Spy Video: More 2014 BMW M3 (F80) Look and Listen from Spain

[M3_WC]

Wonder what type of modding potential this car will have. Will BMW make it more difficult to tune/mod.

The N54 powered cars are already putting down huge numbers.

A 1M will out handle this car and the M4. Plus a 1M will have more modding potential for quite some time, until the new M3/M4 catches up.

[Jason]

Originally Posted by IamLegend

I always wondered if these so called spy videos bimmerpost post here are really spy videos (i.e. you guys got a team of people waiting by every M factory/testing center and follow any test mules around, similar to how paparazzi's follow celebrities) or obviously you guys have people from inside BMW working with you in terms of giving you tips OR better yet, you are working with BMW on an official capacity and they want you to promote their stuff here "unofficially".

I had to ask this after seeing the latest M3 video. At the beginning of the video there is a part where the M3 mule makes a U turn right where the camera guy is standing. It is so obvious that this is coordinated and the driver was doing this on purpose, which is perfectly fine, this is awesome stuff you guys all post here and we are all very fortunate to have a site like this, but I guess it would be nice to know "officially" this site's involvement with BMW. Being Americans here most of us love transparency

Please don't take this post the wrong way, I am not trying to be a smartass, just curious that's all.

This is what I answered earlier in the thread:

Originally Posted by Jason

The F80 prototype has been running up and down that mountain in Spain for over two weeks now so our photographer knows intimately the test car's routes and locations.

I specifically asked the photographer about that turn the M3 made in front of him (looked fishy to me also) and he says that he had seen them turn at that junction many times before, so he waited there for a close up shot. Also added that if he had been hit with the car, he would have evidence on video for a legal action. I can assure you it's not an inside job.

Whether the BMW test drivers make themselves easily photographed for publicity, I don't know.

[TheBingoBalls]

Originally Posted by M3_WC

You could be right. It could be the first M3 to lose more than just a couple comparos. If the competitors go with ttV8's, it could be trouble.

Is competition much closer than it was with the E92? You bet but I see this as an opportunity for BMW to really showcase why the M3 has been the benchmark for so long - handling. Look, "it's easy" to slap on a turbo and make power but can you utilize that power properly? I think BMW has demonstrated they could do this better than it's competitors. So even if Audi and Mercedes decided to go with a TTV8 vs. BMW's turbo I6, the criteria for measuring best in class remains the same.

As for losing comparos, would I be surprised if the M3 loses a few this generation? No. But it won't be because of the inline-6. Audi has greatly improved the performance/handling aspects of it's cars as seen with the current S4 and I'm sure it will show in future models. If BMW happens to lose, it's because the competition has caught up to what they've been able to do well for so long.

[Gjm127]

I knew this would happen... It sounds exactly like a 335i with an after-market exhaust.
That S65 is gonna be a collectible one day!

[M3Denver]

Originally Posted by Gjm127

I knew this would happen... It sounds exactly like a 335i with an after-market exhaust.
That S65 is gonna be a collectible one day!

No doubt.

[M3_WC]

Originally Posted by Gjm127

I knew this would happen... It sounds exactly like a 335i with an after-market exhaust.
That S65 is gonna be a collectible one day!

+1

[Gjm127]

Originally Posted by M3Denver

No doubt.

Originally Posted by M3_WC

+1

M3 peeps are all like

[Frosty]

...i feel the handling and use of CFRP to drop weight are going to be the benchmarks of the M3/M4

[jonasaurus]

Originally Posted by kiloil

Standard POS break squeal. Can't they ever get the friggen brakes to not squeal?

I currently have the BMW Performance brake pad/disc setup and sounds the same to be honest so who knows if the test mule is running ceramic based pads etc

[Alpine F31]

Originally Posted by ///MPower

You're going to not buy a car purely because of its exhaust sound?

Nevermind the power, handling, looks, etc that it will have

I'm with him on that. I LOVE the power, handling, looks etc of the Subaru WRX STi, but I absolutely HATE the exhaust sound and would never buy the car just because of that. People like what they like, respect that.

