M4 - Too much for first "Fast car"
Discussion
First Post, so go easy on me.
I'm 45, starting my mid live and would like an M4. I currently drive a T5 camper so this will be some upgrade.
Honestly, is the M4 going to be too much of an upgrade seeing I'm use to driving a FWD tank? I've not really had
a proper car, apart from an MR2 for a year (Sold due to size), and few 1.4 - 1.6 "wife’s" cars ;o((. Been driving for over 20 years, I know
that doesn't add much as I could be a crap driver, but I think I'm more of the sensible one. Had a good day in my brothers 440i the other week with no issues and I wasn't hanging around on open roads, junctions etc.
I've just tried to get an insurance quote from Brentarce and they wouldn't touch me without more experience with RWD cars, this is
what's got me thinking the car maybe too much.
I don't have a heavy right foot but would like to test the power leaving London down the M4, but I can see myself "trying" to stick to the speed limited where necessary.
What's the views here, find myself something easier to control and work up or go for it and take it steady? Anyone with the same limited RWD experience now with an M3/M4 who can add an comment?
LyNx__
I'm 45, starting my mid live and would like an M4. I currently drive a T5 camper so this will be some upgrade.
Honestly, is the M4 going to be too much of an upgrade seeing I'm use to driving a FWD tank? I've not really had
a proper car, apart from an MR2 for a year (Sold due to size), and few 1.4 - 1.6 "wife’s" cars ;o((. Been driving for over 20 years, I know
that doesn't add much as I could be a crap driver, but I think I'm more of the sensible one. Had a good day in my brothers 440i the other week with no issues and I wasn't hanging around on open roads, junctions etc.
I've just tried to get an insurance quote from Brentarce and they wouldn't touch me without more experience with RWD cars, this is
what's got me thinking the car maybe too much.
I don't have a heavy right foot but would like to test the power leaving London down the M4, but I can see myself "trying" to stick to the speed limited where necessary.
What's the views here, find myself something easier to control and work up or go for it and take it steady? Anyone with the same limited RWD experience now with an M3/M4 who can add an comment?
LyNx__
Edited by LyNx__ on Thursday 30th March 10:45
Don't do it, you will end up in a ball of fire!
Seriously, the M4 is maybe not the most obvious car after a T5 Camper, and the torque-laden delivery and sheer grunt of the engine means it has certain traction problems. Of course, leaving DSC on and driving it according to conditions means you should be fine, but put your lead foot down in low traction scenario (damp, rain, etc) could see you in trouble, just like any other high-powered car. An easier intro into RWD and M ownership might be a nice E92 M3 (flamesuit on), that has much less torque and a very linear power delivery, which would make it easier to "get" how RWD functions.
Seriously, the M4 is maybe not the most obvious car after a T5 Camper, and the torque-laden delivery and sheer grunt of the engine means it has certain traction problems. Of course, leaving DSC on and driving it according to conditions means you should be fine, but put your lead foot down in low traction scenario (damp, rain, etc) could see you in trouble, just like any other high-powered car. An easier intro into RWD and M ownership might be a nice E92 M3 (flamesuit on), that has much less torque and a very linear power delivery, which would make it easier to "get" how RWD functions.
It's a very subjective question.
But IMO, it probably will be.
I've been a passenger in both a RingTaxi (Dale Lomas driven) M3 DCT and a mate's M4 manual. I've also driven an X300 XJR with over 420BHP which had the pulley mod and a couple of other bits. I also own a slower E46 M3.
Dale was relatively composed in his but that was for obvious reasons in addition to it having Yoko AD08Rs and Pagid pads.
My friend's however feels like an absolute animal. Probably more than what my 300BHP 944 turbo did. That would wheelspin in 2nd gear and sometimes 3rd but be fairly composed unless it was wet, but it was still a pretty wild ride! Compared to my E46 it felt mental.
I now come onto the M4. Even going relatively straight, plant you foot to the floor at 35ishMPH and you are greeted by an array of DSC lights and the rear end trying to swing around slightly. Even in 3rd it will break traction in the dry. Yup, he's had a couple of close calls.
His previous cars include:
-Various FWD diesels
-Use of a '03 Mercedes SL500
-2010 Mercedes 220 CDI .
It made the XJR and my M3 feel serene in all honesty, but then mine does have a 90BHP deficit. However I reckon a big part of that is down to the mass of torque so low down, something previous M cars until now how have lacked.
But IMO, it probably will be.
I've been a passenger in both a RingTaxi (Dale Lomas driven) M3 DCT and a mate's M4 manual. I've also driven an X300 XJR with over 420BHP which had the pulley mod and a couple of other bits. I also own a slower E46 M3.
Dale was relatively composed in his but that was for obvious reasons in addition to it having Yoko AD08Rs and Pagid pads.
My friend's however feels like an absolute animal. Probably more than what my 300BHP 944 turbo did. That would wheelspin in 2nd gear and sometimes 3rd but be fairly composed unless it was wet, but it was still a pretty wild ride! Compared to my E46 it felt mental.
I now come onto the M4. Even going relatively straight, plant you foot to the floor at 35ishMPH and you are greeted by an array of DSC lights and the rear end trying to swing around slightly. Even in 3rd it will break traction in the dry. Yup, he's had a couple of close calls.
His previous cars include:
-Various FWD diesels
-Use of a '03 Mercedes SL500
-2010 Mercedes 220 CDI .
It made the XJR and my M3 feel serene in all honesty, but then mine does have a 90BHP deficit. However I reckon a big part of that is down to the mass of torque so low down, something previous M cars until now how have lacked.
Edited by SebringMan on Thursday 30th March 11:20
gizard said:
Just imagine the comments if OP had said he was 21 or similar 
FWIW my mate is over 30 with the M4. That and if one of my sisters was in the car (oddly the younger one) she'd probably be able to control herself. I seriously doubt my older sister could thought.
It's all down to the individual ultimately, and IMHO it's easier said than done for a number of people.
Dan_M5 said:
A car is only as fast as your right foot. Don't drive like a dick and you'll be fine.
This. At your age you should've already acquired the appropriate mental wiring to avoid doing anything utterly stupid - but only you can be the judge of that If you're still daunted then my worry would be that you will be intimidated and just won't enjoy it. Why not invest a few quid in some airfield or track day instruction - doesn't have to be in an M4. Once you know how limits feel it's that much easier to stay away from them.
Good luck, I hope you go for it!
Oh, and www.carlimits.com if you want to get a feel for how and when it will bite you.
I'm also 45 and by sheer coincidence I'm picking up a brand new M4 CP tomorrow.
I'll let you know if I'm still alive after the weekend, or rather if I don't post after the weekend you'll know I've died.
Seriously though, go for it!
I've had some quick cars but nothing like this one - I've been (mis)led to believe the CP cars are possibly nearer to to 500bhp than the quoted 450bhp but I'm sure it'll be fine.
I'm currently in an F30 330d which has pretty much the same torque as the M4 and that's very manageable.
Not that I'm assuming the M4 isn't a completely different kettle of fish, of course.
Insurance was also pretty cheap (due to my 'oldness') so just try some comparison sites. They don't ask what experience you have in which vehicles.
Brentacre are great - I used them for my quick Golfs - but I'm sure you'll get a good quote elsewhere.
For info, I have 4 months to run on my 330d policy and it cost less than £50 to swap to the M4 for the rest of the year, including admin fee. That's with esure.
I'll let you know if I'm still alive after the weekend, or rather if I don't post after the weekend you'll know I've died.
Seriously though, go for it!
I've had some quick cars but nothing like this one - I've been (mis)led to believe the CP cars are possibly nearer to to 500bhp than the quoted 450bhp but I'm sure it'll be fine.
I'm currently in an F30 330d which has pretty much the same torque as the M4 and that's very manageable.
Not that I'm assuming the M4 isn't a completely different kettle of fish, of course.
Insurance was also pretty cheap (due to my 'oldness') so just try some comparison sites. They don't ask what experience you have in which vehicles.
Brentacre are great - I used them for my quick Golfs - but I'm sure you'll get a good quote elsewhere.
For info, I have 4 months to run on my 330d policy and it cost less than £50 to swap to the M4 for the rest of the year, including admin fee. That's with esure.
Sorry meant to ask how does this work? do you have to list what cars you have had with them? don't you just have to stick your years no claims in the system
I've just tried to get an insurance quote from Brentarce and they wouldn't touch me without more experience with RWD cars, this is
what's got me thinking the car maybe too much.
I've just tried to get an insurance quote from Brentarce and they wouldn't touch me without more experience with RWD cars, this is
what's got me thinking the car maybe too much.
SebringMan said:
XMT said:
Just buy one and enjoy.
It will only go as fast as you want it to.
if you want to learn the limits of said car book an experience day or something
Best advice really. I've learned a lot from doing this It will only go as fast as you want it to.
if you want to learn the limits of said car book an experience day or something
.http://www.msvdrivinggifts.com/experience/m4-maste...
Get buying and book the track day.
Good look.
Andy
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