discussion Advice on a non daily BMW, something M or M Light

[922-ZN]

Nothing an ESS asthma pump cant change 😂

The same goes for your car, bring it to the coast and then see how truly mind blowing it is. I have driven a charged car in both Durban and JHB, they are WORLDS apart.

As a matter of interest, have you dyno'd your car in jhb yet?

 

[Salt]

2 doors are only a problem for the passengers, not the driver

Touché

Just on this, test drove an M2 and purposefully got into the back seats (181cm tall, +-98kg man) and found it bearable. I certainly wouldn't want to do a 5hr cross country trip in the back but if I had to sit in there for a 100km jaunt it'd be liveable. Give one a try if you're committed to BMW

The doors irk me but will give it a go.

I feel there is some good advice in this thread. End of the day, you are the one who will be parting with money and driving the car so you need to be happy with the choice you make.

The newer M cars may be special when compared to a non M BMW, however they're still full of creature comforts and as Llew said, they are built to be driven daily and one can do so. An M car and 320d I feel can make sense, when you just need to do a boring commute in traffic go for the 320d, or when the roads are worse off you get in the 320d. When you want to have more fun on your commute and it is outside of traffic or on the weekends, get in the M car. However you can still do the boring, stuck in traffic commute with an M car very comfortably and you can still do running around to the shops and back in an M car without issues. If you go the route of an M car, you may find yourself driving it more than the 320d as time goes on - and that is perfectly fine.
Owning a nice car which is fun to drive, you likely want to drive it more and enjoy it more often. It is a fair bit of money to spend on a car, might as well enjoy it and get your moneys worth out of it! As you can see, I am not a collector. I want to enjoy what I have and not just look at it. lol

An M lite car, I would find it hard to justify owning a 320d and a 35i / 40i and paying for both and maintaining both... Unless the one car was for the wife and one for me. They're a bit too similar, one just has more power. If you are leaning in this direction, to me and in my mind, it makes more sense to sell the 320d and just get a 35i/40i (whichever you desire, seems to be the 140i). I do not feel it is that much more special over a 320d, pretty much the same as your 320d just sounds a bit better and feels better when you put your foot down.

In my mind, if you want a weekend warrior from BMW then an M car makes sense - or something else, perhaps a Porsche. Not sure what else tickles your fancy.
You may find you end up driving the M car more often as well, if you are worried about damage to the vehicle such as stone chips, put on some protective films.

I think what TPB88 said is true, you have the 320d for the boring life stuff and it is a sensible choice in terms of cars and having a family - fuel efficient, cheap to maintain, not excessive in anyway. Great all rounder.
You want something else to compliment that and I do not feel a 35i / 40i does that.... It does all of what the 320d does, but with more power and a higher fuel consumption. Hence why an M car makes more sense.

... or a sportier looking 2 door such as an M2 / M2 comp, BMW Supra, M4

I hear what you say on going for something with a bigger gap to the 320d...and perhaps you guys are right in saying an M Lite car might be too close to the current car. I know the M140i for instance is much quicker than mine so don't wana offend any M lite car owners but point taken.

I also test drove an M2 a while ago and also found the rear space to be OK. The F20 doesn't have heaps of leg room either ,but the two extra doors obviously help with access. I must admit that the M2 felt way different than any other F/G-series car that I have driven,it is definitely something special even though it didn't receive the full M treatment. It handles amazing and I rate it would be very closely matched to the m140i/m240i in performance terms,because we all know the 250kw rated flywheel power on the B58 is usually a bit closer to it's wheel power.

Keen to know what you mean that the M2 did not get the full M car treatment just out of curiosity?

 

[Salt]

The same goes for your car, bring it to the coast and then see how truly mind blowing it is. I have driven a charged car in both Durban and JHB, they are WORLDS apart.

As a matter of interest, have you dyno'd your car in jhb yet?

I compared 0-100 Dragy times in December between JHB and the WC coast in December on the 320d and difference was just over half a second and 1/4mile time was just over a second faster.

 

[PsyCLown]

I hear what you say on going for something with a bigger gap to the 320d...and perhaps you guys are right in saying an M Lite car might be too close to the current car. I know the M140i for instance is much quicker than mine so don't wana offend any M lite car owners but point taken.

Keen to know what you mean that the M2 did not get the full M car treatment just out of curiosity?

Nothing at all wrong with an M lite car - although if you go that route is it really worth keeping the 320d? If that is what you want and is what will make the most sense for you, do it! I doubt you will be unhappy.


I am no M2 expert but the plain M2 has the same engine as the 235i - the N55 engine which is most of the 35i cars (although the 35i's started with the N54 I believe).
The M2 competition or CS has the S55 engine which is used in a few M cars.
The 40i cars have the B58 engine (I think it is most, if not all of the 40i cars which have this engine, a replacement for the N55).


I guess the plain M2 is more like the 1M with regards to the engine. The S55 is more of a "proper" M car engine.

 

[TBP88]

Touché

The doors irk me but will give it a go.

I hear what you say on going for something with a bigger gap to the 320d...and perhaps you guys are right in saying an M Lite car might be too close to the current car. I know the M140i for instance is much quicker than mine so don't wana offend any M lite car owners but point taken.

Keen to know what you mean that the M2 did not get the full M car treatment just out of curiosity?

Normal M2 (non-comp) didn't have an "S" coded engine, just N55 tuned up, the M2comp (and CS) had a detuned version of the M4 engine S55 is the code iirc. Either is very rapid, M2comp made my Z4M feel positively slow - the low down grunt of a turbo motor that powerful in a relatively small car means that your overtaking acceleration (lets say from 60-70 in 3rd/4th to 120+) is insane. I'd imagine that in a lot of real world scenarios an M2comp is faster than an older 911GT3 or some of the early 2000s sportscars.

End of the day I think the big question you need to answer is what is more important, sensation or reality. The truth is the M2 (comp or not) is a far faster car than my Z4M but it's certainly not the R800k+ extra I'd need to pay faster and it feels a lot more muted, this is partly a function of time (better quality and NVH and such) and also a function of a newer, more modern (turbo) engine that delivers torque from basically idle to just before redline. Revving an N/A car out is a different experience, if I'm in 5th in my car at 100 and floor it i'm probably 2000RPM+ away from any serious power and acceleration.

OP the best advice I have for you is go and test them, if you have an SO or partner (or kids) take them too and see how they fit, the more eyes the better, they'll pick up things you wouldn't and at the end of the day, they'll spend the majority of the time in the passenger/back seat of the car so their view does matter. For *YOU* the main concern when you go out and look should be the key 3 things when buying something special (and I'd apply this to whatever you like, clothes, watches whatever)

1) Do you *want* to have it in your life
2) Do you enjoy it's mere presence in your life
3) Does it add something nothing (or little) else does

If you can tick those 3 then the car is probably right.

 

[Salt]

Nothing at all wrong with an M lite car - although if you go that route is it really worth keeping the 320d? If that is what you want and is what will make the most sense for you, do it! I doubt you will be unhappy.


I am no M2 expert but the plain M2 has the same engine as the 235i - the N55 engine which is most of the 35i cars (although the 35i's started with the N54 I believe).
The M2 competition or CS has the S55 engine which is used in a few M cars.
The 40i cars have the B58 engine (I think it is most, if not all of the 40i cars which have this engine, a replacement for the N55).


I guess the plain M2 is more like the 1M with regards to the engine. The S55 is more of a "proper" M car engine.

Yep - totally get what you meant... and you and a few others have said that the M140i for example is a very good daily - then would it make sense to have a slower (320d) and faster (M140i) daily...probably not.

OK - I see what you and TBP88 mean on the N and S motors.

Normal M2 (non-comp) didn't have an "S" coded engine, just N55 tuned up, the M2comp (and CS) had a detuned version of the M4 engine S55 is the code iirc. Either is very rapid, M2comp made my Z4M feel positively slow - the low down grunt of a turbo motor that powerful in a relatively small car means that your overtaking acceleration (lets say from 60-70 in 3rd/4th to 120+) is insane. I'd imagine that in a lot of real world scenarios an M2comp is faster than an older 911GT3 or some of the early 2000s sportscars.

