Anyone with a 2012-2013 wish they waited for the M4?

[Helmsman]

Originally Posted by Law

This is my biggest gripe about the M2, the quality, how BMW decided to cheap-out on so many aspects, from the engine, to the interior, to the mirrors.

Whenever this is brought up (especially if brought up on the F87 boards), we are told by M2 fanboys "you're missing the point", "oh, look, more M-elitist talk", "it's supposed to be a back to basics car", etc.

The thing is, people who blindly accept the cost-cutting are the ones missing the point. Even the M-cars of lore in their fantasy-nostalgia filled world were built with the best materials and with the best available features.
Sure it may seem petty to complain about seats and exterior mirrors when they don't objectively affect the driving experience, but owning an M-car is about the entire experience: not only how it makes you feel while you drive it, but how it makes you feel owning it, sitting in it, washing it, looking at it.
I absolutely love the little details like carbon-leather trim and M-aerodynamic mirrors. I absolutely love when i'm driving at night and catch a glimpse of the illuminated 6MT shift knob. When I got my first M-car (E46 M3), it was these little things that gave me a sense that M-cars are about performance AND quality (vs. a car that's only focused on performance like a Mitsubishi Evo). The trend continued with the E9x, built & crafted with passion where every detail was touched-on without being ostentatious.
It's the little things that when you're stuck in traffic, or taking photos of your car, or washing it on a Sunday afternoon, that you notice the details and really appreciate and think, "this is a special car".

Yes, like this. I wouldn't go as far on the build/quality upgrades from a e series (other than engine and chassie obviously) but certainly enough to make the statement true. It is the entire experience that makes the difference so great.

[JTO24]

I might come back to the fold, too... I went from my tuned F80 to my current base 2.7L Cayman. The Cayman is incredible but slow; a GTS would have been perfect. The F80 is fast but dull, IMO. The Cayman, while much less powerful, is a joy to drive; having the engine howl right behind your head is so awesome. This car does remind me a lot of my e92 M3, which I miss dearly. I'd love to get an E90 this time around, though, for added practicality.

[dmk08]

Originally Posted by JTO24

I might come back to the fold, too... I went from my tuned F80 to my current base 2.7L Cayman. The Cayman is incredible but slow; a GTS would have been perfect. The F80 is fast but dull, IMO. The Cayman, while much less powerful, is a joy to drive; having the engine howl right behind your head is so awesome. This car does remind me a lot of my e92 M3, which I miss dearly. I'd love to get an E90 this time around, though, for added practicality.

Mine came in last night.. couldn't be happier with how clean it is after buying it sight unseen.

[SYT_Shadow]

beautiful dmk, welcome back!!

[JTO24]

Originally Posted by dmk08

Mine came in last night.. couldn't be happier with how clean it is after buying it sight unseen.

That's perfect! Congrats.. you find it at a dealership or a private party? Did you have anyone put eyes on it for you? PPI? Or did you just go by the seller's description and pictures?

[dmk08]

Originally Posted by JTO24

That's perfect! Congrats.. you find it at a dealership or a private party? Did you have anyone put eyes on it for you? PPI? Or did you just go by the seller's description and pictures?

It was at a BMW Dealer in OKC that I found through the BMW used car search. It had only been in their possession for 5 days when I bought it.

I had the sales guy take HD videos of the whole car including close ups of the wheels etc. He also recorded a cold start video so I could listen for ticking or anything.

The BMW dealership provided me with a "PPI" type inspection report even tho it was from the dealer itself the rest of the car looked so good I decided to jump. Risky probably but turned out for me this time.

[Dave07997S]

Originally Posted by dmk08

Mine came in last night.. couldn't be happier with how clean it is after buying it sight unseen.

Beautiful, congrats bro!!

[KevinGS]

Originally Posted by JTO24

Just traded-in my 13 e92 m3 for a 15 Tanzanite blue m3 sedan.. I love the new car but the e92 will always hold a special place in my heart. Drove next to a MR e92 m3 on the way to work this morning and it just looked so bad ass (oem+ mods). I still can't tell how much presence the new car has on the road but the e92 still has it in spades.

The f80 doesn't sound bad; I like it but not remotely as good as my e92. Overall, an upgrade, IMO.

Had an F82, loved it, except for the sound (and it road rough when I lowered it on KWV3s, but not the car's fault). I even had a full aftermarket exhaust, but it still never sounded all that great, unless I was at or near WOT.

Now I have an 2013 E93 with an Akra Evo exhaust, and even though it's slower, I love it. EVERY drive is a thrill, even when traveling at 30 mph. The V8 + exhaust is intoxicating, especially with the top down.

And once I supercharge it, it will be about as fast as the F82, and then it's a wrap for me....love this 2013 E93.

About the only thing I miss about the F82 was the sinister look, but my 2013 E93 (also lowered) looks great too. Aftermarket wheels help too.

Both great cars, any of us are lucky to drive either....first world problems if you regret getting rid of either. LOL

[JRV]

Originally Posted by dmk08

Mine came in last night.. couldn't be happier with how clean it is after buying it sight unseen.

Looks in great shape. I ran into an AW E92 today and I have to tell you, def get the OEM splitters and no plates! So fresh

[hero149]

e92 all the way i like how compact and sporty it feels. i love the look of the f82 but being inside it feels like im in a tank for some reason.

[Krockit1]

Lots of fun insight in this thread, and extra interesting in lieu of the fact that I did the M Car Control Clinic in Chicago last week.

There were no F80 M cars available for a street drive but the clinic cars were all F series M3s and M4s with the Competition Package. I like the styling of the F8x's but love the styling of my E92. The F8x interiors were lux every bit as finely built as the E9x's, far exceeded the feel and perception that the M2 on display gave you. M2 really seems a downgrade in luxury. If they are designed to be retro, BMW has succeeded.

Gotta say the latest M iterations don't shine until you get them out on the track. Then? Put me in the F8x with DCT and my times will always be faster than with my E9x. The torque is exceptional for pulling the car to exit and really allows small adjustments through the corner if you happen to miss the brake point or apex. Coming out of hairpins when you need to spool up from parking lot speeds, the F8x's are exceptional.

Listening to these cars all day was enlightening. You never really get out of 2nd gear in an M CCC but red line can be approached and these F80's were singing. At speed the sound is a long way from a fart can 4 cylinder or V6 noise. Much more thrilling. Remember the BMW in line six may be the most revered of all BMW motors. All this said, on my 100 mile trip home I kept my E92 over 5,000 rpm as much as possible and remembered why I fell in love with the car in the first place.

Wouldn't switch unless the F was a dedicated track beast. And if you are getting an F8x, do NOT buy it without the Competition Package. Changes the car in a radical fashion.

[Vybz]

Nope. Zero regrets.

[Datka]

Originally Posted by JTO24

I might come back to the fold, too... I went from my tuned F80 to my current base 2.7L Cayman. The Cayman is incredible but slow.

How can it be incredible and slow at the same time?
Just kidding

[InspireSiR]

Incredibly slow?

Probably handles like like no other, though.

[KevinGS]

I actually didn't wait, I bought an M4, and then went backward, to a 2013 M.

Excited, and not looking back. Now waiting for the next generation of M in 2020 or beyond. Love my 2013 M, but do miss some aspects of my M4 (a ton of fun on the track, and such a looker).

[Longboarder]

I had an e92 M3 for years. Test drove the M4 and it was blah. Wasn't that great on the street. Fast forward a couple years and i get to drive it around connected North+South tracks at The Thermal Club. It was awful.

Even tho I have upgraded to some pretty good cars, I really miss the e92 and right now I'm searching for another.

[Dave07997S]

Originally Posted by Longboarder

I had an e92 M3 for years. Test drove the M4 and it was blah. Wasn't that great on the street. Fast forward a couple years and i get to drive it around connected North+South tracks at The Thermal Club. It was awful.

Even tho I have upgraded to some pretty good cars, I really miss the e92 and right now I'm searching for another.

Look forward to having you back in the fold brother...

Dave

[SYT_Shadow]

Originally Posted by Longboarder

I had an e92 M3 for years. Test drove the M4 and it was blah. Wasn't that great on the street. Fast forward a couple years and i get to drive it around connected North+South tracks at The Thermal Club. It was awful.

Even tho I have upgraded to some pretty good cars, I really miss the e92 and right now I'm searching for another.

Looking forward to having you back!!

I told you not to sell it! Lol

Cheers!

[Shredicus]

Originally Posted by Longboarder

I had an e92 M3 for years. Test drove the M4 and it was blah. Wasn't that great on the street. Fast forward a couple years and i get to drive it around connected North+South tracks at The Thermal Club. It was awful.

Even tho I have upgraded to some pretty good cars, I really miss the e92 and right now I'm searching for another.

Should never have sold your factory freak '13. I remember that being one healthy s65...

[Longboarder]

Originally Posted by Shredicus

Should never have sold your factory freak '13. I remember that being one healthy s65...

You're right forgot about that. The S65 motor is really special. Gonna keep this on NA for sure.

[G80indy]

Originally Posted by Longboarder

You're right forgot about that. The S65 motor is really special. Gonna keep this on NA for sure.

Factory freak?

[UPSROD]

I waited for the 2015 F8X to come out so that the price of the E92 would go down!