I think we've had some B8/B8.5ers who still post here who moved on to F80 M3's.

[Schadenfreude]

Looking for some feedback on how you are liking the M3. Recently I've been jonesing for an F80. My neighbor had a Yas Marina M3 and I routinely park near a Silverstone M3. Love the M3 fender flairs and the aggressive look. I had surgery on my left knee and sometimes rowing the gears on my S4 can aggravate my knee so that's another piece of the car change puzzle as I would probably have to go DCT. I barely commute to work anymore and the offices I use are 3 miles away so even if it is really snowing, my wife can just drop me off or I can take her Explorer. CPO M3 prices are incredibly tempting and the tuning options and prices are crazy compared to what we're looking at with the S4's (bootmod3 flashing is $600 and comes with one engine map and the GTS transmission map included).

So, if folks who went to the M3 are still here, how has the experience been? Any regrets? I have an 8-year old and he fits fine in the S4. Rear seat room looks about the same in the M3 at a glance.

[Envy187]

Have you remotely thought of the E92 M3? V8 not only sounds better, but some like it a lot more than the F80 M3 overall. The downside is that it's a coupe, so it may not be as practical as you'd like...but I'm sure the driving experience is just as awesome!

[casablancab5]

It is the only 4 door car I would buy when compared to the S4 (Main point being 6 speed). I detail cars on the weekend and have spent a lot of time in a stage 2 F80 that is DCT. I absolutely love the car from the power, the handling, to looks. I went with the S4 as I drive 30k miles a year and all winter and not to mention it was a 30k jump. For DCT I would recommend looking at 17+ as I have heard that the 15 and 16 had different DCT's and the 17+ were revised. I HATED the smg on the E90, but the DCT really is amazing. As for snow, the car is 50/50 weight so I genuinely think with some snows the car would be completely fine especially being in NJ. They are also pretty bulletproof from what I have found and that is a huge turn on.

[Schadenfreude]

Have you remotely thought of the E92 M3? V8 not only sounds better, but some like it a lot more than the F80 M3 overall. The downside is that it's a coupe, so it may not be as practical as you'd like...but I'm sure the driving experience is just as awesome!

There are V8 sedans too. My neighbor had one in a lovely silver before getting his F80. The E90's are great cars too but the twin turbo F80 is calling out to me.

[Schadenfreude]

It is the only 4 door car I would buy when compared to the S4 (Main point being 6 speed). I detail cars on the weekend and have spent a lot of time in a stage 2 F80 that is DCT. I absolutely love the car from the power, the handling, to looks. I went with the S4 as I drive 30k miles a year and all winter and not to mention it was a 30k jump. For DCT I would recommend looking at 17+ as I have heard that the 15 and 16 had different DCT's and the 17+ were revised. I HATED the smg on the E90, but the DCT really is amazing. As for snow, the car is 50/50 weight so I genuinely think with some snows the car would be completely fine especially being in NJ. They are also pretty bulletproof from what I have found and that is a huge turn on.

I'd be looking 2017 up. I've been spending countless hours on the F80 boards. As far as I can tell, the DCT units are mechanically the same but the software was changed significantly (at least that's what the boards say) plus changes to the power mapping made the cars hook up better. If that is not correct, someone please let me know bc I like to learn everything I can about a platform before jumping in. DCT flashes to the GTS version (faster shifts, more clamping force) seem to be more prevalent that ECU tunes are here. Neighbor drives his M3 year round and so did another friend with an F80. With the right tires, both seemed to do ok in the winter.

[casablancab5]

I'd be looking 2017 up. I've been spending countless hours on the F80 boards. As far as I can tell, the DCT units are mechanically the same but the software was changed significantly (at least that's what the boards say) plus changes to the power mapping made the cars hook up better. If that is not correct, someone please let me know bc I like to learn everything I can about a platform before jumping in. DCT flashes to the GTS version (faster shifts, more clamping force) seem to be more prevalent that ECU tunes are here. Neighbor drives his M3 year round and so did another friend with an F80. With the right tires, both seemed to do ok in the winter.

That is also my understanding. However, my understanding is that you cannot flash an older model with the new software and revisions. It also changed how it engages first gear.

[Schadenfreude]

That is also my understanding. However, my understanding is that you cannot flash an older model with the new software and revisions. It also changed how it engages first gear.

That I don't know. On the bootmod3 website, they do not mention and DCT flashing restrictions. I would have to check but I think I read GTS DCT flash tune reviews by some early M3 owners which stood out bc they were so vocal about the changes compared to their earlier version base DCT tunes. Either way though, I'd be looking at 17+. Might as well get the LCI updates.

[raudiace4]

They are also pretty bulletproof from what I have found and that is a huge turn on.

They aren’t bulletproof. Check out their crank hub failure on stock and tuned cars.

Besides that great platform. Do it OP.

[catalyst686]

I'm in the same boat as you OP, only thing I'm contemplating is moving to RWD in MN.

[BDP]

I like the F80 M3's also but if you are narrowing down to 17's I can't help but think I'd rather have an RS3 instead at that price point.

[Schadenfreude]

They aren’t bulletproof. Check out their crank hub failure on stock and tuned cars.

Besides that great platform. Do it OP.

LOL I was reading about crank hub failures last night but agreed, beyond that the cars seem reliable even with HP upgrades. I doubt I'd go for more than a stage 1 tune and GTS trans flash.

[raudiace4]

LOL I was reading about crank hub failures last night but agreed, beyond that the cars seem reliable even with HP upgrades. I doubt I'd go for more than a stage 1 tune and GTS trans flash.

Tune and DP is enough to run with and probably beat almost anything out there. I prefer V8s with my twin turbos tho [:D]

[audigsr]

Never owned a f80 M3, but driven them at the track. They are absolutely insane on the track, the ceramic brakes are crazy good as well. Car just grips like crazy. I would assume they would make for a decent DD. Definitely, something I would upgrade to next after my S4. You should see if you can do a test drive or hit up one of the BMW track days if you're not in a hurry to buy.

From what I hear, the e90/92 V8s you have to rev them pretty high to get good power (like a honda motor). Which might not make it as fun as the f80s for a DD. Not sure if that's true, as I've never driven the V8s. Owned a stage 1 N55 e90 though and that was a fun car as well (but maintenance was horrible on it).

[Solarsuplex]

This has been something i've been thinking about A LOT lately. I've nearly paid off the S4 in 1/4th the time of my loan. If I throw the equity into a downpayment on an F80 the resulting amount loaned would just keep my monthly payment the same (or less) but still have the remaining 3 years of payments.

[Schadenfreude]

I like the F80 M3's also but if you are narrowing down to 17's I can't help but think I'd rather have an RS3 instead at that price point.

With the exception of the number of doors, they are totally different cars though. Growing up in RWD cars, I miss the feeling. If the RS3 were a hatch and not a sedan I might be a little more tempted but the S4 is about as small I can comfortably go. A friend just picked up an RS5 SB which is very nice in Nardo. If Audi brought the RS4 Avant here, I'd strongly consider that but I think the twin turbo RWD temptation of the M3 would keep pulling back that way.

[Dr GP]

Any thoughts about an M2? Slightly Detuned version of the M3/4 engine. Supposed to be more of a drivers car. Smaller and cheaper but similar performance. I bet it can be tuned to have the same HP as the M3/4 .

[Schadenfreude]

Any thoughts about an M2? Slightly Detuned version of the M3/4 engine. Supposed to be more of a drivers car. Smaller and cheaper but similar performance. I bet it can be tuned to have the same HP as the M3/4 .

Hey GP! I was checking out an M2 in my office parking deck a few weeks ago. Sweet car for sure. I have an 8 year old who is as tall as some 10 year olds and I'd feel bad cramming him in the back. I really like the convenience of a sedan (and the idea of a crazy sedan in particular) and I want to have something we can take on a trip as a family instead of always defaulting to my wife's Explorer. I love my S4 but my post-surg left knee can't handle stop and go traffic for long so if there's even a chance of getting hung up, I just default to the Explorer so my S4 just ends up sitting unused a lot.

[AudiS4SD]

Just get the AWD M3 when it comes out next year. Get M3 performance without having to worry about RWD only.

[Schadenfreude]

Just get the AWD M3 when it comes out next year. Get M3 performance without having to worry about RWD only.

I'm curious to see the pricing on the car. The premium M3 really would be the best of both worlds since it is using the same system that debuted on the current M5 with the ability to have AWD, front wheels engaged on with rear sleep or front wheels never engaged. I would rather have the DCT trans than the ZF that will come in the G80 M3. I'm sure it is a wonderful transmission based on the sheer number of manufacturers using it.

[Schadenfreude]

Tune and DP is enough to run with and probably beat almost anything out there. I prefer V8s with my twin turbos tho [:D]

The C63S coupe is an awesome car. How do you like it?

[luciano136]

Have you remotely thought of the E92 M3? V8 not only sounds better, but some like it a lot more than the F80 M3 overall. The downside is that it's a coupe, so it may not be as practical as you'd like...but I'm sure the driving experience is just as awesome!

Interesting you say that. That's exactly what I looked at but decided the Coupe isn't practical enough even though it has enough space in the rear. Since the E90 M3s are kind of rare, I went S4 instead.

[luciano136]

I'm in the same boat as you OP, only thing I'm contemplating is moving to RWD in MN.

If you plan to drive year round, I wouldn't go RWD in MN. My inlaws live there; had fwd cars forever (still better than rwd), now moved to awd and won't go back.

[luciano136]

From what I hear, the e90/92 V8s you have to rev them pretty high to get good power (like a honda motor). Which might not make it as fun as the f80s for a DD. Not sure if that's true, as I've never driven the V8s. Owned a stage 1 N55 e90 though and that was a fun car as well (but maintenance was horrible on it).

Correct on the V8; it's a high rev V8 that only makes 295ft.lbs of torque. I drove one when I was looking at them years ago; it's still a fun car but you have to wring its neck a bit LOL

[JS81]

Any thoughts about an M2? Slightly Detuned version of the M3/4 engine. Supposed to be more of a drivers car. Smaller and cheaper but similar performance. I bet it can be tuned to have the same HP as the M3/4 .

I'm taking a look at M2 Competitions in the spring.

[wangshuo1989]

It's a good time to buy F8X M3 new, you can easily get 10K off

[importraceram]

It is the only 4 door car I would buy when compared to the S4 (Main point being 6 speed). I detail cars on the weekend and have spent a lot of time in a stage 2 F80 that is DCT. I absolutely love the car from the power, the handling, to looks. I went with the S4 as I drive 30k miles a year and all winter and not to mention it was a 30k jump. For DCT I would recommend looking at 17+ as I have heard that the 15 and 16 had different DCT's and the 17+ were revised. I HATED the smg on the E90, but the DCT really is amazing. As for snow, the car is 50/50 weight so I genuinely think with some snows the car would be completely fine especially being in NJ. They are also pretty bulletproof from what I have found and that is a huge turn on.

The e9x M3's come in either DCT or manual. Perhaps you're thinking of the e46 M3 or e60 M5 (both SMG cars).

[brs2c]

2018+ E63 S is the only clear step up (RS7 can’t fit adults over 6’ in back- S6 not much faster than S4, and worse handling)...AWD or bust...BMW has ugly emblem and garbage interior, that doesn’t last...All in my current drunken opinion.


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[s42014DSG]

2018+ E63 S is the only clear step up (RS7 can’t fit adults over 6’ in back- S6 not much faster than S4, and worse handling)...AWD or bust...BMW has ugly emblem and garbage interior, that doesn’t last...All in my current drunken opinion.


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+1000. It’s either that or electric.

[raudiace4]

The C63S coupe is an awesome car. How do you like it?

Love it. I’ve had faster cars, but this is the most fun. And end of the day having the faster car doesn’t mean shit there is always some one faster. Buy the one that puts the shit eating grin on your face every time you drive it.

[Schadenfreude]

Love it. I’ve had faster cars, but this is the most fun. And end of the day having the faster car doesn’t mean shit there is always some one faster. Buy the one that puts the shit eating grin on your face every time you drive it.

That's why I find myself drawn to the M3. Youtube reviews aside, everyone I know who owns or has owned one absolutely loved it. Like you said, it isn't the fastest but from a handling dynamics perspective it is supposed to be amazing. A friend who just sold his 991.2 manual GT3 (who also had a 991.1 and 991.2 PDK) raves about his F80 and would still have it except his was in an accident.

[luciano136]

That's why I find myself drawn to the M3. Youtube reviews aside, everyone I know who owns or has owned one absolutely loved it. Like you said, it isn't the fastest but from a handling dynamics perspective it is supposed to be amazing. A friend who just sold his 991.2 manual GT3 (who also had a 991.1 and 991.2 PDK) raves about his F80 and would still have it except his was in an accident.

991.2 GT3 to M3? That seems like a stretch; I would never get rid of my 996 turbo for an M3 and that car is far older.

[Helmet165]

May I ask if you considered the Alfa Guilia Quadrifoglio at all? It's at the top of my short list after the S4.

[Solarsuplex]

May I ask if you considered the Alfa Guilia Quadrifoglio at all? It's at the top of my short list after the S4.

Those cars are really starting to grow on me also. Without fail - Every time I see a "maybe that's the one instead of an M", a freshly washed M3 or M4 drives by and I gravitate back. There is just something about those cars.

[Helmet165]

Those cars are really starting to grow on me also. Without fail - Every time I see a "maybe that's the one instead of an M", a freshly washed M3 or M4 drives by and I gravitate back. There is just something about those cars. - I love the M also, but man....60 extra HP is tough to ignore [drool]

[Schadenfreude]

991.2 GT3 to M3? That seems like a stretch; I would never get rid of my 996 turbo for an M3 and that car is far older.

lol, no that wasn't the deal for him. In the time I've known him he went from on TT-RS to another TT-RS due to a mechanical issue. Then a 2013 S4 --> 2013 RS5. Then he bought a 911-50 and still had the RS5. Got rid of both and bought a 991.1 GT3 and the F80. Had accident in F80 and picked up a Jeep SRT-8 which he had two months before getting a C63S. Sold 991.1 GT3 and then bought a second one. Got rid of everything and bought an F-150 and a base 911 manual. Bought a Golf R and then the 991.2 GT3 manual. Recently he got rid of third GT3 and bought an RS5. I think that's the order. It's hard to keep track with him

[Schadenfreude]

Those cars are really starting to grow on me also. Without fail - Every time I see a "maybe that's the one instead of an M", a freshly washed M3 or M4 drives by and I gravitate back. There is just something about those cars.

The Alfa QF's are gorgeous but I've been watching the reliability on the forums and it is awful. As a lease maybe but I'd never want one out of warranty. I keep cars a long time and I'd be afraid with the Alfa.

[luciano136]

lol, no that wasn't the deal for him. In the time I've known him he went from on TT-RS to another TT-RS due to a mechanical issue. Then a 2013 S4 --> 2013 RS5. Then he bought a 911-50 and still had the RS5. Got rid of both and bought a 991.1 GT3 and the F80. Had accident in F80 and picked up a Jeep SRT-8 which he had two months before getting a C63S. Sold 991.1 GT3 and then bought a second one. Got rid of everything and bought an F-150 and a base 911 manual. Bought a Golf R and then the 991.2 GT3 manual. Recently he got rid of third GT3 and bought an RS5. I think that's the order. It's hard to keep track with himOh, I see. Haha!! That's a lot of changes. I tend to hang on to cars forever [emoji16]

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[Schadenfreude]

Oh, I see. Haha!! That's a lot of changes. I tend to hang on to cars forever [emoji16]

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Me too. The funny thing is during all that time he still has a 2002 or 2003 A4 that he bought knew.

[luciano136]

Me too. The funny thing is during all that time he still have a 2002 or 2003 A4 that he bought knew.That's awesome! My longest stretch is 10 years, which I've done on a few occasions. Had the 996 for 7; I'm sure I'll easily surpass 10y with that one.

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[Schadenfreude]

That's awesome! My longest stretch is 10 years, which I've done on a few occasions. Had the 996 for 7; I'm sure I'll easily surpass 10y with that one.

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I'd keep the 996 Turbo too. I think the 2012 S4 is the longest I've kept a car. I'd have kept my 2004 S4 except a deer went through the windshield and it was never the same after the accident. As far as longevity though, I think I've owned my 1991 Ducati since 1996. I have to the the title but it's been a looong time

[Helmet165]

The Alfa QF's are gorgeous but I've been watching the reliability on the forums and it is awful So....you're saying it's an Alfa Romeo? [:D]

[luciano136]

I'd keep the 996 Turbo too. I think the 2012 S4 is the longest I've kept a car. I'd have kept my 2004 S4 except a deer went through the windshield and it was never the same after the accident. As far as longevity though, I think I've owned my 1991 Ducati since 1996. I have to the the title but it's been a looong time
Bike owner here too :)

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[Schadenfreude]

Bike owner here too :)

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Nice. My 851 is my baby and doesn't get used as much as it should. Looking to pick up a Tuono 1100 Factory in the hear future. Unless the F80 bug gets me first[:)]

[luciano136]

Nice. My 851 is my baby and doesn't get used as much as it should. Looking to pick up a Tuono 1100 Factory in the hear future. Unless the F80 bug gets me first[:)]
Nice! One of my bikes is the Tuono 1100 :)

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[Schadenfreude]

Nice! One of my bikes is the Tuono 1100 :)

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Awesome. It's a fantastic machine. I finally got to test ride one last fall and loved it. Test rode the Monster 1200S and didn't like it. S1000R felt fast but the ergonomics felt odd. It didn't have much character either. It reminded me of my S4 honestly. A fast and capable appliance. The Tuono though felt special right from the first time I pulled away from the dealership. That motor is amazing all by itself.

[luciano136]

Awesome. It's a fantastic machine. I finally got to test ride one last fall and loved it. Test rode the Monster 1200S and didn't like it. S1000R felt fast but the ergonomics felt odd. It didn't have much character either. It reminded me of my S4 honestly. A fast and capable appliance. The Tuono though felt special right from the first time I pulled away from the dealership. That motor is amazing all by itself.
You pretty much summarized it perfectly. I rode Pani 959 (just out of curiosity really), S1000RR and RSV4. That last one blew my mind but picked up a Tuono since it's mostly for the street and it's a lot more comfortable. I was also interested in MV Agusta but too sketchy reliability wise. Came off a Daytona 675 when I was looking.

The Tuono is pretty much the perfect hooligan bike; the only small thing I don't like is the fueling off throttle in low rpm; it kinda goes from 3k to nothing, which can be jerky at slow speeds.

Sorry for the complete OT :)



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[Schadenfreude]

lol I'll literally talk bikes anywhere at any time

[tylern012]

Awesome. It's a fantastic machine. I finally got to test ride one last fall and loved it. Test rode the Monster 1200S and didn't like it. S1000R felt fast but the ergonomics felt odd. It didn't have much character either. It reminded me of my S4 honestly. A fast and capable appliance. The Tuono though felt special right from the first time I pulled away from the dealership. That motor is amazing all by itself.

The 1200S is my favorite of the monster series, it just rides so much better than all the rest. I’ve been eying an 1199 panigale but I need one of those like I need another hole in my body. I just can’t shake the want for one though.


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[RacrX]

I had an M4. Sold it and bought the Audi. I didn't like the feeling of constantly being on the edge of breaking the rear loose....thought maybe I need to learn to be a better driver. :)

[luciano136]

The 1200S is my favorite of the monster series, it just rides so much better than all the rest. I’ve been eying an 1199 panigale but I need one of those like I need another hole in my body. I just can’t shake the want for one though.


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Those Panigales are terrible street bikes. They get SCORCHING hot. Unless you ride it on a track, I wouldn't bother.

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[luciano136]

Now to bring it back to BMW, I feel like all newer cars lost a lot of soul. Seems like the last fun M3 was the E46 and E92. Kinda went downhill after that.

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[Envy187]

Now to bring it back to BMW, I feel like all newer cars lost a lot of soul. Seems like the last fun M3 was the E46 and E92. Kinda went downhill after that.

Naturally aspirated definitely has its perks. [up]

[Schadenfreude]

I had an M4. Sold it and bought the Audi. I didn't like the feeling of constantly being on the edge of breaking the rear loose....thought maybe I need to learn to be a better driver. :)

That's the feeling I miss. What year did you have? Supposedly software revisions for 2017 improved traction (I think it was just the Comp Pack traction algorithm) applied across the range.

[Oloung1]

I had an M4. Sold it and bought the Audi. I didn't like the feeling of constantly being on the edge of breaking the rear loose....thought maybe I need to learn to be a better driver. :)

despite the f80 and the f82 being the same chassis, every time i drive a f82, i manage to get some unsolicited tail end action. the f80 is the more forgiving one between the two. OP just do it. find one with the comp pack.

[Thurston]

I'm particularly excited for the nex gen g80 m4(3).

[Schadenfreude]

I'm particularly excited for the nex gen g80 m4(3).

I'm excited to see it and interested in the use of the switchable AWD from the M5. I'm not so interested in the ZF and my post-surgery left knee keeps letting me know that a manual trans daily driver in the NYC area may not be the best choice for my next car. A 6MT Pure model would be great second car. I'm looking at DCT F80's because this time around I want to be able to take my car anywhere without feeling a pre-trip pang of anxiety at the possibility of getting stuck in traffic. Last year I got stuck coming out of Hoboken, NJ and it took just under two hours to travel 14 miles, inching forward the whole time. I limped for almost two weeks afterwards.

[Schadenfreude]

despite the f80 and the f82 being the same chassis, every time i drive a f82, i manage to get some unsolicited tail end action. the f80 is the more forgiving one between the two. OP just do it. find one with the comp pack.

I want to Comp Pack tweaks but I really don't like the wheels. I like the stock wheels better. Or maybe some CS wheels. I'm thinking about waiting until CS's come off lease and trying to grab one of those. That would be an epic car and I think worth hanging on to for awhile.

[RacrX]

That's the feeling I miss. What year did you have? Supposedly software revisions for 2017 improved traction (I think it was just the Comp Pack traction algorithm) applied across the range.

I had a 2015. Beautiful car otherwise.