M3 E46 to M3 F80 - feedback?

[MTiz]

Like r4dr mentioned, it's really hard to call the F80 a direct evolution to the E46 regarding "feel" and driver engagement-- it simply isn't there in the F80 anywhere near what's in the E46. But for a comfortable daily driver that's still somewhat driver-focused, comes with a manual trans, and looks beautiful inside and out, it's hard to beat. Guila isn't manual, nothing from Lexus is manual, Mercedes has never had manual's, and Audi doesn't have them anymore either.

An underrated pick that's gonna piss some of the E46 guys off is an M6 Gran Coupe. If you're already going to have mind-numb steering, just go full-on luxo-barge in a 600hp beast with probably the best interior BMW has ever put in an M car. It's not a canyon carver, nor is it a track car. But you don't have to worry about that because the seats will give you a butt-massage on your way to work as you pass 99% of traffic with zero difficulty 😎 .

[liam821]

My dad has an f80m3 ZCP 6MT and I've spent a ton of time driving it.

Likes:

Engine has all the powers and torques you'd ever want
Navigation/seats/toys are all excellent
Looks amazing

Dislikes:

Suspension is a bit stiff
Steering is a bit "electric"

But really - for a daily driver, it's pretty amazing. I enjoy it greatly and would own one.

[herwawan]

That is A LOT of excellent feedback - thank you, everyone.

The general feedback tends to highlight the lack of feedback in the steering so I went and just tried one tonight. There's a 2018 M3 F80 Competition Package at the local BMW dealership, it's a CPO so it comes with enough warranty for me not to worry (yet).

Indeed, the steering is very "light", whatever the mode you set it. It is especially obvious walking out of the E46. FYI, my most recent brand-new BMW was a 1-series back when I was living in Germany and I spec'ed it precisely to not have the electric steering because my test drive with one was awful. I'm bummed to see this hasn't really got better over the last 4 years and I guess that's what "new cars" feel like with electric steering.

The lady let me drive wherever I wanted so I took it around for a bit around town and the freeway. I just didn't feel much information coming from the steering wheel, but the seating was excellent, the suspension stiff indeed (but I kind of like my cars on the stiff side so I could at least feel the road somehow), there was plenty of power (the lady was telling me to go faster but I was already in the go-to-jail territory in no time) and the gearbox made the shift very smooth when in town, and quite violent in the higher sport setting (manual mode engaged). The sound was loud enough without being obnoxious (it has the AKRAPOVIC exhaust) but the engine itself isn't as lively as the E46. Less mechanical noise and way fewer vibrations (not necessarily a bad thing!) make it just "easier" I guess.

Then I jumped back into my E46, the "analog" feeling jumped in my face after the F80. Everything is just heavier and more engaging. Driving back home, I stopped by the Alfa Romeo dealership to look at the used Quadrifoglio they have, same year and mileage almost as the F80 Comp (also $10k cheaper) but guess what - the car was being serviced haha if that doesn't say everything there is to say! Nonetheless, I'm brave and I have an appointment on Friday to test drive it. Truth be told, I love pretty much everything about this car (looks stunning and brilliant engine), but just like many noted above, reliability is my big fear. Just read the long-term Car and Driver test and you'll want to run away.

[liam821]

I'd own a Quadrifoglio in a heartbeat. Sure, it will probably break all the time - but whatever - nobody buys a Quadrifoglio because it's a smart buy.

[SUPREM3]

I own both an E46 (my second) an E92 M3 (DCT) and used to have an F80.

To sum it up E46 > E92 > F80

To go into more detail: The E46 Feels Special. The E92 Sounds Special. The F80 Looks Especially Good.

If I had to choose one to do it all the E46 is 100% my choice. Hence the second go around.

[Tom Day]

F80 is an excellent DD, E46 is not.

[rbg]

I actually agree that e46 is not a good DD. For multiple reasons and S54 is one them. That motor just makes you pushing it all the time until you are at not DDing speeds. I honestly can tell that I prefer my n54 for DDing, but even spired backroads driving S54 beats it hands down.

[Toby22]

Dual purpose daily driver sedan? I’d go Lexus. Although the f80 is my choice in its class

[Tbonem3]

I actually agree that e46 is not a good DD. For multiple reasons and S54 is one them. That motor just makes you pushing it all the time until you are at not DDing speeds. I honestly can tell that I prefer my n54 for DDing, but even spired backroads driving S54 beats it hands down.

I really like the n52, but it's missing the magic of an S engine and chassis. I'd rather dd an M3 than a non M, personally, given that I genuinely love driving (not avec le wife or bebe ofc).

[Arith2]

A non M E46 is probably the best DD if you can find one that hasn't been overheated. The M54 will keep on chugging if maintained. Personally, I'd drive drive an E34 if I had the time to fix one up. You'd never need another car to daily. I have a lot of friends with Forerunners. They seem to love them.

[Obioban]

e39 530i MT is the best DD ever made at any price point, IMO.

Quick enough to be enjoyable.
Large enough to fit 5 large adult in comfort (still smaller than an F80 on the outside)
<3500 lbs
R&P hydraulic steering
reliable
reasonably efficient
full size spare tire
clear and useful gauges
fun on a backroad
comfortable on a highway
easy to work on
none of the time bomb tech in modern cars that'll make them a disaster after 100,000 miles (direct injection, turbos, bla bla bla)
nice interior with high quality materials
none of the modern drive the car for you crap detracting from the experience
excellent visibility
reasonably modern safety

[Sharocks]

F80's are nothing but widebody 335's with less oil leaks and a better interior.

For that price, you can get the ultimate family sedan or if you bump up the budget a wagon.

Gen 2 CTS-V

You can literally walk 98% of cars on the road with bolts ons and get parts from Wal-Mart and Autozone.

No brainer really.

[Hyperboost]

You can get a good deal by taking over someone's lease. I would only do that.
However, after seeing the NEW M3/M4, the F8X all of the sudden became appealing!
I always owned an E46 M3. At the same time, I have owned F80 M3 and F82 M4. They are fast and fun but not much soul.
I got my F80 when it first came out and I feel the first round of cars are better built than the later built cars.

[Hyperboost]

The S55 motors have crank hub issue btw. you should research it.

[r4dr]

The S55 motors have crank hub issue btw. you should research it.

Isn't that only the case if you mod it?