A few M4 questions
Discussion
Hi,
I’m considering an M4 over the next 4 or so months, just have a few questions that I’d like to ask and would appreciate any input or advice.
my budget is up to 36k, not including any warranty cost if needed.
M4C’s seem to command a slight premium, is it worth opting for the c pack over a standard, even though I’ve no intention of track daying it?.
How are they on the daily commute? I do approx 50 miles a day, mixture of A and B roads, but not every day or every week (‘annual mileage around 8k)
I have asked elsewhere, but is the running in service absolutely essential to have been done?. (although tbh anything with less than BMWFsh I’ll avoid anyway)
Is the cost of the BMW warranty worthwhile?. From what I gather it is a good idea.
BMW approved ,a good source and what kind of experiences have you owners had with them?.
Lastly, would my 5’1 Mrs be able to drive it ?. Daft question I know, but she couldn’t drive my old E46 because the seat didn’t go far enough forward for her.
Thanks in advance for any advice or answers, I have looked in the forum and a few questions have already been answered regarding other stuff.
I’m considering an M4 over the next 4 or so months, just have a few questions that I’d like to ask and would appreciate any input or advice.
my budget is up to 36k, not including any warranty cost if needed.
M4C’s seem to command a slight premium, is it worth opting for the c pack over a standard, even though I’ve no intention of track daying it?.
How are they on the daily commute? I do approx 50 miles a day, mixture of A and B roads, but not every day or every week (‘annual mileage around 8k)
I have asked elsewhere, but is the running in service absolutely essential to have been done?. (although tbh anything with less than BMWFsh I’ll avoid anyway)
Is the cost of the BMW warranty worthwhile?. From what I gather it is a good idea.
BMW approved ,a good source and what kind of experiences have you owners had with them?.
Lastly, would my 5’1 Mrs be able to drive it ?. Daft question I know, but she couldn’t drive my old E46 because the seat didn’t go far enough forward for her.
Thanks in advance for any advice or answers, I have looked in the forum and a few questions have already been answered regarding other stuff.
I'll only answer the stuff I know about.
FBMWSH is essential for me for value preservation as like you most people expect it, at least on a relatively recent car.
The benefit of buying AUC is the warranty and the far lower price of its subsequent extension which will be cheaper than buying a car which is older than 3 years and out of warranty. I wouldn't run a M without a BMW/Mondial/AUC warranty but it's also for peace of mind.
Have you considered a M2 too as an alternative that may be slightly smaller and nimble while actually more predictable despite the shorter wheelbase?
The main downside is that that the interior is not as nice but space is very similar.
FBMWSH is essential for me for value preservation as like you most people expect it, at least on a relatively recent car.
The benefit of buying AUC is the warranty and the far lower price of its subsequent extension which will be cheaper than buying a car which is older than 3 years and out of warranty. I wouldn't run a M without a BMW/Mondial/AUC warranty but it's also for peace of mind.
Have you considered a M2 too as an alternative that may be slightly smaller and nimble while actually more predictable despite the shorter wheelbase?
The main downside is that that the interior is not as nice but space is very similar.
Edited by nickfrog on Wednesday 13th January 08:26
nickfrog said:
I'll only answer the stuff I know about.
FBMWSH is essential for me for value preservation as like you most people expect it, at least on a relatively recent car.
The benefit of buying AUC is the warranty and the far lower price of its subsequent extension which will be cheaper than buying a car which is older than 3 years and out of warranty. I wouldn't run a M without a BMW/Mondial/AUC warranty but it's also for peace of mind.
Have you considered a M2 too as an alternative that may be slightly smaller and nimble while actually more predictable despite the shorter wheelbase?
The main downside is that that the interior is not as nice but space is very similar.
Thanks for the reply, I'm now pretty much sold on the idea of an AUC, purely from the warranty perspective and peace of mind, same goes for FBMWSH, I also tend to keep my cars for a few years at least so it's also useful if ever it comes to resale.FBMWSH is essential for me for value preservation as like you most people expect it, at least on a relatively recent car.
