Making the switch from a supercharged E92 M3 to an F80 M3

[//M3ftw]

Originally Posted by ra2289

If the C-AMG had anywhere near the aggressive look of the F80 it would have been a hard decision, and the Merc. probably would have won. It kind of bothers me how great that engine is in the C63 then they put that ultra conservative/boring exterior over it.




I also got the F80 because I needed a "practical" car. I will say that it wasn't horrible getting the kid in/out of the rear of the E92 but it does get a little old. The worse part was having a kid in the back then having a passenger in the front. They'd have to sit ridiculously close to the airbag, it was comical...and potentially dangerous. You won't have any issue fitting a car seat, or seats, in the back of the F80 obviously.


As others have said the sound isn't that bad. The chassis on F-Ms are awesome though and I just have the standard one. Have you driven one yet?

I actually rented an M3 from Turo a couple years ago on vacation. All I remember is over bumps the suspension was way harder in comfort mode compared to my m3. It had a stock exhaust so I didn’t even pay attention to the noise. It rained a lot that vacation so I didn’t get to experience the car the way I wanted to. I also remember it handled extremely well. Aboslutely loved the curves though. I think this is the first time I ever preferred to get the sedan over the coupe in looks category.

[TRZ06]

The much higher TQ and how early it comes in is a HUGE difference from the E90/92.

I do not mean that in a good way. The chassis can't handle even stock power levels , let alone boost upgrades.

Keep that in mind, the F80/82 is very traction limited and the traction control system fights you rather than working with you.

[JamesMA]

If your issue is exhaust sound, then there are plenty of thresds in the engine / exhaust section about what can be done about it, I dont mind the sound so far so I think I will just keep it stock. If I decide to change it I think I will go with Dinah as I think this is the best compromise between sound and cost.

As far as power band is concerned, I love it. If you liked the E9x M3 power delivery, then you may not like the car. If you want or appreciate power that is on tap all the time, then be prepared to love the F80.

[erictrainer]

If you track your car F80 is in another league period, that is a FACT. About the sound, my car has BMS intake and the Dinan exhaust. It will never compare to the sound of my test piped E90, but I can tell you the intake sound is very cool and the Dinan is not bad sounding at all, just wish it were a tad louder.

FWIW You will never look back, I know I never did

[Negtvions]

Sound on my Comp Pack M4 is great!

[AJM1125]

E92 is probably my favorite M car so I am biased, but the F8X platform performs better arguably in every category except sound like you said. I personally would stick with the E92 because of it already being super charged and just hold out until the G82 comes out and they've "fixed" the sound issue a little bit more

[Powerslide]

Originally Posted by TRZ06

The much higher TQ and how early it comes in is a HUGE difference from the E90/92.

I do not mean that in a good way. The chassis can't handle even stock power levels , let alone boost upgrades.

Keep that in mind, the F80/82 is very traction limited and the traction control system fights you rather than working with you.

This might have been partially true for the original F80s that were made in calendar years 2014-2015 (I had a 2014 build) AND if you applied throttle the same way as you would on an E92.

I now have a 2018 ZCP and it puts down power WAY better than a 2015 non-ZCP... especially in turns.

Drive the '18 ZCP and you'll be sold in a second just like numerous others here have reported.

[TRZ06]

Originally Posted by Powerslide

This might have been partially true for the original F80s that were made in calendar years 2014-2015 (I had a 2014 build) AND if you applied throttle the same way as you would on an E92.

I now have a 2018 ZCP and it puts down power WAY better than a 2015 non-ZCP... especially in turns.

Drive the '18 ZCP and you'll be sold in a second just like numerous others here have reported.

I went a different route, as I wanted something more track focused , yet could still handle limited 4 seater duty...

[Powerslide]

Originally Posted by TRZ06

I went a different route, as I wanted something more track focused , yet could still handle limited 4 seater duty...

Very nice car! (I have two teenagers so I still need four doors and backseat for three).

Hopefully you've brought that bad boy to the track...

[Dan_Halen]

I went from an SC E92 as well, with Xpipe, no cats and Arkrapovic rear, 6mt. The soun was amazing. I liked the power as well.

I just lease returned a 2016 M4 6mt, with no cats and JB4, on KW. The sound, for me, is legit bad. I hate the exhaust. or hated, since i no longer have it. The Loud start up is such a crap idea- car is loud as hell, but not great sounding until its a little bit warm, then gets quiet. I've never heard an F8x exhaust that I thought sounded very good.

That said, the chassis is better, more planted, and I think the seating position in the car is a little better. The looks are much stronger imo as well. Its not quite as lively to drive cuz its more composed but I kind of miss the way the E92 could be tossed around. I had the adaptive susp on it, with GC camber plates and tracked it for a couple of years as well. Didnt track the M4 as I'm just on bikes at the track now. But I kind of regret not just taking it there for the hell of it for a day.

If you can reconcile that the F8x engine will never sound as good as an SC E9x, then I dont think there will be a lot you will be bummed about. Also, in the beginning you will bounce off the rev limiter with the lower rpms on the turbo motor.

Hope that helps.