Do I need a G80 M3 in my life? Thoughts?

[OUGrad05]

Hello bimmerpost. Currently I'm really enjoying my i4 as my DD. That is not going away. However, I'm on the hunt for a weekend car. My original plan was to buy a new M2 Comp when they arrived. However, the car I just not doing it for me.

This is going to be a weekend/fun/occasional track car. After BMW royally fucked the new M2 I turned my eyes to Porsche. Maybe a Cayman GT4 or a 911 GTS or 911 Carrera S? The 911's would be used, not new, the Cayman I could go new if I could find a dealer to give me an allocation but that's easier said than done right now. Our local dealer isn't even taking anymore allocations due to fear of not being able to fill current allocation before production stops.

Like most car folks there's a few cars that have been seared into my brain and will continue to be there for the rest of my life. I'm also a bit of a BMW fan boy although the last 10-15 years in many respects they've lost their way which is hugely disappointing. BUT.....their M cars are still generally really good to great in their respective classes.

A few cars that I have adored since I was a teenager...
E34 5 series, including the M5
E36 M3 Sedan
E46 3 series (the M3 yes but I love sporty sedans when given the option)
E39 M5

It feels to me like the G80 is the spiritual successor to the E39 M5. Don't laugh me out of the room...or at least if you do, give me your rationale.

The G80 is similar in weight, makes more power, has better overall driving dynamics (but the steering is blah in terms of feedback), is similar in size if not a bit larger inside. Being 6'6 I do appreciate the room inside the current generation 3 series, it's bigger than my F30 by a fair margin especially for those who wind up sitting behind me. It seems like there is an extra inch of legroom back there.

While I don't like the grill, I've at least gotten used to it and a euro style front plate helps break up the shit BMW reeked on the nose of the car. From every other angle it's an absolute looker IMO.

I also believe the S58 has proven to be extremely reliable as has the ZF8. So it seems like it's going to be a good car for weekend/fun work and track work. The G80 brings several distinct pro's/con's versus anything from Porsche world.
-Heavy at nearly 3900lbs
-Not a true sports
-Upgraded seats suck
-Steering feedback is blah
-Big for a weekender (this is also a pro since I can get the wife/kids in it easily it'll get more use)
-Manual only available in base trim

+Excellent engine
+Great size for around town stuff with the family/date night with wife
+Consumables cheaper than Porsche
+Looks great from every angle but the front
+Really good on track
+Can buy new

I'd likely get an LCI competition. My hope is they'll bring back Santorini or Laguna Seca Blue.

Tell me I'm crazy, tell me this makes sense, ask me questions...give me your thoughts.

[Car-Addicted]

Do I need a G80 M3 in my life? Thoughts?

Get glasses

[cfm56d7b]

Just get G80 and enjoy what is perhaps the best ICE edition of M vehicles.

Every day spent while deliberating is a day not spent on the track or a local twisty road.

[Housekeeping]

I sold my 2019 Carrera 4 GTS (7 spd manual) is chalk. Great car but I didn’t use it too often as there are three of us in the family. I’d use it with my son them maybe solo once in a while. Porsche “required” maintenance is stupid too. Plugs after 3 yrs or 15k miles? Sold it after 18 months for what I paid for it and bought a Model S Plaid. Insane car that I adore.

I have a mint 46k mile e39 M5 too. Love it and miss it when I don’t drive it. Can’t wait to retire in 5 yrs and drive it more often to wineries and beach. Buy one, only increasing in value. There is sole in those cars.

I had an ‘05 M3 Comp with 6 spd. Neat car but so badly needed another 70hp. Brilliant chassis.

Have you considered an F10 M5? Awesome car!

[gameson]

steering feedback can be reflashed to CSL software. ask the G80 forum for more details.

Originally Posted by OUGrad05

Hello bimmerpost. Currently I'm really enjoying my i4 as my DD. That is not going away. However, I'm on the hunt for a weekend car. My original plan was to buy a new M2 Comp when they arrived. However, the car I just not doing it for me.

