[evo-mike]

Originally Posted by Rupes

Great that we have an option, but surprised at the number of people advocating for AWD on an M3/4. BMW said their demographic shifted - clients now prefer AWD. I've been fighting this thinking for years, but see I'm (sadly) mistaken.

If I don't move to Porsche, I'll be getting mine with RWD and a 6spd...probably the last time I'll be able to so.

Remember this, BMW fans? Wasn't that long ago...

FWD: bad
RWD: better
AWD: best

You're thinking that it will be a FWD biased understeer machine. I can't imagine anything less than 50:50, but given BMW's propensity for rear biased AWD systems that will likely continue.

You will never get out of a corner faster than with a properly setup AWD. And maybe we'll be fortunate enough to have an adjustable center diff that can throw most if not all the power to the back for some sideways fun.

[Bowser330]

Originally Posted by evo-mike

FWD: bad
RWD: better
AWD: best

You're thinking that it will be a FWD biased understeer machine. I can't imagine anything less than 50:50, but given BMW's propensity for rear biased AWD systems that will likely continue.

You will never get out of a corner faster than with a properly setup AWD. And maybe we'll be fortunate enough to have an adjustable center diff that can throw most if not all the power to the back for some sideways fun.

Be Best
-Melania
https://www.whitehouse.gov/bebest/

[georgere]

Originally Posted by Ibiza

How long was your M5 test drive and what type of road? I'm not interested in a 4 door sedan, but intrigued with the new MxDrive that I spent $6,000 + for a 2 day test drive earlier this month at the Ring in the M5– what an animal it was!

It was not extensive and was limited to normal driving and launch control test. Even then I loved the car but my point here is that AWD May suit 700hp large sedan but not necessarily a nimble smaller couple.
Again this will remain to be seen how much of plus or minus the AWD will be for m3/4 when it comes out. I m just saying I would not be so excited about it at this point.

[vampire81]

This is really good news

[ASAP]

Originally Posted by goj

Because weight. They know that m3 buyers still care about it.

if the can use more cf and integrate the awd whilst keeping it at 3600 lbs or under; thats optimal... also remember an auto box is by all accounts lighter than the DCT... it can all be done

[________]

Originally Posted by georgere

It was not extensive and was limited to normal driving and launch control test. Even then I loved the car but my point here is that AWD May suit 700hp large sedan but not necessarily a nimble smaller couple.
Again this will remain to be seen how much of plus or minus the AWD will be for m3/4 when it comes out. I m just saying I would not be so excited about it at this point.

Just to clarify, by "nimble smaller coupe" you mean..........

.... an M4?

[lonestar22]

Originally Posted by SG-GM

Why not make it like the M5. AWD with the option to go RWD. Two birds one stone

Weight. Some want the lighter model for track reasons

[IB M]

Need to mention - AWD is harder to maintain and complicates engine work. Try working on the bottom end of an xdrive - need to drop the driveline first.

[georgere]

Originally Posted by OnerDriver

Just to clarify, by "nimble smaller coupe" you mean..........

.... an M4?

Yes, when compared with m5

[e92ben]

Originally Posted by lonestar22

Weight. Some want the lighter model for track reasons

What's 50 pounds?

[upsidedownfunnel]

Originally Posted by e92ben

What's 50 pounds?

Are you trying to imply xDrive only adds 50 lbs of weight? Not even close. It's probably closer to 200 lbs for a system like the M5's. I can't see it being any less than 150 lbs at the bare minimum. And that includes a lot of weight up in the nose of the car where you don't want it. That's a large weight penalty for a car that can be configured to be <3600lbs. These days, that's pretty light for a car in this class.

[SG-GM]

Originally Posted by lonestar22

Weight. Some want the lighter model for track reasons

Yep I understand but they're already making it bigger and bigger. Why not bother with the AWD? Its a personal opinion but if you want a lightweight RWD get an M2... (6speed of course)

[M3 Number 86]

Originally Posted by vasi_M3

I owned Evos for about 10 years, and beat the crap out of it and the engine never gave up. Launching the car and clutch wear was a different issue, and my friends were always impressed with my driving. Either way you should drive a AWD for a week or two and come back with some feedback on launching and driving in general. Would be very curious.