The benefit of buying AUC is the warranty and the far lower price of its subsequent extension which will be cheaper than buying a car which is older than 3 years and out of warranty. I wouldn't run a M without a BMW/Mondial/AUC warranty but it's also for peace of mind.
Have you considered a M2 too as an alternative that may be slightly smaller and nimble while actually more predictable despite the shorter wheelbase?
The main downside is that that the interior is not as nice but space is very similar.
Edited by nickfrog on Wednesday 13th January 08:26
The M2 just doesn't do it for me though, I'm not sold on the cabin, in regular (non cp ) they do appear to be slightly cheaper, but the M4 ticks all the boxes. There is a lot of choice out there at the moment as well, so I'm still researching and looking around.
Yes, warranty if worthwhile, IMO. There are some expensive known issues. If I keep mine past the three years, it's an easy choice for me and I'd extend it.
Comps hold a premium so the extra you pay now, you'll see when you sell either in residuals or ease of sale. More people seem to want Comps.
I've driven 4hr stints in mine and since last year, driven from the Herts to central London through traffic regularly. I had no issues with discomfort, ride quality and was rather glad of the DCT. The 80 mile round trip can be done three times to a tank, MPG obviously much better when on a run and not sat in London traffic.
Can't help on the seat height.
Running in service is vital for any BMW warranty and resale.
Comps hold a premium so the extra you pay now, you'll see when you sell either in residuals or ease of sale. More people seem to want Comps.
I've driven 4hr stints in mine and since last year, driven from the Herts to central London through traffic regularly. I had no issues with discomfort, ride quality and was rather glad of the DCT. The 80 mile round trip can be done three times to a tank, MPG obviously much better when on a run and not sat in London traffic.
Can't help on the seat height.
Running in service is vital for any BMW warranty and resale.
Edited by Mark83 on Thursday 14th January 16:08
Definitely go for a Comp Pack.
They're fine for everyday driving and 50 miles wouldn't bother me at all in mine.
BMW warranty is a very good idea, in my opinion, given it's relatively cheap for the level of cover.
Running in service is absolutely essential. There's no point bothering with the warranty if not - the warranty won't cover the engine and drivetrain without it.
You mentioned you're particularly interested in the interior? In that case hunt for one with full leather. Or if it's an individual colour interior, look for 'leather instrument panel' in the spec' (that's the option for full leather with individual colour). It makes a vast difference to the feel and look of the interior compared the standard 'extended' leather.
They're fine for everyday driving and 50 miles wouldn't bother me at all in mine.
BMW warranty is a very good idea, in my opinion, given it's relatively cheap for the level of cover.
Running in service is absolutely essential. There's no point bothering with the warranty if not - the warranty won't cover the engine and drivetrain without it.
You mentioned you're particularly interested in the interior? In that case hunt for one with full leather. Or if it's an individual colour interior, look for 'leather instrument panel' in the spec' (that's the option for full leather with individual colour). It makes a vast difference to the feel and look of the interior compared the standard 'extended' leather.
Edited by PorkInsider on Saturday 16th January 11:59
I would definitely say go for a Comp Pack car and if you can get the extended leather, but wouldn’t consider it a deal breaker.
Have done a few 150mile day round trips with no issue.
As for the shorter lady driver, it shouldn’t be a problem. My 4’11” mum has driven mine a few times with no problem.
Have done a few 150mile day round trips with no issue.
As for the shorter lady driver, it shouldn’t be a problem. My 4’11” mum has driven mine a few times with no problem.
kit_b said:
I would definitely say go for a Comp Pack car and if you can get the extended leather, but wouldn’t consider it a deal breaker.
Have done a few 150mile day round trips with no issue.
As for the shorter lady driver, it shouldn’t be a problem. My 4’11” mum has driven mine a few times with no problem.
