RE: BMW M4 Convertible: Review
Discussion
4 seater convertibles look pants IMO, I had an e46 none m3 cab when I was about 18 as I really wanted a Z4 but couldn't afford the insurance at the time. I can remember looking at the car from a side profile once with the roof off and thought god I look like an utter bellend driving that.. Looked like a canal boat. Give me the coupe or saloon any day of the week great daily car to do everything.
I really don't understand what people write about the new M3 M4 unless I factor in that they must not have driven the car. My family and I have owned E30 evo M3, E36 M3 evo x 2, M coupe, E46 M3 x 2, E46 CSl V10 M5, and I have driven many many miles in V8 M3's. I now own a New M3 and have done a few thousand miles in it. I love the noise it makes. I also can't believe how fast it is compared to all the previous M3’s and even the mighty V10 M5, they really have moved it up a level as it feels more like a 911 turbo of a few years back. Its a much bigger step than E46 to V8 on the road as the torque fires you up the road whilst leaving "11"s in the first 3 gears!
I guess it depends on what you are buying the car for. I have driven the last 240,000 miles of my every day life in M3's. I don't see it as a weekend car. I need it to be quiet, comfortable and practical a lot of the time and but enjoy using the performance when the conditions allow. All my previous M cars have been on numerous track days and all have been on nurburgring trips even though I have always had a more suitable car for track driving at my disposal, why? Because the M3 can do it all! And for me thats the appeal of the M3 through the years and model changes. The new M3 is by far the best M3 I have driven as it covers an even broader spectrum of use than the previous cars. In Ecopro mode and full auto setting on the DCT dampers in comfort and steering in comfort, it is super quiet, the ride is very comfortable and any passengers have no idea at all that they are in a sporty car which is excellent for business use. On a recent Bank holiday trip with the wife it averaged 36mpg over 205 miles! However with everything at the opposite extreme the car transforms into a far more hardcore machine than every M3, CSL included. It now has that very desirable excess of power over grip that all the previous M3’s lacked a little. Turn of the DSC fully and you have to be on top of your game.
Before buying the new M3 I drove a Merc 507 edition C63 AMG. I had my heart set on it before I drove it as I love V8's and having read all the reviews I thought it would be amazing. I was so disappointed. The big attraction of the noise was the biggest let down. Inside with the windows up you can barely hear the exhaust and there was hardly any induction noise. The car felt so heavy and the ride was harsh no matter what setting the car was in. To me the new M3 sounds much better and is in another league in terms of handling and ride.
I guess it depends on what you are buying the car for. I have driven the last 240,000 miles of my every day life in M3's. I don't see it as a weekend car. I need it to be quiet, comfortable and practical a lot of the time and but enjoy using the performance when the conditions allow. All my previous M cars have been on numerous track days and all have been on nurburgring trips even though I have always had a more suitable car for track driving at my disposal, why? Because the M3 can do it all! And for me thats the appeal of the M3 through the years and model changes. The new M3 is by far the best M3 I have driven as it covers an even broader spectrum of use than the previous cars. In Ecopro mode and full auto setting on the DCT dampers in comfort and steering in comfort, it is super quiet, the ride is very comfortable and any passengers have no idea at all that they are in a sporty car which is excellent for business use. On a recent Bank holiday trip with the wife it averaged 36mpg over 205 miles! However with everything at the opposite extreme the car transforms into a far more hardcore machine than every M3, CSL included. It now has that very desirable excess of power over grip that all the previous M3’s lacked a little. Turn of the DSC fully and you have to be on top of your game.
Before buying the new M3 I drove a Merc 507 edition C63 AMG. I had my heart set on it before I drove it as I love V8's and having read all the reviews I thought it would be amazing. I was so disappointed. The big attraction of the noise was the biggest let down. Inside with the windows up you can barely hear the exhaust and there was hardly any induction noise. The car felt so heavy and the ride was harsh no matter what setting the car was in. To me the new M3 sounds much better and is in another league in terms of handling and ride.
Ok to clear this up a little
Rubbish engine... produces a lot more torque and some more power than the old engine and more fuel efficient! Ok it doesn't sound like a v8 but is this not missing the point? With emission rules etc. other brands will have to follow suit with this and just how well are they going to do? The car might not sound the nest in a rev competition but it drives excellent and does sound well when on the go from outside. A little less synthesised noise would have been a bonus though I agree
Bit lardy... If you want a cabriolet then you want a cabriolet! You get more weight. SIMPLE Does it really weigh that more than its competitors though? and does this extra weight make that much more different on public roads, granted there will be a difference but that much? really?
I've driven the m4 and it drives fantastic and doesn't feel any bigger than an s5 or c63 amg I don't know what the size stats say but I don't think there's anything in it size wise but have got to say that the rs5 was the car out of the 3 that felt heavy. Now im comparing coupes not convertibles but I can take a guess that the Audi would feel the heaviest there as well.
If there's anything wrong with the M3 or M4 line up I would say that BMW have missed a trick by not adding an estate version into their range as the competitors see to do well with this especially Audi.
Rubbish engine... produces a lot more torque and some more power than the old engine and more fuel efficient! Ok it doesn't sound like a v8 but is this not missing the point? With emission rules etc. other brands will have to follow suit with this and just how well are they going to do? The car might not sound the nest in a rev competition but it drives excellent and does sound well when on the go from outside. A little less synthesised noise would have been a bonus though I agree
Bit lardy... If you want a cabriolet then you want a cabriolet! You get more weight. SIMPLE Does it really weigh that more than its competitors though? and does this extra weight make that much more different on public roads, granted there will be a difference but that much? really?
I've driven the m4 and it drives fantastic and doesn't feel any bigger than an s5 or c63 amg I don't know what the size stats say but I don't think there's anything in it size wise but have got to say that the rs5 was the car out of the 3 that felt heavy. Now im comparing coupes not convertibles but I can take a guess that the Audi would feel the heaviest there as well.
If there's anything wrong with the M3 or M4 line up I would say that BMW have missed a trick by not adding an estate version into their range as the competitors see to do well with this especially Audi.
This is PH, you get idiots moaning about the cars weight as though they physically have to lift it up. But yet the same people their waistline is probably on the porky side.
These bull s
tters would not even have the money to buy it, or even if they were in the market for it, it would probably be 15 years time, when it has depreciated like st. They also probably would never even see the track with it, so pointless pratting on about weight.
These bull s
tters would not even have the money to buy it, or even if they were in the market for it, it would probably be 15 years time, when it has depreciated like st. They also probably would never even see the track with it, so pointless pratting on about weight.jimbop1 said:
What colour is this?
I think the car looks fantastic. Who cares how much it weighs if it drives well?
It does make me laugh the comments people make when a new BMW comes out.
One thing though...
And cabrio owners all know, there's a certain speed that you can drive and still not get wet. For the avoidance of doubt a restricted 11mph is definitely the wrong side of this threshold. Which gives you the curious dilemma - slow down and definitely get wet, to get dry? Or speed up and get less wet, but definitely not completely dry. The choice is yours!
Ayyy???
I think the car looks fantastic. Who cares how much it weighs if it drives well?
It does make me laugh the comments people make when a new BMW comes out.
One thing though...
And cabrio owners all know, there's a certain speed that you can drive and still not get wet. For the avoidance of doubt a restricted 11mph is definitely the wrong side of this threshold. Which gives you the curious dilemma - slow down and definitely get wet, to get dry? Or speed up and get less wet, but definitely not completely dry. The choice is yours!
Ayyy???
Hardly much history in the way you put it compared to other manufactueres such as Renault, Ferrari etc in terms of motorsport.
DeltonaS said:
"First and foremost" is something else as "primarily", therefore: "with some minor changes they could've made it better......without even compromising the GT side of the car"
If you want a blend of "all sorts of abilities - performance, handling, comfort, practicality" then a BMW 335i or 335d M sport (in saloon or touring shape) would make more sence.
Given BMW and BMW M(otorsport)'s history, An M3 should emphasize the performance side of the 3 series, so you would expec a little more focus and determination of the M devision in for instance the latest Motorsport technology and/or light weight materials/solutions (hence the carbon fibre, LI batteries, non electric seats).
Instead, the M division nowadays seams more focused in offering all kinds of tacky wheels, tuning parts and body kits.
If you want a blend of "all sorts of abilities - performance, handling, comfort, practicality" then a BMW 335i or 335d M sport (in saloon or touring shape) would make more sence.
Given BMW and BMW M(otorsport)'s history, An M3 should emphasize the performance side of the 3 series, so you would expec a little more focus and determination of the M devision in for instance the latest Motorsport technology and/or light weight materials/solutions (hence the carbon fibre, LI batteries, non electric seats).
Instead, the M division nowadays seams more focused in offering all kinds of tacky wheels, tuning parts and body kits.
Edited by DeltonaS on Monday 1st September 19:01
Edited by DeltonaS on Monday 1st September 19:02
I agree with you kambites, as those here cussing over it, would never go and buy it new, even if ti were say 1.2 tonnes etc. They would ALWAYS find an excuse not to buy it.
BMW know full well who their customers are and what they want.
kambites said:
DeltonaS said:
Given BMW and BMW M(otorsport)'s history, An M3 should emphasize the performance side of the 3 series.
I think we'll have to agree to disagree there. The M brand has been about producing great allrounders rather than pure performance and/or drivers' cars for decades, to my mind, and it's something they do exceptionally well. Yes they've done the odd driver-focussed stripped out model like the CSL but it's been the exception not the norm. BMW know full well who their customers are and what they want.
Edited by kambites on Monday 1st September 19:03
Speak for yourself. I saw a grey M3 this week and a yellow pearl M4; they day after. They looked epic; although was hopsing for either driver to hammer it so I could hear the engine noise, but they just cruised along; grrrrr!
V8 is nice but think it was a bit of an overkill in this sector of car. Rather a 6 turbo anyday.
t car then?
Just because we all know that it's a turbo 6 doesn't mean we can forgive it for being a dull-as-ditch-water engine. And Porsche manage to only add a few kilos to their coupe for the cab - granted with a fabric hood, but so what? Same outcome.
You can almost forgive the cab though - you first have to accept that it's now a town cruiser and leave it at that - although without a sexy engine note, why bother... fk, I don't know. Clearly it's not for me.
But I do think BMW have entirely lost the plot with the new M3/M4 coupe. Still too heavy, and now a rubbish engine. It even looks dull. Why wouldn't someone just have a 335i or whatever they're called over this? There's nothing of interest here. No hint of exotic, no exciting underskin design. It's just some numbers packaged up for boring people.
Perhaps it's regulations that have killed M, but still they have to do better than this, surely?
V8 is nice but think it was a bit of an overkill in this sector of car. Rather a 6 turbo anyday.
PunterCam said:
Kong said:
Very predictable article, 'doesn't sound as good as the V8' - well obviously, 'not as sharpe to drive as the coupe' - well obviously. Then follows the equally predictable replies from Lotus owners who say it's too heavy. Then the person who compares the weight to a 10 year old 6 series Coupe and concludes the weight is "shambolic" - how about compare it to the equivalent Merc/Audi on sale today?
Personally I'm not a fan of 4 seat cabrios but the M4 Coupe both aesthetically and dynamically seems to be the best new BMW in quite some time.
Predictably sPersonally I'm not a fan of 4 seat cabrios but the M4 Coupe both aesthetically and dynamically seems to be the best new BMW in quite some time.
t car then? Just because we all know that it's a turbo 6 doesn't mean we can forgive it for being a dull-as-ditch-water engine. And Porsche manage to only add a few kilos to their coupe for the cab - granted with a fabric hood, but so what? Same outcome.
You can almost forgive the cab though - you first have to accept that it's now a town cruiser and leave it at that - although without a sexy engine note, why bother... f
k, I don't know. Clearly it's not for me. But I do think BMW have entirely lost the plot with the new M3/M4 coupe. Still too heavy, and now a rubbish engine. It even looks dull. Why wouldn't someone just have a 335i or whatever they're called over this? There's nothing of interest here. No hint of exotic, no exciting underskin design. It's just some numbers packaged up for boring people.
Perhaps it's regulations that have killed M, but still they have to do better than this, surely?
He is a keyboard driver, what do you expect.
Also it doesn't look dull..it looks fantastic, but that's down to opinion.
jimbop1 said:
PunterCam said:
Predictably st car then?
Just because we all know that it's a turbo 6 doesn't mean we can forgive it for being a dull-as-ditch-water engine. And Porsche manage to only add a few kilos to their coupe for the cab - granted with a fabric hood, but so what? Same outcome.
You can almost forgive the cab though - you first have to accept that it's now a town cruiser and leave it at that - although without a sexy engine note, why bother... fk, I don't know. Clearly it's not for me.
But I do think BMW have entirely lost the plot with the new M3/M4 coupe. Still too heavy, and now a rubbish engine. It even looks dull. Why wouldn't someone just have a 335i or whatever they're called over this? There's nothing of interest here. No hint of exotic, no exciting underskin design. It's just some numbers packaged up for boring people.
Perhaps it's regulations that have killed M, but still they have to do better than this, surely?
So you've driven one to know it's too heavy and has a rubbish engine?t car then? Just because we all know that it's a turbo 6 doesn't mean we can forgive it for being a dull-as-ditch-water engine. And Porsche manage to only add a few kilos to their coupe for the cab - granted with a fabric hood, but so what? Same outcome.
You can almost forgive the cab though - you first have to accept that it's now a town cruiser and leave it at that - although without a sexy engine note, why bother... f
k, I don't know. Clearly it's not for me. But I do think BMW have entirely lost the plot with the new M3/M4 coupe. Still too heavy, and now a rubbish engine. It even looks dull. Why wouldn't someone just have a 335i or whatever they're called over this? There's nothing of interest here. No hint of exotic, no exciting underskin design. It's just some numbers packaged up for boring people.
Perhaps it's regulations that have killed M, but still they have to do better than this, surely?
Also it doesn't look dull..it looks fantastic, but that's down to opinion.
Jeez, there's some ridiculous comments on here, well done PH!!
The M4 convertible exists to give us more choice chaps, its not going to be for everyone.
The world has moved on from the days of the E30, fine cars that they were and indeed are. The E30 M3 cabrio was lambasted at the time for being less focused, but really who cares? It was never meant to be an out and out sports car. One for the posers? Probably, yes, but why not.
Yes, the M4 is a heavy car, but I think we should applaud BMW for making it lighter than the old M3 Cabrio, even taking the added equipment levels on board.
At the end of the day, the regulations and effectively majority of BMW's customers demand all the safety and equipment that modern cars include, substantially more than even going back just a couple of generations to the E46.
PH inevitably has its share of armchair experts, who wouldn't spend more than £1500 on a shed. Its fair to say the M4 wasn't aimed at you....
I think BMW know their customers well, and this will do well.
The M4 convertible exists to give us more choice chaps, its not going to be for everyone.
The world has moved on from the days of the E30, fine cars that they were and indeed are. The E30 M3 cabrio was lambasted at the time for being less focused, but really who cares? It was never meant to be an out and out sports car. One for the posers? Probably, yes, but why not.
Yes, the M4 is a heavy car, but I think we should applaud BMW for making it lighter than the old M3 Cabrio, even taking the added equipment levels on board.
At the end of the day, the regulations and effectively majority of BMW's customers demand all the safety and equipment that modern cars include, substantially more than even going back just a couple of generations to the E46.
PH inevitably has its share of armchair experts, who wouldn't spend more than £1500 on a shed. Its fair to say the M4 wasn't aimed at you....
I think BMW know their customers well, and this will do well.
The JM said:
I really don't understand what people write about the new M3 M4 unless I factor in that they must not have driven the car. My family and I have owned E30 evo M3, E36 M3 evo x 2, M coupe, E46 M3 x 2, E46 CSl V10 M5, and I have driven many many miles in V8 M3's. I now own a New M3 and have done a few thousand miles in it. I love the noise it makes. I also can't believe how fast it is compared to all the previous M3’s and even the mighty V10 M5, they really have moved it up a level as it feels more like a 911 turbo of a few years back. Its a much bigger step than E46 to V8 on the road as the torque fires you up the road whilst leaving "11"s in the first 3 gears!
I guess it depends on what you are buying the car for. I have driven the last 240,000 miles of my every day life in M3's. I don't see it as a weekend car. I need it to be quiet, comfortable and practical a lot of the time and but enjoy using the performance when the conditions allow. All my previous M cars have been on numerous track days and all have been on nurburgring trips even though I have always had a more suitable car for track driving at my disposal, why? Because the M3 can do it all! And for me thats the appeal of the M3 through the years and model changes. The new M3 is by far the best M3 I have driven as it covers an even broader spectrum of use than the previous cars. In Ecopro mode and full auto setting on the DCT dampers in comfort and steering in comfort, it is super quiet, the ride is very comfortable and any passengers have no idea at all that they are in a sporty car which is excellent for business use. On a recent Bank holiday trip with the wife it averaged 36mpg over 205 miles! However with everything at the opposite extreme the car transforms into a far more hardcore machine than every M3, CSL included. It now has that very desirable excess of power over grip that all the previous M3’s lacked a little. Turn of the DSC fully and you have to be on top of your game.
Before buying the new M3 I drove a Merc 507 edition C63 AMG. I had my heart set on it before I drove it as I love V8's and having read all the reviews I thought it would be amazing. I was so disappointed. The big attraction of the noise was the biggest let down. Inside with the windows up you can barely hear the exhaust and there was hardly any induction noise. The car felt so heavy and the ride was harsh no matter what setting the car was in. To me the new M3 sounds much better and is in another league in terms of handling and ride.
An actual review from an owner... thank you.I guess it depends on what you are buying the car for. I have driven the last 240,000 miles of my every day life in M3's. I don't see it as a weekend car. I need it to be quiet, comfortable and practical a lot of the time and but enjoy using the performance when the conditions allow. All my previous M cars have been on numerous track days and all have been on nurburgring trips even though I have always had a more suitable car for track driving at my disposal, why? Because the M3 can do it all! And for me thats the appeal of the M3 through the years and model changes. The new M3 is by far the best M3 I have driven as it covers an even broader spectrum of use than the previous cars. In Ecopro mode and full auto setting on the DCT dampers in comfort and steering in comfort, it is super quiet, the ride is very comfortable and any passengers have no idea at all that they are in a sporty car which is excellent for business use. On a recent Bank holiday trip with the wife it averaged 36mpg over 205 miles! However with everything at the opposite extreme the car transforms into a far more hardcore machine than every M3, CSL included. It now has that very desirable excess of power over grip that all the previous M3’s lacked a little. Turn of the DSC fully and you have to be on top of your game.
Before buying the new M3 I drove a Merc 507 edition C63 AMG. I had my heart set on it before I drove it as I love V8's and having read all the reviews I thought it would be amazing. I was so disappointed. The big attraction of the noise was the biggest let down. Inside with the windows up you can barely hear the exhaust and there was hardly any induction noise. The car felt so heavy and the ride was harsh no matter what setting the car was in. To me the new M3 sounds much better and is in another league in terms of handling and ride.
Just don't understand why people rubbish cars without getting near them.
hondansx said:
An actual review from an owner... thank you.
Just don't understand why people rubbish cars without getting near them.
come-on, i'm sure there is someone on here that owns a Vectra and would tell you how Awesome it is.Just don't understand why people rubbish cars without getting near them.
you can say what you don't like about a car without driving it.
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