Is the F80 M3 docile enough for casual drivers?

SPACEMANRICK · 12-19-2014, 08:22 PM

I have had some health issues over the past few years but I am currently in pretty good health. If my health takes a turn for the worse, is the M3 serene and docile enough for my wife to drive in comfort mode? My wife loves driving my automatic 2013 335 xdrive but she can also drive the 6 speed manual that I would order with the M3. My concerns are there may be too much power for her to handle and also with all the power to the rear wheels she may have problems modulating the throttle.

solstice · 12-19-2014, 08:28 PM

Docile enough, absolutely. It's linear and predictable to throttle inputs and easy to modulate. Serene? Absolutely not, it's loud and stout, not serene and cushy.

JeffM-Houston · 12-19-2014, 08:57 PM

Put the throttle in comfort mode and anyone can drive it.

CiprianS · 12-19-2014, 09:27 PM

My F82 M4 is obedient in the economic mode. I am still under break in and I am not pushing it hard right now.

minn19 · 12-19-2014, 09:31 PM

I would get the adaptive suspension so you could set it to comfort mode as well. The static suspension on the M3 is considerably stiffer than the 335 xDrives rather soft/floaty setup. She may not like that and it would be good to have the comfort suspension option.

m4pewpew · 12-19-2014, 09:36 PM

SPACEMANRICK,

I am a casual driver. I work at home so I don't really have to go anywhere. I have an M4 and I think it's a very solid car, really great/fun to drive. It is sort of loud, personally I love it.

I find the driver's seat comfortable, and I am comparing this with my Lexus IS 250. My elbows are always hitting the seat when I turn in that Lexus, kind of annoying.

I don't really think power is a concern for anybody, because after all it is completely controlled by your right foot. Plus, there's traction control.

Vigilant · 12-20-2014, 06:09 AM

Leave the car in efficient mode for throttle response, comfort for steering, and comfort for suspension if you have adaptive suspension. There are enough nannies with the DSC, etc to keep you/your wife out of trouble.

Stay in good health and enjoy the car.

Andrew115 · 12-20-2014, 07:55 AM

For a responsible adult yes. If it's not driven responsibly and you like to turn DCT off to play with little to no experience it could be a nightmare. In the wet or slick conditions dsc off might just be death wish. I learned this quickly when I forgot dsc was off and broke traction at a highway speed.

jbtco · 12-20-2014, 08:03 AM

It is an easy car to poodle around in, remember that it is a DCT box not a full automatic. It will run back on hills after holding for a couple of seconds and low speed manouvering needs some practice (dab throttle for car to start to move then control with brake) especially if parking with the front end close to a wall or high kerb. Worth speccing all the cameras, the ones on the front wing for side view are helpful with kerbs as they show a yellow line where the front of the car is which can be lined up with the kerb to park very close without risking the front splitter.

Andrew115 · 12-20-2014, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbtco

It is an easy car to poodle around in, remember that it is a DCT box not a full automatic. It will run back on hills after holding for a couple of seconds and low speed manouvering needs some practice (dab throttle for car to start to move then control with brake) especially if parking with the front end close to a wall or high kerb. Worth speccing all the cameras, the ones on the front wing for side view are helpful with kerbs as they show a yellow line where the front of the car is which can be lined up with the kerb to park very close without risking the front splitter.

Haven't tried the side cams for parking at all. I usually use the top view but it only shows what's in front of the car at the last few inches. I'll have to try this out.

GrussGott · 12-20-2014, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrew115

Haven't tried the side cams for parking at all. I usually use the top view but it only shows what's in front of the car at the last few inches. I'll have to try this out.

Yeah I never noticed this... Ive ignored the cameras because I couldn't figure them out and figured I could be looking at them or looking out of the window... I'll have to try them again

Andrew115 · 12-20-2014, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrussGott

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrew115

Haven't tried the side cams for parking at all. I usually use the top view but it only shows what's in front of the car at the last few inches. I'll have to try this out.

