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The all-new, F30-generation BMW 3-series sedan debuted this past month, but the current coupe and cabriolet will continue for a little while longer—which means that the two-door and folding-roof M3s based on them will, too. (The M3 sedan was discontinued along with the previous E90 four-door.) But the M3 coupe and cabrio will soon give way to replacements, too, and the last year has seen BMW unveil a number of special-edition models, melding performance-enhancing components with cosmetic modifications that are easy to love. Or at least lust.

This 2012 M3 Competition Edition Frozen Silver follows the formula to a T. Before you complain about BMW cranking out yet another M3 variant, you might want to first submit your gearhead membership card to the home office for destruction. Chevy has already milked the Camaro for nearly a dozen special editions; we’ve got no complaints when an actual kick-ass car spawns a few spin-offs.

You may notice that this car’s name varies only slightly from those of recent special-edition M3s—including the Frozen Gray special edition—and BMW’s work here is largely the same as before. In this case, the paint is matte-finish Frozen Silver, while the exterior gets a few yards of black chrome and special black M3 GTS 19-inch wheels. The interior also is sent through BMW’s ringer, and emerges slathered in Alcantara-brand faux suede and carbon fiber, and with nearly every surface festooned with M3 and checkered-flag ornamentation.

To account for the competitive claim in the car’s name, the Competition Edition Frozen Silver sports the otherwise-optional Competition package: It lowers the suspension by 0.4 inch, adds standard Electronic Damping Control, and promises even looser stability control when the system is in Dynamic mode. This package also was standard on last year’s Frozen Gray edition car, as well as the Frozen Black M3 announced a few months ago. Like on those cars, the only transmission available is a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Boo.

The “too long, didn’t read” version of the above: This M3 Competition Edition Frozen Silver really only adds a new color to the palette of special-edition M3s. It’s otherwise the same. Well, there is one more difference: More examples will be sold, and all 40 of them will retail for $81,060.