[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by snareman

What does the m technology package do?

The M340i is apparently susceptible to heat soak (It's not a track car, it's a daily driver), so the m tech package boosts up the braking and drivetrain cooling systems to prevent that. Also gives it high performance tires with an increased top speed (155mph vs. 130mph on regular non perf tires).

I have an m340i and while it's a beast of a daily driver, I can definitely see pain points where an M3 would be instantly better. Most notably the steering vagueness.

[josehb]

Originally Posted by snareman

What does the m technology package do?

Better cooling for engine oil and transmission.
Bigger brake rotors with bigger calipers.
Michelin Sport S4 tires.

All a + for track days which I'll be doing 4 or 5 times a year.

[josehb]

Originally Posted by wtwo3

The M340i is apparently susceptible to heat soak (It's not a track car, it's a daily driver), so the m tech package boosts up the braking and drivetrain cooling systems to prevent that. Also gives it high performance tires with an increased top speed (155mph vs. 130mph on regular non perf tires).

I have an m340i and while it's a beast of a daily driver, I can definitely see pain points where an M3 would be instantly better. Most notably the steering vagueness.

Is interested that you're M340 has steering vagueness my definitely does not maybe it was improved on the 2021 model. I just sold my 2010 528xi that has a hydraulic system and my 340 feels much more precise and I can really feel the tires turning even better than my 528Xi with no play at all very tight feel
and by the way I also tracked my 528xi at least twice a year and had plenty of fun with it, so you can't say that the m340 is only a DD and not for the track, you can actually track any car. The m340 will be a better than average track car just not at the level of the M3 but for casual tracking will be just fine.

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by josehb

Is interested that you're M340 has steering vagueness my definitely does not maybe it was improved on the 2021 model. I just sold my 2010 528xi that has a hydraulic system and my 340 feels much more precise and I can really feel the tires turning even better than my 528Xi with no play at all very tight feel
and by the way I also tracked my 528xi at least twice a year and had plenty of fun with it, so you can't say that the m340 is only a DD and not for the track, you can actually track any car. The m340 will be a better than average track car just not at the level of the M3 but for casual tracking will be just fine.

Yes.... my m340i gives excellent steering feel compared to my friend's minivan as well. By the way, the minivan isn't a track car, but you can take it to a track.

If you took the time to read my post, I never said you can't take the m340i to the track. I said it's not a track car, meaning it's not purpose built for the track (hence why they even offer the M tech package - they know some people will like to take it to the track on occasion - you so much as proved this exact point in your post by saying all the features of the package are "a + for track days...").

And my comment on steering vagueness was in relation to areas that the M3 can improve upon. Steering feel in modern non M BMW cars in general has been a pain point, that's no secret.

I love my m340i and it's an absolute beast, but I know what it is and what it isn't. And it's not an M3.

[josehb]

Originally Posted by wtwo3

Yes.... my m340i gives excellent steering feel compared to my friend's minivan as well. By the way, the minivan isn't a track car, but you can take it to a track.

If you took the time to read my post, I never said you can't take the m340i to the track. I said it's not a track car, meaning it's not purpose built for the track (hence why they even offer the M tech package - they know some people will like to take it to the track on occasion - you so much as proved this exact point in your post by saying all the features of the package are "a + for track days...").

And my comment on steering vagueness was in relation to areas that the M3 can improve upon. Steering feel in modern non M BMW cars in general has been a pain point, that's no secret.

I love my m340i and it's an absolute beast, but I know what it is and what it isn't. And it's not an M3.

Taken a car to the track is about having fun doing things that you cant do in public roads and you can do that with any street car. We are talking about street legal cars that can be taken to the track, the M3 is not a track car but it can be taken to the track if you want just like the M340. A track car is not a street legal car. By the way I was comparing the M340 steering with my 2010 E60 which has a hydraulic steering system with great feel, not a minivan.

[b2nvs2001]

Originally Posted by josehb

Taken a car to the track is about having fun doing things that you cant do in public roads and you can do that with any street car. We are talking about street legal cars that can be taken to the track, the M3 is not a track car but it can be taken to the track if you want just like the M340. A track car is not a street legal car. By the way I was comparing the M340 steering with my 2010 E60 which has a hydraulic steering system with great feel, not a minivan.

Agree with everything you say. Steering feel is massive for me too. As a daily driver or track car. This is one of the things I am waiting to evaluate. And it can be done. Look to any porsche with electric steering for a demonstration......

[Jimjamz]

I'm going to wait for the G80 touring and potentially swap out our X4 m40i for one. Hopefully it will have the new LCI face.

[ABenLauda]

I've decided to leave the brand after seeing the G8x and other cars that they produce. F82CS will be my last BMW.

[Jcali86]

Putting down my deposit today to be first in line for an xdrive order!

[m630]

Where might you live that you believe you would be first in line starting today? Id suspect that someone may already have done that quite long ago????

[2011ninja]

Originally Posted by m630

Where might you live that you believe you would be first in line starting today? Id suspect that someone may already have done that quite long ago????

More a dig to the OP.

I'm paying extra for the updated front grill; it will be back lit.

Cross my fingers I can pick up an all black pure with a sunroof

[GFK007]

I have an F97 (sole family car), with a baby on the way. Plan is to get a second car for the wife, and then something smaller for myself.

G80 seemed like a logical choice, but I can't help but wonder if the only reason I'm considering it, is because there are so few alternative options. I, like many, hated the grille when it was first revealed and now several months later, I still hate it. That doesn't happen often. I usually come around, at a least a little bit.

Maybe a pre owned 911? Next C63 is going to be a 4 banger, which is all kinds of backwards. RS5? Underwhelming performance.

Do you guys genuinely believe most will stick with the brand, or will this cause enthusiasts to pivot and explore alternatives??

[solstice]

Originally Posted by GFK007

I have an F87 (sole family car), with a baby on the way. Plan is to get a second car for the wife, and then something smaller for myself.

G80 seemed like a logical choice, but I can't help but wonder if the only reason I'm considering it, is because there are so few alternative options. I, like many, hated the grille when it was first revealed and now several months later, I still hate it. That doesn't happen often. I usually come around, at a least a little bit.

Maybe a pre owned 911? Next C63 is going to be a 4 banger, which is all kinds of backwards. RS5? Underwhelming performance.

Do you guys genuinely believe most will stick with the brand, or will this cause enthusiasts to pivot and explore alternatives??

The vast majority of people who weren’t already considering moving up to something else will stay I bet.

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by GFK007

Do you guys genuinely believe most will stick with the brand, or will this cause enthusiasts to pivot and explore alternatives??

My plan is to test drive everything within the class... just to make sure I'm making the best decision for myself.

Here's my list so far:

G80 M3
RS5 (never been big on audis, but have to admit they look beautiful and are well made)
C63 (So far i'm loving the overall look of the new one, but the 4 banger is really killing the vibe - MB is going to have to work some magic to get me to drop $80k+ on a 4 cylinder)
Giulia QF (would have been my 1st choice if the interior wasn't garbage and if they leased half-decently)
IS-F (if the rumors are true - naturally aspirated V8 may just seal the deal - I also find the current refreshed IS350 to be absolutely beautiful and easily best looking in its class)
CT4/CT5 Blackwing (not a cadillac fan, but willing to give them a chance)

Honestly if the G80 didn't have that grill, it likely would have automatically been my next car. But that grill is what's got me strongly considering others.

[solstice]

Originally Posted by wtwo3

Honestly if the G80 didn't have that grill, it likely would have automatically been my next car. But that grill is what's got me strongly considering others.

It will be a good time to learn what those of us that periodically test the competition already know. I.e. that when it comes down to it we don’t buy these cars for the aesthetics. We buy the cars that feel best to drive and won’t be at the dealer for repairs every other week. That continues to be the M3. Will the G8X be different, doubt it.

[GFK007]

Originally Posted by wtwo3

My plan is to test drive everything within the class... just to make sure I'm making the best decision for myself.

Here's my list so far:

G80 M3
RS5 (never been big on audis, but have to admit they look beautiful and are well made)
C63 (So far i'm loving the overall look of the new one, but the 4 banger is really killing the vibe - MB is going to have to work some magic to get me to drop $80k+ on a 4 cylinder)
Giulia QF (would have been my 1st choice if the interior wasn't garbage and if they leased half-decently)
IS-F (if the rumors are true - naturally aspirated V8 may just seal the deal - I also find the current refreshed IS350 to be absolutely beautiful and easily best looking in its class)
CT4/CT5 Blackwing (not a cadillac fan, but willing to give them a chance)

Honestly if the G80 didn't have that grill, it likely would have automatically been my next car. But that grill is what's got me strongly considering others.

Giulia QF is fantastic to drive, but have to buy CPO. As you said, they lease terribly, and depreciate on par with Maserati's and Aston's.

Agreed on the new IS. Love the rear fender flares.

[solstice]

Originally Posted by GFK007

Agreed on the new IS. Love the rear fender flares.

I can’t say I follow what is going on over in Lexus land. Is the new IS the same generation as the RCF or is it all new including engine?

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by solstice

It will be a good time to learn what those of us that periodically test the competition already know. I.e. that when it comes down to it we don’t buy these cars for the aesthetics. We buy the cars that feel best to drive and won’t be at the dealer for repairs every other week. That continues to be the M3. Will the G8X be different, doubt it.

I also do look at the full package, so it may very well end up being the G80, and in fact, that is currently still my #1 option. When it comes to aesthetics, it's usually not a deal breaker for me, but aesthetics are also usually not as polarizing as this. So this is an exception where it's got me considering other options.

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by solstice

I can’t say I follow what is going on over in Lexus land. Is the new IS the same generation as the RCF or is it all new including engine?

It's hard for anyone to truly follow what's going on there. Lexus is a bit all over the place. But when on rare occasion they do make a good sports sedan/coupe, they do a fantastic job (i.e. GSF & LC). So if the rumored ISF is anything like the GSF, that'll be a very strong contender.

Great looks, a naturally aspirated V8, and great driving dynamics (albeit lacking in performance). That's pretty much enough to overlook the horrible infotainment and tech.

[EXE46]

You're very optimistic but I wont be holding my breath for a V8 ISF, the LS500 motor would be more plausible since Lexus is killing V8's even the next gen Tundra will have turbo V6. We have been waiting since 3IS debuted for an ISF and I doubt we will see one. Lexus is cheap, they only want to build FWD crossovers since those are their money makers.

If Lexus would give us something that can compete even with the M340i there would be no reason to consider BMW except for a manual M3/M4. Toyota does better steering and suspension than BMW and dealer service is the best I have experienced.

[Jimjamz]

Originally Posted by ABenChod

I've decided to leave the brand after seeing the G8x and other cars that they produce. F82CS will be my last BMW.

Hold out for the LCIs and the touring. Don't give up yet.

[Jimjamz]

Originally Posted by wtwo3

My plan is to test drive everything within the class... just to make sure I'm making the best decision for myself.

Here's my list so far:

G80 M3
RS5 (never been big on audis, but have to admit they look beautiful and are well made)
C63 (So far i'm loving the overall look of the new one, but the 4 banger is really killing the vibe - MB is going to have to work some magic to get me to drop $80k+ on a 4 cylinder)
Giulia QF (would have been my 1st choice if the interior wasn't garbage and if they leased half-decently)
IS-F (if the rumors are true - naturally aspirated V8 may just seal the deal - I also find the current refreshed IS350 to be absolutely beautiful and easily best looking in its class)
CT4/CT5 Blackwing (not a cadillac fan, but willing to give them a chance)

Honestly if the G80 didn't have that grill, it likely would have automatically been my next car. But that grill is what's got me strongly considering others.

I had a similar list and was coming from a F80. Loving the F87 CS as the surprise choice after a hear of deliberation . Extremely enjoyable to drive and surprising utility.