The BMW M3, a car that's widely regarded as an automotive benchmark, is now available as a special "Edition" model in Europe, although BMW NA has decided not to bring it to America because of the high price it would bring. This ultimate M3 comes with a 10mm lower ride height for enhanced dynamic ability, while the interior and exterior offer visual enhancements to differentiate it from the standard M3 Coup.
Available to European customers in three striking color combinations of Alpine white, BMW Individual Dakar yellow and BMW Individual Monte Carlo blue, the new model features a dark chrome shadow-colored kidney grille, side vents, hood vents and twin exhaust tailpipes. Black mirrors, with connecting supports in the car's body color, help distinguish the new model from other BMW M3 variants.In profile, the new M3 Coup Edition features 19" M Double-spoke light-alloy wheels in silver alloy as standard, and with black gloss finish as an option. High-gloss Shadowline exterior trim is also standard.The new M3 Coup Edition retains the existing carbon-reinforced plastic roof panel with exposed weave as the standard M3. The carbon-fiber roof panel saves 5kg over a conventional roof and lowers the centre of gravity to contribute to the M3's benchmark dynamics.
Inside, the latest M3 has a number of signature touches to set it apart from the existing model. All three versions feature exterior body-colored stripes on the standard Novillo leather interior, on the front and rear seats and the extension of the seat squab. The front seats also come with exterior color contrast stitching, while Black Carbon leather interior trim is standard.
Dakar yellow and Monte Carlo blue owners will get a continuation of this threadwork on the armrest and passenger door handle.
The Alpine white M3 will get an interior with contrast stitching on the carbon structure leather trim and contrast-colored door armrest pads, center console and center armrest pad. A checkered flag motif decorates the door sill plates to underscore the racing pedigree of the M3, which has won more Touring Car titles than any other car as well as numerous Endurance races.
The M3 Coup Edition features MDrive manager that brings together numerous personalized functions of the car. The settings for the optional Electronic Damper Control (Normal, Comfort and Sport), three DSC+ traction control settings and three specific engine control maps, plus the response rate of the Servotronic power steering can be controlled with one button on the steering wheel, as with any M3 fitted with these options. Once the desired settings are created in the iDrive menu, part of the standard Professional Multimedia navigation system, one push of the MDrive button transforms the M3 from a car to drive to the store to a track day special.