RE: BMW M3 Competition (G80) | PH Used Buying Guide

[911Spanker]

stuart100 said:

cerb4.5lee said:

pheonix478 said:

stuart100 said:

For me the front doesn’t look like it goes with the back of the car. Different ends I know. The back looks like a Lexus and the front looks like a I don’t know what.

Even from the side the front is a mess and the rear looks like its having some kind of prolapse.

That isn't a fair comparison though is it anyway? Most 4 door cars look crap in comparison to 2 door cars for me in fairness.

I like the green for sure, but personally I'd never buy a 4 door M3 over a 2 door M4(Taxi anyone?! ). 4 doors always shout boring family cars to me, whereas 2 door cars are a different kettle of fish for me in comparison.

So that might explain why I currently have three 2 door cars and only one 4 door car to be fair!

Totally agree on the 4 door cars.

But these aren't sports cars - they are heavy old hectors. They aren't particularly apecial, just fast family cars really.

I personally don't see the point on losing practicality so will always go for the one with the most doors given a choice.

[WY86]

The rumour is the X3M will not be part of the next generation of the X3 line up. With that i will be looking at an M3 touring, hopefully when the APR is back to 2.9%.

[Forester1965]

Really don't like the silly fake rear diffuser nonsense on the M3. Looks awful, fussy and does nothing for performance.

[pacdes]

Fugly.

[fflump]

Still pretty ugly and the only saving grace regarding the grille is that it's broken up a little by the registration plate. Having said that it's not a great state of affairs if a registration plate improves a car's looks.

[stuart100]

911Spanker said:

stuart100 said:

cerb4.5lee said:

pheonix478 said:

stuart100 said:

For me the front doesn’t look like it goes with the back of the car. Different ends I know. The back looks like a Lexus and the front looks like a I don’t know what.

Even from the side the front is a mess and the rear looks like its having some kind of prolapse.

That isn't a fair comparison though is it anyway? Most 4 door cars look crap in comparison to 2 door cars for me in fairness.

I like the green for sure, but personally I'd never buy a 4 door M3 over a 2 door M4(Taxi anyone?! ). 4 doors always shout boring family cars to me, whereas 2 door cars are a different kettle of fish for me in comparison.

So that might explain why I currently have three 2 door cars and only one 4 door car to be fair!

Totally agree on the 4 door cars.

But these aren't sports cars - they are heavy old hectors. They aren't particularly apecial, just fast family cars really.

I personally don't see the point on losing practicality so will always go for the one with the most doors given a choice.

Well I think they are pretty special. They look like a 3 series but are heavily re-engineered. Not a unique car from the ground up. But for me I want a do it all car. I only want one car so I prefer it to look good too.

[JAMSXR]

stuart100 said:

cerb4.5lee said:

pheonix478 said:

stuart100 said:

For me the front doesn’t look like it goes with the back of the car. Different ends I know. The back looks like a Lexus and the front looks like a I don’t know what.

Even from the side the front is a mess and the rear looks like its having some kind of prolapse.

That isn't a fair comparison though is it anyway? Most 4 door cars look crap in comparison to 2 door cars for me in fairness.

I like the green for sure, but personally I'd never buy a 4 door M3 over a 2 door M4(Taxi anyone?! ). 4 doors always shout boring family cars to me, whereas 2 door cars are a different kettle of fish for me in comparison.

So that might explain why I currently have three 2 door cars and only one 4 door car to be fair!

Totally agree on the 4 door cars.

The G80 M4 proportions are even worse than the M3 in my opinion. It’s not just me, M3 prices are considerably stronger.

[Ray_Aber]

Like many others, I respect the car for its interior and for its superb performance and handling, but I really don’t like its looks or its black wheels (although that could be changed). As for wanting an exhaust to pop or bang, no thanks.

I’d get an Alfa QF instead.

[911Spanker]

stuart100 said:

911Spanker said:

stuart100 said:

cerb4.5lee said:

pheonix478 said:

stuart100 said:

For me the front doesn’t look like it goes with the back of the car. Different ends I know. The back looks like a Lexus and the front looks like a I don’t know what.

Even from the side the front is a mess and the rear looks like its having some kind of prolapse.

That isn't a fair comparison though is it anyway? Most 4 door cars look crap in comparison to 2 door cars for me in fairness.

I like the green for sure, but personally I'd never buy a 4 door M3 over a 2 door M4(Taxi anyone?! ). 4 doors always shout boring family cars to me, whereas 2 door cars are a different kettle of fish for me in comparison.

So that might explain why I currently have three 2 door cars and only one 4 door car to be fair!

Totally agree on the 4 door cars.

But these aren't sports cars - they are heavy old hectors. They aren't particularly apecial, just fast family cars really.

I personally don't see the point on losing practicality so will always go for the one with the most doors given a choice.

Well I think they are pretty special. They look like a 3 series but are heavily re-engineered. Not a unique car from the ground up. But for me I want a do it all car. I only want one car so I prefer it to look good too.

Lucky we are all different. For me personally they are just a family hack. Reasonably quick, reasonably fun but mainly a car for carting people around and something the kids will trash and throw up in.

