Drove the G80 today, now what to do.....regarding F80....

[mile2424]

So I drove the G80 M3 Competition today. I currently have a bit of a Unicorn F80 M3. 2018 Comp package, DCT with 4600 miles in Miami Blue (1 of 6 in the US). I love Miami Blue and have always gravitated towards the brighter blue colors. As for the G80, the car felt lighter and more nimble especially in the front end compared to the F80. The interior was way more modern feeling and looking which I know is not surprising. I also found the carbon buckets to be plenty comfortable as a big guy. The looks have been growing on me, and I still think the F80 is a better looking car overall. More of a seamless design. The G80 still looks more aggressive, but a little choppy and boxy in some areas. G80 is also a bigger car aesthetically, but doesn't feel it when driving. The G80 ZF transmission also felt extremely smooth and shifted extremely fast. I also like how the G80 has the ability to put roof racks on the carbon roof if desired.

So now the conundrum. Should I order a G80 or keep the unicorn F80 which I am sure I will kick myself if I sell. For reference I have had 2 E36's and now 2 F80's over the years.

Some pics, sorry my car is filthy and lighting is bad but you get the idea...

[fiveohwblow]

Wrong forum if you’re looking for the “grab the g80” advice. Those two aren’t even aesthetically in the same orbit. G8YUCK.

[NickyC]

Miami Blue F80 over that green turd all day, every day. It's not even close.

Speaking of interiors, I vastly prefer the interior of the F80 to the one in my G82. So what if it "looks" newer or whatever, the digi gauges suck and the interior is a copy/paste from every other BMW in the lineup right now. There's nothing unique about it, look at the interior of an m240i now. Almost exactly the same, meh.

The carbon buckets are the only thing the cars have going for them, and the only thing I miss about my G82.

[omgf80]

It doesn't seem like you drive the car much so is it really worth it to "upgrade"? The F80 will do everything the G80 can but at no additional cost.

You haven't put a roof rack on the F80 after almost 4 years so that seems like a moot point. Almost sounds like your trying to talk yourself into a shiny new toy when your current one isn't broke

[kyrix1st]

Sounds like you don't shift manually with paddles. I couldn't get over the ZF lag of G8x especially the downshifts.
I track my car as well, so instant feedback is always more appreciated over smoothened out/delayed response.

[HarryTee]

Originally Posted by omgf80

Almost sounds like your trying to talk yourself into a shiny new toy when your current one isn't broke

If correct, the OP is not the only one guilty of that. Credit to him that he asked for advice in an anti-G8X forum

[FriedPiston]

Here are some side by side shots of an IoMG G80 and a super bright F80: https://g80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1868714

What to do? Keep the F80 100%!

Once the "new car" factor fades away, you may start start to miss the following F8x features, especially if you partake in occasional Motorsports activity:

1. Simple/analog instrument cluster
2. Physical controls for Engine/Suspension/Steering
3. DCT (yes DCT over ZF 8HP)
4. Physical hand brake
5. Simpler iDrive Menu
6. Easier engine bay accessibility
7. More popular 5x120 bolt pattern
8. More advanced engine cooling

IMO, the G8x does have a few pros over the F80, such as:

1. LaserLights
2. Carbon Bucket Seats
3. Faster straight line acceleration; more power from the factory
4. Improved suspension
5. No SCH worries
6. Newer technology

If you don't utilize the F80 for its intended application, then by all means, the G80 would be the better, more luxury sports car option.

[mile2424]

Originally Posted by fiveohwblow

Wrong forum if you’re looking for the “grab the g80” advice. Those two aren’t even aesthetically in the same orbit. G8YUCK.

Posted in both actually because I wanted to hear each groups opinions.

[mile2424]

Originally Posted by omgf80

It doesn't seem like you drive the car much so is it really worth it to "upgrade"? The F80 will do everything the G80 can but at no additional cost.

You haven't put a roof rack on the F80 after almost 4 years so that seems like a moot point. Almost sounds like your trying to talk yourself into a shiny new toy when your current one isn't broke

Only owned the car for 8 months. And I don't want to use a seer sucker rack. I want the factory mounts if I am putting a roof box on top for family trips.

[M5D]

If you want an Alfa then buy an Alfa!

[mile2424]

Originally Posted by kyrix1st

Sounds like you don't shift manually with paddles. I couldn't get over the ZF lag of G8x especially the downshifts.
I track my car as well, so instant feedback is always more appreciated over smoothened out/delayed response.

I was using the paddles. I thought it felt great and very responsive.

[SYT_Shadow]

In this section you have a bunch of G8X haters, you're brave to even post! I think the most popular thread of all time is one with people getting banned from the G8X section. That thread has devolved into a 'BMW shit, every other car company wonderful'.

Aaanyway, I have no doubts regarding the G8X: it is a step forward. Aesthetics were not and continue to not be a large motivator in my purchase of any car, be it E46/E90/E92/F80/F82 and the same will apply here. I'm perfectly fine with how the G8X looks.

I've driven the G8X at the track and I'm pretty fast and experienced, it is obviously faster than the F8X.

Out of everyone crying about the weight and the ZF, there's at most a 0.1% who could tell the difference and a 99.9% who have zero clue but are quick to jump on the bandwagon of hating BMW.
I mean seriously, someone here literally said they can distinguish handling characteristics of their street car depending on how much fuel they are carrying. On the street, going to buy groceries. Either this person is Hamilton or they're a clown, and I'm voting for the second option.

For the enormous majority of M owners the G8X is a dynamic improvement. There's just no way around it

[NickyC]

Originally Posted by SYT_Shadow

Out of everyone crying about the weight and the ZF, there's at most a 0.1% who could tell the difference and a 99.9% who have zero clue but are quick to jump on the bandwagon of hating BMW.
I mean seriously, someone here literally said they can distinguish handling characteristics of their street car depending on how much fuel they are carrying. On the street, going to buy groceries. Either this person is Hamilton or they're a clown, and I'm voting for the second option.

I'm a clown and agree with nearly all of what you said concerning the G80 being an overall better car, but even a total novice like me noticed a huge difference between the DCT and the ZF. I'd never owned an automatic until I bought the G82 (been MT for nearly 30 years), but then when I sold it and bought an F80 with a DCT, on my first test drive I went "So THAT's what people are talking about regarding the difference between the ZF and DCT". DCT is far more responsive and fun, the ZF has a noticeable lag and that's just all there is to it. For all the complaints/comparisons between the two cars, the DCT/ZF is a legit one and the ZF is a massive let down. Had a I driven a DCT car before the G82 with the ZF, there's no way I would have bought the car with that transmission.

[khoa@x-ph.com]

So you're gonna trade in your 1 of 6 Miami Blue F80 for a 1 of many IOMG G80?

[Mike.]

Originally Posted by FriedPiston

Here are some side by side shots of an IoMG G80 and a super bright F80: https://g80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1868714

What to do? Keep the F80 100%!

Once the "new car" factor fades away, you may start start to miss the following F8x features, especially if you partake in occasional Motorsports activity:

1. Simple/analog instrument cluster
2. Physical controls for Engine/Suspension/Steering
3. DCT (yes DCT over ZF 8HP)
4. Physical hand brake
5. Simpler iDrive Menu
6. Easier engine bay accessibility
7. More popular 5x120 bolt pattern
8. More advanced engine cooling

IMO, the G8x does have a few pros over the F80, such as:

1. LaserLights
2. Carbon Bucket Seats
3. Faster straight line acceleration; more power from the factory
4. Improved suspension
5. No SCH worries
6. Newer technology

If you don't utilize the F80 for its intended application, then by all means, the G80 would be the better, more luxury sports car option.

https://g80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1880062

it may be beginning, but only with manual so far

[65fastback]

Originally Posted by mile2424

So I drove the G80 M3 Competition today. I currently have a bit of a Unicorn F80 M3. 2018 Comp package, DCT with 4600 miles in Miami Blue (1 of 6 in the US). I love Miami Blue and have always gravitated towards the brighter blue colors. As for the G80, the car felt lighter and more nimble especially in the front end compared to the F80. The interior was way more modern feeling and looking which I know is not surprising. I also found the carbon buckets to be plenty comfortable as a big guy. The looks have been growing on me, and I still think the F80 is a better looking car overall. More of a seamless design. The G80 still looks more aggressive, but a little choppy and boxy in some areas. G80 is also a bigger car aesthetically, but doesn't feel it when driving. The G80 ZF transmission also felt extremely smooth and shifted extremely fast. I also like how the G80 has the ability to put roof racks on the carbon roof if desired.

So now the conundrum. Should I order a G80 or keep the unicorn F80 which I am sure I will kick myself if I sell. For reference I have had 2 E36's and now 2 F80's over the years.

Some pics, sorry my car is filthy and lighting is bad but you get the idea...

I won't say what I would do because thats not the question and...nobody cares.

Since your question was what should YOU do... I say get the G80 you sound like your a bit excited about it so yeah go for it!

I don't believe you will regret it either.

[MathewM4]

I personally don't care for the Looks of the G80 but and I just bought a 2016 M4.

Go for it as long as you can live with the grill on the G80.

[SD ///M4]

Originally Posted by NickyC

I'm a clown and agree with nearly all of what you said concerning the G80 being an overall better car, but even a total novice like me noticed a huge difference between the DCT and the ZF. I'd never owned an automatic until I bought the G82 (been MT for nearly 30 years), but then when I sold it and bought an F80 with a DCT, on my first test drive I went "So THAT's what people are talking about regarding the difference between the ZF and DCT". DCT is far more responsive and fun, the ZF has a noticeable lag and that's just all there is to it. For all the complaints/comparisons between the two cars, the DCT/ZF is a legit one and the ZF is a massive let down. Had a I driven a DCT car before the G82 with the ZF, there's no way I would have bought the car with that transmission.

I agree 100% with everything that you've said about the ZF 8-speed vs. the DCT.

Before the G8x was introduced, in June 2019, BMW had a traveling "M Town Test Drive" event. At that point, I had owned my 2016 M4 with a DCT for 3 years and tracked it extensively. I went to a local dealer and drove the M2 Competition (DCT), and the X3M Competition and M5 Competition, both with the ZF 8-speed. There was a HUGE difference! The DCT is crisp and immediate, almost brutal at WOT and DriveLogic set at III. With the ZF there was always a noticeable lag before the next gear engaged, and a much softer engagement. This would really bother me on a track.

After I was finished with the test drives and got into my M4 for the drive home, it just confirmed everything that I felt about the ZF. Absolutely no comparison! I was left extremely disappointed in BMW's decision to abandon their DCT and go with the ZF in the M cars, the same transmission that's in every other automatic BMW.

Looks aside, and I hate the new grille on the G8x, the ZF transmission is the true deal-killer for me.

[RugbyBro]

Originally Posted by SYT_Shadow

I mean seriously, someone here literally said they can distinguish handling characteristics of their street car depending on how much fuel they are carrying. On the street, going to buy groceries. Either this person is Hamilton or they're a clown, and I'm voting for the second option.

I said this, and I 100% can feel 100lbs of additional weight in any car I've ever driven. It doesn't bother me on track for the times I've gone but I'm a novice and also keep my tank mostly full throughout the day for consistency. But going from an empty tank to full, or adding 100 lbs worth of anything is pretty easy to feel before/after IMO. Does it matter at the end of the day? No not really. Also, I take no offense to your comment btw whether directed at me or not

As it relates to OP's question - I think he should just go with G80. I've seen this guy swap cars on the forum, so based on that history he'll probably like having G80, its new, nice, and more capable - better daily driver as well. F80's (especially individuals) are just on a ridiculous high right now - they're worth no where near their current selling price tbh so if there's ever a time to take advantage of a market, it's now. A word of caution on that: I'm not sure that the current extreme listing prices are representative of consumer demand... or if they reflect high auction prices driven by low inventory. i.e cars are not selling at list.

[IB M]

Get the G80, epecially if you want a family truckster with a roof rack for long comfy trips.

Really depends on use - you plan to daily the car and add real miles then 100% get the G : you want a special garage queen for fun fast weekends and the long term then keep Miami.

[kyrix1st]

Originally Posted by mile2424

I was using the paddles. I thought it felt great and very responsive.

It feels ok, when you are at 5/10s not revving the shit out of the engine. When you want to rev out each upshift or downshift into a lower gear near the limiter or do multiple downs, that's when it bogs.

[cbertels]

Lemme know if you need to offload that F80. Love the color/spec.