M3 vs. M4

[Kief]

Hey guys,
For the life of me, I'm killing myself trying to commit to a chassis. I'm second in line at my dealer, and although still very early, I didn't want to risk forfeiting my build by my indecision, so I emailed my CA the following (he had emailed me Monday about the order bank being open--although we all know it has been open, just your order doesn't go anywhere):

M4
Alpine White
Extended Sakhir Orange
DCT
19" Silver
Adaptive M
LED

I have always been a coupe guy and currently do not need the rear space (wife's X5d handles those needs) and what's strange is when considering a standard F30 or F32, I wouldn't even consider an F30 (335i). So then why aren't I 100% certain about an F82?!? IDK if it's b/c the F82 doesn't appear to separate itself that much from an F32 MSport (IMO) or from different perspectives the F82 appears to have some strange proportions (but then so would the F32, so what am seeing?). I think most concerning for me however, might be the wheel gap between the F82 compared to the F80 (even the F32 MSport doesn't seem to sit so high). I attended the Philly Auto Show, and the wheel gap on the M4 was horrendous! I know some have speculated that the gap was likely the result of shipping blocks, but I'm not so sure as various pictures have also shown a more pronounced gap between the M4 and M3 (and I'm not into the "slammed" look). Keep in mind I would never invest in lowering the M4 if I eventually go that route.

Now too confuse you guys even more (and myself), if I end up changing my order to an M3, it would be as described above, but WITHOUT Leather, Adaptive M, or LED. WHAT?!?!? Call me crazy, but I think by omitting those options, and as a result my payment is reduced by $90+ bucks, I could somehow "justify" (that really isn't the right word) or compromise getting the M3. I don't believe my overall indecisiveness is primarily related to the $$$, but let's face it, with this being the newest/latest, highly anticipated next generation M3 and rates being relatively high and little negotiating power, I would like to keep the "price of admission" realistic. I know what you are thinking, why not get the M4 similarly spec'd like the M3...but for me it is either "all" (and my M4 order is hardly considered loaded) or a "stripper." What I most like about the M3 are the proportions, aggressive rear fender flares, and more distinct compared to a typical F30. But then for the vast majority (including myself), coupes tend to be more "sporty/aggressive."

So...anybody out there in a similar situation or someone similar who tends to overthink every detail?!? Help me out! Regardless of my ultimate decision, this is proving to be an extremely painful long wait...

Edit: I forgot to add some pictures of the wheel gap on the AY M4 at Philly.
But then 2 pics I find flattering for both cars (that AY M4 is actually my computer's background--great shot!). And the MW M3's stance just looks freakin awesome!!!

[zamm3k]

well, I'm in exactly your same boat, as to deciding which one to get eventually. I used to have an E90 M3, because of that precisely. Proportions on the sedan are a lot better than the Coupe. The Coupe's rear quarter panel has too much skin, and a large overhang beyond the rear wheel, that make's it look fat.

The sedan keeps things nice and tight, and from a 3/4 angled view it just looks like the car means business all day long. This is not the case with the coupe. That being said, it's hard to choose for anybody else but yourself.

You need to weigh your own options and decide which one you can live with better. In my case, if I do end up getting the coupe, spacers and coilovers could really fix the looks of the car.

[pkimM3r]

Gotta admit the sedan looks damn good especially where the bulge on the rear doors sit.

But I'm the sure the coupe will look just as good too. Put some spacers or get some wheels and be done.

[ZGM3]

I have some of your similar issues.
I don't "need" a sedan and usually prefer the look of coupes, BUT I have not seen either of the these vehicles in person.
From the photos the M3 looks more aggressive from the rear and seems to be better proportioned than the M4, and the idea of having extra room (to carry my track tire set-up) has me leaning towards the M3.
I wouldn't skimp on the options for a M3, compared to the M4 though, thats were we differ in opinion.

[Kief]

Originally Posted by pkim1079

Gotta admit the sedan looks damn good especially where the bulge on the rear doors sit.

But I'm the sure the coupe will look just as good too. Put some spacers or get some wheels and be done.

So you think some spacers (what size) front and rear, or just rear, would make the M4's stance more aggressive. I would definitely get the 437M Silver wheels on either car however

[karussell]

after seeing both M3 and M4 in person on the street neither of them can be mistaken with the base versions of each car even with the M sport trim. they have a very beefy presence about them. sure to anyone not into bmw's they will have no clue its different from a 528i other than the weird colors.

the wheel gap is same on both sedan and coupe. look at the picture thread. its slightly less on rear of both cars. this can be fixed with spacers if it bothers you much and you don't want to mess with springs.

change is good. you always had a coupe. go for the sedan. don't like it then trade it for a facelifted coupe with the new apple interface later.

me i thought the e92 coupe was kinda odd looking. i preferred the sedan. it has back seats. why not have doors for people that have to sit there.

this time i want a coupe but for very different reasons. i'm not going to get wrapped around the axle with options. didn't pick any other than DCT. i'll wait for facelift and the super cool interface to decide on a special color and 4 or 2 door.

