Video review: CHRIS HARRIS ON CARS - F80 M3, full road and track test

[Vanmarsenille]

Chris Harris loves the new M3. What a surprise! Or as they say in France, "quelle surprise!". If he didn't "love it", would it be front page news on bimmerpost? Does he have a choice? Oh, how cynical of me!

[myzmak]

Originally Posted by Vanmarsenille

Chris Harris loves the new M3. What a surprise! Or as they say in France, "quelle surprise!". If he didn't "love it", would it be front page news on bimmerpost? Does he have a choice? Oh, how cynical of me!

How is it cynical on your part?
Why does he have to love it?
What do you know of him/his history?

I mean, if you want to make an actual point you should make it. All of it. Vague hints at innuendo might work for the local anti-Mason-conspiracy-theorists-society meeting but not so much in the real world.....

[snaimpally]

Nice video. He certainly can control the car on a track! One of the major car magazines (I forgot which one) complained that there was "too much power" in their review. Some manufacturers, have dealt with the issue of too much torque in first gear by adjusting the boost levels so that there is reduced boost in first gear. Alternately, the user can learn to adjust how far down their foot goes.

[shatty]

Originally Posted by E90potentialbuyer

You are either smoking or getting paid by fifth gear or don't know what you are talking about.

Top gear > everything else.

I think TG is very honest with their reports. If you noticed, MBenz has alot of commercials during the show. But there have been negative reports by TG on MBenzs. There have been plenty of negative results on other cars also.

[norMcal]

Originally Posted by BMW-RaceR

I just became a Chris Harris patreon. I think good content is worth supporting. He makes the best car reviews out there IMO.

Top Gear have become more of a entertainment show and the amount of cars they can "review" in one season is very limited. Usually when TopGear "reviews" a car im interested in, Im already familiar with it.
Fifth Gear is no more. Btw, I love TopGear, but the show is for car entertainment.
Youtube/online streaming seems to be the future for car reviews.

What he said

Originally Posted by GrussGott

I would say that up the M line gets you more luxo autobahn stormer and down the line gets you more agility. I suspect the M2 will continue that trend: less straight line horsepower than the M3/4, but more nimble and agile.

Agree! Although the new M3/4 appear to be marvelous cars, they have officially grown to mini M5's......aka Autobahn stormers. Not that they wouldn't perform well for the occasional track day, because it seems that BMW always makes sure that every generation laps the Ring a little quicker, but at some point you can't hide the bigger size anymore. I like to see one of these in an auto-x. I bet that would expose the fact that it is now mainly a German Muscle car, more than the sports sedan it once was. Still a great car, depending on what you are looking for. I will probably prefer the M2 myself.

[BMW-RaceR]

I agree NorMcal.

Here is a prediction for the future of how I will rate some cars:
M2 > M3/4
Cayman GT4 > 911 GT3

Its going to be a bit sad that iconic cars that have always have been considered the best driver cars will probably be outclassed by its "lesser" little brothers.
The Cayman have gotten a lot more respect over the years and many now consider it the better drivers car vs the 911. Once Porsche starts bringing out more of its potential, its going to outclass its larger brother in many ways.
Same thing might happen with the M2 vs M3.

Pretty much all manufacturers are on the bigger, better, and more powerful route. IMO, BMW have a bit to learn from Mazda and the philosophy around the upcoming MX-5.

[FTS]

Originally Posted by BMW-RaceR

Cayman GT4 > 911 GT3

...many now consider it the better drivers car vs the 911. Once Porsche starts bringing out more of its potential, its going to outclass its larger brother in many ways.

I highly doubt that The 981 platform, which the GT4 will be based on, is too limiting to be anywhere near the 991 platform and particularly the GT3.

[dkhm3]

don't get the comments here on the m3. it runs rings around the old e90 and it is an improvement in almost every way.

not just a small improvement. most of it is huge.

only thing is the sound, but it is not by far anything to really complain about.

incredible machine. get one.

[modkrazy]

Originally Posted by Thurman Murch

The TC light is constantly flickering on my E92 w
PSS

Maybe a tire upgrade is needed. PSS seem slippery.

PSS are not a great tire in my opinion. Sure, they are awesome when brand new, but they get really hot and slippery on the track, and once you're down to <75% thread, they have nowhere near the same amount of grip. I prefer Contis over Michellins. They tend to be a tad heavier, but are far more consistent over the thread life (which is also longer).

Originally Posted by Ghetto2315

Easy fix. Turn off your TC/Stability Control and learn how to handle oversteer. Once you know your limits of your E92 (or any car for that matter), it takes driving to another level of enjoyment.

That's the proper way to drive a car! Major pucker factor at first, but then incredibly rewarding.

[GrussGott]

Originally Posted by BMW-RaceR

Its going to be a bit sad that iconic cars that have always have been considered the best driver cars will probably be outclassed by its "lesser" little brothers.

Why sad? I would say be glad, because what it means is that all-in BMW et al have been able to expand the market for high-performance cars.

The number of people who actually track their cars on a routine basis probably hasn't grown at all (just a guess), but the number of people willing to buy these types of cars if you can dull the downside has obviously grown.

BMW has been able to leverage the brand that attracts, M3, and expand its market into more M3s and M5s. Great news for all of us!

