[PK1]

My must-have requirements:

4-door sedan + a minimum level of performance + no boy racer car + manual transmission

There are not too many cars offered today that meet the above requirements.

[Spiffx]

I think that many people who want a 911 will consider the M3/M4. I did. I built, spec’ed and priced out a 911 with the same options as my M4 Comp xDrive Coupe. Came out ~$50k higher. To be close to a like-for-like it had to be at least a 911 4S, with a number of add-ons that are much more expensive than the BMW options. So, I guess I did “settle” for a BMW M4… 😵

[zambarossa]

no other manual 4 door sedans in BMW's lineup.

[vj123]

I wanted to get a ICE performance vehicle before the market is replaced with hybrids and electric. Even though GT500, HellCat and ZL1 were great options, i wasnt a big fan of muscle coupes. P cars are always on the top of my list but i wasnt ready for them yet.

I ended up cancelling my F87 order last summer as it was too small for our needs. After that, I was considering a 4 door performance vehicle which i am planning to keep for a while and the final options were M3 and Charger HellCat. Charger HC was my backup option if i was not able to get a MY22 allocation.

[Hutchinson04]

Originally Posted by Spiffx

I think that many people who want a 911 will consider the M3/M4. I did. I built, spec’ed and priced out a 911 with the same options as my M4 Comp xDrive Coupe. Came out ~$50k higher. To be close to a like-for-like it had to be at least a 911 4S, with a number of add-ons that are much more expensive than the BMW options. So, I guess I did “settle” for a BMW M4… 😵

This is similar to how I arrived at the M4 convertible. The 911 4S is a beautiful machine but I just couldn't justify the additional 50k or more.

[MTM3]

Settle is Kind of incorrect
Best and only 4 door 6+ cylinder MT sedan from Europe or Japan

[NightWriter]

Originally Posted by FCS247

The previous gen M cars were always in the sweet spot imo in terms of pricing. That 60k - 70k range, kind of what the F87 M2C was at is what I have always envisioned the M3 at in terms of price.

A well optioned new M3/M4 shoots up to the mid/upper 80s and in some cases all the way up to 100k if fully optioned. At that price, there are many options available from Cayman S, CTV5 Blackwing, new vette, etc...

I've previously owned three BMW's but always lusted over a real M car. My first opportunity, in 2002, I was deeply tempted by an E46 M3, but its price -- $54k in my spec -- was a bit too rich, and I "settled" for an E39 530i 6MT with the M sport package that I loved (and was subsequently stolen and stripped a year later, alas).

I am now more financially secure, and see this as an opportunity to buy into an M car with an ICE engine in its zenith, and likely the last opportunity to get a manual before hybrids and EVs dominate the landscape.

"Settle" is not the right word, as there's actually very little competition if you're looking for a manual sedan. The Blackwings come closest, I suppose, but they're even harder to obtain, plus I've always had a bad taste in my mouth with GM products, no matter how good they might look on paper.

I did not restrain myself too much with the options on my upcoming G80 Pure, and my build comes to just a couple thousand more than that E46 did, inflation adjusted. Yet it's a larger, far more comfortable and advanced car. And far faster (faster even than the E39 M5 of its era). Can you find faster exotics? Sure, but this is the opposite of settling. It's fulfilling a dream.

[Cosworthstag]

I'm also new to BMW, waiting on a G82. Been lucky to have a few cars at the same time. The G82 is to replace a AMG GT 63s 4 door which replaced a GLC63s And before that a Urus. Took a step down from SUV's to the salon with the GT and retained x4.
If I'm honest the GT was a little too big. But it was the dealers piss take then it broke down. No hire car available, no communication, fudge fix by updating the software. Finally back in and it was a knock valve which I had already told them when it first went in. Currently running around in Targa 4s which is great but too small for the main DD. Hence G82 to me ticks all the boxes. Good looking, cracking inside, 4 seats for when needed, drives like hell when needed and latest technology. I've kind of ticked all the boxes. M Drivers, M Pro and Ultimate Pack.

[Garycoral]

Originally Posted by FCS247

Hi all -

I wanted to chime in here and get some ideas from other M3/M4 owners to see why you settled on the G8x?

The previous gen M cars were always in the sweet spot imo in terms of pricing. That 60k - 70k range, kind of what the F87 M2C was at is what I have always envisioned the M3 at in terms of price.

A well optioned new M3/M4 shoots up to the mid/upper 80s and in some cases all the way up to 100k if fully optioned. At that price, there are many options available from Cayman S, CTV5 Blackwing, new vette, etc...

So, I am curious, what made you pick the M3 or M4 over any of the cars in similar price ranges?

Had a C8 and switched to M4CX for the much superior cabin... Took delivery yesterday and find myself disappointed with the styling - Also the ride was smoother too in the C8. Too early to be sure, but 24hrs in I'm not thrilled with the M4 - I'm probably too old to appreciate just how good the car can be and since I won't be tracking it there's a lot of untapped potential I won't be enjoying. Thankfully the trade value is such I can convert it into something that may fit me better in the $90K price range...

[Spiffx]

Originally Posted by Hutchinson04

This is similar to how I arrived at the M4 convertible. The 911 4S is a beautiful machine but I just couldn't justify the additional 50k or more.

I ended up buying a base 911 while endlessly waiting for my M4…


I watched this video review:

Then I asked myself: why settle, why choose? I choose both!

(still waiting on my M4)

[Hutchinson04]

Originally Posted by Spiffx

I ended up buying a base 911 while endlessly waiting for my M4…


I watched this video review:

Then I asked myself: why settle, why choose? I choose both!

(still waiting on my M4)

That's awesome. My wife is telling me to get the Taycan 4S after the M4 arrives. She says we need it.

[Spiffx]

Originally Posted by Hutchinson04

That's awesome. My wife is telling me to get the Taycan 4S after the M4 arrives. She says we need it.

Go for it! I hear it's an amazing car!

[figuec56]

I was debating between the 718 Spyder and the G83 M4. I ended up deciding on m4 because my wife hated the sears in the Porsche. (I want bring her with me on drives) and after Porsches boat fire , I gave up hope if ever getting an allocation. However the thing that made me not regret my decision was the power, the tech, and how usable the car is. The Porsche could not be a daily driver and in the end I want to be able to drive my car and enjoy everything it can do as often as I can.

[Mr Friese]

I'm sure I'll get some hate for saying this, but with the current pricing and premiums, the M3/4 is just not the value proposition that it once was. I'm not saying that there are a ton of better options out there, but certainly some more compelling ones than there were even a few years ago.

For instance, paying 10,15 even 20k more for this iteration of the M3 over say a Alfa Quad or a CT4V BW is mind boggling. And that's leaving the constroversial and generally derided design out of the equation.

[YamaLink]

Neighbor asked me this very question last night.

Ideally I wanted AWD auto, 2 doors, unique styling, lots of power, nice interior.
My #1 choice was a Taycan GTS but I can't afford it, I actually found several Cayman GTS 4.0 a few months ago, but had ridiculous ADM, the Carrera 4S price skyrocketed, Plaid's ridiculous yoke and build quality were dealbreakers, the Blackwing5 is too big/4 door, and my allotment for the z06 was a loooong way out. I really wanted a n/a V8 supercharger, but size, styling/image (Hellcat) and availability and price ruled them out. Heck, I wanted a GT350, but I'm not passionate about Mustangs for several reasons.

I didn't settle for the M4CX. It's always been tier 1. My Tesla is a 4 door, and I told myself "next car will be back to 2 door like my Audis of old", yet the M3 sure looks damn good, obviously! The M4 will stay until next year or the EV Cayman GTS comes out in 2025-ish.

*full disclosure My M4 is at port, and I'm having cold feet when overanalyzing the cost/use analysis for my life of driving the same congested roads, always flying for vacations, so much time ski/biking with the 2005 SUV. I despise my outgoing Tesla and will make money with its sale, but right now spending mid-80s for a lightly optioned M4 is giving me more hesitation than anticipation. Having said that, driving is a passion, and I can't think of any other vehicle that checks the same amount of boxes as the M4 without going Taycan for $60,000 more.

[NightWriter]

Originally Posted by Mr Friese

I'm sure I'll get some hate for saying this, but with the current pricing and premiums, the M3/4 is just not the value proposition that it once was. I'm not saying that there are a ton of better options out there, but certainly some more compelling ones than there were even a few years ago.

For instance, paying 10,15 even 20k more for this iteration of the M3 over say a Alfa Quad or a CT4V BW is mind boggling. And that's leaving the constroversial and generally derided design out of the equation.

Those are fair competitors, although the Alfa is showing its age (IMHO) and still struggles with serious quality control (despite sporadic anecdotes to the contrary), and does not offer a 6MT. And the CT4 is a step behind in terms of engine and interior refinement, and is more confined inside, though handling seems to be top notch from the reviews.

[MassComp]

Originally Posted by Mr Friese

For instance, paying 10,15 even 20k more for this iteration of the M3 over say a Alfa Quad or a CT4V BW is mind boggling. And that's leaving the constroversial and generally derided design out of the equation.

Neither of those is a contender for me since neither have AWD. There's just no way I'd buy an Alfa (reliability issues), or a Cadillac....

IMO....when it comes to an AWD 4 door, nothing out there currently even comes close to the M3.

[vj123]

Originally Posted by Mr Friese

I'm sure I'll get some hate for saying this, but with the current pricing and premiums, the M3/4 is just not the value proposition that it once was. I'm not saying that there are a ton of better options out there, but certainly some more compelling ones than there were even a few years ago.

For instance, paying 10,15 even 20k more for this iteration of the M3 over say a Alfa Quad or a CT4V BW is mind boggling. And that's leaving the constroversial and generally derided design out of the equation.

There are number of dealers who are still offering G8x vehicles for MSRP and base finance rates. So not everyone is paying a markup on these vehicle. Also BMW has been really conservative in MSRP updates when compared with almost every other manufacturer.

CT4 blackwing might have an upperhand in driver engagement but most people dont consider it because of the rear seat space. Giulia QF is known for quality issues and also its towards the end of its lifecycle. Only other vehicle which i seriously considered was a Charger HCWB, i would have ended up with that one had i had not got a MY22 M3 allocation.

[blinkme323]

I'm in the decision process as we speak. Coming from an M3cs and I've whittled the list down the M3 Pure, Giulia Quadrafoglio and MYP.

My heart is telling me Alfa and my head is saying M3, so I'll prob go with the MYP Can't go wrong with some of the options out there though.

[MMM.PWR]

I've always been a Japanese / German car fan. I've owned the typical enthusiast cars such as the GTI, STI, SI, RSX-S, S2000, etc. but nothing left an impression like the E90 M3 I had a chance to shortly own in my early 20s. That's when I became a BMW guy and the M3 has been that realistic dream car ever since. Now that I am financially stable, I was looking for a fun car that is family friendly.

My criteria: AWD (it's snowing right now, in April), 4 doors and spacious, auto (so the wife can drive it in an emergency), not domestic (US), and fast. For the longest time I had settled on the X3M since it was AWD and an M. But then the G80 was announced, and then the AWD came out. Next thing I know, I have an allocation. I couldn't believe it.

To this day, my car at 400 miles, it's hard to believe I own another M3, and a badass, custom ordered one at that. As others have said, settle is not the word.

[mzwerner]

Originally Posted by FCS247

Hi all -

I wanted to chime in here and get some ideas from other M3/M4 owners to see why you settled on the G8x?

The previous gen M cars were always in the sweet spot imo in terms of pricing. That 60k - 70k range, kind of what the F87 M2C was at is what I have always envisioned the M3 at in terms of price.

A well optioned new M3/M4 shoots up to the mid/upper 80s and in some cases all the way up to 100k if fully optioned. At that price, there are many options available from Cayman S, CTV5 Blackwing, new vette, etc...

So, I am curious, what made you pick the M3 or M4 over any of the cars in similar price ranges?

I didn't settle, I wanted….. 🏎

[bruce911_]

I already had a E92 and F82, each for around 7 years and 100k miles. This was the next step and I love it! As far as price is concerned my F82 had a MSRP of around 78k and the G82 is around 83k with similar options. The difference was I was able to get a good discount on the old one and not on the G82 so the price difference ended up around 10k. Still not so bad 7 years later. The M3/4 is a perfect car for me, a great daily driver and fun to drive.