Are you happy with your M3/M4 after the better part of a year?

[m4pewpew]

I am very happy with my M4. I like the fact it is a twin-turbo, but it can deliver power quite smoothly similar to an NA car. Personally that's how I like it. A big turbo that cannot put any power down and basically just wants to straight up murder you is cool... but kind of pointless? Smooth is fast.

[jimmyM2C]

RockinRyan , I have recently come to the conclusion that I am not in love with my M4, and I am probably going to sell it.

The reasons for the lack of love are not 100% clear to me, but I think...

- The seats are too small and they hurt me. The wings on the seat bottom cushion dig into my legs, and the seat bottom makes my bottom too sore too quickly. This is probably the biggest problem for me.
- The sound just hasn't grown on me. I disconnected active sound, and I like it better that way, but overall, it still doesn't quite do it for me.
- It feels big to me.
- The suspension seems simultaneously floaty and too stiff for my comfort. I know that doesn't really make sense. Just doesn't feel right to me.
- There is a persistent buzz in my right rear HK speaker that has evaded attempts by my dealer to fix it.
- The idrive interface annoys me, it seems like every time I re-start the car I have to set it up with my preferred displays again (e.g., if I turn the car off with sport displays "on", they do not come back when the car is restarted).

That's a bunch of little stuff, but collectively, I think that's what preventing the love, and making me think of selling it. I've had the car 11 months now, and I have only put 5500 miles on it (I also drive a 2009 911 and a 2011 VW GTI).

This is just my two cents, but I have been thinking about this a lot lately. I hate the idea of selling it and "realizing" the loss in $$$, but that doesn't justify keeping it longer.

[CRtoE92]

Originally Posted by SROC3

I don't even have my M4 yet (arriving this week) and I already don't regret my purchase.

You cant technically regret your purchase if you havent had it for awhile

[AustinY 2208]

Love my M!!!,specially on freeway it pulls like a bullet train!!

[GrussGott]

Originally Posted by Alpine300zhp

I completely agree with your summation on the m4 and comparison to the departed E92 m3. Could not have said it better myself. Having said this, I get bored with cars easily and this one is the first that I see me keeping for 3 years.

I'm 11 months in and I'd 3rd CanAutM3 's summary ... My e9x had soul and felt like a living thing, it had a personality: grumpy, sad, happy, thrilled, etc My wife who couldn't care less agrees and for her, because of that, she hated the e92: it had an edge. But the F8x? Well my wife loves it if that tells you anything.

Yes, the f8x is a better car in every way, but it also lacks that soul and is much more jekyll & hyde / on or off. On the surface that sounds like a good thing, but in practice "hyde" is kinda far away; you really have to push this car extremely hard to make it come alive. The good news is, it's easy to push hard and the stocker tires don't really squeal that much so you can stay stealth on city streets

So, reason ruling, I like this car more in just about every way ... but if the hearts talking, well, something's missing.

[RockinRyan]

Thank you all so much for sharing your experiences and all this feedback. I think I agree with just about everything (based on three or four test drives) even the stuff in conflict. I was conflicted after each test drive!

I think it's the flat torque curve (and exhaust note) that had me so back and forth, but the previous M3 is absolutely too light on torque for me, despite the incredible sound track. I believe I just have to get me some and try to tune the car if something needs a little adjustment that I can achieve for only a few K at a time.

CanAutM3 Can you share some of your tweaks that brought it home for you?

Again, thank you all, and I'll continue to follow the thread. Much gratitude. Now I'm excited to go forward with my selection process rather than seriously conflicted.

RR

[ShePearl]

Another extremely happy owner of F82 M4 here. Picked up my M4 in June. Came from F10 M5. In fact, I still have the F10 M5.

Compared to F10 M5, F82 M4 lacks in brute force and the difference in power becomes very noticeable once I get on a highway. However, I enjoy driving M4 more than M5. Much more agile.

F10 M5 = a rugby player.
F82 M4 = a tennis player.

[Alpine300zhp]

Originally Posted by GrussGott

I'm 11 months in and I'd 3rd CanAutM3 's summary ... My e9x had soul and felt like a living thing, it had a personality: grumpy, sad, happy, thrilled, etc My wife who couldn't care less agrees and for her, because of that, she hated the e92: it had an edge. But the F8x? Well my wife loves it if that tells you anything.