For those that want the pure track toys, BMW is filling the old niche with the M2.

More buyers means better cars and more choices, so I say happy days!

[Black Gold]

Originally Posted by modkrazy

PSS are not a great tire in my opinion. Sure, they are awesome when brand new, but they get really hot and slippery on the track, and once you're down to <75% thread, they have nowhere near the same amount of grip. I prefer Contis over Michellins. They tend to be a tad heavier, but are far more consistent over the thread life (which is also longer).



That's the proper way to drive a car! Major pucker factor at first, but then incredibly rewarding.

Agree with all this. Imo pss are overrated by most here. I can't wait to get rid of mine

Also, the extra weight is necessary for a proper heavy duty and stiff tire suitable for track like ad08 or re11. Light tire = soft tire typically

[WhiteFlashE90]

Originally Posted by BMW_Boy7

Oddly I've never heard of too much TORQUE, how do u go from not enuff to way too much. That was a bad review

Same issue with the C63, nobody says that has too much torque

[Needsdecaf]

Originally Posted by Vanmarsenille

Chris Harris loves the new M3. What a surprise! Or as they say in France, "quelle surprise!". If he didn't "love it", would it be front page news on bimmerpost? Does he have a choice? Oh, how cynical of me!

Umm, it's on the front page of bimmerpost because he says he loves it. The video was actually made several months ago. It was behind the pay wall on the Drive+ YouTube channel, and most people hadn't seen it. It's not new, it has nothing to do with BMW.

[ASAP]

Originally Posted by KennyPowers

Agree with all this. Imo pss are overrated by most here. I can't wait to get rid of mine

Also, the extra weight is necessary for a proper heavy duty and stiff tire suitable for track like ad08 or re11. Light tire = soft tire typically

To be fair, they are still the number one option for a car of this sort that is supposed to serve a dual purpose. If they put anything else on like an Re-11, then there would be complaints of loudness, lack of comfort and rain under performance. They have to satisfy everyone here and they are by far the best medium. I agree, they are not the best on the track... too soft once hot and they simply aren't the same at that point... ask me how I know

[norMcal]

Originally Posted by BMW-RaceR

I agree NorMcal.

Here is a prediction for the future of how I will rate some cars:
M2 > M3/4
Cayman GT4 > 911 GT3

Its going to be a bit sad that iconic cars that have always have been considered the best driver cars will probably be outclassed by its "lesser" little brothers.
The Cayman have gotten a lot more respect over the years and many now consider it the better drivers car vs the 911. Once Porsche starts bringing out more of its potential, its going to outclass its larger brother in many ways.
Same thing might happen with the M2 vs M3.

Pretty much all manufacturers are on the bigger, better, and more powerful route. IMO, BMW have a bit to learn from Mazda and the philosophy around the upcoming MX-5.

Exactly!

I have considered the Cayman a better car than the 911 for a while already. It should be added that the concept is just better though, because it's a better balanced car than the 911, mid engine vs rear engine. Porsche artificially keeps the Cayman slower, by giving it the less powerful engine, because even they (Porsche) know.
Same will be true for the M2. They will keep the hp lower, so it won't outperform the M....... at least in a straight line.

Originally Posted by WhiteFlashE90

Same issue with the C63, nobody says that has too much torque

Because it is a muscle car! The C63 is not know for it's handling, as the M3 always was the benchmark.

BTW, it is interesting to note that the American muscle cars, Z28 and Mustangs, are going the opposite way and are becoming better track cars. Seems like Ford and Chevy have smelled the roses, while the Germans are getting fat resting on their laurels.

[IB M]

Originally Posted by sworks335i

After driving the new M3/4 at M School this past weekend I can say hands down they are superior to the E90 M3 in every aspect.

I like the new M4 too but LOL at better in every aspect comment.

[jerseygirl]

Originally Posted by BMW-RaceR

Chris Harris is now out with his new (free to watch) youtube channel.
Among videos that have been uploaded you can find a full review of the F80 M3. For those who subscirbed and paid for drive+, you have already seen it. For everyone else.

Enjoy!

awesome. maybe getting close to trading in my 2009 M3 E90 for this and Blue works

[BMW-RaceR]

Also featured in this video. Very enjoyable to watch.

[SaMaster14]

Saw this about a month ago when I found out I couldn't extend my 335is lease and decided to jump on the M3. I've watched it like 2-3 more times since! Love Chris Harris and love this review!

[Hedoniste]

Originally Posted by BMW-RaceR

Also featured in this video. Very enjoyable to watch.

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Awesome! I will take the F12 according what Harris said plus it has enough room for my baby

So our news M3s have AMG character (because of the torque I guess...).

[ersin]

I always like watching Chris. But he seriously needs to examine his priorities: "F12 or Heidi Klum? F12!" Seriously? Although as they say, the F12 is the cheaper proposition in the long run. He really likes the F12. I like how he likens it to "just a great big M3".


Cheers.

[S65V8]

It's crazy how polarizing the M3/4 is, on one hand you have trusted reviewers like Harris and Clarkson pretty much praising the car, and then you have other previous BMW fan boy editors from U.S. (well and EVO), totally down on the car and contradicting the former. I can understand some variance, but it's basically 1 or 10 between these reviewers.