So last time I got a ticking off from the comments thread for not properly reading the manual and appreciating launch control rpm can apparently be adjusted from the cruise control stalk. Seems real PHers are confident enough in their masculinity to admit such things so, suitably emboldened, I delved into the instructions and uncovered another bit of BMW trivia the entire PH world will now roll its eyes and say 'what, you didn't know THAT?'
March of progress; M4 now 6 sized!
I'm afraid it's nothing like as exciting as choosing your launch rpm either. Yes, I'll share this with the one other person who didn't know but according to which way you have the mirror switch the M4 will or won't dip its nearside mirror when reversing. I like this. With wheels this nice I'm paranoid about parking kerbside. And after finding out how much Austin Yellow paint costs I'm keen to keep 'em level for 'regular' reversing. Being able to switch between the two modes without having to delve into a menu is a gift. My name is Dan, I read the manual and I now know more about 'my' car.
Still awake? You're probably wondering where that C63 shoot-out is aren't you? It's coming, honest. In the meantime I decided threadbare rear tyres and looming autumnal weather probably weren't the smartest combination and did puppy dog eyes at BMW's press office to see if they'd lend me another set of rear wheels so I could see these ones off in style and then have something to drive home on. Amazingly they agreed, a flight from Farnborough next door to their office meaning I could drop the car with them to load these and inspect a chip on the windscreen. When I picked it up the following day the car was beautifully clean, seemingly bearer of a new screen and packing two box fresh rear wheels with fresh Pilot Super Sports in the back.
Privileges suitably abused I motored home a happy man, knowing we had a day booked at the PHTV test track and a chance to give those tired old tyres a proper send off. But then it rained. Dreams of tyre smoke extinguished, dodgy rubber still in place and a look at the diary trying to find another opportunity. On a brighter note whatever Rain-X style coating BMW put on the glass when they cleaned it was proper witchcraft; fully beaded up rear screen and side windows would clear on the first prod of the accelerator. I've asked what it was they used and am awaiting an answer, because whatever it was it worked a treat.
I'm itching to give it a proper blast too. As good as it is on the day to day - and it really is very good - I've still not really cut loose in it. And I really, really need to give those rears a proper Viking send-off. Probably for the best I don't do this on a local roundabout, tempting as it is.
Now, as I write we've just had something delivered to the car park that might make a rather interesting comparison. It's also gold, costs £78K as delivered against 'my' M4's £73,870 and makes a rather compelling back to back. I'll get to that in due course. I've got a C63 comparo to type up first!
FACT SHEET
Car: BMW M4
Run by: Dan
On fleet since: June 2015
Mileage: 8,967
List price new: £73,870 (Basic list of £57,055 plus £1,330 for Black Merino leather, £545 for advanced parking package, £2,645 for 7-speed M DCT transmission, £6,250 for carbon ceramic brakes, £175 for 19" M Double-spoke style 437M alloy wheels/Black with mixed tyres, £265 for sun protection glass, £155 for extended storage, £140 for sliding front armrest, £440 for lane change warning system, £395 for Carbon Fibre interior trim, £1,600 for Adaptive LED headlights, £370 for driving assistant, £500 surround view, £825 Head-up display, £675 Harman/Kardon Loudspeaker system, £95 internet and £190 for online entertainment)
Last month at a glance: Spare tyres acquired, not yet fitted