BMW M3 Competition (F80) manual | Spotted

It’s now a decade since BMW launched the F80 M3, the first turbocharged version of the iconic sports saloon. While the 1 M Coupe had shown what was possible with forced induction M cars, not everybody had loved the F10 M5, so the jury was still out somewhat on turbocharging the M Division. From the launch, it seemed like the M3 was a bullseye: both it and the M4 looked fantastic, the straight six was as revvy as hoped, and there was rear-drive mischief abundantly available. For – get this – £56,000. Doesn’t feel like 10 years ago so much as 25. 

However, as has been well documented since that time, the turbo M3 didn’t quite hit the spot in the UK. On wetter, bumpier, crummier roads, that confidence it engendered abroad never materialised, which wasn’t helped by less-than-perfect steering. Take it from someone who spun one not going very fast at all, they could be a tad skittish. Which was nothing if not exciting on the right occasions, but just a bit scary when the wild side wasn’t welcome. And you didn’t always know when that would be. 

Maybe the first F80s got a bad rep – we all know that bad news spreads much faster and lingers longer than good headlines. What’s not in doubt, however, is that the 2016 Competition Package – announced less than two years after those first reviews – definitely improved the M3. Tweaks to the springs, dampers and anti-roll bars kept the fizz but introduced a bit more predictability and confidence. As well as a fussier set of wheels, some changes to the assists, and another 19hp. 

The Comp became the most popular model in the M3 and M4 range by an overwhelming margin. Post-2016, standard 431hp models are barely ever seen, because the upgraded car was noticeably better and not much more money. It’s notable now that BMW only offers the pair as a Competition, such was the popularity before. The most commonly chosen transmission for all of the F80 M3s was the seven-speed DCT, which would have contributed to the G80 being auto-only as well. But this M3 Competition isn’t automatic…

Yes, we’ve found one, the best regular version of the F80 with a manual transmission. A Tanzanite Blue one, too, which was a rare and pricey option, with the sunroof as well. The six-speed was rarely specced when new because, to be frank, the DCT was a better match for a tech laden, energetic kind of car. But so much has changed in so little time, with very few manual options out there, that the recently available six-speeds become more interesting. Even the notchy BMWs one. 

And among the current range, this F80 looks better than it ever has, taut and muscular while also relatively discreet as well. Even against the M2 launched at a similar time, the four-door M3 really does look brilliant. With very few (30k) miles on it, too, the condition is immaculate, complete with a BMW interior that looks remarkably (and quite endearingly) old school just a few years down the line. Perhaps the dual-clutch might work with the package better, perhaps an M2 is more readily available, and certainly there are cheaper F80 M3s around. But as a spec to keep until the days when manual, straight six BMW M cars are no longer, this one will take some beating.

Engine: 2,979cc, twin-turbo straight six
Transmission: 6-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 450@7,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 406@1,850rpm
MPG: 34 (NEDC)
CO2: 194g/km (NEDC)
Recorded mileage: 30,000
First registered: 2016
Price new: £60,355 (before options)
Yours for: £34,999