Possibly stepping into an M4

[amancuso]

Hi all,

I've had a 2018 M2 for the past three years, and been thinking about getting into an M4 since it's the last one before the pig-snouts come in. Not new to the F3x platform as I also have a 428i X-drive coupe. Are there any potential problems I should be looking out for? The cars I am looking at are 2017/2018 models with under 20k miles on them. The M2 has been trouble free for the past three years, but is saddled with a DCT, the M4 will be a manual.

Thanks in advance,
Al.

[RugbyBro]

Not many problems on this platform tbh. A few things you could check are the intercooler coolant levels in case it’s leaking, for any valve tick, and if possible remove the skid plate and look directly up at the turbo to see if the intake-side o ring is leaking oil (resulting from blow by gas from the PCV). None of these issues are a big deal, and are easily addressed thru warranty. Other than that, just be aware that BMW track cars are being sold as low mileage 2017/2018 M3s for a great deal. Avoid these as they are the HPDE cars used at BMW events for all their customers. These cars cannot be CPOd but it seems that on one confirmed occasion one did and the dealer tried to cover up their fraud and got caught with their pants down and was forced to unwind the sale. You can look up the thread “avoid BMW Beaumont” or something like that.

Interestingly, I would have done the opposite of what you’re doing - manual M2 and DCT M4! Not quite the go cart feel of the M2 but you’ll definitely still enjoy it

[amancuso]

Originally Posted by RugbyBro

Not many problems on this platform tbh. A few things you could check are the intercooler coolant levels in case it’s leaking, for any valve tick, and if possible remove the skid plate and look directly up at the turbo to see if the intake-side o ring is leaking oil (resulting from blow by gas from the PCV). None of these issues are a big deal, and are easily addressed thru warranty. Other than that, just be aware that BMW track cars are being sold as low mileage 2017/2018 M3s for a great deal. Avoid these as they are the HPDE cars used at BMW events for all their customers. These cars cannot be CPOd but it seems that on one confirmed occasion one did and the dealer tried to cover up their fraud and got caught with their pants down and was forced to unwind the sale. You can look up the thread “avoid BMW Beaumont” or something like that.

Interestingly, I would have done the opposite of what you’re doing - manual M2 and DCT M4! Not quite the go cart feel of the M2 but you’ll definitely still enjoy it

Thanks for the heads up! I will be purchasing through a dealer, and it's a 2018 model, not certified. Should that make me reconsider? Mileage is reasonable 17k-20k mile range for a weekender.

[J-Pizzle]

While it is possible to find CPO'd M cars, a lot of dealers won't do it because of the cost it adds to the sale. So it's not something you should reconsider if you don't find a CPO'd car, it's just that you need to do your diligence and make sure that it's not one of the HPDE vehicles. That huge thread on the BMW Beaumont deal is an interesting read and worked out for the individual, but it just goes to show you that not all dealers are reputable.

Low mileage cars with a lot of driver-side side bolster wear and sometimes with CCB are an indication that they were HPDE cars, but that's not always the case.

Good luck finding your M4!

[amancuso]

Originally Posted by J-Pizzle

While it is possible to find CPO'd M cars, a lot of dealers won't do it because of the cost it adds to the sale. So it's not something you should reconsider if you don't find a CPO'd car, it's just that you need to do your diligence and make sure that it's not one of the HPDE vehicles. That huge thread on the BMW Beaumont deal is an interesting read and worked out for the individual, but it just goes to show you that not all dealers are reputable.

Low mileage cars with a lot of driver-side side bolster wear and sometimes with CCB are an indication that they were HPDE cars, but that's not always the case.

Good luck finding your M4!

Many thanks J-Pizzle! I looked it up and the one(s) in focus were def. not HDPE cars. Interestingly enough, my 2003 M5 was a BMW performance center (Spartanburg) car when it started life.

[RugbyBro]

Originally Posted by amancuso

Thanks for the heads up! I will be purchasing through a dealer, and it's a 2018 model, not certified. Should that make me reconsider? Mileage is reasonable 17k-20k mile range for a weekender.

I should clarify - my statement wasn’t that you have to go CPO, just that the HPDE cars aren’t allowed to be CPOd. If you’re looking at a non-CPO comp pack (base cars are not used for M track days), then it doesn’t hurt to double check for signs of track car - worn bolsters, excessive rock chips, first registered at BMW corporate in NJ, etc.

These cars are really pretty reliable just like your M2, so just plan to keep up maintenance and enjoy the crap out of the car!

[N1rve]

The M4 is just as reliable as your M2. Just a little bit more luxurious

[amancuso]

Originally Posted by N1rve

The M4 is just as reliable as your M2. Just a little bit more luxurious

Thank you! I'm looking forward to it.

[horsepower_and_hounds]

And more presence than the M2...... that is why I switched back to one. The 2 is like a young mans M

[SMB F83]

Another fairly common F8X issue is a leaking right diff seal. Not a big deal if under warranty, but something to check and get fixed.

[evoix]

After seeing what people are doing to these cars such as adding meth kits and some crazy tunes, I would stay away from any tuned cars. I’m a little biased Bc ny has a lot of hack job m3 and m4s that are consistently abused in my area. These cars are abused and although they are strong, a car can only take so much abuse. Try to find a car as close to stock as possible. Check for tunes and spliced wires.

[amancuso]

Thanks for all the advice everyone. I dived in and picked it up today. Couldn't be happier!