[roadmax]

This car will sound like areal M to the driver-it will have adjustable engine sound level via BMW sound system (speakers) but to the outside world will not be much noticed from other cars.
Welcome to the new world, enjoy the engine sound inside the cabin.
I think new M5 has this option.

[Echo M3]

For all of you saying that you do not care what the new M3 will sound like:

I'm sorry, but for the vast majority of car enthusiasts, sound plays an integral role in overall driving experience. Not all of us live next to race tracks or completely empty roads, so for us, that acoustic symphony is part of what makes a performance car enjoyable on a daily basis. I still get a little tingle in my spine when I get this V8 over 4-5,000 rpm at full throttle.

If the next M3 fails to deliver on the acoustic side, I will be majorly disappointed, and will certainly give competitors a much closer look.

[Zeiss]

I have high hopes for this one, Sadly raw power is out the window and this will lead towards the same road much like what happened the new M6. I'll miss the N/A days, but i'll welcome the turbo anyday... Maybe it's back to basics with a little help!

[ChrisK]

If BMW puts the fake exhaust sound in the M3/M4 cabin like the M5 - my relationship with the brand is over.

[richb811]

Originally Posted by ChrisK

If BMW puts the fake exhaust sound in the M3/M4 cabin like the M5 - my relationship with the brand is over.

Quite a few companies are doing it now due to the cabin isolation. Door seals are so effective that you can't hear any engine noise. BMW just chose to augment via the sound system instead of running a tube from the intake into the cabin.

All these cars have this feature on them : VW GTI, Ford Mustang, Mini Cooper S

Not saying I disagree with your argument, but you might find it is difficult to find a car of the M3's quality without that feature within the next couple of years, if they do choose go to that route.

[DiavelM3]

Originally Posted by Alpine F31

I'm with him on that. I LOVE the power, handling, looks etc of the Subaru WRX STi, but I absolutely HATE the exhaust sound and would never buy the car just because of that. People like what they like, respect that.

We respect it but most of us think it's a bit petty.
Especially if most of us tend to change to an aftermarket exhaust anyway (stating the obvious as I mention to the other guy)

[MJones3]

Originally Posted by Modena NYC

welcome to the end

that car looks huge

and sounds like bleh

the cars are too big, and not special.

mark my words...this is the first m3 that disappoints

So because the car is bigger than the E90 and in your opinion sounds bleh, this is the end? The end of what exactly?

And to say that it's not special and disappointing when the car is a year away from going on the market is pretty... well, negative..

Originally Posted by M3_WC

You could be right. It could be the first M3 to lose more than just a couple comparos. If the competitors go with ttV8's, it could be trouble.

The competitors have almost always had more power and bigger engines than the M's. And still the M3 and M5 have been the cars to beat.

[Diver]

My take on the sound is this car is quiet.

[chsbmw]

I had an E36 M3 with a Corsa RSC36 exhaust and it sounded just like that at lower speeds and easy driving.

[Daaaadadundun]

Sjeez, with all due respect but you guys sound like little old nagging ladies. The exhaust note? Really? And the E92 exhaust note sounds better? I remember when the E92 was in it's testfase everybody was complaining that it didn't sound as nice as the E46 and now, a few years later, the E92 is the best sound ever...
I mean come on. This thing has already got more base in it's note than the E92 had in it's testing fase. Just wait and see and don't be drama queens about it by saying "I'll turn my back on BMW" jadajadajada. Because that is just stupid...

[ssabripo]

put me in the minority, but I cannot get past the new front facia of the F cars

Fugly as heck. Performance wise, I'm sure it will be great, but that N55'ish sound and that front end just kills it for me.

[zvvbmw]

Originally Posted by Modena NYC

welcome to the end

that car looks huge

and sounds like bleh

the cars are too big, and not special.

mark my words...this is the first m3 that disappoints

You are welcome to think that way...but it just won't dissapoint. Wanna know why?! All M3s were made from the basis of a 3 series. And you just cannot deny de fact that the F30 is a great car.

I think like this: take an F30, give it to the guys from M division...reworked engine, chasis, suspension, some weight shedding etc...add all this up and the result just has to be a one hell of a car.