My new F80 M3.
Discussion
I've just ordered one of these in Yas Marina Blue as well - such a great colour on the M3 in particular, although BMW Park Lane do have an M4 in at the moment in Dakar Yellow which also looks great.
I toyed with the idea of brown leather initially, but in the end went with the far safer choice of black and blue contrast stitching. I spoke to the dealership yesterday and they have delayed the order by a few days to ensure it arrives with the post-July build date, mid-life updates which I think amount to slightly revised rear LED lights, a slightly larger and thinner SatNav screen and a few other minor enhancements like an illuminated folding mirror switch!
I’m hoping the car should be delivered in September sometime.
I’d be really interested in your thoughts about the car so far.
I toyed with the idea of brown leather initially, but in the end went with the far safer choice of black and blue contrast stitching. I spoke to the dealership yesterday and they have delayed the order by a few days to ensure it arrives with the post-July build date, mid-life updates which I think amount to slightly revised rear LED lights, a slightly larger and thinner SatNav screen and a few other minor enhancements like an illuminated folding mirror switch!
I’m hoping the car should be delivered in September sometime.
I’d be really interested in your thoughts about the car so far.
TheDeadPrussian said:
I've just ordered one of these in Yas Marina Blue as well - such a great colour on the M3 in particular, although BMW Park Lane do have an M4 in at the moment in Dakar Yellow which also looks great.
I toyed with the idea of brown leather initially, but in the end went with the far safer choice of black and blue contrast stitching. I spoke to the dealership yesterday and they have delayed the order by a few days to ensure it arrives with the post-July build date, mid-life updates which I think amount to slightly revised rear LED lights, a slightly larger and thinner SatNav screen and a few other minor enhancements like an illuminated folding mirror switch!
I’m hoping the car should be delivered in September sometime.
I’d be really interested in your thoughts about the car so far.
Here are my initial thoughts after around 300 miles. I will update this as I get more miles on the car and try it out in different conditions.I toyed with the idea of brown leather initially, but in the end went with the far safer choice of black and blue contrast stitching. I spoke to the dealership yesterday and they have delayed the order by a few days to ensure it arrives with the post-July build date, mid-life updates which I think amount to slightly revised rear LED lights, a slightly larger and thinner SatNav screen and a few other minor enhancements like an illuminated folding mirror switch!
I’m hoping the car should be delivered in September sometime.
I’d be really interested in your thoughts about the car so far.
I'll start off with the sound, I actually like the sound, especially in Sport + but I think it sounds good in any mode... there I've said it
Engine. I have to say I am mightily impressed with the engine, pretty much instant power in any gear and for a turbo motor it still likes to be revved, not that it is absolutlely necessary to make rapid progress. I tend to switch between efficiency when tootling around and sport + when pressing on. I might give sport a go at some point. I have noticed the odd it of jerkiness when setting off in sport + but this seems to be related to the throttle position when getting moving in the low gears (1st to 2nd) All in all a great motor
Gearbox. (DCT) I was dead set on getting a manual until I tried the DCT, once I'd tested that I had to have it. I like the full auto option for lazy driving around but love the option of the paddles when I want to play. I have had the odd occasion when it has switched from D into S mode, but I assume I must have caught one of the paddles. The auto does seem to have a bit of a mind of its own though, for example in town yesterday in a 40 it was in 7th yet out and about in a NSL doing about 80 it was holding 6th. Not a big issue just a little odd, and that was in efficiency mode too which I would have thought would change up earlier.
Handling. Just loving the handling, the turn in is superb with massive front end grip and no hint of understeer. I've actually had to delay turning in compared to my O/H's Leon FR as it is just so direct. Mid corner it is beautifully balanced and can be adjusted on the throttle on the corner exit which feels really good, especially in damp conditions like I had yesterday. I am still using DSC but will be moving onto MDM once I get a little more used to the car. I am tending to use sport suspension settings when pressing on, though comfort is quite firm and handles well enough for normal driving. Lateral body control seems good, however when this is combined with vertical control things get a little iffy. I have noticed this over some crests with bends and the car takes a little time to settle. I guess this is the price you pay for practicality in a high performance car and when damping over crests the weight of the vehicle is more apparant. Still a great handling car though and I'll be testing it more on track soon I hope.
Brakes. So far the brakes have been more than good enough, I don't feel I need the CCB option although we will see once I get on track. Nice progressive and powerful so far on the road.
Interior. A nice place to be and I think its pretty well pointed for a sport orientated car.
Gadgets. I'm still getting my head around the i Drive but first impressions are that there is a lot of useful stuff in there albeit some of it appears to be overcomplicated, but that may just be the fact I am learning it as I go.
Whinges. None of these are major issues but with the level of user configuration available it would be nice if the car would store settings. For example, setting a start up configuration. Remembering I don't want the thing to stop overtime I come to a junction.
Well as I've done done a few more miles and also tried the car in different conditions I thought I'd update my initial review.
Engine, I'm now getting used to the engine characteristics and am really enjoying it, the throttle response is superb in sport plus and still very good in the other modes. I have my M2 set to engine - efficiency, suspension - comfort' steering - comfort, gearbox D1 S3 with DSC.M1 is sport plus, sport, comfort, D2, S3, MDM.
If I am tootling about I tend to use M2 which is fine for most driving, if I fancy some fun I press M1 and its like a different car. I like the fact that the modes actually make a difference to the way the car behaves. Whilst I still really like the sound I am looking to get a slip on exhaust but have yet to decide between the Akrapovic and MPE, I can get both for near enough the same price. I am now averaging 21.2 mpg with mixed driving and am happy with that considering the available performance. I am also considering a remap at some point and will probably go with the Litchfield option, although I'll be doing a little more research first.
Gearbox, I have now got to grips with the gearbox and probably spend 70% of the time in full auto which is fine for the most part unless I'm pressing on, what I don't like so much in full auto is the aggressive way the kick down comes in, especially in the wet. Whilst having a play last night I pulled out to overtake another vehicle and the kick down drops a couple of gears and powered away, luckily I was already Lined up straight in the outside lane as the rear flicked sideways rapidly before going back into line, it didn't need any correction but if the front wheel had not been in line it may have been different, granted it was wet, but the car was in DSC and I didn't really expect it. It wasn't an issue but it was slightly surprising. I then tried the same manoeuvre using the paddles and it was much more stable. I also don't like the way it kicks down when exiting corners on full power, again I think it makes the car unstable, no such issue with paddle shifts. In the dry it is much less of an issue. This is not a criticism but merely an observation and is probably expected when you have the amount of power and compromised grip available. Those who say these cars are strangled by electronic aids must be driving something different to me....
Handling, I'm loving this now and my cornering confidence is now much higher, front end grip is superb whilst the rear is predictable if power is applied properly, particularly in the wet. The amount of front grip also showed when I was forced to lift off on a roundabout in the wet as some myopic driver joined without looking, there was a hint of lift off oversteer which required a bit of correction, but again this was easy enough to deal with. The car feels very planted apart from over crests as mentioned in the initial post, I don't think there is a lot which can be done about that without a change to the damping settings, but you have to be driving pretty quickly for it to be something which is a major problem.
My overall impression is that for the money I don't think there is a better car out there that can do so many things really well, provide loads of smiles and be a challenge at the same time. Before I laid out my money I wondered if I would regret writing out such a big cheque. Well I don't, I think the car is worth every penny
Engine, I'm now getting used to the engine characteristics and am really enjoying it, the throttle response is superb in sport plus and still very good in the other modes. I have my M2 set to engine - efficiency, suspension - comfort' steering - comfort, gearbox D1 S3 with DSC.M1 is sport plus, sport, comfort, D2, S3, MDM.
If I am tootling about I tend to use M2 which is fine for most driving, if I fancy some fun I press M1 and its like a different car. I like the fact that the modes actually make a difference to the way the car behaves. Whilst I still really like the sound I am looking to get a slip on exhaust but have yet to decide between the Akrapovic and MPE, I can get both for near enough the same price. I am now averaging 21.2 mpg with mixed driving and am happy with that considering the available performance. I am also considering a remap at some point and will probably go with the Litchfield option, although I'll be doing a little more research first.
Gearbox, I have now got to grips with the gearbox and probably spend 70% of the time in full auto which is fine for the most part unless I'm pressing on, what I don't like so much in full auto is the aggressive way the kick down comes in, especially in the wet. Whilst having a play last night I pulled out to overtake another vehicle and the kick down drops a couple of gears and powered away, luckily I was already Lined up straight in the outside lane as the rear flicked sideways rapidly before going back into line, it didn't need any correction but if the front wheel had not been in line it may have been different, granted it was wet, but the car was in DSC and I didn't really expect it. It wasn't an issue but it was slightly surprising. I then tried the same manoeuvre using the paddles and it was much more stable. I also don't like the way it kicks down when exiting corners on full power, again I think it makes the car unstable, no such issue with paddle shifts. In the dry it is much less of an issue. This is not a criticism but merely an observation and is probably expected when you have the amount of power and compromised grip available. Those who say these cars are strangled by electronic aids must be driving something different to me....
Handling, I'm loving this now and my cornering confidence is now much higher, front end grip is superb whilst the rear is predictable if power is applied properly, particularly in the wet. The amount of front grip also showed when I was forced to lift off on a roundabout in the wet as some myopic driver joined without looking, there was a hint of lift off oversteer which required a bit of correction, but again this was easy enough to deal with. The car feels very planted apart from over crests as mentioned in the initial post, I don't think there is a lot which can be done about that without a change to the damping settings, but you have to be driving pretty quickly for it to be something which is a major problem.
My overall impression is that for the money I don't think there is a better car out there that can do so many things really well, provide loads of smiles and be a challenge at the same time. Before I laid out my money I wondered if I would regret writing out such a big cheque. Well I don't, I think the car is worth every penny
Rick448 said:
Well as I've done done a few more miles and also tried the car in different conditions I thought I'd update my initial review.
Engine, I'm now getting used to the engine characteristics and am really enjoying it, the throttle response is superb in sport plus and still very good in the other modes. I have my M2 set to engine - efficiency, suspension - comfort' steering - comfort, gearbox D1 S3 with DSC.M1 is sport plus, sport, comfort, D2, S3, MDM.
If I am tootling about I tend to use M2 which is fine for most driving, if I fancy some fun I press M1 and its like a different car. I like the fact that the modes actually make a difference to the way the car behaves. Whilst I still really like the sound I am looking to get a slip on exhaust but have yet to decide between the Akrapovic and MPE, I can get both for near enough the same price. I am now averaging 21.2 mpg with mixed driving and am happy with that considering the available performance. I am also considering a remap at some point and will probably go with the Litchfield option, although I'll be doing a little more research first.
Gearbox, I have now got to grips with the gearbox and probably spend 70% of the time in full auto which is fine for the most part unless I'm pressing on, what I don't like so much in full auto is the aggressive way the kick down comes in, especially in the wet. Whilst having a play last night I pulled out to overtake another vehicle and the kick down drops a couple of gears and powered away, luckily I was already Lined up straight in the outside lane as the rear flicked sideways rapidly before going back into line, it didn't need any correction but if the front wheel had not been in line it may have been different, granted it was wet, but the car was in DSC and I didn't really expect it. It wasn't an issue but it was slightly surprising. I then tried the same manoeuvre using the paddles and it was much more stable. I also don't like the way it kicks down when exiting corners on full power, again I think it makes the car unstable, no such issue with paddle shifts. In the dry it is much less of an issue. This is not a criticism but merely an observation and is probably expected when you have the amount of power and compromised grip available. Those who say these cars are strangled by electronic aids must be driving something different to me....
Handling, I'm loving this now and my cornering confidence is now much higher, front end grip is superb whilst the rear is predictable if power is applied properly, particularly in the wet. The amount of front grip also showed when I was forced to lift off on a roundabout in the wet as some myopic driver joined without looking, there was a hint of lift off oversteer which required a bit of correction, but again this was easy enough to deal with. The car feels very planted apart from over crests as mentioned in the initial post, I don't think there is a lot which can be done about that without a change to the damping settings, but you have to be driving pretty quickly for it to be something which is a major problem.
My overall impression is that for the money I don't think there is a better car out there that can do so many things really well, provide loads of smiles and be a challenge at the same time. Before I laid out my money I wondered if I would regret writing out such a big cheque. Well I don't, I think the car is worth every penny
Really interesting (and thanks again for taking the time to update us) and these comments mirror the experience of a friend of mine who also has an M3. Engine, I'm now getting used to the engine characteristics and am really enjoying it, the throttle response is superb in sport plus and still very good in the other modes. I have my M2 set to engine - efficiency, suspension - comfort' steering - comfort, gearbox D1 S3 with DSC.M1 is sport plus, sport, comfort, D2, S3, MDM.
If I am tootling about I tend to use M2 which is fine for most driving, if I fancy some fun I press M1 and its like a different car. I like the fact that the modes actually make a difference to the way the car behaves. Whilst I still really like the sound I am looking to get a slip on exhaust but have yet to decide between the Akrapovic and MPE, I can get both for near enough the same price. I am now averaging 21.2 mpg with mixed driving and am happy with that considering the available performance. I am also considering a remap at some point and will probably go with the Litchfield option, although I'll be doing a little more research first.
Gearbox, I have now got to grips with the gearbox and probably spend 70% of the time in full auto which is fine for the most part unless I'm pressing on, what I don't like so much in full auto is the aggressive way the kick down comes in, especially in the wet. Whilst having a play last night I pulled out to overtake another vehicle and the kick down drops a couple of gears and powered away, luckily I was already Lined up straight in the outside lane as the rear flicked sideways rapidly before going back into line, it didn't need any correction but if the front wheel had not been in line it may have been different, granted it was wet, but the car was in DSC and I didn't really expect it. It wasn't an issue but it was slightly surprising. I then tried the same manoeuvre using the paddles and it was much more stable. I also don't like the way it kicks down when exiting corners on full power, again I think it makes the car unstable, no such issue with paddle shifts. In the dry it is much less of an issue. This is not a criticism but merely an observation and is probably expected when you have the amount of power and compromised grip available. Those who say these cars are strangled by electronic aids must be driving something different to me....
Handling, I'm loving this now and my cornering confidence is now much higher, front end grip is superb whilst the rear is predictable if power is applied properly, particularly in the wet. The amount of front grip also showed when I was forced to lift off on a roundabout in the wet as some myopic driver joined without looking, there was a hint of lift off oversteer which required a bit of correction, but again this was easy enough to deal with. The car feels very planted apart from over crests as mentioned in the initial post, I don't think there is a lot which can be done about that without a change to the damping settings, but you have to be driving pretty quickly for it to be something which is a major problem.
My overall impression is that for the money I don't think there is a better car out there that can do so many things really well, provide loads of smiles and be a challenge at the same time. Before I laid out my money I wondered if I would regret writing out such a big cheque. Well I don't, I think the car is worth every penny
He drives with all the aids permanently switched off and his experience is similar, lots of front end grip in the dry, but a bit of hand full in the wet and the rear is extremely 'playful'. Which sounds like just what I am looking for!
I've not tried mine with the DSC turned fully off yet, I'm still trying things out and gradually learning how the car reacts to increasing corner speed and throttle inputs. Plus most of my miles so far have involved have my 4 month old in the baby seat so obviously I'm not pushing it with her onboard. I'm going to be fitting a Litchfield tuning box next week which should up the power to 500bhp and 470 lbs/ft. I'll report back once I've had a play with that.
Rick448 said:
I've not tried mine with the DSC turned fully off yet, I'm still trying things out and gradually learning how the car reacts to increasing corner speed and throttle inputs. Plus most of my miles so far have involved have my 4 month old in the baby seat so obviously I'm not pushing it with her onboard. I'm going to be fitting a Litchfield tuning box next week which should up the power to 500bhp and 470 lbs/ft. I'll report back once I've had a play with that.
I am very interested in this "Tuning Box" Rick, I thought Litchfield were doing a "remap", strange for them using Tuning Boxes.I would need some assurances as to the fuelling using one, please ask some questions before you have this done and give us some feed-back, thanks J
http://www.litchfieldimports.co.uk/BMW/bmw_m4/upgr...
The tuning box I am getting is a piggy back type which can be fitted or removed as required. I don't think the ECU has been cracked yet but I'm not sure.
The tuning box I am getting is a piggy back type which can be fitted or removed as required. I don't think the ECU has been cracked yet but I'm not sure.
Rick448 said:
http://www.litchfieldimports.co.uk/BMW/bmw_m4/upgr...
The tuning box I am getting is a piggy back type which can be fitted or removed as required. I don't think the ECU has been cracked yet but I'm not sure.
No mention of a tuning box unless I am blind (could be) it states REMAP.The tuning box I am getting is a piggy back type which can be fitted or removed as required. I don't think the ECU has been cracked yet but I'm not sure.
Their Maha dyno is up and running.
Gassing Station | M Power | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff