[BIGW0RM]

Does anyone who had prior M cars regret buying he G8X M3/M4?

If so, what is you dont like the most? Is it the front grill? Is it the ZF? Is it the 6MT?


Reason I ask; I've had 5 M cars since 2011 (2X E92, F10 M5, F82 M4, F80 M3) and moved into Porsche 911's in 2017 and have had 4 now.

I do miss having my F80 M3 just or sake of it being more practical at times over the 911. I am tempted to give the G80 M3 a chance and add one to the garage. But am worried I wont like the ZF and or that the new look wont win me over. I hated it at first. But after seeing it in person, I am slowly accepting it. Id be ok with the 6MT, but lack of AWD (and less power) is a deal breaker. So it would be a ZF AWD G80 for me.


So does anyone regret purchasing a G8X M3 or M4?

[Der_Wolf]

I much prefer my G82 M4 over the F80 M3 I had

Playing with my money is like playing with my emotions, Smokey.

[BIGW0RM]

Originally Posted by Der_Wolf

I much prefer my G82 M4 over the F80 M3 I had

Playing with my money is like playing with my emotions, Smokey.

That's comforting to hear from a former F80 owner!




"I had to warn you too many times about my money, Smokey. You see, it's the principle of the whole thing. There's principalities in this."

[Bimmer TiM3]

Originally Posted by BIGW0RM

Does anyone who had prior M cars regret buying he G8X M3/M4?

If so, what is you dont like the most? Is it the front grill? Is it the ZF? Is it the 6MT?


Reason I ask; I've had 5 M cars since 2011 (2X E92, F10 M5, F82 M4, F80 M3) and moved into Porsche 911's in 2017 and have had 4 now.

I do miss having my F80 M3 just or sake of it being more practical at times over the 911. I am tempted to give the G80 M3 a chance and add one to the garage. But am worried I wont like the ZF and or that the new look wont win me over. I hated it at first. But after seeing it in person, I am slowly accepting it. Id be ok with the 6MT, but lack of AWD (and less power) is a deal breaker. So it would be a ZF AWD G80 for me.


So does anyone regret purchasing a G8X M3 or M4?

My first M car so I apologize for not giving you exactly the feedback you are looking for. But, IMO, G8X, and I have the G80, represents a big step forward for BMW. I've had a P car, and a couple Audi RS vehicles, this was the first time I ever looked hard at BMW because to me I felt BMW was very static with their vehicles for quite some time. I felt like the styling, inside and out and technology was just so-so for quite some time. These models are a giant leap in the right direction for BMW. As far as the grill, get over it, lol, it's not going away. I love having something that stands out among all the others. JMO. Good luck deciding, enjoy the process!

[Ximian]

When I was about to order my G80, I imagined being able to wake up in the morning and choosing whether to drive the G80 or E92 based on how I'm feeling at that moment. But my wife keeps stealing the G80 so I regret not being able to make that choice.

I wouldn't make decisions based on other people's opinions. What works for us that don't regret buying the car might not work for you.

I don't think there is a "what do you dislike" thread, but I'm sure you can find material in the Q&A or "What did you do to your ... today" threads.

[KevinGS]

Originally Posted by Ximian

When I was about to order my G80, I imagined being able to wake up in the morning and choosing whether to drive the G80 or E92 based on how I'm feeling at that moment. But my wife keeps stealing the G80 so I regret not being able to make that choice.

I wouldn't make decisions based on other people's opinions. What works for us that don't regret buying the car might not work for you.

I don't think there is a "what do you dislike" thread, but I'm sure you can find material in the Q&A or "What did you do to your ... today" threads.

I will have the same issue, with me and my girlfriend, within the next month or so: Deciding between my E93 and my G82. She loves the E93, as the sound and the open air experience are intoxicating indeed. And the G82 may intimidate her a bit for a while. So I have a feeling she will be driving the E93 quite a bit, and I'll be driving the G82 a lot...though my Accord will still accrue a lot of miles as well, because it's such a pleasant car to be in, in terms of isolation and comfort....and of course when we need to haul stuff or people.

[BIGW0RM]

Originally Posted by Ximian

When I was about to order my G80, I imagined being able to wake up in the morning and choosing whether to drive the G80 or E92 based on how I'm feeling at that moment. But my wife keeps stealing the G80 so I regret not being able to make that choice.

I wouldn't make decisions based on other people's opinions. What works for us that don't regret buying the car might not work for you.

I don't think there is a "what do you dislike" thread, but I'm sure you can find material in the Q&A or "What did you do to your ... today" threads.

Thanks. But I am not making my decision off what others think. But I am curious to hear what others (especially those with DCT experience) think of the new transmission.

And if I could test drive one (no dealer willing to let me so far) I probably wouldn't be asking. Id just like to hear some general feedback. Especially from those with M car DCT experience.

[Multimodal]

I don't have any G80 yet but I haven't read regrets from any owners on the forums. The closest I saw was ///AVM's post G80 M3C - Impressions by a Spirited Daily Driver. However an initial disappointment there was resolved with more aggressive transmission settings (see post #54) and I think he really likes the vehicle now.

[BIGW0RM]

Originally Posted by Mr. Maboomba

I don't have any G80 yet but I haven't read regrets from any owners on the forums. The closest I saw was ///AVM's post G80 M3C - Impressions by a Spirited Daily Driver. However an initial disappointment there was resolved with more aggressive transmission settings (see post #54) and I think he really likes the vehicle now.

Thank you for the thread link! This is an excellent read. Thank you.

[KevinGS]

Originally Posted by BIGW0RM

Thanks. But I am not making my decision off what others think. But I am curious to hear what others (especially those with DCT experience) think of the new transmission.

And if I could test drive one (no dealer willing to let me so far) I probably wouldn't be asking. Id just like to hear some general feedback. Especially from those with M car DCT experience.

I have had 2 test drives, one in a G80 manual and one in a G82 Comp.

The manual is indeed fun, but I'm kind of old now and will drive my G82 too much to have a manual, so that's out. I do miss having a manual though, but I only want it "on occasion"...so I'm waiting for some engineers to design a manual/DCT combo option: A manual transmission, with one of the gears being simply an "auto" mode where it moves through the gears automatically like a DCT. Hey, I can dream, right?

As for the G82 Comp, I put the ZF8 in its most aggressive setting, and the shift into a lower gear was just as quick to my perception. But what you lose is the abruptness (aka the "violence") of the shift. It's smooth. I missed the abrupt shift. And when going to a higher gear, again, there's no slamming into the gear, it's way more smooth, and almost slurrrrrrs into gear. It slurs faster than normal automatics, but it still slurs into gear nonetheless. I didn't notice the slurring when shifting to a lower gear.

I think many of us coming from E9Xs and F8Xs, we'll miss the DCT, no question. But for me and others, it obviously wasn't a deal breaker.

I have heard that there's a ZF8 tune that causes the abrupt up- and downshifts that most of us like, though I have no experience with this tune. Here's two threads that discuss it, and people seem to like it (though not sure if this is available for the X3 or G8X yet):https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1691668

https://www.2addicts.com/forums/show....php?t=1741825

[///AVM]

Originally Posted by Mr. Maboomba

I don't have any G80 yet but I haven't read regrets from any owners on the forums. The closest I saw was ///AVM's post G80 M3C - Impressions by a Spirited Daily Driver. However an initial disappointment there was resolved with more aggressive transmission settings (see post #54) and I think he really likes the vehicle now.

Mr. M

You nailed it.

There was indeed a glitch in the M1/2 settings over the first ~600 miles; S3 setting was not being activated. . . (1) inadvertently proved there is a significant difference between S1 and S3; (2) as with DCT, the ZF8 S1 setting is very disappointing; and (3) since the 'glitch' was identified and remedied I could not be happier (with ZF8 S3 shift performance).

Controlling shift points with quick/responsive shifts is extremely important to me so, as you suggest, my early driving experience over the initial ~600 miles was very disappointing . . . then the small miracle occurred that changed everything.

My initial impression after ~600 miles also alluded to the G80 chassis (suspension/handling) and how I felt the M3C struggled to hide its mass. In fairness, however, I also emphasized that it takes time for a chassis to come into its own . . . after more than 1,200 miles of seat time the M3C continues to evolve into a marvelous driving experience.

So, to the topic of this thread . . . coming from an M2C that I absolutely embraced and enjoyed as a spirited daily driver, the M3C is exceeding the extremely high expectations I had going into purchase of the ///M icon.

I believe there is a couple thousand miles more of seat time required for me to fully mesh with vehicle and before the vehicle itself fully comes into its own . . . every day just seems to be getting better and better behind the wheel.

As to MY personal focus on overall PERFORMANCE, the G80 M3C is proving superior to what the awesome F87 M2C had to offer. The M3C is simply a next-level performance machine. . . this comes from an owner who holds very low opinion of the G80/82 design architecture.

///AVM

[Ximian]

Originally Posted by BIGW0RM

Thanks. But I am not making my decision off what others think. But I am curious to hear what others (especially those with DCT experience) think of the new transmission.

And if I could test drive one (no dealer willing to let me so far) I probably wouldn't be asking. Id just like to hear some general feedback. Especially from those with M car DCT experience.

I have this post on some comparisons to the E92 -
https://www.m3post.com/forums/showpo...5&postcount=46

[Multimodal]

Originally Posted by KevinGS

I have heard that there's a ZF8 tune that causes the abrupt up- and downshifts that most of us like, though I have no experience with this tune.

That sounds like a great way to grenade your $4,000 transmission. Or at least seriously reduce its lifespan.

[LuvMyE92]

Originally Posted by BIGW0RM

Does anyone who had prior M cars regret buying he G8X M3/M4?

In addition to past M cars, I've also had 6 Porsche cars.

I have no regrets over the G82 purchase. There are a few things that I think could be better, that I might prefer to change, but the only one that comes to mind that gives me any pause is the steering. BMW's move to electric assist has resulted in a lot of dissatisfaction, and there is still room for improvement.

That's it though. Rarely have I been this pleased with a new car purchase.

[///AVM]

Originally Posted by Mr. Maboomba

That sounds like a great way to grenade your $4,000 transmission. Or at least seriously reduce its lifespan.

Mr. M

Spot on again . . . and the aftermarket mod is not necessary. If you like DCT manual mode shifts, you will like ZF8 manual mode shifts.

Although I have not brought this topic up in my thread yet, one of the reasons I have become so enthralled with PDK/DCT and now ZF8 is because you have the ability to power shift. The ZF8 is actually BETTER at power shifting than DCT, at least in my experience with the M3C.

If you like automatic mode, there is no question that the ZF8 is superior to DCT.

I am going to come out and say it at this point . . . enthusiasts need to let DCT go. For one, it is gone and not coming back. Second, if you enjoyed DCT with the S55, you will similarly enjoy ZF8 with the S58. . . perhaps even more so.

///AVM

[snareman]

Coming from 4 years of two F82's (2017, 2018) I have no regrets. Sure, there are a few things I miss from the F82 like the power dome hood, but the G8x is such a huge step forward in both interior and exterior design as well as tech that all of the new benefits far outweigh anything I miss from the previous generation. I don't mind the ZF over the DCT. To me when I see an F82 it now looks dated and I wouldn't have any desire to go back, great of a car as it is.

[Der_Wolf]

Originally Posted by snareman

Coming from 4 years of two F82's (2017, 2018) I have no regrets. Sure, there are a few things I miss from the F82 like the power dome hood, but the G8x is such a huge step forward in both interior and exterior design as well as tech that all of the new benefits far outweigh anything I miss from the previous generation. I don't mind the ZF over the DCT. To me when I see an F82 it now looks dated and I wouldn't have any desire to go back, great of a car as it is.

I have the exact same opinion about the F8x looks. I have also really gotten used to the ZF8 and don't miss the DCT so much anymore.

[bri1042]

I've only had one M before my G80, an F87C. I have zero regrets, and I absolutely expected to. I expected to miss the way the F87C moved, but that didn't end up being the case.

The CLOSEST I come to having a regret is that I rarely really like the looks of 4-door cars from the side. I never regret the 4 doors when opening them in the garage, though.

[02M3ForMe]

My only regret is that I didn't take full advantage of the grille backlash and negotiate a better deal (paid MSRP).

This is the best M3/4 yet as far as how closely it nails the classic M3 "supreme all-arounder" design brief and how it performs relative to its competition. I'm displeased that I almost let myself miss an amazing M car because of the backlash. I fully intended to skip this generation, but a spirited test drive later and my 2021 M2C 6MT was gone.

Ironically, it turns out that real life people not on forums or in comments sections seem to really love the car's looks, anyway.

[barryc365]

No regrets what so ever. It has surpassed all expectations and I really like the gear box having owned DTC (e46 CSL) and E39 M5 (manual) and E36 M3 (manual)

The gear box doesn't have as much 'madness' as a DTC but it just works so well

[mn_bmw]

Originally Posted by BIGW0RM

Thanks. But I am not making my decision off what others think. But I am curious to hear what others (especially those with DCT experience) think of the new transmission.

And if I could test drive one (no dealer willing to let me so far) I probably wouldn't be asking. Id just like to hear some general feedback. Especially from those with M car DCT experience.

I had an F82 with the DCT and now have a G80 with MT. I loved driving the DCT, it was so aggressive. I didn't get the ZF in the G80 because I had a suspicion that I would get bored compared to the DCT and didn't want to risk not liking it. Besides I love shifting. That being said, I didn't drive the G80 ZF, so I can only give my limited perspective. I had an M550 and I'm not sure how that transmission compares to the one in the G80/82, but it was boring to me. All I can say is I absolutely do not regret buying the manual, even though I'm working through getting used to my first BMW manual

[snareman]

Originally Posted by 02M3ForMe

My only regret is that I didn't take full advantage of the grille backlash and negotiate a better deal (paid MSRP).

This is the best M3/4 yet as far as how closely it nails the classic M3 "supreme all-arounder" design brief and how it performs relative to its competition. I'm displeased that I almost let myself miss an amazing M car because of the backlash. I fully intended to skip this generation, but a spirited test drive later and my 2021 M2C 6MT was gone.

Ironically, it turns out that real life people not on forums or in comments sections seem to really love the car's looks, anyway.

You mean you would have said, these grilles are ugly so you should give me a discount? I don't think that would have worked.