Obligatory Introduction/First 1k mile review

[itrsteve]

I figure since everybody else does these, what the hey?

I recently moved on to a F80 M3 from a E92 ZCP, wasn't an easy move as the E92 was without question my favorite all-around car I've ever owned. But I had ample seat time doing an ED with my buddy's YMB M4 in 2014, and another M4 Welt rental in 2015, so I knew it was inevitable at some point.

The build itself, like everybody else was antagonizing over every possible option and combination. But ultimately I decided a low-key option was ideal for me. So I went BSM/Black extended/ZCP/Exec/Top & Side/Moon roof/CarPlay and the Aluminum Blade trim (which I'm surprised to rarely see people get over the carbon fiber).

Thoughts after the first 1,000:
- Still getting accustomed to the idea of a four door as this is a new experience, but it feels nice. The car definitely has a much larger feel than the E92 but doesn't feel like a pig, quite the opposite actually.

- Torque? Holy hell, what a different monster. It's awesome to not have to wind it out in order to put you back in the seat. I have a BMS Stage 1 to put in and I'm not even sure that it's even going to be necessary.

- MPG's, wow, even with the increased amount of horsing around a bit I'm still averaging 20.9 for the entire 1,000.. I could only get that on the E92 if going downhill with a tailwind.

- 6MT, I just spent 3 years with a DCT and while it was a brilliant gearbox, it just seemed rather lethargic with the F8x. Perhaps it's due to the different exhaust note but those blissfull and snappy downshifts were nowhere to be found. It's extremely easy to drive around and the clutch feels drastically lighter than my E46's. Also, the rev match feature (that I originally scoffed at) is pretty damn awesome. The added benefit of blistering shift times isn't as necessary to me since I don't have to wind this car out to redline to get any fun out of it. The enjoyment of this is a strong rival to my old NSX 6MT which has been acclaimed as one of the best.

- ZCP things.. the seats are incredible, the bolster support is perfect and great for long drives. The ride quality is fine, I'm not sure what people are bitching about in here. Lastly, the exhaust note and overrun stuff is a fantastic improvement as I was initially disappointed with the F8x sound. Also the 666 wheels are something else in real life, but definitely fall short in pictures

- HK stereo, huge downgrade from the E92, crazy to think this was an option people had to pay for with the 2015 models... Will have to go bavsound or something in the near future

- CarPlay, still not without flaws but an awesome feature to future-proof whatever is flying up on that screen years after the BMW UI becomes antiquated. To tuck the phone away and accomplish most tasks via Siri is pretty neat (although I'd love to be able to take advantage of the wireless charging feature right now, maybe later)

Overall, to me there were big shoes to fill from the E92 and I'm incredibly happy with this purchase.

[jzmundy]

Congrats on the new car! It's beautiful. I have a very similar one on order. Maybe I'll see you around these parts sometime.

[SakhirM4]

Full leather and CF in the interior would have made your M3 perfect. Very nice otherwise!! Congrats.

[Takumi587]

Thanks very much for the pics and review. I am debating whether to jump back into an M3 and trade my 535i for one. Don't get me wrong the 535i is awesome but an M3 with a manual transmission I feel would put an even bigger smile on my face. decisions decisions...

[mray]

Congrats, looks amazing, I would consider powder coating the rims to match the rest of the car..but as it is, it looks amazing!

[itrsteve]

Originally Posted by Takumi587

Thanks very much for the pics and review. I am debating whether to jump back into an M3 and trade my 535i for one. Don't get me wrong the 535i is awesome but an M3 with a manual transmission I feel would put an even bigger smile on my face. decisions decisions...

Do it! I dare say you'll enjoy that much more.

Originally Posted by jzmundy

Congrats on the new car! It's beautiful. I have a very similar one on order. Maybe I'll see you around these parts sometime.

Hey, a local! What did you end up ordering?

Originally Posted by SakhirM4

Full leather and CF in the interior would have made your M3 perfect. Very nice otherwise!! Congrats.

I set my cap at $75k before discounts. Would of been nice to check every box. As far as CF trim, call me crazy but I've never cared for it, plus I wanted to brighten up the interior since there was black leather. CF would of made more sense to me with one of the other interior colors.

[SMC23]

Can't go wrong with BSM!

Car looks great.

[KevinM]

Congratulations! I agree with you on the manual transmission - probably the smoothest of any BMW MT that I have driven.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Congrats and thank you for the review