[buckybadger]

Hi All,

I got a chance to test drive the M4 and 340i this weekend. Here is my review:

My current ride: 2014 BMW 335i with MSPORT 19' staggered setup.
Test drive included driving on twisty country roads to freeway.

BMW M4 with 19'inch wheels:
1) The car felt quite big actually. For a moment, I thought I was sitting in a SUV (it was a perception).
2) The steering feel was taut BUT felt artificial. I did not like it very much and it was missing the natural feel. I guess I was expecting MUCH more from the steering. I wanted it to be more natural.
3) The suspension/chassis, definitely stiff.
-- It felt more grounded but whole car chassis/feel felt a little artificial.
4) It was loud but the noise was just OK for a $80K car. I would like to hear the AMG's roar next.
5) Revving it above 5K RPM was fun. The engine pull was definitely more pronounced. It just took off like a rocket when I floored it. This is where the car shines.
6) The seats don't have the leg extensions (and lumbar support). For me, that is a deal killer.

Overall, I thought it was a nice car but I was not blown away by it. I was expecting more from the steering and wanted it to feel more natural/intuitive. The main issue I had was the car felt big, kind of like a GT/Touring car. To really enjoy this car, one would have to push it hard. So unless you like racing or going to the track, I would not recommend the M4. But if you simply want an M car right now and have the dough, go for it.

BMW 340i with 18'inch wheels:
1) Engine was slightly louder and slightly more responsive BUT again I was not blown away by the torque/speed. It still felt very similar to the N55, just a little more responsive.
2) Engine felt a little coarse/rough at slower speeds compared to N55. The N55, to me feels more smoother at lower RPMs.
3) Suspension/chassis was slightly more stiffer than 335i. The comfort mode in 340i felt like it was in the middle of comfort and sport of the 335i.
4) The difference between comfort and sport was not that much in the 340i. The throttle response was more responsive than comfort but overall feel was very similar. In the 335i, the difference is easily felt. The chassis stiffens up in sport and so does the steering. In comfort, the 335i is more relaxed.
5) The steering was a little more tight BUT it felt less accurate in my opinion. I drove the 340i and 335i back to back so I could notice it immediately. Maybe it was the tire pressure on the 340i or something else? I don't know. The on-center feel was not that good and felt a little loose. I prefer the on-center feel of the 335i as of now (it may also be a little loose on-center but 335i is better calibrated in my opinion).

Again, overall I was not blown away. Even the sales dude said that the 335i/340i are almost identical with some very minor differences here and there. I could not justify the move right now to the 340i, even though I am not looking for a car. Others may differ in their opinion.

If I was in the market and looking for a fun and performance-oriented daily driver, I would now take a more closer look at the M2. Perhaps, even re-consider buying a used BMW M3 with the V8.

In future I would like to buy a M car but only if BMW M division brings more character back to the M series.

Hope this helps others who are looking for the 340i or M4.

Thanks!

[fecurtis]

I test drove an M4 with the comp package last weekend when I was picking up my car on a Saturday after getting it's oil changed.

I thought the steering was much better than in my car (same as yours but with MPPK and M Performance Exhaust), but hated Sport and Sport+ modes for the same reason as you. Comfort was perfect, comfort in that thing was more like Sport and Sport+ for us but with better calibration.

Everything else I kept in Sport+ and thought the exhaust sounded amazing. No V8, but I thought it sounded great, but I know the exhaust in the F8x is different in cars with the comp package. I didn't think it felt artificial handling wise, the car went exactly where I told it to go with no fuss. For a 444 HP torque monster, it wasn't as difficult to drive as I thought, in fact I was surprised how confident I was driving it. Not sure why you thought it felt artificial, steering weight and response were fantastic, just lacked any feedback since it's EPS.

My absolute favorite part of the test drive was the part where I was taken to a straight, 4 lane road in the middle of fucking nowhere with NO ONE on it. No houses, side streets, or anything. Hit 103 mph and hit the carbon ceramic brakes....man those things are incredible. Can't justify the expense for them though.

[insanecoder]

Mostly agree with you tho I luv the 340 its not worth the upgrade from 335 to 340.. wait for G20
Also not extremely thrilled by the M3/4.. but I really wish I had the green light to get the
M2

[jmg]

Former owner of a 2016 340i M Sport with Track Handling and a current owner of a 2016 F80 M3 here. M3 and M4 are similar enough that I think I can weigh in.

You're impression of size is very accurate. When I first drove the M3 it felt bigger. I couldn't place it until day 2. It's the power scoop in front. Having to look over the hood bulge makes you feel like you are sitting lower despite adjusting it to similar settings in my 340i. BUT I can tell you, it doesn't drive bigger.

The handling is worlds... I repeat... WORLDS better than the 340i with the Track Handling Package. Wider track & tuned suspension all do their jobs much better on the M3. You can really tell the difference when you are pushing it. Where the 340i would get a bit squirrely, the M3 stuck to the road and gave a nice rotational oversteer when pressed. It's very much better than the 340i. The brakes are also much better in the M3. I experienced fade in the 340i quite early and it didn't give as much bite despite having the M Perf brakes. It must be the slotted M3 rotors.

Steering feel is subjective, I happen to not have a problem with it, but it was slightly better than the 340i. As good as the old M3? Maybe not, again it's subjective.

I have the MPE so the sound ranges from obnoxious to heavenly. It's no V8, but the pops and burbles and roar are still very enjoyable and head turning. For a $5k exhaust it better...

I use leg extensions in the 340i as well, but I have no problem with the M3 seats, which I think sit a little longer than the 340i. I guess that depends on the driver though.

I haven't owned a N55, so I can't compare it to the B58. The 340i is no slouch though. It is more powerful than the N55 after all.

[nicknaz]

Originally Posted by mintoo

Hi All,

I got a chance to test drive the M4

. To really enjoy this car, one would have to push it hard. So unless you like racing or going to the track, I would not recommend the M4.

I think this is right on.

you need DSC OFF to even get the full power, since it is very traction limited in 1st and 2nd

I guess I have a different perception, since the first time I drove an F80 was on the a-bahn and I'll never forgot how hard it pulled at high speed (and how everything that wasn't an exotic or modded twin turbo wagon was moving out of the left lane )

You should get an E46M or other classic/analog M car. Other than the size, the M2 uses M4 parts all over, so not sure how you'd expect it to be that much different

[Blubaron79]

Originally Posted by insanecoder

Mostly agree with you tho I luv the 340 its not worth the upgrade from 335 to 340.. wait for G20
Also not extremely thrilled by the M3/4.. but I really wish I had the green light to get the
M2

Put your flame suit on.. The 340 guys are gonna pop out now. But my dream is to have an M2 and a X1.

[goj]

I think can understand the artificially heavy M4 steering. But the whole car feeling artificial? I don't understand

[strumbringer]

Originally Posted by mintoo

Hi All,

5) The steering was a little more tight BUT it felt less accurate in my opinion. I drove the 340i and 335i back to back so I could notice it immediately. Maybe it was the tire pressure on the 340i or something else? I don't know. The on-center feel was not that good and felt a little loose. I prefer the on-center feel of the 335i as of now (it may also be a little loose on-center but 335i is better calibrated in my opinion).

That would be the stupid flat spot they introduced

[zamboni]

The N55 with MPPK is not that bad when compare with B58.

[goj]

Originally Posted by zamboni

The N55 with MPPK is not that bad when compare with B58.

Agreed, it's clear the new engine was more about the modular architecture and advancing efficiency. The power bump was just the occasional bump

[eluded]

That was a great review. Going to hit resume on the latest episode of ballers now

[Polo08816]

Originally Posted by jmg

Former owner of a 2016 340i M Sport with Track Handling and a current owner of a 2016 F80 M3 here. M3 and M4 are similar enough that I think I can weigh in.

You're impression of size is very accurate. When I first drove the M3 it felt bigger. I couldn't place it until day 2. It's the power scoop in front. Having to look over the hood bulge makes you feel like you are sitting lower despite adjusting it to similar settings in my 340i. BUT I can tell you, it doesn't drive bigger.

The handling is worlds... I repeat... WORLDS better than the 340i with the Track Handling Package. Wider track & tuned suspension all do their jobs much better on the M3. You can really tell the difference when you are pushing it. Where the 340i would get a bit squirrely, the M3 stuck to the road and gave a nice rotational oversteer when pressed. It's very much better than the 340i. The brakes are also much better in the M3. I experienced fade in the 340i quite early and it didn't give as much bite despite having the M Perf brakes. It must be the slotted M3 rotors.

Steering feel is subjective, I happen to not have a problem with it, but it was slightly better than the 340i. As good as the old M3? Maybe not, again it's subjective.

I have the MPE so the sound ranges from obnoxious to heavenly. It's no V8, but the pops and burbles and roar are still very enjoyable and head turning. For a $5k exhaust it better...

I use leg extensions in the 340i as well, but I have no problem with the M3 seats, which I think sit a little longer than the 340i. I guess that depends on the driver though.

I haven't owned a N55, so I can't compare it to the B58. The 340i is no slouch though. It is more powerful than the N55 after all.

It's not the rotors, it's the pads.

The M Sport Brake Option pads are different from the M3/M4 stock pads. However, the M Sport Brake Option can be fitted with M3/M4 stock pads.

[jmg]

Originally Posted by Polo08816

It's not the rotors, it's the pads.

The M Sport Brake Option pads are different from the M3/M4 stock pads. However, the M Sport Brake Option can be fitted with M3/M4 stock pads.

Interesting. I assumed the drilled rotors also help dissapate heat and gas/dust from between the pad and rotor. Are the rotors the same size on the M Sport as well? The M3 brakes have considerably more bite. If I still had my 340i I would definitely upgrade the pads asap.

[hollandog]

Originally Posted by fecurtis

I test drove an M4 with the comp package last weekend when I was picking up my car on a Saturday after getting it's oil changed.

I thought the steering was much better than in my car (same as yours but with MPPK and M Performance Exhaust), but hated Sport and Sport+ modes for the same reason as you. Comfort was perfect, comfort in that thing was more like Sport and Sport+ for us but with better calibration.

Everything else I kept in Sport+ and thought the exhaust sounded amazing. No V8, but I thought it sounded great, but I know the exhaust in the F8x is different in cars with the comp package. I didn't think it felt artificial handling wise, the car went exactly where I told it to go with no fuss. For a 444 HP torque monster, it wasn't as difficult to drive as I thought, in fact I was surprised how confident I was driving it. Not sure why you thought it felt artificial, steering weight and response were fantastic, just lacked any feedback since it's EPS.

My absolute favorite part of the test drive was the part where I was taken to a straight, 4 lane road in the middle of fucking nowhere with NO ONE on it. No houses, side streets, or anything. Hit 103 mph and hit the carbon ceramic brakes....man those things are incredible. Can't justify the expense for them though.

You are a brave man for hitting 103mph in VA.

[fecurtis]

Originally Posted by hollandog

You are a brave man for hitting 103mph in VA.

It was in MD thankfully.

[goj]

Originally Posted by jmg

Former owner of a 2016 340i M Sport with Track Handling and a current owner of a 2016 F80 M3 here. M3 and M4 are similar enough that I think I can weigh in.

You're impression of size is very accurate. When I first drove the M3 it felt bigger. I couldn't place it until day 2. It's the power scoop in front. Having to look over the hood bulge makes you feel like you are sitting lower despite adjusting it to similar settings in my 340i. BUT I can tell you, it doesn't drive bigger.

The handling is worlds... I repeat... WORLDS better than the 340i with the Track Handling Package. Wider track & tuned suspension all do their jobs much better on the M3. You can really tell the difference when you are pushing it. Where the 340i would get a bit squirrely, the M3 stuck to the road and gave a nice rotational oversteer when pressed. It's very much better than the 340i. The brakes are also much better in the M3. I experienced fade in the 340i quite early and it didn't give as much bite despite having the M Perf brakes. It must be the slotted M3 rotors.

Steering feel is subjective, I happen to not have a problem with it, but it was slightly better than the 340i. As good as the old M3? Maybe not, again it's subjective.

I have the MPE so the sound ranges from obnoxious to heavenly. It's no V8, but the pops and burbles and roar are still very enjoyable and head turning. For a $5k exhaust it better...

I use leg extensions in the 340i as well, but I have no problem with the M3 seats, which I think sit a little longer than the 340i. I guess that depends on the driver though.

I haven't owned a N55, so I can't compare it to the B58. The 340i is no slouch though. It is more powerful than the N55 after all.

I agree completely with your assessment.

[insanecoder]

Originally Posted by Blubaron79

Put your flame suit on.. The 340 guys are gonna pop out now. But my dream is to have an M2 and a X1.

my next car may be an M2 .. by then it will be a properly performance-enhanced version of the B58

[goj]

Originally Posted by Blubaron79

Put your flame suit on.. The 340 guys are gonna pop out now. But my dream is to have an M2 and a X1.

The 340 LCI was exactly what it was meant to be a marginal improvement in many areas. It's what the LCI has always been. Maybe 10% improved as a whole.

[ny325]

Totally agree with you OP. I don't remember which car magazine reviewed the M3. It's a current issue, maybe Road and Track. They don't give the M3 a good review. I wish BMW will do away with all the electronic gizmos, and bring back the " Ultimate Driving Machine." Regardless what model one chooses to drive.

[jmg]

Originally Posted by ny325

Totally agree with you OP. I don't remember which car magazine reviewed the M3. It's a current issue, maybe Road and Track. They don't give the M3 a good review. I wish BMW will do away with all the electronic gizmos, and bring back the " Ultimate Driving Machine." Regardless what model one chooses to drive.

Was it this one?

http://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars...ons-bmw-m3-m4/

or this one?

http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-cult...ps-horsepower/

Perhaps it was this one:

http://kinja.roadandtrack.com/the-ra...tor-1647784891

[NightWriter]

Originally Posted by goj

The 340 LCI was exactly what it was meant to be a marginal improvement in many areas. It's what the LCI has always been. Maybe 10% improved as a whole.

Be careful about trying to quantify an "improvement," since it's impossible to do so for subjective attributes (e.g. steering feel, aesthetics), and objective improvements (e.g. acceleration) certainly do not qualify for a 10% improvement (closer to 4-5%).

[goj]

Originally Posted by NightWriter

Be careful about trying to quantify an "improvement," since it's impossible to do so for subjective attributes (e.g. steering feel, aesthetics), and objective improvements (e.g. acceleration) certainly do not qualify for a 10% improvement (closer to 4-5%).

I'm not speaking in absolutes, my intention was to say it's marginal maybe 10 percent as a whole is too much, agreed