Unlike most BMW''s the M3 comes with standard cloth seats. Standard yes, but they''re anything but common. Available in a myriad of shades and colors, including black, anthracite, gray, red, blue, ''kiwi'' green and cinnamon, they''re designed specifically for holding driver and front passenger in place during aggressive driving. Colors aren''t the only no cost options. The non-slip insert material can be replaced with the even more tenacious suede-like Alcantra or the same soft Nappa leather that surround their edges - a stylish but slippery alternative. Adjustable seat width and lumbar support is optional, but unfortunately 5-point harnesses are not.
An excellent Harmon Kardon single dash-mounted CD audio system comes standard, with an optional 6-disc trunk mounted CD player. BMW might want to upgrade as this inconvenient system is a little behind the times compared to competitor''s multi-disc in-dash units. Worse still, a cassette is available, but at the expense of the dash CD player. Much less archaic is its optional park distance control system, electric rear sunshade, rain sensing wipers and navigation system. Also, rear passengers can be protected with optional side impact airbags. Other than anthracite seats and the rear sunshade, these options are all available with the convertible, as well as a $3,400 body color aluminum hardtop.
The option of options has to be the $4,900 Formula 1 inspired 6-spd sequential manual gearbox (SMG) package that also includes drivelogic, park distance control and a steering wheel insert to match the color of the interior trim. If you''re in stop and go traffic, keep the transmission in the ''A'' position for automatic shifting. The ''S'' stands for sequential, actuated by steering wheel rocker switches that let you shift like Juan Pablo Montoya.