Yeah I never noticed this... Ive ignored the cameras because I couldn't figure them out and figured I could be looking at them or looking out of the window... I'll have to try them again

Use the top view it's great for backing in or our of places. They are quite accurate on the sides. The front however only gives you maybe a 6 inch notice once an object comes into view.

I use these every day snaking around my wife's car in the driveway when I back out.

Needsdecaf · 12-20-2014, 10:00 AM

The car's character is completely up to you. Powertrain wise, especially with the 6MT, you are really active and engaged, and completely in control. Short shift it to keep RPM's low and you're looking at a strong car, not a wild one.

But it is loud and stiff, even with the adaptive dampers in comfort. But I don't think that's what the OP asked. He was asking regarding driving it, not riding in it.

jeff4598 · 12-20-2014, 10:07 AM

Let your wife test drive it. My wife will do anything to avoid being a PASSENGER in my e90 M3. Says it's too loud and makes her sick and the seats are too hard for her skinny butt to tolerate.

jbtco · 12-20-2014, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrew115

They are quite accurate on the sides. The front however only gives you maybe a 6 inch notice once an object comes into view.

Yes you need to use the top view or PDC to get fairly close to wall / kerb / other car then use side view to position front of car precisely. Only needed if you have to get close. My garage has a concrete pillar just beyond a car length in so care is required, have a piece of reflective tape on the side wall to line up the yellow line in the camera display with to get the perfect position.

Andrew115 · 12-20-2014, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbtco

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrew115

They are quite accurate on the sides. The front however only gives you maybe a 6 inch notice once an object comes into view.

Yes you need to use the top view or PDC to get fairly close to wall / kerb / other car then use side view to position front of car precisely. Only needed if you have to get close. My garage has a concrete pillar just beyond a car length in so care is required, have a piece of reflective tape on the side wall to line up the yellow line in the camera display with to get the perfect position.

Sweet. So the yellow line is the front bumper or just in front if it?

krnnerdboy · 12-20-2014, 01:03 PM

It's my wife's daily driver. And she came from a 14 mdx. She loves it! And compared to the e90 platform it's smoother and roomier(3 car seats in the back)

On the other hand it's too fast for me to be a daily. I would be arrested and licenseless.

DocWeatherington · 12-20-2014, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SPACEMANRICK

I have had some health issues over the past few years but I am currently in pretty good health. If my health takes a turn for the worse, is the M3 serene and docile enough for my wife to drive in comfort mode? My wife loves driving my automatic 2013 335 xdrive but she can also drive the 6 speed manual that I would order with the M3. My concerns are there may be too much power for her to handle and also with all the power to the rear wheels she may have problems modulating the throttle.

Put in in comfort mode and she would be fine. The power is very smooth then as you rev it kisses you gently. If she treats it with respect she will be find no different than a 335i.

An Good to hear your in great health

Doctor///M · 12-20-2014, 05:56 PM

YOLO. Get the M3. It can always be sold at a later date

chiplee · 12-20-2014, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vigilant

Leave the car in efficient mode for throttle response, comfort for steering, and comfort for suspension if you have adaptive suspension. There are enough nannies with the DSC, etc to keep you/your wife out of trouble.

Stay in good health and enjoy the car.

Concur with other posters and would just add that you should definitely get adaptive suspension if you mean for it to feel like a comfy 3 series. The DCT will just never be as smooth and effortless as the 8 speed auto the rest of the bimmers get these days, but it gets impressively close in auto mode for what it is. Certainly not "no different" from any other 3 series, but again, unbelievably well behaved considering what it's capable of in its most aggressive setting.

Hymiet · 12-20-2014, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SPACEMANRICK

I have had some health issues over the past few years but I am currently in pretty good health. If my health takes a turn for the worse, is the M3 serene and docile enough for my wife to drive in comfort mode? My wife loves driving my automatic 2013 335 xdrive but she can also drive the 6 speed manual that I would order with the M3. My concerns are there may be too much power for her to handle and also with all the power to the rear wheels she may have problems modulating the throttle.

Yes, I take a 3, 6 and 11 year old to school every day.

SPACEMANRICK · 12-21-2014, 01:20 PM

Thanks to everyone in the Bimmerpost community for their helpful information and support! Yes I would also include the adaptive suspension in my option list. One of the major complaints that I have with my current 335xdrive is the suspension is too soft and corners badly.

It sounds like comfort mode and short shifting of the manual gearbox will be perfect for dropping my kids off at school in the morning and the drive home can be in sport mode :-)

12-19-2014, 08:22 PM	#1
SPACEMANRICK Lieutenant 51 Rep 551 Posts Drives: 2016 M3 6 speed manual Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Vancouver iTrader: (0)	Is the F80 M3 docile enough for casual drivers? I have had some health issues over the past few years but I am currently in pretty good health. If my health takes a turn for the worse, is the M3 serene and docile enough for my wife to drive in comfort mode? My wife loves driving my automatic 2013 335 xdrive but she can also drive the 6 speed manual that I would order with the M3. My concerns are there may be too much power for her to handle and also with all the power to the rear wheels she may have problems modulating the throttle.
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12-19-2014, 08:28 PM	#2
solstice Major General 5458 Rep 7,037 Posts Drives: 2015 M3 6MT Join Date: May 2013 Location: Seattle iTrader: (0)	Docile enough, absolutely. It's linear and predictable to throttle inputs and easy to modulate. Serene? Absolutely not, it's loud and stout, not serene and cushy.
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12-19-2014, 08:57 PM	#3
JeffM-Houston Second Lieutenant 72 Rep 234 Posts Drives: 2015 M3 - White/Sakir Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	Put the throttle in comfort mode and anyone can drive it.
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12-19-2014, 09:27 PM	#4
CiprianS M addicted 99 Rep 444 Posts Drives: G05 xDrive 40i Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Houston, Texas iTrader: (0)	My F82 M4 is obedient in the economic mode. I am still under break in and I am not pushing it hard right now.
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12-19-2014, 09:31 PM	#5
minn19 Lieutenant General 14038 Rep 10,080 Posts Drives: 24 Z06, 23 CT4VBW, 22 PFinder Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Minnesota iTrader: (0)	I would get the adaptive suspension so you could set it to comfort mode as well. The static suspension on the M3 is considerably stiffer than the 335 xDrives rather soft/floaty setup. She may not like that and it would be good to have the comfort suspension option.
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12-19-2014, 09:36 PM	#6
m4pewpew Second Lieutenant 64 Rep 256 Posts Drives: M4 Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: ATX iTrader: (0)	SPACEMANRICK, I am a casual driver. I work at home so I don't really have to go anywhere. I have an M4 and I think it's a very solid car, really great/fun to drive. It is sort of loud, personally I love it. I find the driver's seat comfortable, and I am comparing this with my Lexus IS 250. My elbows are always hitting the seat when I turn in that Lexus, kind of annoying. I don't really think power is a concern for anybody, because after all it is completely controlled by your right foot. Plus, there's traction control. __________________ BMW M4: Mineral White. DCT. Exec Package. Optional 19". Full leather. 7/7/14: On the waiting list \| 9/8/14: Order submitted \| 10/2/14: Order approved. Production number received \| 11/7/14: In Production \| 11/15/14: End of production \| 11/21/14: En route to the US \| 12/7/14: Finishing touches \| 12/13/14: At the dealer \| 12/15/14: Car in garage Last edited by m4pewpew; 12-19-2014 at 10:30 PM..
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12-20-2014, 06:09 AM	#7
Vigilant Captain 305 Rep 868 Posts Drives: Cautiously fast Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Florida iTrader: (0)	Leave the car in efficient mode for throttle response, comfort for steering, and comfort for suspension if you have adaptive suspension. There are enough nannies with the DSC, etc to keep you/your wife out of trouble. Stay in good health and enjoy the car. __________________ 2022 BSM G80 Comp X-drive
