Competition Pack hinted for updated M3

The mid-life update of BMW's 3 Series range will see many of the same revisions apply to the M3, but no more power — even with the likely addition of an optional Competition Package.

Due in Australia towards the end of the year, the M3 LCI (Life Cycle Impulse, BMW-speak for facelift/update) will receive the subtly updated look of its donor car, as well as a couple of new metallic paint colours (Smoked Topaz and Champagne Quartz), full-LED tail-lights, a revamped interior and BMW's new, faster LTE-based navigation system.

But if you're hoping for more pep under the hood then you'll be disappointed. The updated M3 retains the same drivetrain as the F80-series already on sale. The 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder will continue to offer a familiar 317kW and 550Nm, for a 0-100km/h time of 4.1sec.

There is, however, a chance the 'new' M3 will be offered with a new Competition Package, details of which are still to be confirmed. But BMW's 3 Series product manager, Dr Christian Voigt, says we could expect a surprise in time for the brand's 100th birthday around March next year (2016).

"BMW is celebrating its 100th anniversary soon, and of course there has to be some birthday presents to our customers… I would say you can definitely look forward to something," said Dr Voigt.

"There will be an [M3] update, and there will be a lot of worthwhile changes. It's going to be really cool."

The last time the Competition Pack was offered in M3 it added wider package-specific alloy wheels and an even lower ride with retuned adaptive dampers and stability control program. Just like last time, the pack is not expected to add more power.

It's expected there will also be little change to the M3's list priced — currently $156,040 with either transmission option — and that fuel consumption and CO2 emissions will remain unchanged at 8.3L/100km and 194g/km respectively.

The revised BMW 3 Series LCI range is due in local showrooms from October.