2018 BMW M3 brings minor updates and new options
BMW’s high-performance M3 saloon receives a subtle facelift for 2018, adopting design cues from the refreshed M4 and introducing new paint and equipment choices.
BMW’s M3 saloon enters the 2018 model year with a handful of subtle changes, most of them visual, as part of a second facelift following the 2015 update. Production of the revised car begins in July 2017, with the outgoing version ending four months earlier.
The most noticeable change is at the front, where the M3 now adopts the same headlight and bumper design as the recently refreshed M4 Coupé. For buyers seeking something different, BMW has added Tanzanite Blue to the colour palette, previously seen on the regular 3 Series.
Under the bonnet, the M3 continues with the familiar S55 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged straight-six, producing 431hp and 550Nm of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual or an optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Performance figures remain unchanged, with the standard car reaching 62mph in 4.1 seconds with the DCT.
Competition Package still available
BMW continues to offer the Competition Package, which raises output to 450hp and sharpens the chassis with revised adaptive M suspension, exclusive 20-inch wheels, and an M sports exhaust with black chrome tips. With the DCT, the Competition Package M3 covers 0–62mph in four seconds flat. Lightweight M sports seats are also part of the package.
No further mechanical changes are introduced for 2018. The M3’s core technical package remains as before, with the main updates focused on appearance and equipment. The M4 CS, with more power and lighter construction, is due to arrive separately, but BMW has not confirmed a corresponding M3 CS at this stage.
Availability and context
Production of the 2018 BMW M3 begins in July 2017, with the outgoing model phased out four months earlier. These updates keep the M3 aligned with its M4 sibling while offering buyers new personalisation options. For details on the launch of the current M3 and M4, see BMW M3 and M4 Launch with Free M Laptimer App Integration.
