[vj123]

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We have plenty of threads praising how great G8x platform is. I am creating this thread to document honest feedback from actual owners documenting on what could be better in this platform as no vehicle is perfect.

I have owned my G80 for 4 months with 4200 miles on the clock and it has been one of the best vehicles I have ever owned. It met most of my expectations across categories (looks, performance, practicality) which I would expect from a BMW or a M vehicle. This vehicle is not my daily driver but I drive it regularly during weekends and occasionally during weekdays. In my case, I feel the vehicle is too refined than what I was personally expecting.

In 2021, I ended up getting one of the last F87 allocation and I zeroed in that vehicle as it had the last DCT from BMW and was old school compared to other vehicles in the market. After a short TD, I ended up cancelling it as it was too small for my wants / liking and eyeing a G80 since then. G80 transmission in S3 mode is pretty intense and is close to a DCT. Not sure if having DCT in this platform would have added more drama to the whole experience.

Most of us chose this platform for the manual gearbox option. Would I have been more happy with a manual? Maybe. I drove manuals most part of my life but I gave it up last decade due to health issues. So manual option was never in the books.

Adding an exhaust might improve the drama? Maybe. I have had AWE exhausts on several vehicles in the past and was very happy. I have been eyeing on that for a while and installing that might add more drama to the experience.

To conclude, I feel G80 is a perfect DD and Grand Tourer. I still smile every time when I crank up the engine. Not sure if I had very high expectations from this platform and my first M. My wife likes this vehicle and wants me to keep it. I bought this vehicle with an intention of keeping it for a very long time but I am not sure if thats going to happen.

If I end up selling, I am considering Camaro ZL1 1LE or CT5 Blackwing (I know they are totally different vehicles) as 4 seats is a must. Camaro ZL1 is not really practical and CT5 BW is above my current budget. I am at cross roads and not sure how things are going to pan in the near future.

[evoi19]

With rising interest rates and most sought after vehicles carry an ADM why not keep it and enjoy it for awhile? Why put it for sale if you love it?

When I was cross shopping I looked at the Alfa and I think the S5. The c63 was on its way out and didn't wanna wait for a 4 banger hybrid replacement (even if it had more power). For its price point and the capabilities, the g8x platform is hard to beat

[MCM4]

To answer your question, steering feel / feedback is the major item I would improve. I despise the fake exhaust sound, but I can turn that off. Steering is what it is.

The Blackwing would be for you. Have you driven a 4 or 5? I did 2000 miles in a 4MT and have a 5MT on order. The 4 is sensational, and definitely not as "refined" as the M3/M4. But boy is it fun to drive. I expect the CT5-V Blackwing to elevate that feeling to another level. But be warned, the Cadillacs don't have the paint quality, assembly quality, or material quality of the BMW. On the plus side, the driving experience is much more pure. I have not driven an auto, so only you can compare that to what you are used to. I think it would accomplish your goal.

[vj123]

Originally Posted by evoi19

With rising interest rates and most sought after vehicles carry an ADM why not keep it and enjoy it for awhile? Why put it for sale if you love it?

When I was cross shopping I looked at the Alfa and I think the S5. The c63 was on its way out and didn't wanna wait for a 4 banger hybrid replacement (even if it had more power). For its price point and the capabilities, the g8x platform is hard to beat

G8x is definitely a great overall package. I listed it for sale to gauge the market and have a few solid offers (not great) from dealers. Since i am in a dilemma, i dont want to sell it in a hurry and regret later as i might buy one back with iDrive 8.

I helped my friend to get a Giulia Q this month and i would never buy one with those reliability issues.

[Forzanerazzurri]

If the M3 isn't good enough for you then I'm not sure if any car will make you happy.

[Draper]

Grass is always greener, but a Camaro is never the answer.

[vj123]

Originally Posted by MCM4

The Blackwing would be for you. Have you driven a 4 or 5? I did 2000 miles in a 4MT and have a 5MT on order. The 4 is sensational, and definitely not as "refined" as the M3/M4. But boy is it fun to drive. I expect the CT5-V Blackwing to elevate that feeling to another level. But be warned, the Cadillacs don't have the paint quality, assembly quality, or material quality of the BMW. On the plus side, the driving experience is much more pure. I have not driven an auto, so only you can compare that to what you are used to. I think it would accomplish your goal.

Congrats on your order and you will have a blast.

GM has definitely upped the game with the BWs. I have not driven them but had some exposure in the past. I am ready to sacrifice on minor issues from GM to get better driving experience. I am not serious about 4BW as it has the 6 cylinder and overall size is comparable to the RS3. I believe they bumped 5BW MY23 msrp by $7k and its really significant even in the current market. If price was not an issue, i would have placed 5BW order by now and would have even waited for a year as i am in no hurry.

[vj123]

Originally Posted by Draper

Grass is always greener, but a Camaro is never the answer.

I know, i hate that platform for visibility issues and used to say i would never own one. But i wouldnt mind getting one if it performs the way how everyone says. A friend of mine owns one and planning to meet him next week.

[TJR_///M3]

Originally Posted by vj123

We have plenty of threads praising how great G8x platform is. I am creating this thread to document honest feedback from actual owners documenting on what could be better in this platform as no vehicle is perfect.

I have owned my G80 for 4 months with 4200 miles on the clock and it has been one of the best vehicles I have ever owned. It met most of my expectations across categories (looks, performance, practicality) which I would expect from a BMW or a M vehicle. This vehicle is not my daily driver but I drive it regularly during weekends and occasionally during weekdays. In my case, I feel the vehicle is too refined than what I was personally expecting.

In 2021, I ended up getting one of the last F87 allocation and I zeroed in that vehicle as it had the last DCT from BMW and was old school compared to other vehicles in the market. After a short TD, I ended up cancelling it as it was too small for my wants / liking and eyeing a G80 since then. G80 transmission in S3 mode is pretty intense and is close to a DCT. Not sure if having DCT in this platform would have added more drama to the whole experience.

Most of us chose this platform for the manual gearbox option. Would I have been more happy with a manual? Maybe. I drove manuals most part of my life but I gave it up last decade due to health issues. So manual option was never in the books.

Adding an exhaust might improve the drama? Maybe. I have had AWE exhausts on several vehicles in the past and was very happy. I have been eyeing on that for a while and installing that might add more drama to the experience.

To conclude, I feel G80 is a perfect DD and Grand Tourer. I still smile every time when I crank up the engine. Not sure if I had very high expectations from this platform and my first M. My wife likes this vehicle and wants me to keep it. I bought this vehicle with an intention of keeping it for a very long time but I am not sure if thats going to happen.

If I end up selling, I am considering Camaro ZL1 1LE or CT5 Blackwing (I know they are totally different vehicles) as 4 seats is a must. Camaro ZL1 is not really practical and CT5 BW is above my current budget. I am at cross roads and not sure how things are going to pan in the near future.

My G80C is the best car I have ever owned - practicality of a 4 door, exceptional performance both in a straight line and in the twisty bits and, most impressively, book ends of adjustability that range from a pretty civilized cruiser to an accomplished track performer.
As well said by OP, nothing is perfect. So what could be better?
1. The steering. I actually wouldn't change Comfort or Sport, but would add a Sport Plus that removes a lot of the isolation (which damps out the road imperfections very well and makes Comfort great for cruising, but also very effectively fails to communicate what the front tires are actually doing).
2. My car has several annoying buzzes and tizzes. This often happens on new platforms and will almost certainly be addressed as the platform matures.
3. The front wheel and tire appearance. I don't like the higher aspect ratio on the front tires which results in a taller side wall than on the rear. That, together with the large tire to wheel lip clearance is not a good look to my eyes.
A pretty short list!

[MCM4]

Originally Posted by vj123

Congrats on your order and you will have a blast.

GM has definitely upped the game with the BWs. I have not driven them but had some exposure in the past. I am ready to sacrifice on minor issues from GM to get better driving experience. I am not serious about 4BW as it has the 6 cylinder and overall size is comparable to the RS3. I believe they bumped 5BW MY23 msrp by $7k and its really significant even in the current market. If price was not an issue, i would have placed 5BW order by now and would have even waited for a year as i am in no hurry.

Unfortunately, they did bump the CT5-V BW +7k. It sucks. I first ordered a 5 in September '21. Then in December, I ordered a 2nd 5 out of state. I ordered my M4 in Jan. '22 and it arrived 1 month ago. Along the way, I cancelled my original 5 order at the local dealer, who gets almost 0 cars. My current 5 order got picked up within days of the M4 arriving.

The LF4 motor in the 4 Blackwing is nice, but would be a letdown if you are used to the S58 in Competition form. The LT4 will not, and even though an S58 slightly outruns it in a straight line, the rawness of the supercharged V8 wins for me.

[M3coco]

1. The exhaust is pretty subdued, but easily modified
2. Wish it would turn on to m1 or m2 mode, or whatever it was set at before
3. Shifting from 2-3 D3 stutters a bit

Everything else is amazing

[wasya152]

1. I would love a dct. I think it would make the sprited/fun driving so much better. Porsche can get it totally usable daily and much better performance and experience.

2. Better HUD layout in M mode. Don't like how it's laid out. Currently it's at the top of the HUD display and has way too much empty space below. In M mode, I don't need directions arrows and what ever else pops up there. I would have the rpm strip at the bottom of the HUD with just gear and mph showing. The rest of the 2nd half of the top section of hud is empty, allowing better visibility of the road ahead.

3. I'm a little partial, but better interior engine noise experience. Asm sounds kinda fake to me, more synthesized than actual engine noise. But with all that insulation, that's also a big ask.

[G-Mann]

I only have two weeks of ownership and the exhaust note is what comes to mind when I think of what could be better. I have spent hours listening to YouTube videos trying to find the one.

IMO the driving experience could be a bit more edgier and obnoxious. Comfort mode feels pretty tame to me and I find myself in M mode pretty quick. I could go for M mode being the comfort mode and then having an M+ in your face mode experience straight from the factory.

The Zl1 will be a fun drive but just too many other shortcomings. The 5vB is the one to target, had I been able to snag a 22 I would have been all over it. Perhaps a piggy and exhaust upgrade will help with your G80 experience?

[rak299]

On the 6mt, I would like the gear ratio for 1st gear to be a little lower so the shift point could be a little higher

[McLaren720s]

For the, better steering feel would be at the top of my list

[yousefnjr]

1 - easily unlocked DME
2 - 6mt with xdrive
3 - tach on hud without m mode
4 - better stance from factory
5 - optional B&O sound
6 - green leather interior would be sweeeeeeet

[PatientM]

camaro? ..... bruhhh....

[Frsh-N-Klean]

Originally Posted by PatientM

camaro? ..... bruhhh....

😂

[vj123]

Thanks to the trolls and their one liners. It helps everyone!

[vj123]

Originally Posted by G-Mann

Perhaps a piggy and exhaust upgrade will help with your G80 experience?

I think G80 has plenty of power. If i end up keeping it, i would definitely add an exhaust.

[wtwo3]

I tried evaluating other options when also looking at the G80. My main criteria was 4 doors, the rest after that was subjective impressions.

1) Giulia - It's a fun drive and the steering is so direct which makes even taking a turn in an intersection a fun experience. But the interior is lacking, and reliability is a big question mark.

2) C63 - I'd have had to pick up a lightly used version since that generation was on its way out and I can't see myself in a 4 banger. But with that said, it's last gen. It was meant to compete with the F80. Plus Mercedes interior quality has suffered lately.

3) RS5 - It's gorgeous and super comfortable. But it barely felt any quicker than my m340i, and somehow less engaging to drive. It reminded me of my old Q50 red sport. Fast and powerful, but very subdued and quiet and comfortable.... and a bit of a snoozefest.

4) CT5V BW - Unfortunately I never got an opportunity to drive one. But going based off reviews I would have loved the way it drives. This was probably the closest competitor to the G80 for me. But those Cadillac interiors... lots of smoke and mirrors. They LOOK good but when you get up close and personal everything feels cheap and plasticy. I did sit inside a CT5V and that's exactly the impression I got. And maybe it's just me... but I have an aversion to GM products in general no matter how good they might be... Maybe it's the thought of going to one of their dealerships.

5) IS500 - It's not in the same league. But I had high hopes because of that naturally aspirated V8 which sounds soooooo sweet in the LC500. But the IS500 was a letdown. It somehow didn't provide the same smiles that the LC500 provides, and that interior is ancient. Hell the entire car is ancient and you feel it.


After considering all these options - the G80 M3 provided the ultimate mixture of everything. It's not without its flaws, but it's the best option I could come up with. I'd love for more steering feedback, a better exhaust note, maybe a bit less insulated, but at the end of the day those are minor flaws compared to some of the more major ones of its competitors.

[Itson451]

For me its an excellent car very few things that I dislike will keep this car. I think what people miss from the f80 is the twitchiness, the feeling that the back end could step out anytime. The dct I could live without, the ZF works just fine
1) the car springs are too soft feel too cushy for me
2)the car is too perfect at everything, does not have one thing it really does poorly. This can be a positive and a negative
3) aftermarket coilovers and other parts are limited availability
4) no square setup makes the front fendergap look terrible
None of these complaints are deal breakers everybody enjoy