I've had an Evo too with some mods. Still more boring than my current e90 with mods. Because rwd lol

[M3 Number 86]

Originally Posted by trey100

The same could be said for a DCT vs manual. I never got it but people had no problems going to a DCT for performance reasons. With power now approaching 500 HP, AWD is becoming more necessary to harness the power better.

Don't get me wrong, I love the M3 as RWD but if the system is like the one in the M5 and gives you the best of both worlds, that sounds good to me.

That's why gt3, gt350, z06, acr, 1le, etc...all of these high horsepowered cars have awd? Lol

The only reason bmw will now offer awd is that it knows it's customer base are a bunch of non-skilled drivers now.

[Ghostriderf80]

Originally Posted by ynguldyn

Some good news about the G80 M3/ G82 M4, from yesterday's update in the future models info thread.

G80 M3 and G82 M4 Coupe currently have more variants than we're used to seeing.

First of all, it appears the manuals are still alive. However, there are hints that these cars will be available as both RWD and xDrive. For the first time in years, BMW is not going to force you into a car they think is best - they'll let you choose.

On top of that, there could be two different performance trims right out of the gate - you'll get a Competition model that's more different from the base M3/M4 than the old Competition Packages would provide.

On the other hand, G83 M4 Cabrio would have a more limited selection: a single model with the choice of transmission.

The cabriolet should come with a detuned engine and manual only option.

[Ghostriderf80]

Originally Posted by M3 Number 86

That's why gt3, gt350, z06, acr, 1le, etc...all of these high horsepowered cars have awd? Lol

The only reason bmw will now offer awd is that it knows it's customer base are a bunch of non-skilled drivers now.

once the tires are hot, I have no issue w hook up. No spin, just chirp with launch control.

[ASAP]

Originally Posted by M3 Number 86

That's why gt3, gt350, z06, acr, 1le, etc...all of these high horsepowered cars have awd? Lol

The only reason bmw will now offer awd is that it knows it's customer base are a bunch of non-skilled drivers now.

Or they actually want to show results in all instances of racing and not be embarrasses.

[ASAP]

Originally Posted by upsidedownfunnel

Are you trying to imply xDrive only adds 50 lbs of weight? Not even close. It's probably closer to 200 lbs for a system like the M5's. I can't see it being any less than 150 lbs at the bare minimum. And that includes a lot of weight up in the nose of the car where you don't want it. That's a large weight penalty for a car that can be configured to be <3600lbs. These days, that's pretty light for a car in this class.

3600 lbs w extensive use of cf and an auto tranny instead of dct is doable...

[trey100]

Originally Posted by M3 Number 86

That's why gt3, gt350, z06, acr, 1le, etc...all of these high horsepowered cars have awd? Lol

The only reason bmw will now offer awd is that it knows it's customer base are a bunch of non-skilled drivers now.

Go to the drag strip and see how those cars jump off the line. Last time I was there, a 911 turbo ran 10.6 against a ZL1 that ran in the 13's. Both on street tires. And that's not rare. I know on forums everyone is a pro driver with "skills". Even a 335 x-drive with a JB was running mid-12's. You may not care about straight line performance and that's fine.

I have an F80 manual - why do people get DCT's? Same difference.

[ASAP]

Originally Posted by trey100

Go to the drag strip and see how those cars jump off the line. Last time I was there, a 911 turbo ran 10.6 against a ZL1 that ran in the 13's. Both on street tires. And that's not rare. I know on forums everyone is a pro driver with "skills". Even a 335 x-drive with a JB was running mid-12's. You may not care about straight line performance and that's fine.

I have an F80 manual - why do people get DCT's? Same difference.

exactly, in perfect scenarios for great drivers... a la 'ring or drag time; rwd can and will shine; for 90% including forums it's not realistic. This is why Hellcats and demons run 12s lol w 700hp and are made fun out of by virtually everyone.

[bringbacklsb]

Originally Posted by chong0

releasing a base and competition at the same time?

why not call the new m3/4 competition the base model and just get rid of the slightly shittier model?

my profession is not in business, maybe that's why I dont see the point in simultaneous release of both models.

yay for MT

So there is a cheaper base model available for those who seek lower cost over more features/performance.

[Remonster]

Originally Posted by Graves

I love my DCT. First auto I have ever owned. Glad I went that route. I don't get bored at all.

And that’s great, I’m happy they offer both and I completely understand the appeal of DCT but for me the physical action of shifting gears is a big part of the fun I have driving my car every day.