2006 BMW M3 Model Update

Go Speed Racer, Go

The mighty M3 continues with nominal changes for 2006 and remains one of the best sport coupes available.

Even though BMW redesigned its 3 Series sedan for 2006, the coupe and convertible versions, including high-performance M3 variants, remain unchanged for one more year.

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Changes to the 2006 M3 are minimal and most apply to the coupe. These include a new optional power rear sunshade ($350), standard leather upholstery (the cloth/leather seats that were standard last year are now a no-cost option) and optional 19-inch wheels no longer being available with the Competition Package.

Remaining essentially unchanged since its 2001 introduction, the M3 is a purist's dream car, unsaddled by electronic gadgets and gizmos that have become popular on luxury vehicles over the last few years and that can cloud the enjoyment of driving.

As before, the M3’s 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine generates 333 hp, which is sufficient to propel the coupe from zero to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds. The heavier M3 convertible takes about a half-second longer. Poor fuel economy — estimated at 16 mpg city/23 to 24 mpg highway by the Environmental Protection Agency — subjects the M3 to a $1,000 gas-guzzler tax.

A six-speed short-throw manual transmission is standard. An optional Sequential Manual Gearbox ($2,400) includes paddles behind the steering wheel to change gears (the clutch is automatically engaged during gear shifts, so there is no clutch pedal). It has a full-auto mode that approximates the function of a traditional automatic transmission. We do not recommend the pricey sequential-manual because, although improved over the years, it's balky and unrefined in operation.

The M3 offers the performance and exhilaration of a sports car with the convenience of a usable backseat and a decent-size trunk. It features a stiffer suspension and larger wheels (18 inches in diameter) than standard 3 Series two-doors, which allow it to take corners at amazing speeds. The tradeoff for this race-car-like handling is a stiff ride that can be fatiguing on rough roads.

It doesn't look much different than the standard 325Ci and 330Ci. Flared wheel arches, a different headlight design (retained from older 3 Series models), more aggressive-looking front and rear bumpers, a slight bulge in the hood, smaller mirrors and M logos are among the minor exterior differences. Upgraded front seats with deeper side bolsters and myriad power adjustments are an improvement over the already-stellar seats in the standard 3 Series coupe and convertible.

A Competition Package ($ 4,000), offered only on the M3 coupe and aimed at owners who participate in club racing events, was added last year and continues for 2006. It includes larger wheels and performance tires (19 inches in diameter), larger cross-drilled brake discs, a button on the steering wheel to disable the standard electronic stability control (so drivers can induce skidding to drift through turns), sharper steering, suede-like Alcantara on the steering wheel and parking brake lever (to ensure a better grip), special aluminum interior trim and the option of an exclusive exterior color: Interlagos Blue Metallic.

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Like the standard 3 Series convertible, the M3 convertible has a power fabric top with a glass rear window that includes a heating element for defogging. The roof fully retracts out of view for a sleek topless look. A moveable panel in the trunk designates space taken up by the retracted top and can be folded back when the top is up to create more cargo room. A removable hardtop ($2,295) is available for the M3 convertible.

Both M3 models are well equipped, making many items on the options list indulgences rather than necessities. These include a sunroof ($1,050, coupe only), upgraded seats ($500 to $995), a high-end Harmon Kardon stereo ($675) and a navigation system ($1,800), among others.

Notable safety-oriented options include a rear-parking sensor ($350), rear side-impact airbags ($385) and BMW Assist ($750, coupe only), which is a Global Positioning System that uses an integrated, hands-free phone system to call for help during emergencies. It automatically contacts a call center when the car is in a severe collision or the airbags deploy. BMW pays for the first year of service, which costs $240 per year thereafter.

An all-new M3 will likely debut as a 2007 model and have a V8 engine.