Silverstone F80 M3 and Yas Marina Blue F82 M4 at DC Auto Show

[Jockey]

Originally Posted by RMB

Went to see the new M4/3 at DC today. They both look great. I also wanted to see Silverstone in person since this is the color I ordered for my M4 and it looks great. I am very happy with Silverstone exterior and a full black interior with the carbon fiber trim.

Very nice. That's right now my #1 setup (or SB interior, can't decide).

Did you go silver or black wheels (or 18s)?

[RMB]

Originally Posted by Jockey

Very nice. That's right now my #1 setup (or SB interior, can't decide).

Did you go silver or black wheels (or 18s)?

I went with the silver wheels. I totally understand how someone would think there is not enough contrast with an all black interior, but it is so easy to maintain.

I was glad to bring my wife with me as she also liked the Silverstone exterior. She was a little pissed with me for buying a 2012 LMB E92 M3, only to sell it after about a year to make room for the M4. But after seeing the interior compared to our older M3 we are really glad to make the jump. Everything looks updated (LED lights, full color display on the dash, nicer leather with contrasting stitching, etc.)

[Needsdecaf]

Originally Posted by I Drive So Fast

Whats that thing below the intercooler right next to the engine? Is it the oil filter housing?

Yup.

[Realw5]

Originally Posted by RMB

Went to see the new M4/3 at DC today. They both look great. I also wanted to see Silverstone in person since this is the color I ordered for my M4 and it looks great. I am very happy with Silverstone exterior and a full black interior with the carbon fiber trim.

+1

I have the same combo on order! Glad to hear you liked the SSII in person :-)

[burnsniper]

I attended the DC Auto Show this weekend and sat in both the M3 and M4 (as well as the 228i). Here are some impressions:

• Big props to BMW for having all of their vehicles open and available to sit in and molest. MB and Audi had their RS/S/AMG vehicles either locked or on turntables.
• In my opinion the M4 looks too much like the 435i M sport.
• On the other hand, the M3 looks quite a bit different than a 335i M sport (thanks mainly to fender flares/wider track).
• BMW needs to give us the M4 truck lid design on the M3.
• Both the M3 and M4 look much less aggressive in person than in photos. This is both a good and bad thing: (1) The good - the "genitalia" up front is much less pronounced and looks good. The cars will retain much of the "stealth speed" that previous M cars have (E39 is the best example of this). (2) The bad - the carbon fiber and colors are really the only things that are going to make these cars stand out from the regular series cars.
• I am a big fan of the Yas Marinas blue.
• On the other hand, the Silverstone looked rather plain and dare I even say "Camry like." However, Silverstone looks like a very liveable color - will hide scratches, dirt, etc. and won't attract LEO attention.
• The interiors of both cars felt a bit "cramped" this both a good and bad thing. (1) The good: (1) the aggressive bolstering of the seats (the seats are great), smaller steering wheel, and flaring of the center console effectively shrink the car around the occupants making it feel smaller and more sporty - great for the enthusiast. (2) The bad: the flaring of the center console really reduces the amount of foot well space (especially on the passenger side) - I can see this being a big problem in NA (compounded by the aggressive seat bolsters) especially for cars in this price range and size (I haven't noticed this in the 3 series loaners that I have driven).
• The interior quality was a mixed bag. (1) The good: the interior is clearly nicer than the standard 3/4 series cars, has a top notch fit and finish, and is overall better quality than the E series cars. (2) The bad: the driver "touch points" - the wheel, seats, door pulls, etc. seem to have taken a step back in material quality from the E series cars. Also, while the interior hits all of the "modern" design points - carbon fiber, tech heavy, contrast stitching and trim, better looking plastics, etc. it pales in comparison to what I saw the Audi vehicles (RS7 especially) and even some other BMW cars - I3, 7 series. The 228i's interior was almost on par with the M cars which is a bit disappointing given the price delta.
• The carbon fiber roof and strut bar are absolutely gorgeous and a step up from the E92 (roof). I do wonder if the strut brace is going to "yellow" over time due to heat (similar to what is seen on aftermarket parts or even Audi RS vehicles).
• The black wheels on the M4 looked much better than the wheels on the M3 (the ones that are in most of the press shots). In my opinion both wheels need more spokes to keep with the M/CSL look and tradition (we can hope this happens on the LCI/competition pack models).
• The M4 was getting way more attention by show goers than the M3. However, I personally prefer the looks of the M3.
• The new headlights/halos/double slatted kidney grills look great.
• The exhaust system (pipes, muffler better hidden, etc.) looks much better than on the E92 cars.
• Interestingly, the engines did not appear to be set as far back (relative to the front suspension) as in the E series cars (N54/N55 included).

In conclusion, based on looks alone I do not see any reason why someone would be compelled to upgrade from an E9x M to an F8x M car. I do think that "BMW" has a winner on their hand for new enthusiast shoppers - the cars are attractive with nice fit and finish and feel "more sporty" than the competition RS/AMG. If the cars drive as well as typical M cars they should get great reviews. However, I can see NA buyers (non enthusiasts) migrating to the MB AMG C63s for a feeling of more space, more power, and more luxury.

[Black Gold]

Originally Posted by burnsniper

I attended the DC Auto Show this weekend and sat in both the M3 and M4 (as well as the 228i). Here are some impressions:

• Big props to BMW for having all of their vehicles open and available to sit in and molest. MB and Audi had their RS/S/AMG vehicles either locked or on turntables.
• In my opinion the M4 looks too much like the 435i M sport.
• On the other hand, the M3 looks quite a bit different than a 335i M sport (thanks mainly to fender flares/wider track).
• BMW needs to give us the M4 truck lid design on the M3.
• Both the M3 and M4 look much less aggressive in person than in photos. This is both a good and bad thing: (1) The good - the "genitalia" up front is much less pronounced and looks good. The cars will retain much of the "stealth speed" that previous M cars have (E39 is the best example of this). (2) The bad - the carbon fiber and colors are really the only things that are going to make these cars stand out from the regular series cars.
• I am a big fan of the Yas Marinas blue.
• On the other hand, the Silverstone looked rather plain and dare I even say "Camry like." However, Silverstone looks like a very liveable color - will hide scratches, dirt, etc. and won't attract LEO attention.
  The interiors of both cars felt a bit "cramped" this both a good and bad thing. (1) The good: (1) the aggressive bolstering of the seats (the seats are great), smaller steering wheel, and flaring of the center console effectively shrink the car around the occupants making it feel smaller and more sporty - great for the enthusiast. (2) The bad: the flaring of the center console really reduces the amount of foot well space (especially on the passenger side) - I can see this being a big problem in NA (compounded by the aggressive seat bolsters) especially for cars in this price range and size (I haven't noticed this in the 3 series loaners that I have driven).
  The interior quality was a mixed bag. (1) The good: the interior is clearly nicer than the standard 3/4 series cars, has a top notch fit and finish, and is overall better quality than the E series cars. (2) The bad: the driver "touch points" - the wheel, seats, door pulls, etc. seem to have taken a step back in material quality from the E series cars. Also, while the interior hits all of the "modern" design points - carbon fiber, tech heavy, contrast stitching and trim, better looking plastics, etc. it pales in comparison to what I saw the Audi vehicles (RS7 especially) and even some other BMW cars - I3, 7 series. The 228i's interior was almost on par with the M cars which is a bit disappointing given the price delta.
• The carbon fiber roof and strut bar are absolutely gorgeous and a step up from the E92 (roof). I do wonder if the strut brace is going to "yellow" over time due to heat (similar to what is seen on aftermarket parts or even Audi RS vehicles).
• The black wheels on the M4 looked much better than the wheels on the M3 (the ones that are in most of the press shots). In my opinion both wheels need more spokes to keep with the M/CSL look and tradition (we can hope this happens on the LCI/competition pack models).
• The M4 was getting way more attention by show goers than the M3. However, I personally prefer the looks of the M3.
• The new headlights/halos/double slatted kidney grills look great.
• The exhaust system (pipes, muffler better hidden, etc.) looks much better than on the E92 cars.
• Interestingly, the engines did not appear to be set as far back (relative to the front suspension) as in the E series cars (N54/N55 included).

In conclusion, based on looks alone I do not see any reason why someone would be compelled to upgrade from an E9x M to an F8x M car. I do think that "BMW" has a winner on their hand for new enthusiast shoppers - the cars are attractive with nice fit and finish and feel "more sporty" than the competition RS/AMG. If the cars drive as well as typical M cars they should get great reviews. However, I can see NA buyers (non enthusiasts) migrating to the MB AMG C63s for a feeling of more space, more power, and more luxury.

thanks for the review

I am literally almost stunned by the comments in bold after having seen the cars myself and owning an e92 currently.

I don't mean to be critical of your opinion, but you are the only person I know or have seen on this forum who thinks the materials are A ) lower in quality to the e9x (I think they are a large upgrade) and B ) look like the very basic and cheaper 228i which has far worse materials including very cheap feeling leather.

JMO, but thanks for the feedback.

[Art__Vandelay]

Originally Posted by burnsniper

In my opinion both wheels need more spokes to keep with the M/CSL look and tradition (we can hope this happens on the LCI/competition pack models).

Agree on that one, I was quite a bit disappointed about the wheels. Never really liked the 5 double-spoke design of the M5/M6, but I always had the hope that BMW will instead choose a more taditional M3 style wheel. The greater the disappointment as I only in exceptional cases take aftermarket wheels instead of OEM.

[Needsdecaf]

Originally Posted by KennyPowers

thanks for the review

I am literally almost stunned by the comments in bold after having seen the cars myself and owning an e92 currently.

I don't mean to be critical of your opinion, but you are the only person I know or have seen on this forum who thinks the materials are A ) lower in quality to the e9x (I think they are a large upgrade) and B ) look like the very basic and cheaper 228i which has far worse materials including very cheap feeling leather.

JMO, but thanks for the feedback.

Agreed. Having seen both cars this weekend, I disagree with about 2/3 of that post.

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by Needsdecaf

Agreed. Having seen both cars this weekend, I disagree with about 2/3 of that post.

I am with you, after seeing both cars last week, I do not share most of the opinions on that post either. I guess different people have different views.

[Needsdecaf]

Originally Posted by CanAutM3

I am with you, I do not share many of the opinions on that post either. I different people have different views.

Very true.

[Real Deal]

Originally Posted by burnsniper

I attended the DC Auto Show this weekend and sat in both the M3 and M4 (as well as the 228i). Here are some impressions:

• Big props to BMW for having all of their vehicles open and available to sit in and molest. MB and Audi had their RS/S/AMG vehicles either locked or on turntables.
• In my opinion the M4 looks too much like the 435i M sport.
• On the other hand, the M3 looks quite a bit different than a 335i M sport (thanks mainly to fender flares/wider track).
• BMW needs to give us the M4 truck lid design on the M3.
• Both the M3 and M4 look much less aggressive in person than in photos. This is both a good and bad thing: (1) The good - the "genitalia" up front is much less pronounced and looks good. The cars will retain much of the "stealth speed" that previous M cars have (E39 is the best example of this). (2) The bad - the carbon fiber and colors are really the only things that are going to make these cars stand out from the regular series cars.
• I am a big fan of the Yas Marinas blue.
• On the other hand, the Silverstone looked rather plain and dare I even say "Camry like." However, Silverstone looks like a very liveable color - will hide scratches, dirt, etc. and won't attract LEO attention.
• The interiors of both cars felt a bit "cramped" this both a good and bad thing. (1) The good: (1) the aggressive bolstering of the seats (the seats are great), smaller steering wheel, and flaring of the center console effectively shrink the car around the occupants making it feel smaller and more sporty - great for the enthusiast. (2) The bad: the flaring of the center console really reduces the amount of foot well space (especially on the passenger side) - I can see this being a big problem in NA (compounded by the aggressive seat bolsters) especially for cars in this price range and size (I haven't noticed this in the 3 series loaners that I have driven).
• The interior quality was a mixed bag. (1) The good: the interior is clearly nicer than the standard 3/4 series cars, has a top notch fit and finish, and is overall better quality than the E series cars. (2) The bad: the driver "touch points" - the wheel, seats, door pulls, etc. seem to have taken a step back in material quality from the E series cars. Also, while the interior hits all of the "modern" design points - carbon fiber, tech heavy, contrast stitching and trim, better looking plastics, etc. it pales in comparison to what I saw the Audi vehicles (RS7 especially) and even some other BMW cars - I3, 7 series. The 228i's interior was almost on par with the M cars which is a bit disappointing given the price delta.
• The carbon fiber roof and strut bar are absolutely gorgeous and a step up from the E92 (roof). I do wonder if the strut brace is going to "yellow" over time due to heat (similar to what is seen on aftermarket parts or even Audi RS vehicles).
• The black wheels on the M4 looked much better than the wheels on the M3 (the ones that are in most of the press shots). In my opinion both wheels need more spokes to keep with the M/CSL look and tradition (we can hope this happens on the LCI/competition pack models).
• The M4 was getting way more attention by show goers than the M3. However, I personally prefer the looks of the M3.
• The new headlights/halos/double slatted kidney grills look great.
• The exhaust system (pipes, muffler better hidden, etc.) looks much better than on the E92 cars.
• Interestingly, the engines did not appear to be set as far back (relative to the front suspension) as in the E series cars (N54/N55 included).

In conclusion, based on looks alone I do not see any reason why someone would be compelled to upgrade from an E9x M to an F8x M car. I do think that "BMW" has a winner on their hand for new enthusiast shoppers - the cars are attractive with nice fit and finish and feel "more sporty" than the competition RS/AMG. If the cars drive as well as typical M cars they should get great reviews. However, I can see NA buyers (non enthusiasts) migrating to the MB AMG C63s for a feeling of more space, more power, and more luxury.

I disagree with everything you said, I spent two hours in both cars and have had plenty of drive time in e90 m3, 335, 335is and the F30.

The interior of the car is a major upgrade over any of the models above. The cockpit is a driver's dream with all controls within easy reach. The M3/4 are both wider and masculin from the e92m. I wont get in to a debate over this but if V8 is what someone wants then move on to c63 as its going to be a great car.

[burnsniper]

Originally Posted by KennyPowers

thanks for the review

I am literally almost stunned by the comments in bold after having seen the cars myself and owning an e92 currently.

I don't mean to be critical of your opinion, but you are the only person I know or have seen on this forum who thinks the materials are A ) lower in quality to the e9x (I think they are a large upgrade) and B ) look like the very basic and cheaper 228i which has far worse materials including very cheap feeling leather.

JMO, but thanks for the feedback.

Overall, I do think the materials and the layout are nicer on the F8x than the E9x. However, I don't think the "touch points" are nicer - I personally think the leather wheel and seats are better in the E series cars than the F series cars. I think of it this way - the E series car leather on the wheels, seats, etc. rates and 9/10 and the layout and trim may rate a 5/10. On the F series cars the leather wheels and seats may rate 8/10 but the layout and trim now also rate a 8/10. I think this is a common thing that we are seeing across all luxury cars - Lexus is a perfect example of this (older Lexus are more "posh").

Also, I wouldn't call the 228i interior cheap. Sure its not as nice as the F8x interiors (especially the seats) in materials. However, the layout is essentially the same and I personally feel that the 228i materials have taken a step up from the most recent 3 series materials. All I am saying is the delta between the M materials and the series cars is smaller.

[burnsniper]

Originally Posted by Real Deal

I disagree with everything you said, I spent two hours in both cars and have had plenty of drive time in e90 m3, 335, 335is and the F30.

The interior of the car is a major upgrade over any of the models above. The cockpit is a driver's dream with all controls within easy reach. The M3/4 are both wider and masculin from the e92m. I wont get in to a debate over this but if V8 is what someone wants then move on to c63 as its going to be a great car.

