Would you trade your E92 M3 for a 2020 M8 ?

[TheMechanic]

I saw a couple of M8's AWD on the road..... kind of fell in love with them. I know it's a different car, bigger and longer than the M3, and it's automatic (which is my only hesitation really)... but would you do it?

Say money is no object, would you swap? Money is a bit of object, but I buy my cars with my heart not with my head (unfortunately, says my wife )

IF they made it manual, I would have zero hesitations..

[Three Pedal Steve]

The M8 is the prettiest of the new BMWs. But an entirely different driving experience.

[kolosy]

i daily drive an F90, which is only slightly bigger and wouldn't give up my E90 for it. very very different.

[Brandoch]

It's up to you, and you only. Test drive one.

[VR1]

No, I wouldn’t trade a visceral driving experience for one that’s more numb and isolated. Perfect garage would be to have both, M8 (or similar GT car) for city and road trip driving and the E92 for fun. Tbh if I was spending six figures on a GT car I’d probably go Aston.

[swagon]

I much prefer the M850i (or rather the M550i) to the M8.

[Scrippy]

I would not trade my E9X M3 for an M8. I would just buy the M8 though! Thing is beautiful and mean IMO. I would trade if it was a straight up trade and no other money is needed but that would never be the case.

[Flying Ace]

Two different cars. I went from a E90 M3 to a F06 M6 (similar to the M8), and while I enjoyed the M6, I missed certain elements of the M3, namely the smaller size. See my sig re: the M6

[Grayblack]

Agreed they are two different cars. The M8 is beautiful and has all of the latest tech. The E92 M3 is more raw in comparison, but can't be replicated. If money is no object I would have both.

[Cmassey3]

I'd love to make an HPDE car out of an M8, I've seen one regularly join the CCA track days at VIR. It wouldn't be the best chassis for the job and would need some modifications, but it would be hilarious and unique.

[nrubenstein]

If someone gave me an M8, the only thing that I would do with it is sell it immediately. I'd certainly never buy one.

[Lucky1]

Originally Posted by nrubenstein

If someone gave me an M8, the only thing that I would do with it is sell it immediately. I'd certainly never buy one.

Why not?

[nrubenstein]

Originally Posted by Lucky1

Why not?

Why would I want one?

If I wanted a modern car with an automatic that's numb as hell, I'd just buy a new X5. Hell, it weighs almost as much as one.

[TheMechanic]

Well I did drive my friend's 850i and I have to say that I am not ready to give up on my M3 with manual shifter.... auto transmissions are not for me.

[kolosy]

Originally Posted by TheMechanic

Well I did drive my friend's 850i and I have to say that I am not ready to give up on my M3 with manual shifter.... auto transmissions are not for me.

i will say, the difference between the full M and the "M-lite" models is night and day. My M5 is so much tighter and sharper than the m550i loaner i had for a few days. Same goes for transmission behavior. Crisper, more aggressive shifts, esp if you crank up the shift modes.

[TheMechanic]

Yes....... but I still miss my clutch pedal and shifting ... I want my own rev matching and that feel of directly connected clutch. I am old enough to drive a manual for the rest of my life, I feel lucky in a way. I got the best of motoring in this world, both cars are manual . Can't wait for the next track season in New England

[M3SQRD]

I’d shoot for both because of the very different driving characteristics/reasons. If only one, I’d stick with the e92 M3. I still find the e92 M3 more enjoyable to drive than my f82 M4. M8 is probably similar to M4 when compared to e92 M3.

[TVMA Doc]

Originally Posted by kolosy

i daily drive an F90, which is only slightly bigger and wouldn't give up my E90 for it. very very different.

This is what many people haven't realized. A vehicle can have better all around stats, but still not be as much 'fun' as another. I haven't spent enough time behind the wheel of any /M other than my e90, but I can agree with you on this point.

I wasn't impressed with the F90, and even more my other car is a 2003 S2000. The e90 is better on everything except fuel economy and cost of maintenance. The S2000 beats it in EVERY "fun" category. Perhaps it has something to do with "driving a slow car fast" or the fact that the engineer NAILED that platform, but it is just a more enjoyable ride. My sons, however, complain when I need to pick them up from school and someone has to ride in the trunk!

[TVMA Doc]

Originally Posted by nrubenstein

Why would I want one?

If I wanted a modern car with an automatic that's numb as hell, I'd just buy a new X5. Hell, it weighs almost as much as one.

Not just that, but having an older BMW is already risky with respect to maintenance costs. Having an older TURBO BMW is a maintenance nightmare. When those twin turbos fail (not IF), it's going to be painful. It's already bad enough having to worry about rod bearings and throttle actuators on the e90 (and equivalent issues on the newer gens), but having a ticking time bomb with the turbos?

A turbo to take power from adequate to ludicrous is one thing. Downsizing the engine for EPA issues then adding on a turbo to bring the power back is an unnecessary complication.

[akkando]

Oh if it was free sure, because I'd sell it and pocket the difference.

Would I rather drive a working good condition e9x m3 over the next several years than an m8? Yes.

Would I do a straight trade of an e9x m3 that was a basket case of problems for an in warranty m8? Yes, but obviously you'll need to put money on top to get into an m8.

Would I rather have an f90 m5 boat car over an m8 boat car if I have to spend my own money, yes.