and three-zone climate control. Driver assists include adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, speed-limit info, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. Competition models add power, bigger 19-/20-inch alloys, an automatic transmission, and other small changes, while the xDrive has AWD. Extras include additional driver aids, a power trunk lid, a moonroof, ventilated seats, LED/laser headlights, carbon bucket racing seats, and much more.
Available on all M3s is the Executive package with a head-up display, a power trunk lid, a heated steering wheel, and a SensaTec leatherette-trimmed dashboard. This package costs $1,550 on the manual base model and $1,800 on the M3 Comp, as this model also gets remote start with the package. Available only on the automatic Competition BMW M3 models is the Driving Assistance Professional package that adds a camera/radar system to provide various driver-assistance features, such as emergency stop, lane-control assist, and traffic-jam assist for 1,700 bucks. The M Carbon Exterior package with various carbon accents is $4,700 and looks fantastic. Standalone highlights include the M carbon bucket seats at $4,500 a set and M carbon-ceramic brakes for $8,500. The M Driver's package is one we highly recommend, giving you an advanced driving course and the full 180 mph of top-speed potential for $2,500.