THEY say competition improves the breed, but the BMW M3 and M4 Competition seem to respond to criticism of its own F8x-generation (that is F80 M3 sedan, and F82/83 M4 coupe and convertible) exactly two years after its local debut.

At launch on a racetrack, praise for the beautifully balanced turbo six-cylinder M-car duo flowed. But on public roads the suspension struggled over bumpy corners, the steering lacked feel, the engine felt overly boosty on gentle throttle and in turn the stability control system felt panicked.

With the Competition, stiffer springs complement revised adaptive suspension, fatter rear tyres and retuned electronic stability control (ESC) and rear M differential.

With a surcharge of $5000 for all that change – loose change for an M3 and M4 buyer – has this Competition improved enough?

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