10 issues realized from my long-term G80 M3 overview

September 12, 2023

40

September marks two years with my automobile, and so this could appear to be my first long-term G80 M3 overview. It’s gone via quote a progress course of, and to have a good time, I gathered a number of associates in Brooklyn to commemorate the platform.

From recommendation to observations, right here’s 5 issues I’ve realized.

1. The G80 M3 is the most effective all-around automobile ever produced

G8X-m3-m4 — By now, you need to know {that a} grille is required.

No, I don’t imply it’s the most effective M3, and even probably the most fun-to-drive automobile ever. It’s not even near the latter.

However what it does do is make a superb solution to transport your self in pace and luxury.

Would you prefer to run 9s within the quarter-mile? It will possibly do this, reliably, with out a lot effort. Take it to HPDE occasions? It’s heavy, positive, but it surely’ll pull over a G on the skidpad and affords the identical ease on the restrict with which different M3s are recognized for.

For the reason that G80 simply concerning the dimension of a 5 Collection, there’s loads of room for a household, and it’s by no means unruly. Even lowered, the automobile may be very snug. And it’s the one automobile available on the market to supply such a wide range of drivetrain combos: stick, rear, or all-wheel drive. Hell, it even will get first rate gasoline mileage.

2. It’s the final M3 that’s reasonably priced

Even now, well-equipped examples are pushing the boundaries of sanity. An M3 stops making sense at $100,000. After that, particularly now that the automobile is so huge, I begin to look towards the M5, and even past the model.

Over the previous two years, BMW M has raised the bottom value of the automobile from $69K and alter to $76,000. Sure, actually. And keep in mind that’s with 18-inch wheels, Alpine White and no laser lights. New vehicles have plenty of issues outdated ones don’t, so I’m high quality with this automobile costing a lot greater than even an E90 used to. And paying to play has at all times been an M credo. However at what level do I look over at a really comparable M2 within the showroom and suppose “Do I such as you?”

3. The M3 neighborhood has modified

It’s youthful than ever, and in a means much less useful than ever.

Bimmerpost is a wasteland of derogatory feedback in your style in vehicles (was for precise technical assist). Automobile golf equipment cost for driving on public roads collectively. The reveals themselves aren’t at all times good.

A part of proudly owning an M3 is the sense of neighborhood and enjoyable that’s related to proudly owning the marquee. However there are nonetheless numerous good individuals concerned with the model, like everybody you see right here, so all will not be misplaced.

And when you’re not following M3List on social media, I counsel trying out this latest submit (there are a lot of extra prefer it) with 20 (!) crashed G80s. I’m positive not all are the fault of careless driving, however I’ve see numerous dangerous issues in particular person through the years. All these wrecks aren’t as a result of grandma modified lanes on you too early.

No respect for pace? Possibly.

4. You don’t want the LCI

Folks will ask me this as a result of my lease is coming due, and the quick reply is not any, I’m going to maintain mine.

I don’t like the only sprint, nor the brand new non-laser headlights. Whereas extra energy is rumored to be on the way in which, I extremely doubt they’ll contact the bottom stick model. I’d nonetheless get a blue one.

That stated, in case you are out there, an LCI one is healthier than the choice, which is…

5. The G80 M3 is the final M3 BMW will construct

Aww, don’t be unhappy. Effectively, possibly somewhat. However sure, that is it. The tip of the road. 40 years of M3, and it ends proper right here.

Oh positive, BMW will proceed to slap the M3 title on the most effective 3 Collection they make. Nevertheless it’ll be a hybrid. Or electrical.

The G80 is certainly remoted from the manufacturing unit, however with the private contact house owners placed on, they’re simply as loud and (nearly) as uncooked because the F80 earlier than it. The stick helps too. Level is, you might have the choice to make it sound and really feel like an M3 ought to.

A brand new one? You gained’t be capable to get downpipes, or paint your engine cowl. I hate to sound like an outdated man, so I gained’t. If electrical vehicles are higher for the planet, I’ll fortunately undertake one. However they aren’t.

6. New BMWs (and G80 M3s) are dependable vehicles

Issues I’ve had: z-e-r-o. In truth, even with all of the G8X house owners I do know, nearly none have had any points in any way.

The vehicles are nonetheless younger, and we do drive them laborious, however to date so good. It’s widespread to make enjoyable of German reliability, however mixed with my outdated and new G X3, the model has been flawless.

Nonetheless, TySpeed is only a telephone name away…

7. However they aren’t excellent

The brakes squeal always. The cooled seats don’t actually cool you (though it’s higher than nothing). Bluetooth connectivity works 95% of the time, however the final 5% is when you actually need it. I hated the automobile locking and unlocking always in my storage, so I turned off the proximity key.

The cup holders. Why? I simply need to drink my espresso and shift, however apparently that is verboten. Maybe the worst a part of the complete possession expertise.

8. I remorse nothing (nearly)

The parking bundle might need been good. Prolonged leather-based on the doorways and sprint are fairly, however I didn’t just like the orange decrease sprint. New M3s do not get leather-based on the door playing cards, so prolonged is perhaps vital now.

I don’t miss the heated steering wheel or HUD (which is on the X3 and I by no means appreciated), neither is lacking the facility tailgate characteristic making me weep at night time.

I couldn’t do the carbon buckets, however the M Efficiency seat backs assist make up the distinction. Save your self the cash and go aftermarket for the carbon fiber on the surface – seems the identical as what BMW affords from the manufacturing unit to me.

9. Favourite mods, and the M tax

This M3 – each M3 – wants an exhaust. I really like the AWE monitor system, and I’m glad it was the very first thing I modified out. A detailed second would be the spoiler, and the M Efficiency suspension, which provides the automobile the dealing with it deserved from the manufacturing unit.

However I will even admit that paying the “M tax” stinks – all the things is marked up for no cause. Almost $800 from for an Alcantara shifter and boot? $6,000 for spun-cast wheels? Please. However, NW CarbonHaus has been a Godsend, together with a warehouse in Germany referred to as Baum. BMW components in Germany are less expensive, even with paying a VAT tax.

10. The M3 remains to be my favourite automobile

I’ll finish this text by repeating myself. I’ve pushed so many vehicles over the previous two years, and every time I get within the M3, it’s a palette cleanser. It simply does all the things properly, and it’s the proper base from which to match.

Porches have higher steering, higher shifting, higher dealing with. Electrical vehicles are sooner. Mercedes are loads nicer inside. Jaguars look higher.

However BMW continues to get the soul proper. It’s there, when you dig for it. It’ll at all times be unimaginable to construct a automobile that does all the things proper.

This M3 will consolation you, flatter your driving abilities, even sustain with these electrical vehicles in AWD type. So on this long-term G80 M3 overview, I’ll inform you that this is without doubt one of the finest vehicles BMW has ever made.

Too dangerous it’ll be the final.