2016 M4 vs 2018 M4 vs CP

[ashleyman]

This is a bit of a long one but I’m hoping someone can help me understand this. I’m extremely new to the BMW world and my knowledge of the cars, options and differences between facelifts and MY versions is not great.

I test drove this M4 on Monday : https://bit.ly/2DDYYWV

Coming from a Golf R, I was disappointed in grip but that’s to be expected as it was on CUP2’s and the weather was torrential rain. I’m hoping to speak to the dealer when he’s back from his holiday to take it out again on a dry day to see if it’s any good. I’ve also been told to take out something else on ‘normal’ tyres to see how RWD grips which is my main concern.

I’m just wondering if someone can help me understand the differences between the cars I’m considering.

The car I test drove was probably the perfect spec except for the colour + the price! The full spec was as follows;

M4 Coupe - Individual Fashion Grey
M Performance Full Bodykit
M Performance Exhaust
M Performance Wheels

High Beam Assist
LED Headlights
Apple CarPlay
Head Up Display
Advanced Parking Package
Sun Protection Glass
Folding Mirrors
Heated Seats
Harmon Kardon Loudspeaker
Speed Limit Display

The car I test drove was a 2018 18 Reg M4 up for £55,830 and was on 6000 miles when I drove it. I don’t think it’s a Competition Pack car.

I’m just wondering if there’s any major differences between say an older M4 and the car I tested. Also if there’s much difference between a normal M4 and a competition pack car.

I’ve found this M4 in silver which I’m keen on. https://bit.ly/2ThzIdl

It’s a Competition Pack on 4200 miles with what looks like a similar spec and is up for £43,795.

M Performance Carbon Mirrors

Head Up Display
Apple CarPlay
Harmon Kardon Loudspeaker System
Speed Limit Display
Sun Protection Glass
Heated Seats
Reversing Assist Camera

I don’t know if you can tell from the photos if it was the optional headlights or folding mirrors.

I’d like to add the M Performance Exhaust in the future if it’s not fitted to whatever I buy but I also don’t want to miss out on something the demo had by buying an older car.

£55k is a bit beyond my budget so I can’t get a 2018 car but can get something older like a ’16 / 17 car.

Another option is a M2 but I’m just wondering if that might not be as configurable, if the interior might not feel as nice, sound system not as good etc… I much prefer the sound of the M2 but no local dealer has one near me to test yet so I can’t see this for myself yet.

SO basically 2016 M4 vs 2018 M4 vs Competition Pack?

Edited by ashleyman on Friday 16th November 01:09

[Chestrockwell]

I think the differences are noticeable when driving on the limit, or if you’re a pro, I’ve only driven a CP before so can’t say, I will say that I loved it and wish BMW FS didn’t have ridiculous interest rates (9.9%).

If traction is your worry, the M2 is far better, I drove one of those on a wet day and didn’t have much trouble with it. It gripped really well and barely lit up the rear tyres unlike the M4, it was a dry day and I barely got to let it rip without spinning the rear’s or triggering the TC.


The M4 is definitely a lot more special, it feels more special and it has the proper seats, proper wing mirrors and the adjustable driving modes with M1 and M2 on the wheel.

The M2 felt like a faster version of an M135i/M235i with an LSD and different gearbox. The M4 is in a league of its own, the engine is a beast and comes alive after 4K rpm even though it’s turbocharged. The M2 sort of felt the same throughout. I could be wrong about the M2 as it was barely run in but it didn’t feel that fast, I have a 430d and I wasn’t blown away by the performance like I was when I drove the M4.

Judging by your budget, I suggest you try an M2 Competition, it could be the perfect compromise, I’d like to test drive one but I’m not in a position to buy anymore.

[ashleyman]

Chestrockwell said:

I think the differences are noticeable when driving on the limit, or if you’re a pro, I’ve only driven a CP before so can’t say, I will say that I loved it and wish BMW FS didn’t have ridiculous interest rates (9.9%).