So I would want 4 or 5 doors - can use it as a dump run car as well then.

Saying that I have never really had just one car so my use case may be different to some others.

[cerb4.5lee]

JAMSXR said:

stuart100 said:

cerb4.5lee said:

pheonix478 said:

stuart100 said:

For me the front doesn’t look like it goes with the back of the car. Different ends I know. The back looks like a Lexus and the front looks like a I don’t know what.

Even from the side the front is a mess and the rear looks like its having some kind of prolapse.

That isn't a fair comparison though is it anyway? Most 4 door cars look crap in comparison to 2 door cars for me in fairness.

I like the green for sure, but personally I'd never buy a 4 door M3 over a 2 door M4(Taxi anyone?! ). 4 doors always shout boring family cars to me, whereas 2 door cars are a different kettle of fish for me in comparison.

So that might explain why I currently have three 2 door cars and only one 4 door car to be fair!

Totally agree on the 4 door cars.

The G80 M4 proportions are even worse than the M3 in my opinion. It’s not just me, M3 prices are considerably stronger.

Either way they are both properly boring cars for sure though. Why would anyone get excited about a car that is based on a 318d?

I'd take my Caterham over this all day long for sure, all day everyday.

[stuart100]

911Spanker said:

stuart100 said:

911Spanker said:

stuart100 said:

cerb4.5lee said:

pheonix478 said:

stuart100 said:

For me the front doesn’t look like it goes with the back of the car. Different ends I know. The back looks like a Lexus and the front looks like a I don’t know what.

Even from the side the front is a mess and the rear looks like its having some kind of prolapse.

That isn't a fair comparison though is it anyway? Most 4 door cars look crap in comparison to 2 door cars for me in fairness.

I like the green for sure, but personally I'd never buy a 4 door M3 over a 2 door M4(Taxi anyone?! ). 4 doors always shout boring family cars to me, whereas 2 door cars are a different kettle of fish for me in comparison.

So that might explain why I currently have three 2 door cars and only one 4 door car to be fair!

Totally agree on the 4 door cars.

But these aren't sports cars - they are heavy old hectors. They aren't particularly apecial, just fast family cars really.

I personally don't see the point on losing practicality so will always go for the one with the most doors given a choice.

Well I think they are pretty special. They look like a 3 series but are heavily re-engineered. Not a unique car from the ground up. But for me I want a do it all car. I only want one car so I prefer it to look good too.

Lucky we are all different. For me personally they are just a family hack. Reasonably quick, reasonably fun but mainly a car for carting people around and something the kids will trash and throw up in.

So I would want 4 or 5 doors - can use it as a dump run car as well then.

Saying that I have never really had just one car so my use case may be different to some others.

Yes we are all different. A lot of people will get an M3 or M4 instead of a 911 because of the practicallity. I would like a 911 myself but I just can’t justify 2 cars when I only use them at the weekend.

[JAMSXR]

cerb4.5lee said:

Either way they are both properly boring cars for sure though. Why would anyone get excited about a car that is based on a 318d?

I'd take my Caterham over this all day long for sure, all day everyday.

Bit of an odd comment but we all have a different perspective. The M3 is a million miles from a 318d, an absolute blast on track and pretty fun on an open road. Despite it’s looks I would take the BMW over a Caterham 99% of the time, but I have a young family, and in the past spent all my time on 2 wheels for kicks and giggles.

Strange that I have to explain this on a car forum, but an M3 isn’t a single purpose driving car. It’s built to handle the nursery run, track days and everything else in between.

[stuart100]

911Spanker said:

stuart100 said:

cerb4.5lee said:

pheonix478 said:

stuart100 said:

For me the front doesn’t look like it goes with the back of the car. Different ends I know. The back looks like a Lexus and the front looks like a I don’t know what.

Even from the side the front is a mess and the rear looks like its having some kind of prolapse.

That isn't a fair comparison though is it anyway? Most 4 door cars look crap in comparison to 2 door cars for me in fairness.

I like the green for sure, but personally I'd never buy a 4 door M3 over a 2 door M4(Taxi anyone?! ). 4 doors always shout boring family cars to me, whereas 2 door cars are a different kettle of fish for me in comparison.

So that might explain why I currently have three 2 door cars and only one 4 door car to be fair!

Totally agree on the 4 door cars.

But these aren't sports cars - they are heavy old hectors. They aren't particularly apecial, just fast family cars really.

I personally don't see the point on losing practicality so will always go for the one with the most doors given a choice.

Well I think they are pretty special. They look like a 3 series but are heavily re-engineered. Not a unique car from the ground up. But for me I want a do it all car. I only want one car so I prefer it to look good too.

[GianiCakes]

I prefer the look of the 4 door over the coupe and have gotten used to the grille, which doesn’t mean I actually like it. The coupe version, so an M4, cruised past me on the autobahn the other day. The driver was an older gentlemen who seemed to be enjoying his weekend indulgence although neither one of us was doing a silly speed. What stood out for me though was how agitated the ride looked even though the road was quite smooth. I imagine that would be quite tiring over a distance and even worse in the UK.

[cerb4.5lee]

JAMSXR said:

cerb4.5lee said:

Either way they are both properly boring cars for sure though. Why would anyone get excited about a car that is based on a 318d?

I'd take my Caterham over this all day long for sure, all day everyday.

Bit of an odd comment but we all have a different perspective. The M3 is a million miles from a 318d, an absolute blast on track and pretty fun on an open road. Despite it’s looks I would take the BMW over a Caterham 99% of the time, but I have a young family, and in the past spent all my time on 2 wheels for kicks and giggles.

Strange that I have to explain this on a car forum, but an M3 isn’t a single purpose driving car. It’s built to handle the nursery run, track days and everything else in between.

The problem for me though...is that because it is trying to be a "Jack of all trades car", it ends up being a master of none of them in my opinion. So I'd always go in the direction of more than one car if funds allow for sure.

I tried using my old V8 E92 M3 as a "one car do it all", and it failed miserably for me. It felt just like a 318d when you were sat in it, and it felt very ordinary very quickly when I was using it everyday for me.

But everyone is different though for definite, and what works for one person, won't work for another I think.

[911Spanker]

cerb4.5lee said:

JAMSXR said:

cerb4.5lee said:

Either way they are both properly boring cars for sure though. Why would anyone get excited about a car that is based on a 318d?

I'd take my Caterham over this all day long for sure, all day everyday.

Bit of an odd comment but we all have a different perspective. The M3 is a million miles from a 318d, an absolute blast on track and pretty fun on an open road. Despite it’s looks I would take the BMW over a Caterham 99% of the time, but I have a young family, and in the past spent all my time on 2 wheels for kicks and giggles.

Strange that I have to explain this on a car forum, but an M3 isn’t a single purpose driving car. It’s built to handle the nursery run, track days and everything else in between.

The problem for me though...is that because it is trying to be a "Jack of all trades car", it ends up being a master of none of them in my opinion. So I'd always go in the direction of more than one car if funds allow for sure.

I tried using my old V8 E92 M3 as a "one car do it all", and it failed miserably for me. It felt just like a 318d when you were sat in it, and it felt very ordinary very quickly when I was using it everyday for me.

But everyone is different though for definite, and what works for one person, won't work for another I think.

Exactly..they are 6/10 across the board - a C+ student of you like. Which is all anyone can expect.

Some are happy with that, others won't be. But the M3 is not "amazing" at any one thing IMO.

[CABC]

911Spanker said:

Exactly..they are 6/10 across the board - a C+ student of you like. Which is all anyone can expect.

Some are happy with that, others won't be. But the M3 is not "amazing" at any one thing IMO.

M3 has always been a compromise, but the E30 - E46 were quite sporty too.
G series is heavier and wider to the point that compromise balance has changed - far better a cruiser than sports car.

I do sense a change in tone from Lee since his revelation!

[HighwayStar]

cerb4.5lee said:

JAMSXR said:

cerb4.5lee said:

Either way they are both properly boring cars for sure though. Why would anyone get excited about a car that is based on a 318d?

I'd take my Caterham over this all day long for sure, all day everyday.

Bit of an odd comment but we all have a different perspective. The M3 is a million miles from a 318d, an absolute blast on track and pretty fun on an open road. Despite it’s looks I would take the BMW over a Caterham 99% of the time, but I have a young family, and in the past spent all my time on 2 wheels for kicks and giggles.

Strange that I have to explain this on a car forum, but an M3 isn’t a single purpose driving car. It’s built to handle the nursery run, track days and everything else in between.

The problem for me though...is that because it is trying to be a "Jack of all trades car", it ends up being a master of none of them in my opinion. So I'd always go in the direction of more than one car if funds allow for sure.

I tried using my old V8 E92 M3 as a "one car do it all", and it failed miserably for me. It felt just like a 318d when you were sat in it, and it felt very ordinary very quickly when I was using it everyday for me.

But everyone is different though for definite, and what works for one person, won't work for another I think.

That’s an interesting take from you as you have an F82 M4…

[DB77]

cerb4.5lee said:

I'd take my Caterham over this all day long for sure, all day everyday.

I’m sorry, but that is a ridiculous comment! You would take your Caterham over an M3 every day?? I appreciate the Caterham is going to be more fun if just going out for a drive, but what about the days when you need to take 3 or 4 friends or family members, or you are going away for a week and it is raining / snowing?

The point of M3s and similar cars is that you get a balance between practicality and enjoyment. It doesn’t excel at either the way a more dedicated car would, but there is an argument to be made for the combination.

I have a ‘fun’ car which also can be used for daily duties. But - when I travel to our house in the Yorkshire Dales I have to take 3 people, plus dog, plus luggage. I can’t do that in a 2 seater, which means I have a large, very heavy, un-fun car when I am near some great driving roads. I am considering an m3 Touring as a good compromise - from my testing it is the best handling / most enjoyable estate car and it will allow me to transport all I need to and then have some fun while I am there.

[peter777s]

Had two E92 M3's, now got a G82 M4 x-drive. It's a brilliant car. Didn't like the F82.