End of the day I think the big question you need to answer is what is more important, sensation or reality. The truth is the M2 (comp or not) is a far faster car than my Z4M but it's certainly not the R800k+ extra I'd need to pay faster and it feels a lot more muted, this is partly a function of time (better quality and NVH and such) and also a function of a newer, more modern (turbo) engine that delivers torque from basically idle to just before redline. Revving an N/A car out is a different experience, if I'm in 5th in my car at 100 and floor it i'm probably 2000RPM+ away from any serious power and acceleration.

OP the best advice I have for you is go and test them, if you have an SO or partner (or kids) take them too and see how they fit, the more eyes the better, they'll pick up things you wouldn't and at the end of the day, they'll spend the majority of the time in the passenger/back seat of the car so their view does matter. For *YOU* the main concern when you go out and look should be the key 3 things when buying something special (and I'd apply this to whatever you like, clothes, watches whatever)

1) Do you *want* to have it in your life
2) Do you enjoy it's mere presence in your life
3) Does it add something nothing (or little) else does

If you can tick those 3 then the car is probably right.

3 points noted...and aligned with what I am thinking too. Thank you

 

[Schalk94]

Keen to know what you mean that the M2 did not get the full M car treatment just out of curiosity?

By that I mean it has a n55 engine ,not an s55 as in the M2 comp,M3/M4 ,so in essence it just has a x35i engine. It also doesn't have "real" M-division seats,just normal M-sport seats with the M emblem on the headrests. It doesn't really take too much away from the car though,I really enjoyed it thoroughly.

 

[Salt]

By that I mean it has a n55 engine ,not an s55 as in the M2 comp,M3/M4 ,so in essence it just has a x35i engine. It also doesn't have "real" M-division seats,just normal M-sport seats with the M emblem on the headrests. It doesn't really take too much away from the car though,I really enjoyed it thoroughly.

Notes thanks Schalk. Had a look now and can see what you mean with the seats.

 

[Eust]

The same goes for your car, bring it to the coast and then see how truly mind blowing it is. I have driven a charged car in both Durban and JHB, they are WORLDS apart.

As a matter of interest, have you dyno'd your car in jhb yet?

Interesting, was actually wondering if there would be a massive difference.

Have not dyno'd the car here but keen to do it.

 

[TurboLlew]

Interesting, was actually wondering if there would be a massive difference.

Have not dyno'd the car here but keen to do it.

You don’t need a dyno to feel the difference to be honest. Turbo cars spool and even sound different at the coast. NA cars: it’s like you’re driving a different car.

 

[VinceM]

I enjoyed reading this thread. Great advice across the board. Making me reconsider my daily drive requirements.

M-lite car won’t make sense as you already have the 320d!

Go all out! Get an M-car.
(M2,M3,M4)

Thrills for days….


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[922-ZN]

Interesting, was actually wondering if there would be a massive difference.

Have not dyno'd the car here but keen to do it.

The difference is immense. For a point of reference, when you do dyno, I know of 2 charged cars down here that have easily cleared the 400wkw barrier.

 

[922-ZN]

You don’t need a dyno to feel the difference to be honest. Turbo cars spool and even sound different at the coast. NA cars: it’s like you’re driving a different car.

Agreed but would be nice to have an actual figure of how much your life sucks at altitude.

So when people ask you "how's things going?", you simply reply "60wkw in the hole", and then emotionally shed a tear

 

[Eust]

The difference is immense. For a point of reference, when you do dyno, I know of 2 charged cars down here that have easily cleared the 400wkw barrier.

Well this is the dyno from the initial owner, not that this is really representative as don't know dyno, CF, octane, ambient temp etc etc
330wkw

 

[922-ZN]

Well this is the dyno from the initial owner, not that this is really representative as don't know dyno, CF, octane, ambient temp etc etc
330wkw

That's not too bad, now imagine an extra 70+wkw on top what you have

 

[Salt]

I enjoyed reading this thread. Great advice across the board. Making me reconsider my daily drive requirements.

