I traded in my new M4 for an f80 m3 after 1 month -explained
Discussion
Hey Tonyb2 - unfortunately not a wind up.... I think I just sit quite close.
The main point is the difference in seating position between the 15 plate m3 (which was perfect) vs revised 65 plate m3.... Trying to understand why bmw make these changes? I've also notice the engine note and power delivery seems to be slightly different on the face lift too, as well as some minor interior changes...
On the bright side it's been fun trying out all of bmws new m3/4 range - coupe, convertible and saloon... My main concern is that I'll want the competition pack version m3/4 when it comes out in the summer....lets see what that's like, as I also understand there'll be different seats in addition to 444bhp and hopefully slightly better traction when accelerating hard from low speeds, low down in the rev range ??
The main point is the difference in seating position between the 15 plate m3 (which was perfect) vs revised 65 plate m3.... Trying to understand why bmw make these changes? I've also notice the engine note and power delivery seems to be slightly different on the face lift too, as well as some minor interior changes...
On the bright side it's been fun trying out all of bmws new m3/4 range - coupe, convertible and saloon... My main concern is that I'll want the competition pack version m3/4 when it comes out in the summer....lets see what that's like, as I also understand there'll be different seats in addition to 444bhp and hopefully slightly better traction when accelerating hard from low speeds, low down in the rev range ??
REALIST123 said:
0836whimper said:
Wow
All that effort to swap, and it turns out be to the same !
I'd want my lost trade-in money back from BMW.
Wonder why the M3 was better to drive (apart from seats) ?
All that effort to swap, and it turns out be to the same !
I'd want my lost trade-in money back from BMW.
Wonder why the M3 was better to drive (apart from seats) ?
What?! You blame BMW because a punter doesn't bother to check that he's comfortable in a car before he buys it? Notwithstanding the fact that said customer appears to sit in a very odd position judging by the butchery he's undertaken.
Unbelievable.
Secondly, he did try it, and fitted, but no one at BMW mentioned that the seats had been revised despite that being the only reason he swapped. Is how I read it anyway.
Thanks 0836 whimper, that's exactly the point.
Yes new roof lining needed at trade .... I got a quote from bmw before cutting (compare cost to replace roof vs trading the car in again and buying something else) and it'll be a £1000 at trade in. I know it's expensive but I now get to enjoy a great car and I'm pleased to be keeping it.... The pre facelift 15 plate m3 really reminded me of how important comfort/driving position really is for enjoying fast driving.
I'm really enjoying the car and I'm ripping through the rear conti tyres (which I'll be replacing with the pilot ss as I found they were better on the m4) as the back end breaks away so freely but is so controllable that it almost becomes regular a to b daily driving
My previous e93 m3 was also very tight, but my z4 m coupe had loads of room, such a small car, but seemed to have been set up for an upright race driving position with helmet?/
Yes new roof lining needed at trade .... I got a quote from bmw before cutting (compare cost to replace roof vs trading the car in again and buying something else) and it'll be a £1000 at trade in. I know it's expensive but I now get to enjoy a great car and I'm pleased to be keeping it.... The pre facelift 15 plate m3 really reminded me of how important comfort/driving position really is for enjoying fast driving.
I'm really enjoying the car and I'm ripping through the rear conti tyres (which I'll be replacing with the pilot ss as I found they were better on the m4) as the back end breaks away so freely but is so controllable that it almost becomes regular a to b daily driving
My previous e93 m3 was also very tight, but my z4 m coupe had loads of room, such a small car, but seemed to have been set up for an upright race driving position with helmet?/
Interestingly, or not, I have the same issue OP.
I can totally understand where you're coming from. I've owned a few BMW's with electric seats and can never get them low enough. I'm 6ft3. The 'worst' offender was my E39 M5, swiftly followed by my E60 M5. Oddly, my M3CS was much better. More recently, I've gone from an E90 with electric seats to an E91 with manual seats, and the E91 is way more comfortable.
I know all the electric motors and gubbins take up space, but I dont want my head on the headlining when driving. Similarly, I can't drive Elise ir Exige comfortably. Well, I could, but only in 1st and 2nd gear, and only in a straight line. There's more space in a dodgem.
I can totally understand where you're coming from. I've owned a few BMW's with electric seats and can never get them low enough. I'm 6ft3. The 'worst' offender was my E39 M5, swiftly followed by my E60 M5. Oddly, my M3CS was much better. More recently, I've gone from an E90 with electric seats to an E91 with manual seats, and the E91 is way more comfortable.
I know all the electric motors and gubbins take up space, but I dont want my head on the headlining when driving. Similarly, I can't drive Elise ir Exige comfortably. Well, I could, but only in 1st and 2nd gear, and only in a straight line. There's more space in a dodgem.
I'm curious OP, how close to the wheel are you? If I stretch my arms out I can just about rest my wrists on top of the wheel - I like to be a good distance back. I'm certainly not tall, but I can't help but think different seats would have been a much more preferable and cheaper solution to butchering a headliner?
This is quite a common problem in supercars. Loads of customers have all the electrics etc removed from under the seats and have them mounted in a fixed position via a flush mount on the floor. Fine for the driver and good excuse to not let your mates drive it! Easily reversible come resale. You could probably get an aftermarket adjustable one in a M3/M4 and it would still give you an extra few inches. Never heard of anyone cutting out roof linings until now!
jayemm89 said:
I'm curious OP, how close to the wheel are you? If I stretch my arms out I can just about rest my wrists on top of the wheel - I like to be a good distance back. I'm certainly not tall, but I can't help but think different seats would have been a much more preferable and cheaper solution to butchering a headliner?
Modern headliners aren't the time consuming PITA to fit they used to be. I doubt they're overly expensive as a part either.Gassing Station | M Power | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff