BMW M4: PH Carpool
So what is an M4 really like with a manual gearbox? This Stateside PHer tells all!
Car: BMW M4 manual
Owned since: September 2014
Previously owned: "Ford Mustang GT convertible, Mercedes CLS63 AMG (three wonderful months!), Acura TL, Ford Taurus SHO, Honda Accord Coupe. I've always had a SUV (Toyota 4Runner at present) on the side for the times it was needed."
Why I bought it:
"Many people who know what they are saying have mirrored PH's thoughts on the DCT being the perfect fit for this car. For me it was simple though: this could be the last new car I buy that is offered with a manual. Regardless of what I buy next, it will likely have a DCT/PDK."
A very happy man at the dealership!
"Regarding the steel brakes, I really don't have enough track experience to compare them to the ceramics. But I have driven the E92 M3 on a track and feel with certainty the steel brakes on this generation are much better. I let an instructor drive the car last time I did a track day and sat in the car as we went around the track. As the owner of a GT3, the guy has spent enough time on a track to know what he's talking about. He said the steel brakes started to fade after five laps of a three-mile track, but very overall was impressed by them considering they were the standard set-up.
"But looking back, the one option I would change in my order is the ceramics. They are rare and will be very desirable once these cars hit the used market in more numbers. The ceramics are expensive, but worth the cost if you drive it on track."
One more to get the Active Sound Design delete soon
"So I really like the car. It's not perfect but I look forward to getting into it every day. I think this car is a good example of one that starts off well enough, but gets better as you learn it - it took me the better part of three months to find the perfect combination of throttle/steering/suspension settings. iDrive also had a relatively steep learning curve for those with little experience but now that I've put the time in, it's fast and responsive and does what I want it to do.
"Sound? I like it. It's not perfect but I enjoy the sound in Sport and Sport+ settings. Interestingly I just got the software update done last week and am certain the car is louder and deeper afterwards. Valves open, the car sounds great. It's even better with an aftermarket exhaust.
"Transmission: I love it. I think most of the criticism this car is getting for being too distant and difficult are from DCT owners. The manual is nearly perfect (for a BMW) transmission and it's the best option I chose when ordering.
"My setting for M1 is M Dynamic Mode stability control, Sport for throttle, Sport for steering, and Comfort for the dampers. That is my daily driving set-up. Like many of us, I have M2 set to Sport+ across the board with traction control fully off. I rarely venture into M2 outside of the track."
Another member of the fan club!
"I saw the PH story about the Active Sound Design disabling. I will most likely do that. Another popular aftermarket set-up is a simple kit that allows you to control the valve openings regardless of what settings you have throttle in. That means very loud cold starts in the morning, and a better overall sound if you want to drive with throttle in comfort.
"But, again, why should we as owners of a new and expensive car require so many adjustments/tricks/aftermarket fixes to find that perfect fit? That is really this car's main flaw, it's just not perfect out of the box. Time and effort can make this a car as desirable as any competitor, but that's after purchase.
"Also, why do I have to hit a button for my ideal settings every time I start the car? I wish it would just pick up from where I left off. And why do I need to hit the off button twice every time I shut it down?"
Costs:
"Yes, in the US this car starts in the low 60s but to get a nicely optioned car you are well into the 70s. Fully loaded this is a $90,000+ car. This is not a $90K car! I paid $75K and feel I got fair value. Not a good or bad deal, but fair value for price paid. I know all this complaining of pricing must not be sitting well given the UK BMW prices, but it is what it is."
This will be staying for a couple more years yet
"I have taken four track days in it this year, and should be on Circuit Of The Americas in Austin next March. It's a great track car, but one that you really have to be careful with."
What next?
"I have truly enjoyed my first year with this car. It came with a four-year, 60,000-mile warranty and I will hit the time limit far ahead of miles. Around year three I will decide what to do next. There will still be a year's worth of warranty on the car and the next buyer will feel confident knowing about that protection for maximum resale value. If I continue to enjoy the car I will keep it and enjoy a perfect (and paid off) daily driver and will supplement that with a Toyota 4x4. But if I'm being totally honest, the 991 911 GTS is about the most desirable car within reach at the moment. That reach may be a far way off, but in my mind it creeps closer by the month!"
Want to share your car with PHers on Carpool? Email us at carpool@pistonheads.com!
Action photography: Malcolm Perez
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff