[solstice]

Initial reviews mention a much smoother ride than the current M3. It sounds like the ride is very good in comfort mode. In my F80 on passive suspension the ride is stiff but not crashy, I really like this aspect of the car. I found the adaptive F8X suspension crashy and weird and neither are likely a good reference to what the G8X is like.

[Rick955]

Originally Posted by solstice

Initial reviews mention a much smoother ride than the current M3. It sounds like the ride is very good in comfort mode. In my F80 on passive suspension the ride is stiff but not crashy, I really like this aspect of the car. I found the adaptive F8X suspension crashy and weird and neither are likely a good reference to what the G8X is like.

Good point. Didn't even think about that between by 2015 and the 2018. It certainly looks like they put some significant attention into the chassis an suspension for these, especially with all the bracing, so it will be interesting to finally see some of the pro reviews and discussions like this when owners get theirs for real. https://g80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...hlight=Episode

[Rick955]

Originally Posted by Long Driver

I'm reviewing a 2021 M3 Competition right now (pinch me!).

And IMHO surprisingly I like the exhaust note better with the M340 MPE vs the stock M3 (they are both inline 6s).

Plus like online dating, pictures don't give a realistic depiction of the controversial front grille. I really liked the look in person.

Exhaust note disappointing. Side by side with F80 videos definitely sounded better, but maybe the MPE on your 340 is just that much better? Can you elaborate a bit?

Nice to hear you confirm what other's have said about the grill and being much better in person.

[hemi to e90]

Originally Posted by Long Driver

I think the MPE on the M340 has as bit more range without being obnoxious. And it sounds a bit better with rev matching.

The M3 exhaust is deeper but doesn't tickle my ears like the MPE. As always, you need to hear them in person to decide for yourself.

maybe a 2020 but not a 2021

[JWG80M3]

Originally Posted by Long Driver

I'm reviewing a 2021 M3 Competition right now (pinch me!).

I also own a 2021 M340ix with adaptive so I was curious to compare against the M3's ride. The M3 is certainly a fun track or smooth road car...just not sure its a daily driver unless you have a young spine.

The Comfort chassis mode feels nearly as stiff as the M340 in Sport +. My local area has numerous potholes and you will definitely brace for them even in M3 Comfort.

The M340 in Comfort (and adaptive) is very smooth. Definitely a daily driver and while keeping passengers happy. But it will make you smile when upping the ante to Sport + in all settings.

And IMHO surprisingly I like the exhaust note better with the M340 MPE vs the stock M3 (they are both inline 6s).

In addition, tires make a huge difference. I decided to square up my M340 for rotation purposes. The M3 has RF 275/35/19s up front and 285/30/19 in the rear. Great handling but of course can make the ride significantly stiffer.

In summary, if you want a fun, engaging DD car with nearly 400hp you won't feel cheated in the M340 (just get the MPE). For those who track or its not your only car, give the 510hp M3 a test drive. You'll know quickly if the ride is too jarring to drive on a regular basis.

That said, those M3 aficionados already know about/want the stiffer ride. Plus like online dating, pictures don't give a realistic depiction of the controversial front grille. I really liked the look in person.

One last thing; the engine needs a 1,200 mile break-in and the tester has 48 so I really can't give it its proper go all out. This post was more about ride quality.

Great write up...much appreciated. I started looking to buy a new car last year. Initially had my sights on BMW 3er's,then started to consider the Audi S5 Sportback. In January I went to test drive the M340ix and Audi S5 SB and walked right back into wanting a BMW. Ultimately,I ended up ordering the M3 over the M340ix for exactly the reason you said...comfort is not the factor in my equation.

[Habber]

You were doomed as soon as you mentioned M340i.

[AndyLu]

M cars ride harsh. Makes a ton if noise. Have fun

[OSee]

I daily'd a M2 and felt every speed bump and pot hole along the way. It was a glorious 3 years and 20,000 miles.

You'll be having so much fun you'll forget all about it in no time.

[darksilkx1]

I for one am curious about how harsh the M3 ride is compared to the X3M. Almost every X3M review I read or watched singled out the harsh ride.

[GregW / Oregon]

Originally Posted by Young04

Are you somehow hoping that the M3 would ride better than an M340i? Not sure what you're getting at.

Very few people have driven the new M3, but I would be shocked if the ride quality wasn't considerably worse.

This does not help the OP, but I had an M340i as a loaner, and thought the ride quality was much worse than my '15 M4 with adaptive suspension in Comfort. I wouldn't assume an M is always worse than an "M Light."

[2011ninja]

Originally Posted by GregW / Oregon

This does not help the OP, but I had an M340i as a loaner, and thought the ride quality was much worse than my '15 M4 with adaptive suspension in Comfort. I wouldn't assume an M is always worse than an "M Light."

Geez...

My M3 must be an anomaly.

F80 6MT 2016 on OEM 18's
Continental DWS 06
Cold:
PSI 32 front
PSI 30 rear
Full tank of gas
And 4 adults

Car is butter!!!!!

[jkap27]

Originally Posted by 2011ninja

Geez...

My M3 must be an anomaly.

F80 6MT 2016 on OEM 18's
Continental DWS 06
Cold:
PSI 32 front
PSI 30 rear
Full tank of gas
And 4 adults

Car is butter!!!!!

Could be where you live too up here in New York our roads look like we got hit by an earthquake for 6 months a year haha although I don't know that you don't also live here 🤣

[2011ninja]

Originally Posted by jkap27

Could be where you live too up here in New York our roads look like we got hit by an earthquake for 6 months a year haha although I don't know that you don't also live here 🤣

I'm in CT... most of the roads are very good!

The Merit park way is like the Autobahn, Rte 8 the
Nurburgring.

I call NYC streets "Iraq" after the US "Shock and Awe"

I drive with my hazards on when in nyc 😆

[ruderegime]

How comfortable is the G80 M3 in comfort mode? For my nagging wife about stiff riding cars.

[W288SH]

Originally Posted by ruderegime

How comfortable is the G80 M3 in comfort mode? For my nagging wife about stiff riding cars.

It's firm but not jarring, even in Sport mode.

[Pantagathus]

Originally Posted by ruderegime

How comfortable is the G80 M3 in comfort mode? For my nagging wife about stiff riding cars.

I find it better than the GTI I used to have awhile back. The GTI was sort of skittish, this M3 is firm, it just feels hugely planted

[Vintage]

I think it is very comfortable - wives are unlikely to complain if you have the standard seats, which I do. They are comfy.

[FISH22]

My wife drives a TRD Pro Sequoia, which has an extremely soft and comfy suspension. She has never complained about the G80. She’s actually commented on how solid yet comfortable it feels. Now if I crank the suspension up to Sport+, I’m sure that’ll be a different story

[barryc365]

My wife said that the car is 'so comfortable'.

I don't think she will have any complaints

Suffice to say, I probably wouldn't option the carbon buckets if she is fussy about comfort. She won't like climbing in and out most likely

[mzcp]

This is much more comfortable than the M2C. It does not crash on uneven road. Sport + is firm but compliant. I find the springs a little soft in the rears.

[ruderegime]

This all is good to hear. I was looking at the F90, and the M340xi. I prefer the G80 M4.

[BMdoubleUTIFUL]

Just drove 8 hours / 500 miles from South Carolina to Florida with the regular seats and it was very comfortable. I agree with the guy above, it's stiff but not jarring. It's a soft but firm hit on big pot holes.