How safe is a 2018 M4 Competition for a new driver?

[sonic17]

Hey guys, first post here so please go easy on me.

I recently turned 18 and got a very nice scholarship to a college. As a result, I was given the opportunity to get an F82 2018 M4 that's arriving within a week from now. I have been driving for about a year now but it was in my mom's AWD Q5. I am wondering if I --a new but decent driver-- can control the power of the F82 as long as I don't act like a complete maniac. I should also mention, I am taking a track course from a European driving instructor I have had in the past while working towards my normal license so I will get a better understanding of how to control this car. I don't plan on flooring or drifting the car anytime soon as the main focus right now is getting some of the ladies while looking cool in the school parking lot. Your input on the subject would be very much appreciated!

[HarryTee]

If you don't plan on flooring or drifting it then it should be good for you. The late M3/4 Competition are very civilised and safe to drive. I don't feel it is any different in behaviour to the 440i I also have (unless provoked! ).

[nkhaira]

Congrats!! I just got my F82 M4 competition a month ago and I LOVE it…that being said not to disagree with the post above ^ I had a 17 440i xDrive MPPSK before this and that was definitely more civilized and everyday car, way smoother around town and more controllable I’d say at redline.

Keep in mind the M4 comes with the 20in 666Ms which I haven’t used yet in the rain with the oem tires so I can’t speak for that but otherwise it is as good as your input, it will definitely go if you want it to but otherwise feather touching the pedal will be controllable nonetheless. The DCT is wonderful but keep in mind that it can be a little clunky around town and in stop and go, it likes when you go fast lol.
Out of curiosity what was your deal with the 18 M4? I bought a CPO with 12k miles

[AlmondJayRoM3]

Not going to go into the weeds here but this car is not good for a new, young driver. Everyone is different and you might have the maturity that is above and beyond the typical 18 year old but statistics is on my side of the argument. The limits of performance is ridiculously high on this car but the car is not very forgiving as you approach them.

With that out of the way and since the car has already been purchased, safety-wise, as long as you keep the traction control on and not get into the go-pedal too much, the car is actually quite normal.

Additionally consumables and maintenance on this car are a lot more than your average car. BMWs are expensive in general and once you add the "M tax" it can be a surprise if you aren't prepared for it. Going to college, you are about to get real busy and remembering my time at college, I found myself ignoring my car for long periods of time and forgoing maintenance in favor of other activities. This car does not do well to either.

If you don't mind me asking, how much will insurance be for the M4?

[N1rve]

Originally Posted by sonic17

Hey guys, first post here so please go easy on me.

I recently turned 18 and got a very nice scholarship to a college. As a result, I was given the opportunity to get an F82 2018 M4 that's arriving within a week from now. I have been driving for about a year now but it was in my mom's AWD Q5. I am wondering if I --a new but decent driver-- can control the power of the F82 as long as I don't act like a complete maniac. I should also mention, I am taking a track course from a European driving instructor I have had in the past while working towards my normal license so I will get a better understanding of how to control this car. I don't plan on flooring or drifting the car anytime soon as the main focus right now is getting some of the ladies while looking cool in the school parking lot. Your input on the subject would be very much appreciated!

If you can afford it why not? Insurance for an 18 year old is expensive to begin with.

[sonic17]

Originally Posted by nkhaira

Congrats!! I just got my F82 M4 competition a month ago and I LOVE it…that being said not to disagree with the post above ^ I had a 17 440i xDrive MPPSK before this and that was definitely more civilized and everyday car, way smoother around town and more controllable I’d say at redline.

Keep in mind the M4 comes with the 20in 666Ms which I haven’t used yet in the rain with the oem tires so I can’t speak for that but otherwise it is as good as your input, it will definitely go if you want it to but otherwise feather touching the pedal will be controllable nonetheless. The DCT is wonderful but keep in mind that it can be a little clunky around town and in stop and go, it likes when you go fast lol.
Out of curiosity what was your deal with the 18 M4? I bought a CPO with 12k miles

Originally Posted by nkhaira

Congrats!! I just got my F82 M4 competition a month ago and I LOVE it…that being said not to disagree with the post above ^ I had a 17 440i xDrive MPPSK before this and that was definitely more civilized and everyday car, way smoother around town and more controllable I'd say at redline.

Keep in mind the M4 comes with the 20in 666Ms which I haven't used yet in the rain with the oem tires so I can't speak for that but otherwise it is as good as your input, it will definitely go if you want it to but otherwise feather touching the pedal will be controllable nonetheless. The DCT is wonderful but keep in mind that it can be a little clunky around town and in stop and go, it likes when you go fast lol.
Out of curiosity what was your deal with the 18 M4? I bought a CPO with 12k miles

So I was able to get mine with the competition package and icon adaptive LED as well as the black kidney grills + carbon interior with 26k miles for $57k. Overall its a pretty solid deal, only thing im a little bummed out about is carplay as mine doesnt have it but ill just add it later on down the road. Thanks for your input!

[sonic17]

Originally Posted by AlmondJayRoM3

Not going to go into the weeds here but this car is not good for a new, young driver. Everyone is different and you might have the maturity that is above and beyond the typical 18 year old but statistics is on my side of the argument. The limits of performance is ridiculously high on this car but the car is not very forgiving as you approach them.

With that out of the way and since the car has already been purchased, safety-wise, as long as you keep the traction control on and not get into the go-pedal too much, the car is actually quite normal.

Additionally consumables and maintenance on this car are a lot more than your average car. BMWs are expensive in general and once you add the "M tax" it can be a surprise if you aren't prepared for it. Going to college, you are about to get real busy and remembering my time at college, I found myself ignoring my car for long periods of time and forgoing maintenance in favor of other activities. This car does not do well to either.

If you don't mind me asking, how much will insurance be for the M4?

Originally Posted by nkhaira

Congrats!! I just got my F82 M4 competition a month ago and I LOVE it…that being said not to disagree with the post above ^ I had a 17 440i xDrive MPPSK before this and that was definitely more civilized and everyday car, way smoother around town and more controllable I'd say at redline.

Keep in mind the M4 comes with the 20in 666Ms which I haven't used yet in the rain with the oem tires so I can't speak for that but otherwise it is as good as your input, it will definitely go if you want it to but otherwise feather touching the pedal will be controllable nonetheless. The DCT is wonderful but keep in mind that it can be a little clunky around town and in stop and go, it likes when you go fast lol.
Out of curiosity what was your deal with the 18 M4? I bought a CPO with 12k miles

I dont know the insurance rate just yet but when I do I will update you guys.

[IB M]

Seems that you are self aware which shows some maturity beyond your age.

It's not just traction from a stop at full throttle that can be dangerous. Speed kills. The M4 will feel like ur doing 55 mph when ur actually doing 100 mph and 130 mph is easy as well. Young drivers are not accustomed to the difference and how fast things happen or can go wrong at high speeds. Commit yourself to keeping the car to no more than 10 mph over posted speed limits. True and recent story - college kid I know through friends put a silverstone 2018 M3 in a ditch running 100mph on a straight highway because he misjudged traffic. If he would have hit a tree he'd be dead.

Of course don't text and drive.


Good luck with the ladies.

[Megabass]

Be smart safe and responsible. You'll be fine. You can autocross or go to a performance driving school if you want get loose. Don't drink and drive!!!

[Crispy0001]

One thing is for sure is that you are mature for your age. If I had an M4 at 18 I can honestly say I would never post a question like that on a forum as i thought I knew everything and that I was the best driver in the world.
That being said, as long as your are sensible and are aware of the dangers around you, you should be fine.
If I were to give you some advice it would be this. We all speed and mess around in our cars just make sure when you do its under your own terms and when you feel confident enough. Don't allow your friends or other people to wind you up because thats when things go wrong.

[c4ss]

My recommendations:

1. Keep the traction control on
2. Don't tune the car
3. Swap the PSS tires out for PS4's
4. Don't be an idiot

You'll be fine.

[rustyrotors]

Can you resist the temptation when driving with a friend, and he says "come on dude, show me what this thing can do"?

[ilovemym4]

Originally Posted by c4ss

My recommendations:

1. Keep the traction control on
2. Don't tune the car
3. Swap the PSS tires out for PS4's
4. Don't be an idiot

You'll be fine.

5. Don't be a douchebag on the streets.
6. Be Humble - not many 18 year olds can say they have an M4.
7. Actually use your turn signal indicator
8. Respect other drivers, and speed limits in school zones - some of us have young kids. Don't be 'that guy'.
9. We're all curious what your insurance monthly rate is going to be

[sonic17]

Originally Posted by IB M

Seems that you are self aware which shows some maturity beyond your age.

It's not just traction from a stop at full throttle that can be dangerous. Speed kills. The M4 will feel like ur doing 55 mph when ur actually doing 100 mph and 130 mph is easy as well. Young drivers are not accustomed to the difference and how fast things happen or can go wrong at high speeds. Commit yourself to keeping the car to no more than 10 mph over posted speed limits. True and recent story - college kid I know through friends put a silverstone 2018 M3 in a ditch running 100mph on a straight highway because he misjudged traffic. If he would have hit a tree he'd be dead.

Of course don't text and drive.


Good luck with the ladies.

Thank you for this!

[sonic17]

Originally Posted by ilovemym4

5. Don't be a douchebag on the streets.
6. Be Humble - not many 18 year olds can say they have an M4.
7. Actually use your turn signal indicator
8. Respect other drivers, and speed limits in school zones - some of us have young kids. Don't be 'that guy'.
9. We're all curious what your insurance monthly rate is going to be

Totally. I get it. Not everyone on the roads is a speed fanatic and I'm going to respect that 100%. As far as the insurance rate, I will update you guys as soon as I find out what it is

[sonic17]

Originally Posted by rustyrotors

Can you resist the temptation when driving with a friend, and he says "come on dude, show me what this thing can do"?

When this will happen, I'm going to imagine myself calling my mom and telling her "Yo I kinda crashed that car that I wouldn't stop haggling y'all about" while standing next to a broken lego set.

[espressoo]

Don't show off and you'll be fine. Congrats on the new ride and earning that scholarship.

Back in college I had an Accord and was worried where to park. I can't imagine having to deal with a BMW with campus parking.

[NickyC]

Honestly if I were you I'd get a Supra. It's still a BMW, but more catered for somebody your age.

[sonic17]

Originally Posted by NickyC

Honestly if I were you I'd get a Supra. It's still a BMW, but more catered for somebody your age.

I like the MK 5 Supra but M bmws are just everything I want.

[sonic17]

Originally Posted by espressoo

Don't show off and you'll be fine. Congrats on the new ride and earning that scholarship.

Back in college I had an Accord and was worried where to park. I can't imagine having to deal with a BMW with campus parking.

Thank you! I'll try my best to not show it off but I don't know if I can hold that promise lol. The campus ill be going to next year is a private college and the parking permit allows you to park anywhere so I don't think it will be too much of a struggle.

[Pauldunlop13]

congrats

watch some videos on YouTube about Cars and Coffee / Car Meet fails and you will see what you shouldn't do

basically half of the crashes happen when pulling out of the lot and going full throttle

the rest happen when you are going slowly, then decide to show off and go aggressive full throttle without rolling into it properly

then don't do those 2 things


enjoy the car

[M5D]

Read studies of how the brain of males below 27 work, digest the studies well and make decisions contrary to those findings and you will be just fine! Enjoy!