Video: Our Ride in the M4 Where Bruno Spengler Talks EPS, Turbos and Transmission

[///MTUNED]

Mr. Bruno Spengler, if you are listening... can you please tell me what do you prefer 6MT or DCT???? Just curious. Thanks.

[Ezio]

anyone else feel the interior its not really better or worse than the e9x m3 ?

its really a upgrade its just different. matter of fact i do not like the navvy screen location in the m4 at all.

[Ghetto2315]

Love that the prototype mule Spengler is thrashing around is a 6MT

[Never Convicted]

Originally Posted by OilPatch

Impressive numbers, and I'm sure it's a quick car. I just think this new line of M cars has lost it's soul. I'm glad I pulled the trigger and got a 2013 instead of waiting for this. This is the first time in forever a new m3 isn't something I desire.

That's understandable. Whenever there's a new generation vehicle, there's always a certain % of previous model owners who don't repurchase. They "age out" as they say in the marketing world. They're replaced by a mostly younger demographic who are more open to new advancements and technological improvements. You're happier with a heavier, less efficient, slower car. That's great for you.

[hellrotm]

Originally Posted by Boss330

Have you seen Chris Harris' test of the new 991 Porsche GT3 before making this observation?

There is hope for EPS yet...

Who isn't aware of the new GT3 and EPS? If you didn't notice I said "almost all" in my original post. Chris does say it is better than the base 991, best EPS he has driven.

EPS will get better, still in the early years of development.

It one thing to say the M4 EPS is precise, I will still hold out on independent reviews about feel and feedback through the wheel. After all the M4 is not a GT3 and never will be.

[OverDriven]

Originally Posted by OilPatch

Impressive numbers, and I'm sure it's a quick car. I just think this new line of M cars has lost it's soul. I'm glad I pulled the trigger and got a 2013 instead of waiting for this. This is the first time in forever a new m3 isn't something I desire.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rationa...making_excuses)

[Boss330]

Originally Posted by Snig

This is what people said about the E9x M3...



...and now look at em' complaining about the next generation.

And you have to admit, the below exerpt is pretty funny... especially since his prediction at the end was pretty damn accurate!

From 2008: Unbiased Road Review http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=222065

Just thought I would share my experience of test driving four different BMW's in one day...

(Comparison of Z4M coupe, roadster, and 135i)

4.)2008 E92 M3: I am sad to say I was significantly dissapointed with the new M3. I tried to be open with it, but it just doesn't strike the proper chords with what I think a M3 should be, that coupled with bangle influence and a much larger appearance (GT realm) I left with a frown : (

First off, aside from gaining significant weight, I give BMW props for making it feel and handle like it is much lighter than the hefty 3704lbs curb weight. I was very impressed with the light feel, I was expecting it too feel heavier and sluggish, but it was the opposite. Steering was numb, brakes were strong, but not on par with ZCP brakes, maybe cause they were new? Finally the power...well the power just wasn't there. I couldn't get over the lack of torque, and it only felt slightly quicker than my e46!! This car did NOT feel like 414 BHP, the 135i pushed me deeper in my seat (I know the 135i has 5 more ft/lbs of torque, but come on it's a freaking 414 BHP M3!!!!) What gives. I touched beyond 8k with the pedal stuffed ?

I made sure the DCS was off and the power button was activated. The sales guy said he was certain it was setup for full power. I asked if maybe they dumbed it down for the 1200 mile break in period. He reluctantly came back and informed after talking with a tech that yes, they do de-tune them for break-in purposes, about 100hp ?? Can anyone verify this? If thats the case that explains it.

Long story short, the car just feels numb and sounds all wrong, I cannot get used to the V8 rumble. No soul in this M3 IMHO. BMW needs to bring back the heritage of the straight six and throw on some turbos to compete in the HP wars, either that or stay N/A and get some tips from Lotus and lose a lot of baby fat. Just my .02

And the same will happen when the F80/F82 is replaced

[Thurman Murch]

I went from E92 M3 to 335is to F10 M5 to E92 M3 with a 335i msport + ppk + pe as a daily driver

I came back to the S65 - I think the LCI feels more powerful and has enough torque for me especially if you drive it likes it's meant not like a b****

It is kind of like the bpy vs ccta in the the vw world... one is meant for low end torque and cost/fuel savings, the other you have to wring out higher

The F8x will be easier to drive and I can foresee a lot of speeing tickets coming

I think the engineers wanted to get close to the power of the S65 but with .25 more fuel savings - and there you have it and the weight savings is a plus. I also read somewhere that this engine and M4 convention were actually slated to come before... someone had a hand in bringing the S8/65

You can't go wrong with either or E9x or F8x - although I like the S65 better with the DCT and I would prefer the F8x with a manual

And I would take a S54 in a heartbeat too - they are all M cars

[shuggy]

I wonder how it sounds with the windows closed.