[Kief]

Originally Posted by karussell

change is good. you always had a coupe. go for the sedan. don't like it then trade it for a facelifted coupe with the new apple interface later.

You know on the ride to work this morning (in my coupe) I was just thinking I've had so many coupes perhaps a sedan wouldn't be a bad change. My only BMW sedan was my 2006 E90 330i--but that's only b/c my E46 coupe (which was my all time favorite BMW) lease was ending and the E92 hadn't debuted yet. And to make things worse at that time...they debuted the 335i 6 months later!

Originally Posted by karussell

i'm not going to get wrapped around the axle with options. didn't pick any other than DCT. i'll wait for facelift and the super cool interface to decide on a special color and 4 or 2 door.

I hear you about the options/color right now. I too am looking forward to more options (ZCP) with the LCI and then maybe the 2 or 4 door decision won't be so difficult. But then I'll probably be more interested in the M2 (decision made!). Why is that so easy?!?

[Kief]

I think my decision has just gotten a bit easier with these pics!
http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=953841

[pkimM3r]

Originally Posted by Kief

So you think some spacers (what size) front and rear, or just rear, would make the M4's stance more aggressive. I would definitely get the 437M Silver wheels on either car however

Sure will since the wheels look sunk in. Push them out and you will even see the flared fenders more. Have you seen stock e9x m3 with spacers? Subtle aggressiveness. Looks good.

[Grock]

I think your build is spot on. You clearly don't need a four door and couple looks really good especially in white. Don't overthink it, you're good.

[MDIVISION]

M3. That car looks amazing. I will keep the 135is as Coupe. the rear of the
M4 doesn't do anything for me.

[paddy335]

Jesus, you sound like a chick. Just make your mind up.

[Carl L]

Originally Posted by Kief

Hey guys,
For the life of me, I'm killing myself trying to commit to a chassis. I'm second in line at my dealer, and although still very early, I didn't want to risk forfeiting my build by my indecision, so I emailed my CA the following (he had emailed me Monday about the order bank being open--although we all know it has been open, just your order doesn't go anywhere):

Stick with your M4 order because a) you've already placed it, b) you don't need a sedan and when you have kids you'll have many years of driving sedans and c) your first instinct was the coupe and that's normally the one to trust

[M3ryder55]

trust your first instinct. i said MW M4 on SO. i swapped so many times colors. then i starting debating M3 M4 M3 M4. just go w/ what you first wanted. I am back to the M4, but have decided on SO on BLK. Now Im seconding guessing it and say go w/ your first instinct. Regardless, go M4, eventually the sedan guys will wish they had a coupe. ; ) just like i did when I had the E90.

[nicknaz]

Go with your gut and get the M4!

Personally, I would swap out the LED lights and adaptive suspension for the exec package, if you want the car to feel more "loaded"

[karbonphiber]

Originally Posted by paddy335

Jesus, you sound like a chick. Just make your mind up.

pick the one that doesn't make you feel fat and ugly in

[Kief]

M4 for me
These pics closed the deal for me (but imagined in AW)!

Thanks for the feedback...aside from the typical people who have nothing constructive to say

[khanyam4]

buy the car that fit your personally needs the best, your paying for the car and ultimately have to deal with the car. Never understood why people come on the internet and ask other to help make a decison for them, dumb to me.

[zamm3k]

I've also come to find that the M4 looks a lot better with the Silver wheels. It gives it an entirely new look. The black wheels look cool, but you lose perspective as to the size of the car, since your eyes are only registering the color and body of the car. The pictures of the M4 with silver wheels looks like a different car. Smaller, slimmer.

[Art__Vandelay]

I was in Geneva yesterday and I have among other compared the wheel gap and I've noticed that the M3 had a wheel gap of a bit more than 2 fingers while the M4 had 4, which is quite a difference (talking about the rear fenders).

I took some pictures of the M3 wheel gap, for me there is no need for lower aftermarket suspensions.

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by Croatian test driver

I was in Geneva yesterday and I have among other compared the wheel gap and I've noticed that the M3 had a wheel gap of a bit more than 2 fingers while the M4 had 4, which is quite a difference (talking about the rear fenders).

I took some pictures of the M3 wheel gap, for me there is no need for lower aftermarket suspensions.

The silver 19's look really good.

[Kief]

Originally Posted by Croatian test driver

I was in Geneva yesterday and I have among other compared the wheel gap and I've noticed that the M3 had a wheel gap of a bit more than 2 fingers while the M4 had 4, which is quite a difference (talking about the rear fenders).

I took some pictures of the M3 wheel gap, for me there is no need for lower aftermarket suspensions.

Thanks Croatian test driver...yeah, that is what others are also observing. I was beginning to think it might be a North American-spec difference, but from your observations/Euro-spec pics it might not be. Yet, when you look at those AY M4 pics on the road, the gap looks less IMO