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12-20-2014, 07:55 AM	#8
Andrew115 Major 328 Rep 1,450 Posts Drives: Silver Bullet Join Date: May 2013 Location: Charlotte NC iTrader: (0)	For a responsible adult yes. If it's not driven responsibly and you like to turn DCT off to play with little to no experience it could be a nightmare. In the wet or slick conditions dsc off might just be death wish. I learned this quickly when I forgot dsc was off and broke traction at a highway speed.
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12-20-2014, 08:03 AM	#9
jbtco Captain 163 Rep 641 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Scotland iTrader: (0)	It is an easy car to poodle around in, remember that it is a DCT box not a full automatic. It will run back on hills after holding for a couple of seconds and low speed manouvering needs some practice (dab throttle for car to start to move then control with brake) especially if parking with the front end close to a wall or high kerb. Worth speccing all the cameras, the ones on the front wing for side view are helpful with kerbs as they show a yellow line where the front of the car is which can be lined up with the kerb to park very close without risking the front splitter. __________________ M2 competition, Alpine White Previously Owned : X3 M 40i, F80 M3 Comp Pack, DCT, Yas Marina Blue, F80 M3, DCT , E92 M3 Comp Pack, E92 M3, Z4MC, E46 M3 CS, E46 M3
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12-20-2014, 10:00 AM	#13
Needsdecaf Major General 6599 Rep 6,697 Posts Drives: 2024 G80 Comp xDrive Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: The Woodlands, TX iTrader: (0)	The car's character is completely up to you. Powertrain wise, especially with the 6MT, you are really active and engaged, and completely in control. Short shift it to keep RPM's low and you're looking at a strong car, not a wild one. But it is loud and stiff, even with the adaptive dampers in comfort. But I don't think that's what the OP asked. He was asking regarding driving it, not riding in it.
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12-20-2014, 10:07 AM	#14
jeff4598 Captain 172 Rep 676 Posts Drives: 2019 M2C HS, DCT, much Dinan Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: new jersey iTrader: (0)	Let your wife test drive it. My wife will do anything to avoid being a PASSENGER in my e90 M3. Says it's too loud and makes her sick and the seats are too hard for her skinny butt to tolerate.
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12-20-2014, 01:03 PM	#17
krnnerdboy Colonel 190 Rep 2,431 Posts Drives: v10 m6 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: so cal iTrader: (10)	It's my wife's daily driver. And she came from a 14 mdx. She loves it! And compared to the e90 platform it's smoother and roomier(3 car seats in the back) On the other hand it's too fast for me to be a daily. I would be arrested and licenseless. __________________ F80 m3, 997 gt3, 14 ram ctd, f15 x5, drz400sm Gone:z4m, boss 302, c6 z06, m6,z3m
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12-20-2014, 05:56 PM	#19
Doctor///M Brigadier General 1792 Rep 4,216 Posts Drives: 2023 AUDI RS6 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: USA iTrader: (14) Garage List 2023 Audi RS6 Avant [0.00] BMW M2 Competition [10.00] 2009 BMW 335i [0.00] 2015 M3 [9.52]	YOLO. Get the M3. It can always be sold at a later date __________________ 2020 F87 M2 Competition /l\ LBB /i\ Executive Package 2013 E70 X5M /l\ Space Grey /i\ Full Silverstone Leather /l\ LED Headlights /i\ Comfort Access /l\ HUD /i\ Ventilated Seats /l\ 22" BBS SV BMW CCA Member
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12-21-2014, 01:20 PM	#22
SPACEMANRICK Lieutenant 51 Rep 551 Posts Drives: 2016 M3 6 speed manual Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Vancouver iTrader: (0)	Thanks to everyone in the Bimmerpost community for their helpful information and support! Yes I would also include the adaptive suspension in my option list. One of the major complaints that I have with my current 335xdrive is the suspension is too soft and corners badly. It sounds like comfort mode and short shifting of the manual gearbox will be perfect for dropping my kids off at school in the morning and the drive home can be in sport mode :-)
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