[Lorde]

Originally Posted by shuggy

I wonder how it sounds with the windows closed.

That depends on what setting your S-VOL is set at.

[btbossman]

Cant wait!

[stefan]

There is no way that Active Sound is not working on this car. Downshift noise is absolutely synthetic. You would not hear that sort of induction noise off load like that on a turbo car.

And "absolutely no" turbo lag? Comon. BMW is paying this guy.

Don't get me wrong, the new M cars look great, but trying to clutch onto the good old days is something that comes off as a little ridiculous. It's a new era. It's ok--we know turbos have lag. It's inevitable.

[Jadar]

That sounds pretty damn good on the inside if you ask me. This car just impresses more and more with each revealed aspect..

[Eddien123]

Originally Posted by kardboard

Can anyone tell at what point he shifts when he guns it?


Its obvious he's shifting around 5-6k as he leisurely drives around the course, but on that one shot it looks as if his tach just touches 8k or surpasses it but just a tad.


Will there be a shift light on the M3/4?

When he punched it his revs were about 2800

[gymtime]

Originally Posted by stefan

There is no way that Active Sound is not working on this car. Downshift noise is absolutely synthetic. You would not hear that sort of induction noise off load like that on a turbo car.

And "absolutely no" turbo lag? Comon. BMW is paying this guy.

Don't get me wrong, the new M cars look great, but trying to clutch onto the good old days is something that comes off as a little ridiculous. It's a new era. It's ok--we know turbos have lag. It's inevitable.

Agreed, it definitely sounds like Active Sound to me

Here's a video of the M5 with Active Sound enabled and disabled to see the difference

The M4 sounds almost exactly the same inside the cabin as the M5 with Active Sound...

[mattkim85]

Originally Posted by Carl L

Please, give it a rest. You've never driven it so how can you have ANY frame of reference? If you like your 2013 great, it's a VERY nice car, but silly quotes like the above make you look like someone with buyer's remorse.

+1 Agreed

[Jason]

Originally Posted by gymtime

Agreed, it definitely sounds like Active Sound to me.

Just confirmed that there is some sound enhancement, but not in the same way as on the M5/M6. Will post more on this later.

[Carl L]

Originally Posted by Jason

Just confirmed that there is some sound enhancement, but not in the same exact way as on the M5/M6. Will post more on this later.

Oh dear.....

[bimmerjph]

Originally Posted by Jason

Just confirmed that there is some sound enhancement, but not in the same exact way as on the M5/M6. Will post more on this later.

When you say not in the same you do you mean it is not done through the speakers?

[mattkim85]

Originally Posted by Snig

This is what people said about the E9x M3...



...and now look at em' complaining about the next generation.

And you have to admit, the below exerpt is pretty funny... especially since his prediction at the end was pretty damn accurate!

From 2008: Unbiased Road Review http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=222065

Just thought I would share my experience of test driving four different BMW's in one day...

(Comparison of Z4M coupe, roadster, and 135i)

4.)2008 E92 M3: I am sad to say I was significantly dissapointed with the new M3. I tried to be open with it, but it just doesn't strike the proper chords with what I think a M3 should be, that coupled with bangle influence and a much larger appearance (GT realm) I left with a frown : (

First off, aside from gaining significant weight, I give BMW props for making it feel and handle like it is much lighter than the hefty 3704lbs curb weight. I was very impressed with the light feel, I was expecting it too feel heavier and sluggish, but it was the opposite. Steering was numb, brakes were strong, but not on par with ZCP brakes, maybe cause they were new? Finally the power...well the power just wasn't there. I couldn't get over the lack of torque, and it only felt slightly quicker than my e46!! This car did NOT feel like 414 BHP, the 135i pushed me deeper in my seat (I know the 135i has 5 more ft/lbs of torque, but come on it's a freaking 414 BHP M3!!!!) What gives. I touched beyond 8k with the pedal stuffed ?

I made sure the DCS was off and the power button was activated. The sales guy said he was certain it was setup for full power. I asked if maybe they dumbed it down for the 1200 mile break in period. He reluctantly came back and informed after talking with a tech that yes, they do de-tune them for break-in purposes, about 100hp ?? Can anyone verify this? If thats the case that explains it.

Long story short, the car just feels numb and sounds all wrong, I cannot get used to the V8 rumble. No soul in this M3 IMHO. BMW needs to bring back the heritage of the straight six and throw on some turbos to compete in the HP wars, either that or stay N/A and get some tips from Lotus and lose a lot of baby fat. Just my .02

LMFAO great find!

I cant stop laughing at these idiots

[Savory]

Even the LFA has sound enhancement (through means of cabin acoustics) if this is the case, that's just fine. But if it is in any way synthetic, hmmm.

[Jason]

Originally Posted by Carl L

Oh dear.....

It's not as bad as on M5. Just confirming some details before publishing.