2005 BMW M3 Competition Package Preview

As Close to a CSL as We'll Probably Get

Of all the BMWs on sale today, one of my favourites is the M3. Sure, it's among the most entertaining road-going sports cars

The BMW M3 is among the most entertaining road-going sports cars available, and one of my personal favorites. (Photo: BMW Canada)

available, with its sublime 333-horsepower inline-six, the option of an F1-inspired six-speed sequential paddle-shift gearbox, brakes that stop on a dime and a chassis so balanced and communicative that the competition has long struggled to match.

At the same time, the M3 is also extremely well-rounded, something surprising for a car so capable. Based off the E46 generation 3-Series Coupe, the M3 features a comfortable 2+2 seat layout with enough space in the rear quarters

Unlike may of its competitors, the M3 is a vehicle that can be used 24/7, and 365 days per year. (Photo: BMW Canada)

for two full-sized adults, a reasonably sized trunk, excellent build quality, and a near endless list of luxury features.

The M3 also shines in that it's a vehicle that can be used 24/7, and 365 days per year. Like a tightly sprung top of the line 330Ci with sports alloys, the M3 soaks up the potholes and gaps that abused roads dish out, has tidy low-speed handling, and is civilized enough to endure rush-hour traffic. While the Chevrolet C6 Corvette and the new 997-type Porsche 911 slowly inch towards being everyday sports cars, they still fall short in interior accommodations when compared to the M3.