If traction is your worry, the M2 is far better, I drove one of those on a wet day and didn’t have much trouble with it. It gripped really well and barely lit up the rear tyres unlike the M4, it was a dry day and I barely got to let it rip without spinning the rear’s or triggering the TC.


The M4 is definitely a lot more special, it feels more special and it has the proper seats, proper wing mirrors and the adjustable driving modes with M1 and M2 on the wheel.

The M2 felt like a faster version of an M135i/M235i with an LSD and different gearbox. The M4 is in a league of its own, the engine is a beast and comes alive after 4K rpm even though it’s turbocharged. The M2 sort of felt the same throughout. I could be wrong about the M2 as it was barely run in but it didn’t feel that fast, I have a 430d and I wasn’t blown away by the performance like I was when I drove the M4.

Judging by your budget, I suggest you try an M2 Competition, it could be the perfect compromise, I’d like to test drive one but I’m not in a position to buy anymore.

Thanks for the reply.

The question wasn't so much about driving dynamics more about creature comforts or aesthetic differences between the cars. I doubt I'd get near driving an M4 on the limit on public roads so that doesn't bother me, but the traction in the rain does worry me a little and I don't think I got the best experience on my test drive! I do like to push on where possible which the Golf R was perfect at doing effortlessly.

Others have said the M2 is worse traction wise because it's a shorter wheel base? I don't know. I originally was looking at a M2, they're cheaper, smaller and everyone says they sound better. I spoke to the dealer as I wanted to test drive the M2 Competition but nobody near me has one to demo hence trying the M4 which I was impressed with. Unfortunately I missed the BMW M Tour thing that happened where an M2 Competition was available. Guess I'll need to wait for one to be made available to test.

Just wondering if a 2017 M4 which is within budget would be missing anything that a 2018 M4 has, and if the competition pack adds anything. Feels like I'm comparing 4 separate M4's.

[Chestrockwell]

ashleyman said:

Thanks for the reply.

The question wasn't so much about driving dynamics more about creature comforts or aesthetic differences between the cars. I doubt I'd get near driving an M4 on the limit on public roads so that doesn't bother me, but the traction in the rain does worry me a little and I don't think I got the best experience on my test drive! I do like to push on where possible which the Golf R was perfect at doing effortlessly.

Others have said the M2 is worse traction wise because it's a shorter wheel base? I don't know. I originally was looking at a M2, they're cheaper, smaller and everyone says they sound better. I spoke to the dealer as I wanted to test drive the M2 Competition but nobody near me has one to demo hence trying the M4 which I was impressed with. Unfortunately I missed the BMW M Tour thing that happened where an M2 Competition was available. Guess I'll need to wait for one to be made available to test.

Just wondering if a 2017 M4 which is within budget would be missing anything that a 2018 M4 has, and if the competition pack adds anything. Feels like I'm comparing 4 separate M4's.

No worries, I could talk about BMW’s forever

I think Competition packs come with buckets with holes in them, the seats I mean haha! They have the style 666 alloy wheels, louder exhaust, they’re lower with 10 extra BHP and I think they come with advanced loudspeaker system standard but you’d want the Harmon Kardon. That’s all I can think of! The non CP has a very desirable spec and I love the colour, but it may be hard to sell. The M performance parts it has cost a fortune and the price is good enough but you should haggle some money off as it’s advertised with 3k with that price.

In my opinion, I think the M4 sounds better, but only at full throttle but you’ll barely have the chance to do that all the time. The M2 sounds really good no matter how fast or slow you’re going. I know someone in my area with a M3 CP with the M performance exhaust that shows off all the time but it sounds so bad as he guns it down the high street but has to slow down immediately after so it just makes a very loud racket with nothing about it. It’s a different story past 4K rpm though.

If the M2 Competition didn’t exist, I’d suggest you get the M4 but I really think you should wait and try the M2 Competition.

There is no difference between a 2017 M4 and 2018 M4, the got facelifted in 2017 I think.

[ashleyman]

Chestrockwell said:

No worries, I could talk about BMW’s forever

I think Competition packs come with buckets with holes in them, the seats I mean haha! They have the style 666 alloy wheels, louder exhaust, they’re lower with 10 extra BHP and I think they come with advanced loudspeaker system standard but you’d want the Harmon Kardon. That’s all I can think of! The non CP has a very desirable spec and I love the colour, but it may be hard to sell. The M performance parts it has cost a fortune and the price is good enough but you should haggle some money off as it’s advertised with 3k with that price.

In my opinion, I think the M4 sounds better, but only at full throttle but you’ll barely have the chance to do that all the time. The M2 sounds really good no matter how fast or slow you’re going. I know someone in my area with a M3 CP with the M performance exhaust that shows off all the time but it sounds so bad as he guns it down the high street but has to slow down immediately after so it just makes a very loud racket with nothing about it. It’s a different story past 4K rpm though.

If the M2 Competition didn’t exist, I’d suggest you get the M4 but I really think you should wait and try the M2 Competition.

There is no difference between a 2017 M4 and 2018 M4, the got facelifted in 2017 I think.

Thanks so much for this. It sounds like the better buy would be a lower milage, higher spec 2017 in the colour I want rather than a more expensive equivalent 2018 car. The only cosmetic differences I could see between the Standard vs Competition was the seats with holes, black model badges and the wheels. Badges would be removed, not fussed on the wheels and would probably want to swap them for 19's but I do like the seats!

I wouldn't consider the 2018 car I drove mainly because of the colour, it's nice but I think I'd get bored of it quickly as I really like metallic colours. The M Performance parts are nice but I could easily save up and buy those one by one during ownership. I did this with my R and bought the mods lightly used for a huge discount.

My local dealer doesn't have any used M2's to try and they don't have an M2 Competition demo so I guess I'll need to wait. Thanks for posting though, given me a lot to think about!

[Smuler]

I remember two respected journalists , Catchpole and Prosser reviewing facelifted competition packs so both 17 plates and Prosser convinced further tweaks had been made over the initial competition pack and Catchpole being equally complimentary.
So I’m reading that a 2017 facelifted competition package could well be a sweet spot in the generation.

Catchpole’s video was for Carfection. Definitely a M4. Prosser’s was a comparison with a competitor I think for Autocar but possibly it was M3. But still the year , facelifted , competition pack point stands.
Both videos on you tube.

M3 cutters might be a good resource for you as lots have had several of this generation.

Edited by Smuler on Friday 16th November 06:23

[Steve Rance]

Traction is not really effected by wheelbase. Its the ability of the chassis to deploy its power. Grip is it’s ability to corner. The Golf R will have better traction that a 2WD car - especially RWD but it won’t have a grip advantage unless it’s wet and that will be dependent on the set up of both diffs.

From a driving dynamics point of view you will need to adjust your driving style for the M4 and to a lesser extent the M2. The Golf is a doddle to drive - you just turn in and accelerate. The chassis does the rest for you. The M4 has an excess of power over traction and essentially relies on electronic intervention to deploy powe. The M2 to a greater extent offers a more analog experience as it relies more on a well balanced chassis and well judged diff set up to deploy its power and to corner. If you place your enjoyment emphasis on driving, this is a key factor. If you value bells and whistles etc.. the M4 will offer more.

[cosworth330]

It’s never going to have the traction of 4wd in the wet or cold months plus it’s got quite a bit more power than the standard R. Saying that Cup 2 tyres are track/summer tyres and are absolute rubbish this time of year until you have at least 20 degrees plus heat them. Even with MPSS tyres the grip in winter isn’t great, once the tyres are warmed up a bit it’s ok. I was out the other day in mine and in the wet the tail did a little wiggle as I overtook and lost grip on the white line. I just leave DSC on in the winter/wet. Mine is an early car but I got BMW to update to the latest software which does make a difference for the better. I’ve just changed over to my winter tyres in an effort to have more grip this time of year. Try and test drive one that doesn’t have cup2 tyres.

That first car seems very expensive and it’s not high spec either. Heated seats and folding mirrors are standard. Leather dash option makes the interior feel more special.

[Pioneer]

Smuler said:

I remember two respected journalists , Catchpole and Prosser reviewing facelifted competition packs so both 17 plates and Prosser convinced further tweaks had been made over the initial competition pack and Catchpole being equally complimentary.
So I’m reading that a 2017 facelifted competition package could well be a sweet spot in the generation.

Catchpole’s video was for Carfection. Definitely a M4. Prosser’s was a comparison with a competitor I think for Autocar but possibly it was M3. But still the year , facelifted , competition pack point stands.
Both videos on you tube.

M3 cutters might be a good resource for you as lots have had several of this generation.

Edited by Smuler on Friday 16th November 06:23

This. Bought the wife a late 2017 CP and saved about 5k over a 2018MY. Only difference is the infotainment screen is touch on the newer model. Rear lights will let you know instantly if it's the facelift model

[Bmeerm3]

Chestrockwell said:

I think the differences are noticeable when driving on the limit, or if you’re a pro, I’ve only driven a CP before so can’t say, I will say that I loved it and wish BMW FS didn’t have ridiculous interest rates (9.9%).

A little off topic. Apologies.

The financial rates BMW put on their websites are a nonsense. I have negotiated two used cars finance to 4.9%, most recently on an M2.

On enquiry the sales person says to 'ignore' the rates on the website.

I believe potential buyers are initially put off by it, but I guess they have to start somewhere.

[Eddieslofart]

cosworth330 said:

That first car seems very expensive and it’s not high spec either. Heated seats and folding mirrors are standard. Leather dash option makes the interior feel more special.

It’s got 763’s and more Carbon than you can shake a stick at. There’s not many more options it could have .

[cosworth330]

Eddieslofart said:

It’s got 763’s and more Carbon than you can shake a stick at. There’s not many more options it could have .

I just thought it was pricey for the options, no leather dash, no ceramic brakes, no heated steering wheel and a few other options missing. It’s still a nice looking car but just seems expensive for spec. 763’s look great though.

[Eddieslofart]

cosworth330 said:

I just thought it was pricey for the options, no leather dash, no ceramic brakes, no heated steering wheel and a few other options missing. It’s still a nice looking car but just seems expensive for spec. 763’s look great though.

I don’t disagree re price, but thats because i think the colour is ste.

[as7920]

Chestrockwell said:

.......The M2 felt like a faster version of an M135i/M235i with an LSD and different gearbox.....

Inside maybe but they drive completely different. I owned my M135i for 4.5 years. Had a 1M for 2 years and my M2 for 8 months.

It has more S55 engine parts and M3/M4 components than most people realise. Just look at the technical documentation.

Must admit to being disappointed on my first test drive but after a longer test drive bought mine. It's almost perfect. I guess the M2 Competition will have rectified it's "flaws". But with strong prices at the moment, no cheaper if not more expensive than the M4 option.

Edited by as7920 on Saturday 17th November 21:47

[richthebike]

BMW do 0% on new cars. If you're financing anyway, it may be very little difference to buy new. You'll get over 10% off list as a starting point anyway. Talking M3/4 Comp Packs here.

Yes, traction is limited if you're brutal with it, but it's perfectly drivable in the rain!
It's quite good fun knowing you can switch the the mdm mode and have a little play.

[richthebike]

Also, I'd avoid the carbon splitter.
Mine is gorrila taped already... It's basically a 1000 pound consumable which is a bit painful. Car only goes on one side of my driveway, and it grounds out on every ramp in the train station (st albans), as well as all the speed bumps at work.

[JNW1]

richthebike said:

BMW do 0% on new cars. If you're financing anyway, it may be very little difference to buy new. You'll get over 10% off list as a starting point anyway. Talking M3/4 Comp Packs here.

I agree with this and I think the almost £56k asking price for that used 2018 car the OP drove is complete madness! If you're not too fussy on spec I'm pretty sure you could get either a brand new CP from stock - or a pre-reg one with nominal mileage - for less and you'd get 0% finance; definitely worth the OP's while having a conversation with a BMW dealer or two IMO.

[Chestrockwell]

JNW1 said:

richthebike said:

BMW do 0% on new cars. If you're financing anyway, it may be very little difference to buy new. You'll get over 10% off list as a starting point anyway. Talking M3/4 Comp Packs here.

I agree with this and I think the almost £56k asking price for that used 2018 car the OP drove is complete madness! If you're not too fussy on spec I'm pretty sure you could get either a brand new CP from stock - or a pre-reg one with nominal mileage - for less and you'd get 0% finance; definitely worth the OP's while having a conversation with a BMW dealer or two IMO.

I think that’s the ultimate scam, even though it’s 0 interest with a discount. I went there thinking of a used one and they said, build a new one, it’s better. Ended up doing it, every option I said no to, they’ll say, this helps residuals bla bla bla, you need this, you need that. Ended up being 70 k, offered 10k off with haggling. Then comes the on the road price, the paint thingy, tyre insurance, wheel insurance and all the add ons they shove down your throat. End up scaring you, ‘well the 666 wheels kerb easily and they’re diamond cut so it’s going to cost loads, better if you give us a grand now’.

In the end, say you get a kitted out M4 with 0 interest and a low deposit, you’ll be in negative equity the whole time. 15 grand gone as soon as you get the keys and the price keeps going downhill from there.

I left immediately with a smile on my face, no headache, no silly price, I’ll wait til CP’s reach 30 grand and I’ll buy one then.

A car like the M4 should only be bought if money is no object, as soon as you start asking, what’s better value, what will lose less money, you’re never going to buy one and if you do, you’ll be depressed within a year after you realise how much it’s worth and how much you owe. I see many threads on here about M4’s and lots of owners say, only buy one if you’re prepared to lose money because that’s all they do.

OP I suggest you go for a 2016/17 one for 40k, no more than that, because you won’t lose more than 5k a year. Cheapest one on AT is a cat d 2014 one in Bradford for like 29.

[JNW1]

Chestrockwell said:

JNW1 said:

richthebike said:

BMW do 0% on new cars. If you're financing anyway, it may be very little difference to buy new. You'll get over 10% off list as a starting point anyway. Talking M3/4 Comp Packs here.

I agree with this and I think the almost £56k asking price for that used 2018 car the OP drove is complete madness! If you're not too fussy on spec I'm pretty sure you could get either a brand new CP from stock - or a pre-reg one with nominal mileage - for less and you'd get 0% finance; definitely worth the OP's while having a conversation with a BMW dealer or two IMO.

I think that’s the ultimate scam, even though it’s 0 interest with a discount. I went there thinking of a used one and they said, build a new one, it’s better. Ended up doing it, every option I said no to, they’ll say, this helps residuals bla bla bla, you need this, you need that. Ended up being 70 k, offered 10k off with haggling. Then comes the on the road price, the paint thingy, tyre insurance, wheel insurance and all the add ons they shove down your throat. End up scaring you, ‘well the 666 wheels kerb easily and they’re diamond cut so it’s going to cost loads, better if you give us a grand now’.

In the end, say you get a kitted out M4 with 0 interest and a low deposit, you’ll be in negative equity the whole time. 15 grand gone as soon as you get the keys and the price keeps going downhill from there.

I left immediately with a smile on my face, no headache, no silly price, I’ll wait til CP’s reach 30 grand and I’ll buy one then.

A car like the M4 should only be bought if money is no object, as soon as you start asking, what’s better value, what will lose less money, you’re never going to buy one and if you do, you’ll be depressed within a year after you realise how much it’s worth and how much you owe. I see many threads on here about M4’s and lots of owners say, only buy one if you’re prepared to lose money because that’s all they do.

OP I suggest you go for a 2016/17 one for 40k, no more than that, because you won’t lose more than 5k a year. Cheapest one on AT is a cat d 2014 one in Bradford for like 29.

My comparison of new or pre-reg against the 18-reg used car was based on what people posting on other forums have been achieving; £56k for a used M4 is silly money IMO. Yes of course you can buy an older car for less but that's the classic new v used debate and not really comparing apples and apples.

Only thing I'd say about going back too far with an M4 is that BMW apparently amended the suspension settings and for that reason personally I'd avoid one of the earlier versions (or perhaps set aside some money for after-market suspension mods if I could get one for a decent price).

[carparkno1]

Chestrockwell said:

JNW1 said:

richthebike said:

BMW do 0% on new cars. If you're financing anyway, it may be very little difference to buy new. You'll get over 10% off list as a starting point anyway. Talking M3/4 Comp Packs here.

I agree with this and I think the almost £56k asking price for that used 2018 car the OP drove is complete madness! If you're not too fussy on spec I'm pretty sure you could get either a brand new CP from stock - or a pre-reg one with nominal mileage - for less and you'd get 0% finance; definitely worth the OP's while having a conversation with a BMW dealer or two IMO.

I think that’s the ultimate scam, even though it’s 0 interest with a discount. I went there thinking of a used one and they said, build a new one, it’s better. Ended up doing it, every option I said no to, they’ll say, this helps residuals bla bla bla, you need this, you need that. Ended up being 70 k, offered 10k off with haggling. Then comes the on the road price, the paint thingy, tyre insurance, wheel insurance and all the add ons they shove down your throat. End up scaring you, ‘well the 666 wheels kerb easily and they’re diamond cut so it’s going to cost loads, better if you give us a grand now’.

In the end, say you get a kitted out M4 with 0 interest and a low deposit, you’ll be in negative equity the whole time. 15 grand gone as soon as you get the keys and the price keeps going downhill from there.

I left immediately with a smile on my face, no headache, no silly price, I’ll wait til CP’s reach 30 grand and I’ll buy one then.

A car like the M4 should only be bought if money is no object, as soon as you start asking, what’s better value, what will lose less money, you’re never going to buy one and if you do, you’ll be depressed within a year after you realise how much it’s worth and how much you owe. I see many threads on here about M4’s and lots of owners say, only buy one if you’re prepared to lose money because that’s all they do.

OP I suggest you go for a 2016/17 one for 40k, no more than that, because you won’t lose more than 5k a year. Cheapest one on AT is a cat d 2014 one in Bradford for like 29.

I'm going to counter this by saying a 40k M4 is a bad idea. You still have to finance it and it won't be 0% apr at all. It will be edging towards out of warranty, it will have done a fair few miles, and somebody else specced it and it's an earlier car.

You could get a new M4 with very nice spec, CP, with a massive discount, and 0% apr. Turn down the paint protection, turn down the gap insurance, turn down wheel protection, get a service pack chucked in and spec it how you want with at least 12k in discount coming.

Drive it for 3 or 4 years then hand it back if you want, but you'll know what your outlay is month to month and what the end value is. If you go used, you don't know what they'll do, you could potentially have big bills coming, and you still have to pay a whack of interest on your loan anyways, regardless of whether it's through a bank of BMW FS, unless you have 40k cash to throw at it.

I "think" (and am happy to be shown up if wrong), that the difference between financing a new one on the current deals brings it very close to a used one and removed a huge amount of worry and compromise.

Or get an M240i