Test drive

[Stueyd999]

Hi guys
Need a bit of info if possible. Just done short test drive in an M3 and found it quite harsh to drive on the road. I have previously driven an M4 round Silverstone and it was fantastic, but I struggled with it at low speed on the roads.
I may appear stupid asking this question but can it be driven in auto without using paddles or gearstick.
Thanks

[supertouring]

I'd stick to your bicycle with playing cards in the spokes.

[Stueyd999]

supertouring said:

I'd stick to your bicycle with playing cards in the spokes.

Very funny, ask a reasonable question get a stupid reply

[Wills2]

Yes it can, in answer to your question, D auto, S paddles/lever.

[Stueyd999]

Thank you

[MadMarkM3]

Harsh as in the gearbox?

[Stueyd999]

Harsh as in the ride and comfort. I don't remember it being like that on the track, but then I did have my foot to the floor. I will try it in just auto next time but it just seemed like I shouldn't be in first gear at all. I guess I should have expected it off an m car, but it actually put me off and I wanted to love it.

[MadMarkM3]

Stueyd999 said:

Harsh as in the ride and comfort. I don't remember it being like that on the track, but then I did have my foot to the floor. I will try it in just auto next time but it just seemed like I shouldn't be in first gear at all. I guess I should have expected it off an m car, but it actually put me off and I wanted to love it.

Wow - what are you currently driving? Must be very soft ....

You can turn the M3 into a limo if you stick the dampers in comfort, the engine in efficient and the gearbox in D with it's gearbox shifter in the slowest position ....

Normally I drive with the engine in sport (for the exhaust sound), the gearbox in it's slowest setting and the dampers in sport. (M1 mode). For M2 I have everything in Sport+ and in the the M stability control setting .... then it's an animal.

They can also be very sensitive to tyre pressures - mine was only running 2.0 bar (out of the showroom) and I moved this to 2.4 bar for normal driving although BMW recommends 2.8 bar for high speed work. And then, and only then does the ride go to st. IMHO.

[rs4al]

I suggest you go and drive an RS4 set up in dynamic mode.

[Wills2]

Yes dreadful thing...