How are the new M3/M4 owners getting along
Discussion
The guy with the lemon 991, Nick Murray, sold his 911 and got a M4 instead.
He uploaded a video review here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAn8Lcaj0zQ
He uploaded a video review here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAn8Lcaj0zQ
dufflecoat said:
Also, freedom contracts have a single ML63 pre reg available for lease if that's your bag. Decent figures by the looks. Give them a google.
Ooooh.....contract hire 
Not for me I'm afraid...too much 'commitment' 
jackwood said:
Andrew,
That must be a record, even by your standards
It sounds like the F80 M3 is exactly what I'm looking for. The sound a car makes is pretty far down my list of requirements. I'd rather have something that is beautifully balanced and set up than something that sounds interesting. And I'd take a compact agile car over a bruising cruiser like an M5/6. Plus I already have the E63 that fills that kind of role.
I'm looking for a fast, fun, dynamically accomplished, everyday car for chucking done the country lanes on the commute. So size is important. As in small is better.
Thanks for taking the time to give us your views.
Jack
Yes, 2 months is a new record but it's not strictly in 'normal' circumstances....I'm benefiting from getting a little deal in the first place and the fact the car is still in demand with (for the next few weeks at least), very limited supply. I took a punt, and it's paid off - it was never destined to be a long term car.That must be a record, even by your standards
It sounds like the F80 M3 is exactly what I'm looking for. The sound a car makes is pretty far down my list of requirements. I'd rather have something that is beautifully balanced and set up than something that sounds interesting. And I'd take a compact agile car over a bruising cruiser like an M5/6. Plus I already have the E63 that fills that kind of role.
I'm looking for a fast, fun, dynamically accomplished, everyday car for chucking done the country lanes on the commute. So size is important. As in small is better.
Thanks for taking the time to give us your views.
Jack
The M3/4 sounds like would be perfect for you Jack...although I'm surprised having an AMG that sound is not one of your priorities
ab80 said:
off topic but... Palmball, did you do the Gtehcniq Crystal Serum in the end?
Yes, and when combined with two coats of Exo V2 it an absolutely f*cking amazing product. I have never had a cars' paint that was so slippery that, even on a relatively flat bonnet, my wash mitt could barely stay on it! It was outrageously easy to clean and I've recently had my SLS done to similar effect/success.In hindsight, given I knew it wasn't to be a keeper it was a little silly to have this done (it's not exactly cheap) but I was so intrigued on the product and what better way to test it than on brand new paint.
Palmball said:
Yes, that is madness.....
Talking to my local BMW dealer, they're adamant that the days of cheap BMW's has come to an end as BMW is allocating everything in more limited numbers. Supply is not what it was so, if dealers want to make money on the stock they get, they'll need to stop discounting them. Not sure how true this is, but I guess theres some truth given demand in other parts of the world will be taking an increased percentage of the factories output.
Anyway, back on topic, my M3 is going on Monday - I've sold it back to BMW. For not a lot less than I paid for it so I'm getting out now whilst the loss is almost non-existent and before demos start flooding forecourts. Theres nothing actually wrong with the car - objectively, it's far superior to the previous M3 and every other car in it's class (at least those I've driven). But I'm just not gelling with it, and it's probably because I bought an SLS the same week I collected the M3....a bit unfair on the BMW, but when I want a 'fun' drive, it doesn't get a look in. Also, another slightly unfair comparison but compared to my recently departed M6, the M3 might be more agile but in most other respects, there's just no comparison to the V8 - I truly recommend people try a used M5/6 before stumping up for a new M3/4.
However, the M3's chassis is truly brilliant, as is the gearbox, the performance, seats, driving position, HK stereo, adaptive lights and latest iDrive....all truly stunning and the very best you could hope for.
But....and there is a but....the engine. I would describe it as effective (it really is very fast) but compared to the e92 V8 or the C63's M156 I just find it a little boring. Theres little pleasure in revving it out because it delivers huge thrust all the time and (in sport mode) it sounds LOUD all the time. But it's not really a 'nice' loud - I initially thought it sounded pretty decent as I'd conditioned myself for the worst given all the early pre-launch reports but as time's gone on, I think it sounds so bad it's sometimes embarrassing . And I'm not talking about the sound coming out of the stereo (which is either very minimal or so well executed that you really don't notice it) but the sound outside - on a cold start it reminds me of Vespa with a hole in the exhaust. I really regret saying this as I'm sure theres going to be lot's of people with M3/4's or looking forward to getting them....IMO, you'll all be getting a truly fantastic car that is the best of it's kind in most areas, expect engine sound, and theres no getting away from that.
Theres absolutely no point me having another 'sports' type of car as I like driving the Merc so much and if I'm honest, the missus needs something more practical for carting stuff around in for our business. We had a Range Rover Sport a couple of years ago and that kind of car (an SUV) is so different in concept to the SLS that it can be 'enjoyed' in a totally different way rather than compared directly. Only I didn't really like the lack of go from the RRS diesel so this time round, I've narrowed it down to either another RRS....but a Supercharged one this time or a new shape ML63 AMG. One of these is being bought on Saturday!
I knew you would not get on with it Andrew, the car gave me a headache after a few hours driving it, to much noise inside.Talking to my local BMW dealer, they're adamant that the days of cheap BMW's has come to an end as BMW is allocating everything in more limited numbers. Supply is not what it was so, if dealers want to make money on the stock they get, they'll need to stop discounting them. Not sure how true this is, but I guess theres some truth given demand in other parts of the world will be taking an increased percentage of the factories output.
Anyway, back on topic, my M3 is going on Monday - I've sold it back to BMW. For not a lot less than I paid for it so I'm getting out now whilst the loss is almost non-existent and before demos start flooding forecourts. Theres nothing actually wrong with the car - objectively, it's far superior to the previous M3 and every other car in it's class (at least those I've driven). But I'm just not gelling with it, and it's probably because I bought an SLS the same week I collected the M3....a bit unfair on the BMW, but when I want a 'fun' drive, it doesn't get a look in. Also, another slightly unfair comparison but compared to my recently departed M6, the M3 might be more agile but in most other respects, there's just no comparison to the V8 - I truly recommend people try a used M5/6 before stumping up for a new M3/4.
However, the M3's chassis is truly brilliant, as is the gearbox, the performance, seats, driving position, HK stereo, adaptive lights and latest iDrive....all truly stunning and the very best you could hope for.
But....and there is a but....the engine. I would describe it as effective (it really is very fast) but compared to the e92 V8 or the C63's M156 I just find it a little boring. Theres little pleasure in revving it out because it delivers huge thrust all the time and (in sport mode) it sounds LOUD all the time. But it's not really a 'nice' loud - I initially thought it sounded pretty decent as I'd conditioned myself for the worst given all the early pre-launch reports but as time's gone on, I think it sounds so bad it's sometimes embarrassing . And I'm not talking about the sound coming out of the stereo (which is either very minimal or so well executed that you really don't notice it) but the sound outside - on a cold start it reminds me of Vespa with a hole in the exhaust. I really regret saying this as I'm sure theres going to be lot's of people with M3/4's or looking forward to getting them....IMO, you'll all be getting a truly fantastic car that is the best of it's kind in most areas, expect engine sound, and theres no getting away from that.
Theres absolutely no point me having another 'sports' type of car as I like driving the Merc so much and if I'm honest, the missus needs something more practical for carting stuff around in for our business. We had a Range Rover Sport a couple of years ago and that kind of car (an SUV) is so different in concept to the SLS that it can be 'enjoyed' in a totally different way rather than compared directly. Only I didn't really like the lack of go from the RRS diesel so this time round, I've narrowed it down to either another RRS....but a Supercharged one this time or a new shape ML63 AMG. One of these is being bought on Saturday!
My M6 GC CP is still not here, October delivery now. J
Interesting topic. I have had a few M3s (love the V8 of the E92), so I test drove the new M4 a few months ago with trepidation. I loved the tech (HUD is a must), but found the noise to be a real let down. Great car but just seemed a bit tame? But test driving in London traffic isn't really a fair test.
I have followed Nick Murray's YouTube reviews with interest, I too have a 991 but I'm not sure I would swap it for the new M4 having driven one.
I had a CSL when they came out, I came from a Boxster S and just loved the engine, noise and "rawness". My girlfriend at the time hated it, (which I quite liked, the car outlasted her)..... But the gearbox was an acquired taste, not sure I could have ever considered it as a daily driver.
However, in its class (v C63 and RS5 etc) I think it has raised the game?
I have followed Nick Murray's YouTube reviews with interest, I too have a 991 but I'm not sure I would swap it for the new M4 having driven one.
I had a CSL when they came out, I came from a Boxster S and just loved the engine, noise and "rawness". My girlfriend at the time hated it, (which I quite liked, the car outlasted her)..... But the gearbox was an acquired taste, not sure I could have ever considered it as a daily driver.
However, in its class (v C63 and RS5 etc) I think it has raised the game?
Edited by findtomdotcom on Saturday 30th August 15:32
V8A*ndy said:
Totally agree, I heard one at Vines a month or so ago and frankly it sounded s
te.It's bad enough to the point where I'll never buy one for that reason alone (I'm too old for an M3 in my eyes, but that's irrelevant
)I think that's a fair question. Personally, I think the character of the engine is the real question mark and the noise is just part of my issue. It comes back to feel, the power it outputs in any gear were amazing. I can't explained it, (and again I'm not sure a drive arround London is a fair test), but it just seemed less fun than my old e92.
And yet in nearly every area it was/is the better car.....
And yet in nearly every area it was/is the better car.....
Edited by findtomdotcom on Sunday 31st August 12:42
findtomdotcom said:
And yet in nearly every area it was/is the better car.....
Interesting, what about the styling? There's a lot of talk about the engine & the exhaust. Do those who have come from the E9X prefer the styling of the new M3/M4? Speaking personally, I don't. I think the minimal changes that are there worsen the look, in particular the fussy front-end. I also find the limited choice of colours a letdown. findtomdotcom said:
Interesting topic. I have had a few M3s (love the V8 of the E92), so I test drove the new M4 a few months ago with trepidation. I loved the tech (HUD is a must), but found the noise to be a real let down. Great car but just seemed a bit tame? But test driving in London traffic isn't really a fair test.
I have followed Nick Murray's YouTube reviews with interest, I too have a 991 but I'm not sure I would swap it for the new M4 having driven one.
I had a CSL when they came out, I came from a Boxster S and just loved the engine, noise and "rawness". My girlfriend at the time hated it, (which I quite liked, the car outlasted her)..... But the gearbox was an acquired taste, not sure I could have ever considered it as a daily driver.
However, in its class (v C63 and RS5 etc) I think it has raised the game?
"The car outlasted her!"I have followed Nick Murray's YouTube reviews with interest, I too have a 991 but I'm not sure I would swap it for the new M4 having driven one.
I had a CSL when they came out, I came from a Boxster S and just loved the engine, noise and "rawness". My girlfriend at the time hated it, (which I quite liked, the car outlasted her)..... But the gearbox was an acquired taste, not sure I could have ever considered it as a daily driver.
However, in its class (v C63 and RS5 etc) I think it has raised the game?
Edited by findtomdotcom on Saturday 30th August 15:32
Brilliant line, I love it!!
spunko2010 said:
Interesting, what about the styling? There's a lot of talk about the engine & the exhaust. Do those who have come from the E9X prefer the styling of the new M3/M4? Speaking personally, I don't. I think the minimal changes that are there worsen the look, in particular the fussy front-end. I also find the limited choice of colours a letdown.
I really like it. It looks better in the flesh and is very modern and mean looking but...... There are some really odd colour choices available and I'm not sure they suit the car. Of course this is (as usual) entirely subjective, I know many people who love the skoda blue and bling yellow, (I should copyright that). But they just aren't for me. Also what's with using ordinary bulbs in the rear lights? The LEDS up front look great, just find it a bit odd the rear lights aren't also LED?However, the interest for me is that I have had many M cars and really like their usability v performance. Maybe it will grow on me? I need a much longer test drive to be sure.
Palmball said:
I'm on the fence with the M4 in whether it looks better than the e92. But I really do like the new M3, which is so wide and aggressive with an amazing stance. IMO it looks better than e90, e92 and M4.
Agree, the new M3 looks great, apart from the wheels and the quad exhaust, which are a bit tacky.....The CSL wheels would've been nice.
My Woman picked her M3 up today.....She loves it....Reckons it's so much better than the old one.....which could mean a lot really since she's probably more interested in the drive than the exhaust note so many seem to get hung up on.....that and the boot is bigger
Pics don't do it justice BTW....hard to capture how fat it looks
Pics don't do it justice BTW....hard to capture how fat it looks
Gassing Station | M Power | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff