BMW M3: The past, the present, the future

[W///]

Originally Posted by KevinM

I actually do agree that the F80 is the new M5...for me at least. When I wanted to retire my E39 M5 from DD duties after 12 years, I looked at everything on the market. I wanted a sedan, manual transmission, about the same size as the E39 (certainly no larger), power, luxury, and, oh yes, the torque I had become accustomed to in the E39 (given the car was going to be a DD). The ONLY car I came up with was the F80*...

That said, I think I might try the M2 next, particularly if the M2 CS is available.

*Yes, technically the ATS-V as well, but not for me.

Curious as the why the M2CS? Would the F80 not be the better DD? Also, would this be to add or replace?

[KevinM]

Originally Posted by W///

Curious as the why the M2CS? Would the F80 not be the better DD? Also, would this be to add or replace?

I think they would probably be similar as DDs as long as you don't need four doors. Given I have some keepers (M5, Z4M coupe) and will always need an SUV for hauling and dog transportation, my DD car (currently a the F80) is going to be a wild card. I suppose if I find something else I love I'll keep it forever as well, but right now I plan to change this car out more frequently, keeping it current and with a warranty. I think the M2 CS could be a modern BMW that really hits all the sweet spots. However, more likely it will be festooned with additional "aerodynamics" that I don't want and possibly will be offered without a MT, so it may be a non-starter. We'll see.

[dmboone25]

Originally Posted by KevinM

I think they would probably be similar as DDs as long as you don't need four doors. Given I have some keepers (M5, Z4M coupe) and will always need an SUV for hauling and dog transportation, my DD car (currently a the F80) is going to be a wild card. I suppose if I find something else I love I'll keep it forever as well, but right now I plan to change this car out more frequently, keeping it current and with a warranty. I think the M2 CS could be a modern BMW that really hits all the sweet spots. However, more likely it will be festooned with additional "aerodynamics" that I don't want and possibly will be offered without a MT, so it may be a non-starter. We'll see.

Originally Posted by W///

Curious as the why the M2CS? Would the F80 not be the better DD? Also, would this be to add or replace?

The F80 is a GREAT daily driver - the "range" of soft to stiff, and relaxed to excitable...well, that's just hard to beat on a day to day basis. It really has the perfect amount of adjustability. I couldn't be happier.

I know the 981 CS and M2 CS aren't the same car, but I'm sure they're relatively close, at least in terms of rigidity and stiffness...and I don't miss the "one size fits all" nature of the 981. I do want one someday again as a 3rd car, for thrashing only...but those types of choices don't give you the same sort of DD ability.

I wonder how well a M2 CS will hit the sweet spot of a great range of uses, like the F80 does. It will be interesting to see.

[Ninarvana]

I've used ML for a few years now; took this the other week when I was in for a service
An overdue video, and I agree with Dan's points. Views it seems quite a few people share!

[Obioban]

Originally Posted by 3M TAPE

Isn't F80 still smaller than the E39?

Originally Posted by jmg

By about 5 inches in length and 3 inches in width. About 2 inches longer and wider than the E92.

...........e39 vs F82
Length 188.3" 183.9"
Width 70.9" 73.6"
Height 55.6" 54.4"

So the e39 is a bit narrower, a bit longer, and a tiny bit taller. But, width is what you feel most from the driver's seat.

[3s-a-charm]

Originally Posted by HolyChitMeng

This is incorrect
E30 M3, had Black, Tan, Cardinal Red and Grey, and did share the same recaros from the E28 M5. And the same mirrors

Don't forget the patterned cloth options in the EVO models...

[scoale]

Originally Posted by Obioban

...........e39 vs F82
Length 188.3" 183.9"
Width 70.9" 73.6"
Height 55.6" 54.4"

So the e39 is a bit narrower, a bit longer, and a tiny bit taller. But, width is what you feel most from the driver's seat.

For reference, E46 M3 = 176.9 x 70.1

[scoale]

Originally Posted by dmboone25

The F80 is a GREAT daily driver - the "range" of soft to stiff, and relaxed to excitable...well, that's just hard to beat on a day to day basis. It really has the perfect amount of adjustability. I couldn't be happier.

I know the 981 CS and M2 CS aren't the same car, but I'm sure they're relatively close, at least in terms of rigidity and stiffness...and I don't miss the "one size fits all" nature of the 981. I do want one someday again as a 3rd car, for thrashing only...but those types of choices don't give you the same sort of DD ability.

I wonder how well a M2 CS will hit the sweet spot of a great range of uses, like the F80 does. It will be interesting to see.

Funny that, for me, my 981 feels like closest progression from my E46 in terms of analog driving experience, razor sharp response to steering/throttle/braking inputs, and balance of handling/compliance.

[dinonz]

Originally Posted by scoale

For reference, E46 M3 = 176.9 x 70.1

So the F82 is a massive 7 inches longer and 3 1/2 inches wider? Holy shit - it's nearly the size of a Hummer

[JibSTir13]

Originally Posted by Obioban

...........e39 vs F82
Length 188.3" 183.9"
Width 70.9" 73.6"
Height 55.6" 54.4"

So the e39 is a bit narrower, a bit longer, and a tiny bit taller. But, width is what you feel most from the driver's seat.

Lower roof line and wider body FTW.

[m3rxn]

great vid indeed

[J.M]

Originally Posted by dinonz

HUD is one thing I would really miss. And heated seats. And steering wheel (just wish they would heat the manual gear knob too). I love having Nav, especially being a foreigner living in the US - everywhere is new to me.

The M2 can have heated seats and heated steering wheel... and of course it has exactly the same nav as the M3/M4. It does not have hud though but seriously who cares!?

[dinonz]

Originally Posted by J.M

The M2 can have heated seats and heated steering wheel... and of course it has exactly the same nav as the M3/M4. It does not have hud though but seriously who cares!?

Me. Because I love that HUD. Would not want to be without it.

But also, I need four doors. Immediately rules out the M2/M4.

[Kung Fu English]

Originally Posted by J.M

The M2 can have heated seats and heated steering wheel... and of course it has exactly the same nav as the M3/M4. It does not have hud though but seriously who cares!?

Only those that don't have it lol.

Once you have hud you cannot un hud.

[Luv2]

Originally Posted by M3 Adjuster

the E30 M3 came in 4 exterior colors.. (M2 has four)
Diamond Black, Alpine White, Lach or Sterling silber and one of three reds that changed over the 5 years from Henna to Zinnobar to Hellrot.

The E30 M3 came in one interior color. (M2 also has one)

The E30 M3 did not have seats from the E28 M5. (M2 doesn't have seats from it's big brother)

The E30 M3 did not have " M mirrors" (M2 doesn't either)

past = present = future..

Nice observations, you might be onto something.
Have driven the M2 and loved it. Have to find an E30 M3 one day to try and compare, how they compare in the corners. I know the M2 has it beat in a straight line.

[dmboone25]

Originally Posted by Kung Fu English

Only those that don't have it lol.

Once you have hud you cannot un hud.

+1 the HUD is nice - first car I've ever had that has this feature, and I really like it.

[dmboone25]

Originally Posted by dinonz

Me. Because I love that HUD. Would not want to be without it.

But also, I need four doors. Immediately rules out the M2/M4.

I also believe that the F80 looks better than either two door alternative - and I don't need four doors.

It's just better.

[Obioban]

Originally Posted by scoale

For reference, E46 M3 = 176.9 x 70.1

From this video. Shows the size change:

[adc]

Originally Posted by Obioban

From this video. Shows the size change:

Not really. Due to the wide angle lens used anything off center is distorted. The pic makes the E46 appear the smallest, which it clearly isn't.

Anyway for my money, the E46 is probably the best combination of size, performance and safety. Having owned an E30 in recent memory, I would never want to have an accident in one.

[JTO24]

Originally Posted by Kung Fu English

Only those that don't have it lol.

Once you have hud you cannot un hud.

Ehh.. I had it in my F80 but don't miss it at all. I wouldn't option it again if it were a standalone, added-cost option.

[dinonz]

Originally Posted by dmboone25

I also believe that the F80 looks better than either two door alternative - and I don't need four doors.

It's just better.

Likewise - I prefer the sedan, and have always wanted an M3. Not just an M car. An M3.

[Obioban]

The lack of sedan (/wagon) body styles is my only real complaint with the e46 M3. I prefer the look of the sedan, the practicality of the sedan, the increased chassis stiffness of the sedan, and the lower price point of the sedan. Better, better, better, and better .