[AndroidRobot]

So as a few of you know my M3 has been good overall except for a few small things so I'm making an OP to discuss them.

1. Drivetrain/Differential/AWD Malfunctions randomly

The dealer first tried to say this was related to me pressing the "LIM" button on my steering wheel is is nonsense, then when I showed them the error messages again they said "well we updated the software" so let's see how that goes… I don't know how they can be so incompetent)

2. Steering wheel trim issues, CF trim around buttons is warped and the bottom center spoke has a bulge around on the left side seam.

They're replacing the steering wheel

3. Some creeks/rattles in the rear of my car

Dealer has no clue, I'll figure this out later on

4. Transmission shifts slower than the X3M40i loaner I had. I didn't bring this up to them yet but I plan to after the new year. It's crazy to me how a M Performance model shifts faster than a full blown M even in D3/S3 which is very noticeable how much faster the X3M40i shifted. Has anyone else noticed this? When I hit my paddles or use the gear lever with everything in Sport/Sport+, gear level/transmission in either D3/S3 there's a slightly delay where the X3M40i I drove was instant more akin to a DCT without the harshness. It's very apparent after driving both cars and I can't unsee it now.

I'll update this list as time goes on.

Edit: I can post pictures showing the steering wheel issues and fault codes I had if anyone wants

[Forzanerazzurri]

I'd like to see the steering wheel defects

[AndroidRobot]

Originally Posted by Forzanerazzurri

I'd like to see the steering wheel defects

It's a bit hard to see in these, but below the buttons it bulges outward, same goes for under the center spoke

[Forzanerazzurri]

Well the option isn't cheap. Good thing you pushed for a replacement. If more consumers were picky like this then the quality control would go up pretty fast.

[AndroidRobot]

Originally Posted by Forzanerazzurri

Well the option isn't cheap. Good thing you pushed for a replacement. If more consumers were picky like this then the quality control would go up pretty fast.

I'm an engineer so I notice the little things and can't unsee them for better or worse but yes they are replacing it. The issues are very noticeable in person fwiw

[OF Hero]

Really curious about #4... hope it all gets sorted out...

[AndroidRobot]

Originally Posted by OF Hero

Really curious about #4... hope it all gets sorted out...

I am too, I'll bring it by after the new year and see what they say. It's bizarre but unmistakable

[BGM-M3COMP]

I'm curious to what they say about the trans.

I don't have any shifting issues although the trans does act funny when it's cold. And also when letting your foot off the brake so the car can start to roll. There's like a delay. Almost as if it's low on fluid.

I wonder if the dealer checks that during the break in service? I'll ask them too since mine is coming up soon.

[jimbethesda]

I have noticed #4, but in comparison to the DCT on my F80. My F80 was my first ever auto/DCT. While I missed a clutch from time to time, I throughly enjoyed the DCT. So far, I'm not that happy with the auto in my G83. Delay in shifting as you noted, as well as 8 gears. They all seem too short, although that might just be my perception. Redline in 2nd definitely hits at a lower speed.

Let us know if there is something that can improve shifting speeds. I'm in S3 almost all the time.

[AndroidRobot]

Originally Posted by BGM-M3COMP

I'm curious to what they say about the trans.

I don't have any shifting issues although the trans does act funny when it's cold. And also when letting your foot off the brake so the car can start to roll. There's like a delay. Almost as if it's low on fluid.

I wonder if the dealer checks that during the break in service? I'll ask them too since mine is coming up soon.

I have no idea but it's weird to say the least. I suspected it for a little while but it wasn't until I drove something else that it confirmed what I noticed. I'm referring to slower shifts when the car and oil are all up to temp, but he's cold is worse

[jimbethesda]

Originally Posted by BGM-M3COMP

I'm curious to what they say about the trans.

I don't have any shifting issues although the trans does act funny when it's cold. And also when letting your foot off the brake so the car can start to roll. There's like a delay. Almost as if it's low on fluid.

I wonder if the dealer checks that during the break in service? I'll ask them too since mine is coming up soon.

Delay after taking foot off brake is on purpose. The brakes hold for a few secs to prevent rolling back. Somewhat useful on manuals, useless on Autos (in my opinion).

[BGM-M3COMP]

Originally Posted by AndroidRobot

I have no idea but it's weird to say the least. I suspected it for a little while but it wasn't until I drove something else that it confirmed what I noticed. I'm referring to slower shifts when the car and oil are all up to temp, but he's cold is worse

Every single auto car i ever drove, old and new, even if you cold start the car it moves just fine. And let's say you have to move it really quick like you're blocking someone in, when i do that in the M3 when i want to take my C7Z out because the M3 is parked in front of it, i literally have to sit in the M3 for a couple of minutes before i can throw it into D. Otherwise the car doesn't move. Even with my foot completely off the brake. It won't move for a solid 5-8 seconds. Then because the cold start gives the engine a high idle, all of a sudden it will kick into gear and lurch foward. It's so annoying. I never experienced this ever in an auto car until this car.

Originally Posted by jimbethesda

Delay after taking foot off brake is on purpose. The brakes hold for a few secs to prevent rolling back. Somewhat useful on manuals, useless on Autos (in my opinion).

Wait, are you sure this applies to the autos as well? I had brake hold or (hill assist) on my wrx before i got rid of it so i know that the car stays stationary with the foot off the brake for a couple of seconds if the car detects itself on any incline of some sort but the little bumper to bumper traffic i encountered with this car seems very strange.

Do you know if the dealer would check trans fluid?

[jimbethesda]

Originally Posted by BGM-M3COMP

Every single auto car i ever drove, old and new, even if you cold start the car it moves just fine. And let's say you have to move it really quick like you're blocking someone in, when i do that in the M3 when i want to take my C7Z out because the M3 is parked in front of it, i literally have to sit in the M3 for a couple of minutes before i can throw it into D. Otherwise the car doesn't move. Even with my foot completely off the brake. It won't move for a solid 5-8 seconds. Then because the cold start gives the engine a high idle, all of a sudden it will kick into gear and lurch foward. It's so annoying. I never experienced this ever in an auto car until this car.

Wait, are you sure this applies to the autos as well? I had brake hold or (hill assist) on my wrx before i got rid of it so i know that the car stays stationary with the foot off the brake for a couple of seconds if the car detects itself on any incline of some sort but the little bumper to bumper traffic i encountered with this car seems very strange.

Do you know if the dealer would check trans fluid?

It says it does in the manual. Holds for 2 secs. Called Drive-off Assistant. Go to the index for the page number.

[og_e46]

I'm coming from a 5 speed manual non-M, and the G80C will be my first 'performance' car with an automatic transmission. Needless to say, I'm concerned about issue #4. Keep us posted. And thanks for sharing.

[AndroidRobot]

Originally Posted by og_e46

I'm coming from a 5 speed manual non-M, and the G80C will be my first 'performance' car with an automatic transmission. Needless to say, I'm concerned about issue #4. Keep us posted. And thanks for sharing.

It may just be my car, but I'd like others to chime in on their experience.

[McLaren720s]

I haven't noticed any "slow" or delayed shifting speeds on either road or at the track. Maybe someone can make a video?

On a side note, Steve from Evo magazine mentioned in their car of the year video that the ZF transmission in the M5CS shifted faster than in the G80 M3. If this is true, I wonder if BMW is purposely sandbagging the ZF in our cars to make the incoming CS version seem better just like it's potentially faster on the more expensive flagship M5CS.
Does the M5CS have exactly the same ZF transmission we have?

[AndroidRobot]

Originally Posted by McLaren720s

I haven't noticed any "slow" or delayed shifting speeds on either road or at the track. Maybe someone can make a video?

On a side note, Steve from Evo magazine mentioned in their car of the year video that the ZF transmission in the M5CS shifted faster than in the G80 M3. If this is true, I wonder if BMW is purposely sandbagging the ZF in our cars to make the incoming CS version seem better just like it's better on the more expensive flagship M5CS.
Does the M5CS have exactly the same ZF transmission we have?

I suspect they are to some degree. The shift speed is noticeably slower in my car vs the X3 M40i I drove as a loaner. Those shifts were crisp and smooth while the G80 had harder shifts but they were slower (harshness doesn't matter to me, speed does). Downshifts in the X3 M40i we're slower though despite the faster up shifts so maybe it's all down to how they're tuning the transmission? I'm going to go for a test drive with a tech in both hopefully next week and see what they say.

[luckylingy]

Originally Posted by AndroidRobot

I suspect they are to some degree. The shift speed is noticeably slower in my car vs the X3 M40i I drove as a loaner. Those shifts were crisp and smooth while the G80 had harder shifts but they were slower (harshness doesn't matter to me, speed does). Downshifts in the X3 M40i we're slower though despite the faster up shifts so maybe it's all down to how they're tuning the transmission? I'm going to go for a test drive with a tech in both hopefully next week and see what they say.

I'll be your everyday guinea pig, eventually. We just ordered an X3 M40i to replace our Jeep. To the extent there's a difference in shifting speed between the two, it may be warmer weather closer to May till I wring out either vehicle. I suspect there's a software update that could speed up G8x ZF shift speeds, if BMW wanted it.

[wj100]

As a former E90 and F82 owner and a current Alfa Giulia QV owner, the transmission is the most concerning thing to me about potentially ordering a G80. I did get some seat time in one and it left me totally cold.

The Alfa also has a ZF8 in it, but the shifts are way quicker and also have some drama...not as much drama as the E90/F82 DCTs, but enough to keep the shifts feeling alive and interesting.

It's the main thing making me think a G80 may not be for me.

[AndroidRobot]

Originally Posted by luckylingy

I'll be your everyday guinea pig, eventually. We just ordered an X3 M40i to replace our Jeep. To the extent there's a difference in shifting speed between the two, it may be warmer weather closer to May till I wring out either vehicle. I suspect there's a software update that could speed up G8x ZF shift speeds, if BMW wanted it.

Yeah I'm going to find out, if was just my car or an issue with everyone's because that's important

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Got some miles to go before the transmission gets tested. The hold on the brakes is either normal or a hill hold. I need to look into the settings for the hold.

One thing takes some getting used to in the seat belt tightener giving you a little tug when you put it on.

Picked the car up & had to leave for a trip the next day. Just got home after a few weeks. Car has just over 100 miles on it.

[DS_BMW]

Maybe to many launch controls? Have you tried reseting the trans by pushing gas pedal past kick down then pushing start button, hold gas pedal there for 60 seconds. keep it held down hit start button again. Then start car like normal.

I use to do this in my F80 when the DCT felt sluggish. I do not notice any lag in the G80 though auto though.