New M3/M4. Who's getting one?

[Mr G's M3]

BMW are getting "Grilled" with the new design. It will be interesting to see how many will order one in Australia...

[MPoweRo]

I'll need to see it in person. They're getting big and heavy though - I'd be waiting for the new M2C for comparison.

Otherwise it's a used Porsche GT4.

[mmmmQuattro]

I am not sure about the looks, it might grow on me, but the weight !!! No Way

[CYANiDE]

I'm a MT guy but with the Comp only coming in Steptronic, I'm a bit concerned. I would've love an AWD 6MT but I would've settled. Are they doing anything different with the Steptronic tranmission for the M cars?

[agxr6]

Originally Posted by CYANiDE

I'm a MT guy but with the Comp only coming in Steptronic, I'm a bit concerned. I would've love an AWD 6MT but I would've settled. Are they doing anything different with the Steptronic tranmission for the M cars?

I've driven a mates m5 comp, and last week tried an x3m and m8 in mildura at bmw roadshow, not impressed with gearbox compared to dct.
With current regulations crippling cars, x3m didn't sound half as good as my f80, and engine bay looked like square lithium battery, s55 presents much nicer.

[ArialBlack]

Honestly don't see a reason why we should be tossing our F8x's for the G8x. Also at $160k, as MPoweRo mentioned - may as well buy a Porsche GT4

[ECHO]

It’s interesting that we are cross-shopping the GT4. I would do the same...G8X is getting too big for me - but i will go and drive one when they arrive in the showrooms.

[Uwish]

I will be getting one. But waiting for Xdrive version.

These will be running 9s without too much effort.

Hopefully by then I will be able to get a special order paint.

[Alexander13.]

G81 over here for the wife. I'll keep my f80 until these are proven with modifications

[drgmt]

" Paul Blamire:
EcuTek Announcement:
Locked Bosch Bootloaders

As you may have seen some news, I would like to clarify the issues present on newly manufactured Bosch MEVD and MG1 ECUs.

We've been aware of a situation brewing in Bosch ECUs initially identified on BMW platforms but potentially affects all Bosch Tricore platforms that are currently being manufactured. We were unsure of the extent of these changes and how it would impact our business and yours, but we are starting to see affected ECUs out in the wild now.
Bosch have updated the security on their most recently manufactured ECUs that means that "bench unlocking" is no longer possible. This issue has been seen on MEVD17 ecus in BMW M4s manufactured in July 2020, and in MG1S024 ECUs in B48/B58 cars manufactured late June, July and August 2020. The exact data of the switchover is unknown but the earliest date we have currently is 25th June.

The result means for newly manufactured cars:
No OBD unlock
No Bench unlock
No bootpin unlock (that's right even opening the ECU to get direct access to the processor does not help)
Not just BMW will be affected, expect to see this coming to the likes of Mercedes etc.
There are no tuning products in existence that can support these new ECUs, it's an industry wide problem, not just an Ecutek problem.
The latest cars will NOT tuneable using an ECU reflash from any company, with any tool.
Older cars are unaffected and will continue to be tuneable

The changes are to the lowest level Bosch code, pre-programmed by Bosch at point of manufacturer (it is not an update to the BMW or manufacturer specific bootloader). So this is not something that can be easily recognised by the ID of the BMW software version, Calibration ID or bootloader version, our best guess is that it affects cars from June 2020 onwards. Our current information is that this new Bosch bootloader is not field upgradeable, so that means that existing ECUs with the older Bosch bootloader cannot be updated to the locked version with something like a dealer reflash (this is good!)

Our long term approach is we're looking for ways to allow programming of these ECUs, but it's a significant challenge which we don't quite know the scale of yet. We are working very hard to find a solution to this and nothing is being ruled out as a potential fix.

In the short term we intend to add the manufacturing date fields to our query tools to try and allow tuners to know with greater certainty what they are dealing with. Our plans for tuning products are already changing as a result of this development, and you may see our focus change subtly to support more existing vehicles on other platforms. We will continue to increase the breadth and depth of our tools and features to really push what is possible in the OEM ECU marketplace.

I realise this is not what you want to hear, but this is the reality at the moment. I would urge tuners across all marques, using all software tools to plan ahead when it comes to their customers and treat them fairly and with respect. None of us expected this to happen and we are all affected in one way or another. Be wary of anyone that claims to have a solution to this problem, until it's independently verified you should assume it's still an issue. When a company does have a solution, this is good news for everyone, as we will know it's not impossible to solve."

[RogueAI]

I'm definitely considering one. I actually like the look and the fact it's very obvious that it's not the standard 3 series. I wasn't sure about the grill at first but seeing the entire design now I think it works.

I won't be jumping on one though. I want an xDrive comp which means end of next year would be the earliest I could get it. Ive had my F80 for 3 years now and want to get something else soon. I'm currently considering an M550i so going to test one of those on the weekend. I figure that on a 2-3 year GFV and then look at a G80. Should be an LCI by then and being later in the model life, possibly incentives as well

[mfurse]

The looks are growing on me, it's more shouty and obvious than the F80 and E90 and with a touring version I'd be very interested. Problem is the weight and cost. I almost feel like an i4 for the daily commute and a 2 seater Cayman, Evora or Alpine would be a better option all up.

[drgmt]

Originally Posted by mfurse

The looks are growing on me, it's more shouty and obvious than the F80 and E90 and with a touring version I'd be very interested. Problem is the weight and cost. I almost feel like an i4 for the daily commute and a 2 seater Cayman, Evora or Alpine would be a better option all up.

F80 front - G80 onwards - perfection

[mynameisplayer]

Only good looker so far IMHO... Remember, you can't see the grill if you're inside the car!

[drgmt]

Originally Posted by mynameisplayer

Only good looker so far IMHO... Remember, you can't see the grill if you're inside the car!

Yeah but you can feel the sloppy ZF downshifting when it wants to.

And the 200Kg of extra weight.

[mynameisplayer]

Drove the X3M at at local dealer just to see what the G80 drivetrain would be like. if you hadn't been in a DCT car you'd think it was good. Having had two ZF8 cars I can tell you it's probably the best auto out there. M5 yes, M3...nah. Best thing about the G80? The variable traction control!

[Alexander13.]

Originally Posted by mynameisplayer

Drove the X3M at at local dealer just to see what the G80 drivetrain would be like. if you hadn't been in a DCT car you'd think it was good. Having had two ZF8 cars I can tell you it's probably the best auto out there. M5 yes, M3...nah. Best thing about the G80? The variable traction control!

Completely disagree. Traction control should be either on or off.

[ruley74]

Originally Posted by Alexander13.

G81 over here for the wife. I'll keep my f80 until these are proven with modifications

Haha... interesting.

[SE7EN335]

The grille to me looks quite mismatched and eye soreish. The carbon pack definitely makes the front end look more streamlined and aggressive because it deviates the attention of your eyes on the grille to see the entire front end for what it is.

If an aftermarket company releases an aesthetically pleasing front end bumper that doesn't interfere with the cooling vents of the front, I would definitely replace the F80 for it.

[05C4R]

the grill and the weight, Nah its put me off

i got a GT4 too however i am looking to sell it, very very different car to even the current M3