Extended leather is standard. It's FULL leather that's the one to get if possible.Have done a few 150mile day round trips with no issue.
As for the shorter lady driver, it shouldn’t be a problem. My 4’11” mum has driven mine a few times with no problem.
texaxile said:
Hi,
I’m considering an M4 over the next 4 or so months, just have a few questions that I’d like to ask and would appreciate any input or advice.
my budget is up to 36k, not including any warranty cost if needed.
M4C’s seem to command a slight premium, is it worth opting for the c pack over a standard, even though I’ve no intention of track daying it?.
How are they on the daily commute? I do approx 50 miles a day, mixture of A and B roads, but not every day or every week (‘annual mileage around 8k)
I have asked elsewhere, but is the running in service absolutely essential to have been done?. (although tbh anything with less than BMWFsh I’ll avoid anyway)
Is the cost of the BMW warranty worthwhile?. From what I gather it is a good idea.
BMW approved ,a good source and what kind of experiences have you owners had with them?.
Lastly, would my 5’1 Mrs be able to drive it ?. Daft question I know, but she couldn’t drive my old E46 because the seat didn’t go far enough forward for her.
Thanks in advance for any advice or answers, I have looked in the forum and a few questions have already been answered regarding other stuff.
I had a Competition M3, but mostly similar to the M4.I’m considering an M4 over the next 4 or so months, just have a few questions that I’d like to ask and would appreciate any input or advice.
my budget is up to 36k, not including any warranty cost if needed.
M4C’s seem to command a slight premium, is it worth opting for the c pack over a standard, even though I’ve no intention of track daying it?.
How are they on the daily commute? I do approx 50 miles a day, mixture of A and B roads, but not every day or every week (‘annual mileage around 8k)
I have asked elsewhere, but is the running in service absolutely essential to have been done?. (although tbh anything with less than BMWFsh I’ll avoid anyway)
Is the cost of the BMW warranty worthwhile?. From what I gather it is a good idea.
BMW approved ,a good source and what kind of experiences have you owners had with them?.
Lastly, would my 5’1 Mrs be able to drive it ?. Daft question I know, but she couldn’t drive my old E46 because the seat didn’t go far enough forward for her.
Thanks in advance for any advice or answers, I have looked in the forum and a few questions have already been answered regarding other stuff.
Competition Pack cars are going to be the majority available in later years. Manuals will be rare. Competition is more overall power but less aggressive in lower gears. 20" wheels. Tidied behaviour all round.
In my opinion the best options are HUD, HK and ICON lights. Running in service is a must.
On a mixed commute expect mid 20s MPG. I like stiffly suspended cars, so no issues for me, but those M cars feel very stiff all around. Test drive to make sure you're happy to tolerate it. There is a noticeable difference between the suspension settings.
Warranty a must as pretty much anything serious going wrong will cost more than warranty to fix. I had a minor actuator issue on the DCT but no other issues in 15 months.
No idea about the driving position for smaller people, I would have thought the M4 will be similar to other 4 Series in that respect.
Thanks for the replies so far Gents, most helpful.
There's a lot to consider and take in, but first and foremost, the running in service and BMWSH will be essential. The leather won't be a deal breaker, but it is something I'll definitely look at during my search, and try to make a comparison. I've also decided on the Comp pack as well, and even whittled my fave colour combo (black / black or silver / black) !.
I'm glad the commute will be fine, also for the Mrs to use it. She does like an Auto so as long as her wee feet can reach the pedals she'll just put her cushion on the seat and drive off.
I do have one more question re the Warranty, I will get one, but let's say I purchase an AUC from a BMW dealer, will the 12 month warranty with the sale be the same as the Warranty that I can purchase and extend through BMW themselves?. So effectively I would purchase a warranty for the following year(s) when the "sale" one runs out?.
Also, how does the service package work?. again, something I would buy (I'm probably a salesman's upselling dream lol) . I've read elsewhere that it's actually a fairly good financial sense because the Major service almost covers the cost itself.
Thanks again, virtual Covid free pints all round !!
There's a lot to consider and take in, but first and foremost, the running in service and BMWSH will be essential. The leather won't be a deal breaker, but it is something I'll definitely look at during my search, and try to make a comparison. I've also decided on the Comp pack as well, and even whittled my fave colour combo (black / black or silver / black) !.
I'm glad the commute will be fine, also for the Mrs to use it. She does like an Auto so as long as her wee feet can reach the pedals she'll just put her cushion on the seat and drive off.
I do have one more question re the Warranty, I will get one, but let's say I purchase an AUC from a BMW dealer, will the 12 month warranty with the sale be the same as the Warranty that I can purchase and extend through BMW themselves?. So effectively I would purchase a warranty for the following year(s) when the "sale" one runs out?.
Also, how does the service package work?. again, something I would buy (I'm probably a salesman's upselling dream lol) . I've read elsewhere that it's actually a fairly good financial sense because the Major service almost covers the cost itself.
Thanks again, virtual Covid free pints all round !!
I'm not sure regarding the AUC warranty and then continuing it - someone else will know more.
Regarding the service pack, I don't know about what's available for non-new cars, but the one you could buy with a new car wasn't good value.
Well actually, I should qualify that - when the pack was 5 years it was a good deal. They changed it to 3 years a few years ago, and that one is not good value unless you do high enough mileage to need the major service (plugs etc) within the 3 yrs.
By the way, M3Cutters is a good forum for F8x series cars. It's U.K. based and there's lots of knowledgeable people there.
Regarding the service pack, I don't know about what's available for non-new cars, but the one you could buy with a new car wasn't good value.
Well actually, I should qualify that - when the pack was 5 years it was a good deal. They changed it to 3 years a few years ago, and that one is not good value unless you do high enough mileage to need the major service (plugs etc) within the 3 yrs.
By the way, M3Cutters is a good forum for F8x series cars. It's U.K. based and there's lots of knowledgeable people there.
texaxile said:
I do have one more question re the Warranty, I will get one, but let's say I purchase an AUC from a BMW dealer, will the 12 month warranty with the sale be the same as the Warranty that I can purchase and extend through BMW themselves?. So effectively I would purchase a warranty for the following year(s) when the "sale" one runs out?.
It's the same underwriter (Allianz/Mondial) and will be the same cover if you opt for comprehensive with £0 excess and with BMW assistance then (you will receive a letter from them a few weeks before the end of the AUC cover and they'll offer a choice of cover/excesses and a chance to opt out of the assistance). You can either pay yearly or monthly, which is a little more expensive but won't go up in price year on year.Edited by nickfrog on Monday 18th January 09:55
I loved my 2019 M4 Comp, mine also had The Ultimate Pack with individual colour. It drove really well, not as good a sound as my C63 but just as much fun, i also had a 911 C4S at the time and have to say M4 was a bit more "fun" in damper conditions but nice and gentle around town.
Plenty of room in back and in the boot. I had an M2 Comp as a loaner and it did not compare to mine..
I had a spec in mind so set aside an afternoon to drive round a few dealers, 2 local one not interested and didn't even call me back, despite telling them i was a cash buyer and looking to buy within the week...
Eventually bought from a dealer 100 miles away who were great....
Good luck with search..
Hi,
Bit of a thread bump, however I’m pretty tempted by this M4C:
https://usedcars.bmw.co.uk/vehicle/202102189211544...
One issue I’ve noticed (not sure if it’s me or the pic) is that the rear bumper seems to be a different shade, what do you gents think?.
Also, would it have had the major 36 month service by now ( I assumed it should) even accounting for CBS ?. I would be a bit miffed on spunking 36+ grand on a car just to find it needs another £1k on a service less than a year down the road.
Lastly, is there much wiggle room on the price with these dealers?. This is actually coming in under budget, but pretty much ticks all of my boxes, but it’s always nice to get a bit knocked off. Any other thoughts or observations would be appreciated.
Thanks again for the helpful replies earlier gents.
Bit of a thread bump, however I’m pretty tempted by this M4C:
https://usedcars.bmw.co.uk/vehicle/202102189211544...
One issue I’ve noticed (not sure if it’s me or the pic) is that the rear bumper seems to be a different shade, what do you gents think?.
Also, would it have had the major 36 month service by now ( I assumed it should) even accounting for CBS ?. I would be a bit miffed on spunking 36+ grand on a car just to find it needs another £1k on a service less than a year down the road.
Lastly, is there much wiggle room on the price with these dealers?. This is actually coming in under budget, but pretty much ticks all of my boxes, but it’s always nice to get a bit knocked off. Any other thoughts or observations would be appreciated.
Thanks again for the helpful replies earlier gents.
My assumption is that the major service is at 48 months so in Nov this year. BMW value servicing returns £900 in total https://www.bmw.co.uk/en/topics/owners/service-wor...
That is however negotiable.
Unless they've only just taken it in, I am sure you can make an offer, perhaps start at £2k off and see what they say. Use the above for leverage. You could also try and bag a second year of warranty or at least get them to sell it to you at cost, that would still save you money.
Difficult to say about bumper but paint on plastic tends to age differently than on metal and that's usually more visible on silver.
I think it's a great car on paper and well priced. I would however ask the dealer to email you the inspection sheet. This would highlight the condition of the consumables in particular (pads and tyres), which can be quite a source of expense if they have too much wear.
That is however negotiable.
Unless they've only just taken it in, I am sure you can make an offer, perhaps start at £2k off and see what they say. Use the above for leverage. You could also try and bag a second year of warranty or at least get them to sell it to you at cost, that would still save you money.
Difficult to say about bumper but paint on plastic tends to age differently than on metal and that's usually more visible on silver.
I think it's a great car on paper and well priced. I would however ask the dealer to email you the inspection sheet. This would highlight the condition of the consumables in particular (pads and tyres), which can be quite a source of expense if they have too much wear.
Edited by nickfrog on Friday 26th February 15:24
Ahhh...yes, sorry, 48 months. For some reason I had 36 months for the major service etc in my head. Still possibly a good angle to negotiate from if it’s due in nov.
I think it’s worth a phone call at least, perhaps asking for some more photo’s. This car has been on the site since late January as I’ve had it saved into my “favourites” . I understand that silver metallic can look odd shades depending on the type of light and angle etc but I noticed the bumper a while back and to be honest, it is the only thing that concerns me.
I think it’s worth a phone call at least, perhaps asking for some more photo’s. This car has been on the site since late January as I’ve had it saved into my “favourites” . I understand that silver metallic can look odd shades depending on the type of light and angle etc but I noticed the bumper a while back and to be honest, it is the only thing that concerns me.
It looks very slightly off on the profile pic but I have had silver cars where a tiny change in the angle they catch the light from makes it looks like its a different shade. It might have had a respray but that wouldn't bother me if the insurance write off check doesn't return anything. You could ask them to email you the report which I am sure they got when they bought the car.
Edited by nickfrog on Friday 26th February 22:38
Plastic bumper and metal body causing the issue?
Ask them to confirm in writing it hasn't been remapped previously. They can slip through and cause warranty headaches later.
Discounts are often low on AUC so be happy with anything over £500.
Servicing is from build date, not registration so check that. The big 48m service could be sooner than you think if the car had been sitting around before it was registered.
Ask them to confirm in writing it hasn't been remapped previously. They can slip through and cause warranty headaches later.
Discounts are often low on AUC so be happy with anything over £500.
Servicing is from build date, not registration so check that. The big 48m service could be sooner than you think if the car had been sitting around before it was registered.
Gassing Station | M Power | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff