E89 35iS vs F80 M4 Comp

[Plastic]

Yes yes yes, apples to oranges, can’t compare etc…
Just wanted to say that I test drove an F80 M4 comp yesterday. Was thinking about changing up my 35iS.
The car was ok, very comfortable to cruise in, if a bit jiggly over the tarmac, but it didn’t wow me. It felt more powerful but not hugely so, and I didn’t find it nearly as engaging to drive as the Z4.
The only thing it excelled at was spinning it’s wheels at half throttle onto a roundabout, which was a bit unnerving. I’m sure you get used to it, but my Z has much more manageable power delivery and cleaner exhaust note IMO.
All in all, it was competent but uninspiring, certainly didn’t feel a worthwhile step up. Interested if others have thoughts on this.

My car & prospect attached for reference!

 

[mcbutler]

They are great cars but hugely over rated and of course carry the 'boy racer' image very clearly. last time I was in my main dealer to collect a part for my Z4 I was sat next to a guy who was complaining very vocally about his new M4 Comp and how unhappy he was with it and the servicing costs.
The M4 is not a pretty or good looking car at all in my opinion.
So many people associate newer with better all the time - it does not stack up at all.

Stick with your zed - way nicer

 

[Silverstar]

I am not sure I like that generation M4 but I am quite sure it will be quicker around a track than the Z4 but then again most of us most of time are not going around a track.

 

[sars]

I think your zed wins hands down, it might not be an //M, but it looks a million times better than that M4 and tbh it’s as much performance as you really need

 

[tiglon]

Like you say, apples & oranges, if you're choosing between the two then you probably need to clarify with yourself what you want from a car.

I'm not sure what an M4 would give over the Z4, more power that you can't use anyway and faster times on the race track that you'll never visit. Oh, and an ///M badge. But I would say that, because I have the Z4...

If I was going in that sort of direction, I would go for an M3 over the M4, I think it looks better and fits better with what an everyday ///M car should be. Although to be honest I would probably go Audi S4 or Mercedes C43 instead to avoid the ///M, RS or AMG tax and have the practicality of an estate, which is kind of the point on that sort of performance car.

 

[Plastic]

All good points. The benefit from my perspective was 4 seats, and I was keen to see if it felt significantly faster. That’s about it really!

Still love the Z. However the rattle from the top light cluster is driving me mad. Might pull it out and fill if full of expanding foam

 

[cwunch]

If you have said 435i or 440i, It would never change it with your nice 35is. When you say M4, it is a different story, WBS… chasis number, has special running gear, has a special differential etc. I would chose an M4 convertible, over your Z

 

[Busterboo]

You'd miss going topless. Believe me, Plastic, you would. Quicker or not, being in a black box that doesn't even have a sun roof just won't do.

 

[Pondy]

That car is an F82, not an F80. F80 is an M3.
It's an F83 for me next

 

[Plastic]

Thanks, my mistake. Yeah the convertibles look nice, bit more weight over the rear might help prevent it breaking traction quite so easily
Enjoy your new car!

 

[Pondy]

Thanks, my mistake.

Only joking mate; they are all the same just with different bodyshells and confusing model numbers.
I have to say the coupe in your picture does not do the F8x justice. It looks a bit.....ordinary.
Funny how some cars suit some colours and some just don't. Black can make or break a car IMHO.
I would like a sakhir orange or mineral grey as it suits the M4 (and the Z4).
Outright performance is not a thing for me, which is good as the convertible weighs about the same as a Hummer.