|
|
10-28-2014, 02:09 AM | #1 |
Captain
89
Rep 833
Posts |
Notes from today's M4 test drive
Today my friend and I went to test drive the new M4 coupe. It was fully optioned and came equipped with the DCT transmission and adaptive suspension.
What did NOT surprise me
What did surprise me
Last edited by Asbjorn; 10-28-2014 at 02:16 AM.. |
10-28-2014, 06:37 PM | #3 |
Brigadier General
569
Rep 3,742
Posts |
Thanks for the review. I suppose you could say I'm biased, but I was not super impressed by the F80 M3 I drove.
First gear was basically useless, the throttle response was too sensitive, and the car gave me the impression I was driving an FBO 335i, not a refined M car. It was definitely torquey and pulled hard, but I was not blown away like I was the first time I drove an E92 M3. I saw nothing that made me want to trade my highly modded E92 M3 for one, though I could perhaps see how someone in a stock E9x M3 or a 135i/335i/Z4 35i might be tempted. I have no doubt it would handle the track far better than those cars. |
Appreciate
0
|
10-28-2014, 07:18 PM | #4 |
General
2038
Rep 25,989
Posts |
Excellent write-up
__________________
VMR|Wheels | 714.442.7916 |
sales@velocitymotoring.com | www.velocitymotoring.com | facebook | flickr | Instagram |
Appreciate
0
|
10-29-2014, 12:02 AM | #5 | |
Captain
89
Rep 833
Posts |
Quote:
As a second, DD then? Well, that is where I am missing an M3 sports wagon. If I needed a second car, I would probably pick the 5-door M135i over the 4 door M3 sedan, mainly because I like hot hatches and sports wagons over sedans (and SUVs). What I learned is that what the new M car offers is not enough to pull me away. The M135i is 200lbs lighter than the M3 sedan, more practical, arguably more fun to drive and better sounding. But then I would also have to consider the C63 and E90 M3s available on the Chinese second hand market... Last edited by Asbjorn; 10-29-2014 at 09:15 AM.. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-29-2014, 06:39 AM | #6 |
Lieutenant
312
Rep 520
Posts |
Great review. Like you, I want my fun car to be a convertible, or at least have some type of removable top. I also prefer a manual which makes it even tougher to find the right car. I plan to check out the M4 convertible when it comes time for another car, but the additional weight is disappointing. Maybe there will be a drop top version of the upcoming M2. Otherwise, I may have to settle for bigger car or give up something else. It is good to know that I am not the only one with such specific wants in a vehicle.
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-29-2014, 10:05 AM | #8 |
Lieutenant
312
Rep 520
Posts |
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-29-2014, 02:59 PM | #9 |
Lieutenant General
3187
Rep 10,509
Posts |
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-31-2014, 06:45 AM | #10 | |
Captain
89
Rep 833
Posts |
Quote:
The M135i sounds like it loves to be pushed hard, and it really moves. The 3-series is 180lbs heavier while offering less torque and power. Removing 5% of the weight and adding 10% extra torque is like asking three passengers to leave the car. Everything (besides comfort and your social life) gets better. The M135i would only need an extra 60-70NM of torque to feel as fast as an M4. I am sure tunes achieving this will soon become available. The ECU tunes available for stock N54 engines easily add up to 150NM. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-31-2014, 12:22 PM | #11 |
Lieutenant General
3187
Rep 10,509
Posts |
power kit for the latest 335 is +35hp these days
I don't know though, I took my wife's 335 to the track and it was a bit of a mess. The stock continental summer RFT chunked after 1 session and I got it to heat up the oil to power reduction levels. I guess the m sport package with extra cooling is mandatory, as are different tires I'm a bit frustrated right now, with neither Z435 nor 335 having the cooling capacity for track use. I will need to go karting or something for a bit until the Z4 is replaced in a few months. |
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
|
|