M-lite car won’t make sense as you already have the 320d!

Go all out! Get an M-car.
(M2,M3,M4)

Thrills for days….


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

I think that is where this is heading to...M car But will of course share once things start happening.

 

[PsyCLown]

I think that is where this is heading to...M car But will of course share once things start happening.

Exciting!

I guess it now comes down to which M car?
If 2 doors are not a consideration, M3 or M5 I guess?

Test drive both.

 

[Salt]

Exciting!

I guess it now comes down to which M car?
If 2 doors are not a consideration, M3 or M5 I guess?

Test drive both.

Yes...it seems that way indeed. My default has been leaning towards the M3 - specifically the F80 M3. I've been looking at all the options on Autotrader and Carfind - just to start getting an idea of what is out there etc.

My knowledge on the F80 M3 is very little to be honest. So I've been putting together a mental list of questions I have that I need help with. Also, I think I would like to ask if anyone well versed in the F80 M3 could perhaps accompany me to look at one or two viewings when the time comes. Right now I am trying to discover what exterior bits came with the car and what the guys have generally added. Then, what are the must have options to look for. I've also seen from research it seems the crank hub is a must do preventative maintenance item. Then from what I can find online there was a revision in 2016 - seems mostly the tail lights were changed and then the final models in 2018 got a change to the head lights too. On colours I fancy the Yas Marina Blue Metallic, Silverstone Metallic, Mineral Gray Metallic, Sakhir Orange Metallic and Austin Yellow Metallic in that order. Not a fan of a white car and VERY few cars look good in black to me (personal opinion right). Lots of research still to do before I will be ready to pull the trigger but this is SOP for me when buying a car. The other thing I want to understand is what are the F80 rim options - that will probably be one of the first things I will change knowing myself.

Very exciting and really enjoying all the guidance and input I am getting from my fellow fanatics.

 

[e23]

You will be BITTERLY disappointed in any V8 M3 at highveld altitude after you've taken it to the coast🤣

I drove my old love (e46 M3) along the beach this weekend....There is nothing sweeter than a ///M car at the coast

 

[AshG108]

Yes...it seems that way indeed. My default has been leaning towards the M3 - specifically the F80 M3. I've been looking at all the options on Autotrader and Carfind - just to start getting an idea of what is out there etc.

My knowledge on the F80 M3 is very little to be honest. So I've been putting together a mental list of questions I have that I need help with. Also, I think I would like to ask if anyone well versed in the F80 M3 could perhaps accompany me to look at one or two viewings when the time comes. Right now I am trying to discover what exterior bits came with the car and what the guys have generally added. Then, what are the must have options to look for. I've also seen from research it seems the crank hub is a must do preventative maintenance item. Then from what I can find online there was a revision in 2016 - seems mostly the tail lights were changed and then the final models in 2018 got a change to the head lights too. On colours I fancy the Yas Marina Blue Metallic, Silverstone Metallic, Mineral Gray Metallic, Sakhir Orange Metallic and Austin Yellow Metallic in that order. Not a fan of a white car and VERY few cars look good in black to me (personal opinion right). Lots of research still to do before I will be ready to pull the trigger but this is SOP for me when buying a car. The other thing I want to understand is what are the F80 rim options - that will probably be one of the first things I will change knowing myself.

Very exciting and really enjoying all the guidance and input I am getting from my fellow fanatics.

You maybe need to get an E90 M3 LCi...enjoy the fruits of those 8 cylinders in an M-car...then decide if you want 6cyl twin-turbo afterwards. I would think the F10 M5 will e a good choice or even the M6 because it is bigger (could possibly getaway with the M6 Coupe and then if you still hte the doors, then M6 GC. Understated cars yet offer a ton of car for the money you pay right now.

Seen many F80s recently myself and getting a clean one is not a very easy task. Many have been cosmetically oulled through their arses also...but the M6/M5 seems to have a different market...not so many boy racers buy them and you can get a couple low-mileage and will looked aftered examples.