2011 BMW M3 Coupe

(continued from above)

For the M3's 2011 model year, which started in March 2010, buyers of the M3 Coupe can choose a new Competition Package which reduces vehicle ride height by half an inch and includes unique 19" wheels with wider offset for enhanced stability, standard Electronic Damping Control with enhanced programming, and higher-threshold programming for the M Dynamic Mode (if equipped).

Starting with September 2010 production, the 2011 M3 will receive a number of further enhancements. Mineral White Metallic exterior paint becomes available, as do new Palladium Silver / Black / Black and Fox Red / Black interior upholsteries. The celebrated M Drive system becomes standard. Identified by its now-famous M Button on the steering wheel, M Drive allows the M3 driver to pre-program two "personalities" for the vehicle and toggle between them with a press of the M Button. The button will:

• Activate the "second level" of Dynamic Stability Control known as M Dynamic Mode (MDM).
• Activate the Sport setting of the Servotronic variable power steering system.
• Arm the shift lights (when equipped with M-DCT).
• Select the pre-stored setting for Electronic Damping Control (EDC), if equipped.
• Select the pre-stored setting for Drivelogic (when equipped with M-DCT).

Finally, BMW's Auto Stop-Start feature becomes standard on the M3 with September production. Auto Start-Stop is a BMW EfficientDynamics fuel saving measure previously unavailable in the US except on ActiveHybrid models. Auto Stop-Start will automatically stop the engine when the transmission is placed in Neutral and the clutch is released. The engine will immediately restart as soon as the clutch is depressed. The system is driver selectable and will only function once the engine is up to operating temperature and the ambient temperature is between 37 Degrees F and 85 Degrees F.

The new Manual M Sport Seats offer the same adjustments as the previous electric seats but with manual adjustment in order to save weight (approximately 11 lbs per seat) and expense when power memory seats are not required. Lumber support and seatback side bolters remain electrically adjustable.

Since the 2010 model year, the M3 Coupe includes availability of the new Automatic High Beams feature (a stand-alone option) as well as standard HD Radio reception.

BMW M3 Coupe: Review (2/2)