Yes, the f8x is a better car in every way, but it also lacks that soul and is much more jekyll & hyde / on or off. On the surface that sounds like a good thing, but in practice "hyde" is kinda far away; you really have to push this car extremely hard to make it come alive. The good news is, it's easy to push hard and the stocker tires don't really squeal that much so you can stay stealth on city streets

So, reason ruling, I like this car more in just about every way ... but if the hearts talking, well, something's missing.

I agree with you. A couple of months ago I was having this discussion with another forum member who ended up trading his F82 and he mentions that he regrets letting his E92 go. I think my 30k mile per year commute is why I like the F82 better....it is better suited for what I use it for. But, when I want to really play, I miss the E92. You are right, the E92 was all soul and personality. The F82, not so much. Better is not always better.

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by RockinRyan

Can you share some of your tweaks that brought it home for you?

Physical tweaks:

• MPE (Most important to me as I did not like the sound of the stock exhaust)
• Pulling the plug on the ASD module
• CF Diffuser
• CF Mirror caps
• Front reflector delete
• Rear reflector delete
• 275-295/35R19 PSS
• 5mm spacers in the rear
• LED rear turn signals
• Activate rear fog lamp switch
• 18x10 square EC-7 wheel with 275/35R18 NT01 for the track
• Pagid RS29 track pads (also used on the street in summer)

Coding tweaks:

• Euro-MDM (a must have to better enjoy this car)
• Variable Light Distribution Low Beams
• Activate rear fog lamps
• Front seat move forward/backwards with door close/open
• Beep when door locking but no beep when unlocking
• Remove iDrive disclaimer
• Reset trip computer after 2 hours (instead of 4)
• Fold rearview mirrors when locking after 1 second delay
• Windows up/down with key fob
• Remove light bulb check for rear turn signal (to avoid LED flicker)
• Turn off amber side marker (except for parking lights)
• Radio/iDrive off when opening door
• Euro Flashing Brake Lights
• Seat belt chime off
• Door unlock when ignition off
• Illuminate door handle LEDs when reversing

Upcoming tweaks:

• GC camber plates
• 18x11 Apex EC-7 in the rear with 305/35R18 NT01

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by Falafel Combo

The only thing I resent about my f80 M3 is that it can't make blueberry pancakes. Maybe in the next software upgrade. Aside from that I think I made a pretty good purchase.

You forgot to tick box for ZBP - Blueberry Pancake package. Mine makes fantastic blueberry pancakes. Muffin tops too now, in fact, after the latest update.

[RockinRyan]

Originally Posted by CanAutM3

Physical mods:
Coding mods:

• Euro-MDM (a must have to better enjoy this car)
• Variable Light Distribution Low Beams
• Activate rear fog lamps
• Front seat move forward/backwards with door close/open
• Beep when door locking but no beep when unlocking
• Remove iDrive disclaimer
• Reset trip computer after 2 hours (instead of 4)
• Fold rearview mirrors when locking after 1 second delay
• Windows up/down with key fob
• Remove light bulb check for rear turn signal (to avoid LED flicker)
• Turn off amber side marker (except for parking lights)
• Radio/iDrive off when opening door
• Euro Flashing Brake Lights
• Seat belt chime off
• Door unlock when ignition off
• Illuminate door handle LEDs when reversing

Where do you get your code lists from!? That's amazing!

[Bluex]

Originally Posted by RockinRyan

Where do you get your code lists from!? That's amazing!

The coding/diy forum:

http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=631

All you want and more.....read read read and you'll find what you need

[CSanto]

Originally Posted by CanAutM3

Physical mods:

• MPE (Most important to me as I did not like the sound of the stock exhaust)
• Pulling the plug on the ASD module
• CF Diffuser
• CF Mirror caps
• Front reflector delete
• Rear reflector delete
• 275-295/35R19 PSS
• 5mm spacers in the rear
• LED rear turn signals
• Activate rear fog lamp switch
• 18x10 square EC-7 wheel with 275/35R18 NT01 for the track
• Pagid RS29 track pads (also used on the street in summer)

Coding mods:

• Euro-MDM (a must have to better enjoy this car)
• Variable Light Distribution Low Beams
• Activate rear fog lamps
• Front seat move forward/backwards with door close/open
• Beep when door locking but no beep when unlocking
• Remove iDrive disclaimer
• Reset trip computer after 2 hours (instead of 4)
• Fold rearview mirrors when locking after 1 second delay
• Windows up/down with key fob
• Remove light bulb check for rear turn signal (to avoid LED flicker)
• Turn off amber side marker (except for parking lights)
• Radio/iDrive off when opening door
• Euro Flashing Brake Lights
• Seat belt chime off
• Door unlock when ignition off
• Illuminate door handle LEDs when reversing

Upcoming mods:

• GC camber plates
• 18x11 Apex EC-7 in the rear with 305/35R18 NT01

Can you comment on the Pagids on the track? I'm annoyed with my CCBs and I'm looking to trade for the steels. However, I still want to track my car. Are the steels capable?
I've heard from others that they dont last.

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by CSanto

Can you comment on the Pagids on the track? I'm annoyed with my CCBs and I'm looking to trade for the steels. However, I still want to track my car. Are the steels capable?
I've heard from others that they dont last.

From others that don't have the iron rotors or that don't track frequently maybe .

The stock pads are not up to track duty, which is expected. Iron rotors + RS29 have performed flawlessly for me thus far

Go on the track sub-section, there is plenty of good info and experience .

[myemailsea]

I still have mine after 1 year. I like it. Another great M (I have had many) experience.

Don't really look at any car to be 100% fulfilling or even 75%. It's a good all-round car. I have other utilitarian vehicles (AWD, commuter, truck, etc . . .) and only have 6k miles at present so it's still new to me!

[AM4ZING]

Only thing i am unhappy with is the damn mileage i keep putting on the car..

[solstice]

Negatives are that it's a much more clinical feeling car just as all BMW F-models are than all E-models. Something is lost, no doubt. However it's hugely competent, nice looking, functional and easy to use tech. and most important a hoot to drive. I enjoy it a lot and have no plans to let it go pre-maturely.

I'm curious about the new Alfa though since their main selling pitch is that it's a car with more character and feel than what the latest German cars have.

[SamS]

Originally Posted by solstice

Negatives are that it's a much more clinical feeling car just as all BMW F-models are than all E-models. Something is lost, no doubt.

Not sure if I grasp this concept. More clinical to me just means a more well-engineered chassis and sophisticated electronics. Anytime I'm in an E46 or E9x, they both just feel "old".

[M4apex]

6 months and 7,500 miles and I still love driving my F82!! For all the reasons others have posted, and more. The number one reason for me... makes me smile or giggle every time I drive it! My wife and kids think I'm crazy!

[RockinRyan]

Originally Posted by M4apex

6 months and 7,500 miles and I still love driving my F82!! For all the reasons others have posted, and more. The number one reason for me... makes me smile or giggle every time I drive it! My wife and kids think I'm crazy!

You see! This is what I'm lacking and want back in my life. (God that sounds shallow and foolish, but it's true!) In my E39 M5, I'd have that experience several times a week. I'd literally say out loud with no one else in the car "Holy shit this car is fast!" It just never got old after several years of ownership.

I'm not sure that this M can be that to me, but I've a feeling that Dinan Stage 2 will go a looong way toward that if and when I get bored.

Thanks for sharing a smile!
Ryan

[AM4ZING]

Originally Posted by RockinRyan

You see! This is what I'm lacking and want back in my life. (God that sounds shallow and foolish, but it's true!) In my E39 M5, I'd have that experience several times a week. I'd literally say out loud with no one else in the car "Holy shit this car is fast!" It just never got old after several years of ownership.

I'm not sure that this M can be that to me, but I've a feeling that Dinan Stage 2 will go a looong way toward that if and when I get bored.

Thanks for sharing a smile!
Ryan

You'll have tears of joy when you see how many Bus lengths a tuned M4 will pull on an e39 M5 (if that felt "Holy Shit fast to you")

[solstice]

Originally Posted by SamS

Not sure if I grasp this concept. More clinical to me just means a more well-engineered chassis and sophisticated electronics. Anytime I'm in an E46 or E9x, they both just feel "old".

That make you one of the lucky ones since we aren't going back. I.e don't try to understand it, you might succeed