This is going to be a weekend/fun/occasional track car. After BMW royally fucked the new M2 I turned my eyes to Porsche. Maybe a Cayman GT4 or a 911 GTS or 911 Carrera S? The 911's would be used, not new, the Cayman I could go new if I could find a dealer to give me an allocation but that's easier said than done right now. Our local dealer isn't even taking anymore allocations due to fear of not being able to fill current allocation before production stops.

Like most car folks there's a few cars that have been seared into my brain and will continue to be there for the rest of my life. I'm also a bit of a BMW fan boy although the last 10-15 years in many respects they've lost their way which is hugely disappointing. BUT.....their M cars are still generally really good to great in their respective classes.

A few cars that I have adored since I was a teenager...
E34 5 series, including the M5
E36 M3 Sedan
E46 3 series (the M3 yes but I love sporty sedans when given the option)
E39 M5

It feels to me like the G80 is the spiritual successor to the E39 M5. Don't laugh me out of the room...or at least if you do, give me your rationale.

The G80 is similar in weight, makes more power, has better overall driving dynamics (but the steering is blah in terms of feedback), is similar in size if not a bit larger inside. Being 6'6 I do appreciate the room inside the current generation 3 series, it's bigger than my F30 by a fair margin especially for those who wind up sitting behind me. It seems like there is an extra inch of legroom back there.

While I don't like the grill, I've at least gotten used to it and a euro style front plate helps break up the shit BMW reeked on the nose of the car. From every other angle it's an absolute looker IMO.

I also believe the S58 has proven to be extremely reliable as has the ZF8. So it seems like it's going to be a good car for weekend/fun work and track work. The G80 brings several distinct pro's/con's versus anything from Porsche world.
-Heavy at nearly 3900lbs
-Not a true sports
-Upgraded seats suck
-Steering feedback is blah
-Big for a weekender (this is also a pro since I can get the wife/kids in it easily it'll get more use)
-Manual only available in base trim

+Excellent engine
+Great size for around town stuff with the family/date night with wife
+Consumables cheaper than Porsche
+Looks great from every angle but the front
+Really good on track
+Can buy new

I'd likely get an LCI competition. My hope is they'll bring back Santorini or Laguna Seca Blue.

Tell me I'm crazy, tell me this makes sense, ask me questions...give me your thoughts.

[NickyC]

F80 M3 CS.

The G80 is just too horrid looking no matter how quick the 4wd version is. It can't outrun the ugly.

[pbonsalb]

I don’t think any new BMW is the spiritual successor to the older cars on the OP’s list. They are all turbo with a different power delivery and also much better performance. Very different feel. Buy what you like. I personally like having one old school car and one modern car. I still have my highly modified E36 M3 and am restoring a 2002, but also have an F90 M5. I drive the F90 probably 80% or more of the time.

[MJBO]

If “lost their way” refers to the fact that modern Ms are way faster, more capable, more comfortable and safer, then sure.

I’ve owned three Ms before my G81 (E46, E90, F82) and they were all different, but all were special and fun in their own way.

[pbonsalb]

Had an E90 M3 manual for 10 years—way more character than the F90 M5 and I modded and enjoyed the car but I like the F90 more. Maybe I am getting older, but I don’t feel like I am missing anything.

[Chihuahua]

Weekend/ occasional track car?

E46 M3
E90 M3
E60 M5 (if you can stomach the upkeep)
S54 clownshoe

Go buy an M car when M cars were still M cars. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

[snareman]

Originally Posted by MJBO

If “lost their way” refers to the fact that modern Ms are way faster, more capable, more comfortable and safer, then sure.

I’ve owned three Ms before my G81 (E46, E90, F82) and they were all different, but all were special and fun in their own way.

The performance and tech are all amazing, but they've lost their way in that they just can't make an attractive car. I owned an G82 for a year and sold it because they looks just didn't grow on me. It is a nice looking car in a complex way if you stop and take it all in, but it didn't get the look back as I walked away after parking it. The new M2 hideous. I've driven it. Great driving car and updated tech, but an ugly square on the outside. The new 7 is not attractive. Its a little better in person, but still not great. The XM is hideous looking and to make it worse they tacked on an insane price. The space ship sound they put it when you accelerate is dumb, way worse than ASD. I'm thankful I got my M8 before the current design trend started. The X3, 4, 5, 7 look as nice as those can look and the next gen X3 so far looks ok in the camo. There is the rumored new 6 series, but I hold little hope based on recent trends that it will be decent looking, and will there be a coupe version? I never thought I'd leave BMW (see my sig) but I'm now on the allocation lists for a Carrera S and GTS.

[snareman]

Originally Posted by OUGrad05

This is going to be a weekend/fun/occasional track car. After BMW royally fucked the new M2 I turned my eyes to Porsche. Maybe a Cayman GT4 or a 911 GTS or 911 Carrera S? The 911's would be used, not new, the Cayman I could go new if I could find a dealer to give me an allocation but that's easier said than done right now. Our local dealer isn't even taking anymore allocations due to fear of not being able to fill current allocation before production stops.
.

Where are you located that the list is that crazy? Did they tell you how many were on the list? I'm 2nd and 3rd on the S and GTS lists at my dealer. Waiting for the 992.2's to come out.

[OUGrad05]

Originally Posted by snareman

Where are you located that the list is that crazy? Did they tell you how many were on the list? I'm 2nd and 3rd on the S and GTS lists at my dealer. Waiting for the 992.2's to come out.

Oklahoma City

I am not going new on a 911 (too much $$$) only used. The Cayman's are 18+mo out on the allocation I did not ask them how long the list was just when they thought I could get an allocation. They said they aren't taking them because they anticipate the car going out of production in 2025 and they are worried they can't fill the allocations they have. This was back in May or June.

I also called a dealer in Dallas since it's a big city and was basically laughed at on the phone because I had no purchase history with them.

They were all willing and trying to sell me cars I didn't want though. A 13 year old 911 Turbo S...a 10 yr old base Cayman. A slightly used 911 GT3 for only $300k lmao...

[snareman]

Originally Posted by OUGrad05

Oklahoma City

I am not going new on a 911 (too much $$$) only used. The Cayman's are 18+mo out on the allocation I did not ask them how long the list was just when they thought I could get an allocation. They said they aren't taking them because they anticipate the car going out of production in 2025 and they are worried they can't fill the allocations they have. This was back in May or June.

I also called a dealer in Dallas since it's a big city and was basically laughed at on the phone because I had no purchase history with them.

They were all willing and trying to sell me cars I didn't want though. A 13 year old 911 Turbo S...a 10 yr old base Cayman. A slightly used 911 GT3 for only $300k lmao...

Yea, I tried going through the broker I used for my M8 that got me a BMW dealer in MD. I called and asked if he could get me a Porsche and he said none of his dealers would sell to someone in Ohio. My local dealer said he puts all local people first on the list, and if a local person comes in they'll bump out of state people down the list.

[alex2364]

Originally Posted by snareman

The performance and tech are all amazing, but they've lost their way in that they just can't make an attractive car. I owned an F82 for a year and sold it because they looks just didn't grow on me. It is a nice looking car in a complex way if you stop and take it all in, but it didn't get the look back as I walked away after parking it. The new M2 hideous. I've driven it. Great driving car and updated tech, but an ugly square on the outside. The new 7 is not attractive. Its a little better in person, but still not great. The XM is hideous looking and to make it worse they tacked on an insane price. The space ship sound they put it when you accelerate is dumb, way worse than ASD. I'm thankful I got my M8 before the current design trend started. The X3, 4, 5, 7 look as nice as those can look and the next gen X3 so far looks ok in the camo. There is the rumored new 6 series, but I hold little hope based on recent trends that it will be decent looking, and will there be a coupe version? I never thought I'd leave BMW (see my sig) but I'm now on the allocation lists for a Carrera S and GTS.

Is this a typo or did you really mean F82? You need to get your eyes checked if that’s not a typo.

[snareman]

Originally Posted by alex2364

Is this a typo or did you really mean F82? You need to get your eyes checked if that’s not a typo.

Oops, yes, typo. Thanks. Loved my F82's. Didn't love my G82.

[OUGrad05]

Originally Posted by snareman

Oops, yes, typo. Thanks. Loved my F82's. Didn't love my G82.

The G8x platform is better in all respects IMHO OTHER than the front end of the car lol.

I've owned F Chassis cars and love the way they look. Even after I owned my F30 for 7 years I still loved looking at it from ALL angles.

My i4? All angles but the front please

Interior on the new cars is much....MUCH better and the overall chassis feel of the G80 is better than the F80.

[snareman]

Originally Posted by OUGrad05

The G8x platform is better in all respects IMHO OTHER than the front end of the car lol.

I've owned F Chassis cars and love the way they look. Even after I owned my F30 for 7 years I still loved looking at it from ALL angles.

My i4? All angles but the front please

Interior on the new cars is much....MUCH better and the overall chassis feel of the G80 is better than the F80.

Agreed. The G8x is better in every way except for looks, really just the front. Same with the new M2 - every way except the looks. It seems to be the case with pretty much all of their new cars. I'm still not sure what I think of iD8 with no buttons, although people that have it seem to say you get used to it.

[OUGrad05]

Originally Posted by snareman

Agreed. The G8x is better in every way except for looks, really just the front. Same with the new M2 - every way except the looks. It seems to be the case with pretty much all of their new cars. I'm still not sure what I think of iD8 with no buttons, although people that have it seem to say you get used to it.

I can't get on board with the new M2. Haven't driven one yet but by all accounts they drive great. But so does the M3 which weighs the same, has four doors which is far more usable for me...so if I'm not getting the benefit of being 600lbs lighter...M3 seems the way to go and the M3 looks worlds better IMHO.

[stein_325i]

If you already have the family car, why a G80? If you have the space and cash, get a dedicated and fun sports car, especially since you say this will be used on rare occasions and tracking. Miata, BRZ/86, Corvette, 718, etc. If you want something similar to the G80, also check out the Blackwings, they will be excellent on track and provide more feedback.

[OUGrad05]

Originally Posted by stein_325i

If you already have the family car, why a G80? If you have the space and cash, get a dedicated and fun sports car, especially since you say this will be used on rare occasions and tracking. Miata, BRZ/86, Corvette, 718, etc. If you want something similar to the G80, also check out the Blackwings, they will be excellent on track and provide more feedback.

I don't fit well in the Miata at 6'6. I've owned an 86 and two Corvettes.

As I mentioned in the first post a Cayman is on the list of possibilities.

Lots of reasons for the G80. I've always love the M3 sedans. I've generally loved sport sedans in general and BMW has always made some of the best. At least while I've been alive.

Blackwings are very...very intriguing. The problem I have with them is the absolute trash interior. I do agree though the steering is best in class and the chassis is absolutely amazing.

I haven't explored the Caddy option in about 6 months. Might be worth another look. Last time I went to the dealer they wanted huge market adjustments.

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by OUGrad05

I don't fit well in the Miata at 6'6. I've owned an 86 and two Corvettes.

As I mentioned in the first post a Cayman is on the list of possibilities.

Lots of reasons for the G80. I've always love the M3 sedans. I've generally loved sport sedans in general and BMW has always made some of the best. At least while I've been alive.

Blackwings are very...very intriguing. The problem I have with them is the absolute trash interior. I do agree though the steering is best in class and the chassis is absolutely amazing.

I haven't explored the Caddy option in about 6 months. Might be worth another look. Last time I went to the dealer they wanted huge market adjustments.

The BW interiors are much better than before. CUE is gone, there's tons of physical controls, and they have very nice leather and alcantara upholstries available. No its not German levels of luxury, but its also not a Camry. With this being a second vehicle/weekend track warrior, I would prioritize a car with a fantastic chassis over a luxury interior.

minn19 got a CT4-V BW recently, and he's had everything from M cars, AMGs, Porsches, Camaros, Mustangs, etc.

Also not sure if I missed it, but what is the issue with the new M2?