In my post I am not saying that F8x cars are not a major upgrade overall over the E9x cars - they are a major upgrade. However, having spent time in the E9x/E8x cars I don't think there is anything "compelling" for a current E9x owner to upgrade. I personally think the E9x M cars are rather bland looking. I prefer my M cars to have a more "pronounced look" - 1M, E46, Clown Shoe, etc.

[Black Gold]

Originally Posted by burnsniper

Overall, I do think the materials and the layout are nicer on the F8x than the E9x. However, I don't think the "touch points" are nicer - I personally think the leather wheel and seats are better in the E series cars than the F series cars. I think of it this way - the E series car leather on the wheels, seats, etc. rates and 9/10 and the layout and trim may rate a 5/10. On the F series cars the leather wheels and seats may rate 8/10 but the layout and trim now also rate a 8/10. I think this is a common thing that we are seeing across all luxury cars - Lexus is a perfect example of this (older Lexus are more "posh").

understood. I just don't happen to have the same reaction after sitting in the car after driving to the show in my e92 m3.

I thought the steering wheel was about the same, and the leather material was a couple grades above what is in my e9x, it was immediately noticeable to myself and my girlfriend. I also noticed the very nice leather door handles (even in the basic leather package that was on display).

I do agree with you on the trim though.

Anyway, to each their own. Both are clearly great cars and very nice inside.

[burnsniper]

Originally Posted by KennyPowers

understood. I just don't happen to have the same reaction after sitting in the car after driving to the show in my e92 m3.

I thought the steering wheel was about the same, and the leather material was a couple grades above what is in my e9x, it was immediately noticeable to myself and my girlfriend. I also noticed the very nice leather door handles (even in the basic leather package that was on display).

I do agree with you on the trim though.

Anyway, to each their own. Both are clearly great cars and very nice inside.

We are on the same page with just slightly different preferences. I think the Alcantara and contrast stitching in my 1M skews my view as well (although the 1M door cards leave a lot to be desired!). Ironically, my wife was the one who came out and said she didn't like the new M3 interior is much as the old one. Also, I don't typically like perforated leather - it doesn't seem to hold up as well over time (Acura TL and S2000 in my experience).

[psuibmw]

Hello,

As mentioned in a previous post, a silver M3 and a Yas Marina Blue M4 are displayed at the the DC Auto Show so wanted to give you additional photos. I know there is never a complain as too many photos.

The Yas Marina Blue is a nice color seeing it in person, better than all images. The M3 is definitely the nicer. It is surprisingly more aggressive than the M4.

[Reedomn]

More pics the better!!

Is the M3 hood and trunk open in all pics?....

[Sedan_Clan]

I love YMB.

[Chill72]

Originally Posted by RMB

I went with the silver wheels. I totally understand how someone would think there is not enough contrast with an all black interior, but it is so easy to maintain.

I was glad to bring my wife with me as she also liked the Silverstone exterior. She was a little pissed with me for buying a 2012 LMB E92 M3, only to sell it after about a year to make room for the M4. But after seeing the interior compared to our older M3 we are really glad to make the jump. Everything looks updated (LED lights, full color display on the dash, nicer leather with contrasting stitching, etc.)

I'm also going with silver 19", I think black or dual tone wheels are a little too aftermarket looking for my taste.

Also, I prefer a nice simple design...it'll be even nicer if there is a bit concavity (?) to them.

[psuibmw]

Originally Posted by Reedomn

More pics the better!!

Is the M3 hood and trunk open in all pics?....

It was locked in this pic. I tried many times to close to take pictures but people were opening it and it is a little tricky to close. You have to push hard from the sides. Most people were pushing in the middle and could not get it closed. Trunk is locked though.

[pseto]

I was pretty disappointed in the seats. Not enough side bolster and no thigh extension. However, they were ventilated, which is a major upgrade.

Anyone else notice that the CF roof did not have the colored M stripes? I guess that mod requires a whole new roof? BMW M Performance CF roof

[M4Trojan]

Originally Posted by Chill72

I'm also going with silver 19", I think black or dual tone wheels are a little too aftermarket looking for my taste.

Also, I prefer a nice simple design...it'll be even nicer if there is a bit concavity (?) to them.

My thoughts exactly.