The New BMW M3 and M4. Live in San Francisco.

Jun 27, 2014,15:38 PM
 

Was at the BMW dealership for routine service a few days ago.  And in the showroom I saw two new vehicles; the new BMW M3 sedan and the new BMW M4 coupe.  


While I still don't like the name "4-series" because I have mild tetraphobia, I do have to say I like the 4-series very much.  

The M3 and M4 are slightly different than their 3-series and 4-series brethren.  In fact, internally, the 3-series and 4-series are designated as "F30" and "F32" chassis.  Whereas the M3 and M4 are designated as "F80" and "F82" chassis.  BMW claims the differences between the M cars and the non-M-cars are more than just a performance massage, but a whole new philosophical approach.  Whether that's true or not, remains to be experienced first-hand behind the steering wheel on the open road.  

Please enjoy these photos of the two cars at BMW San Francisco showroom.  


The New M3

The New M3


The M4

The M4


The M4's engine

The M4's engine.  Features 425 HP and 400+ lb/ft torque.  That's an increase of 25 hp and 100lb/ft over the predecessor model!  The engine features two turbochargers in addition to what is technically an electric supercharger.  Estimated 0-60mph is in approximately 3.9 seconds.  


Carbon fiber strut brace for additional rigidity and safety.

Carbon fiber strut brace for additional rigidity and safety.


LED Headlamps, a $1900 optional extra. Xenons are standard.

LED Headlamps, a $1900 optional extra in the United States. Xenons are standard.


Bulging hood.

Bulging hood.


The Seat is very comfortable and supportive.

The Seat is very comfortable and supportive.


The M Logo plaque has the tri-color tinge on the logo ///M

The M Logo plaque has the tri-color tinge on the logo ///M


Carbon Fiber trim and responsiveness settings for the engine, suspension, and steering. The iDrive now has a touchscreen where you can draw letters.

Carbon Fiber trim and responsiveness settings for the engine, suspension, and steering. The iDrive now has a touchscreen where you can draw letters.


A big hearty steering wheel with paddle shifters and tri-color stitching.

A big hearty steering wheel with paddle shifters and tri-color stitching.  Notice the M1 and M2 buttons on the steering wheel.  AKA.  Fun and Funner buttons.  


Four meaty tail-pipes stick out the rear of the M4.

Four meaty tail-pipes stick out the rear of the M4.  This is metallic black paint.  


The M3's rear end.

The M3's rear end.  This is "Mineral Grey" metallic paint.  


A high price tag for the M3. There's also a dealer-mark-up that will be even more mind-blowing.

A high price tag for the M3. There's also a dealer-mark-up that will be even more mind-blowing.


This is like a Patek Philippe 5131 WorldTime. You have to pay a mark-up to get one.

This is like a Patek Philippe 5131 WorldTime. You have to pay a mark-up to get one.


Finally! Fixed Caliper brakes on the M3/M4!

Finally! Fixed Caliper brakes on the M3/M4!


The E92 M3. One of my favorite cars in existence. This one is in 'Frozen White Metallic' paint.

The E92 M3. One of my favorite cars in existence. This one is in 'Frozen White Metallic' paint.


A warning label for matte paints.

A warning label for matte paints.


That's a good looking M3.

That's a good looking M3.


Or perhaps a more dignified M6 is more towards your liking?

Or perhaps a more dignified M6 is more towards your liking?


The lower grille of this car is very deep. The M6, followed by an M3, followed by the M4.

The lower grille of this car is very deep. The M6, followed by an M3, followed by the M4.

Several PuristSPro members are current M3 owners and drivers.  Anybody interested in getting one of the new M3/M4 models?  



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Went with the M5

 
 By: zellster : June 28th, 2014-15:35
When the lease on my 2011 M3 sedan expired, I went with an M5 with the following specs . I haven't pushed the engine too hard yet, but it is a noticeably softer ride.
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Very nice!

 
 By: patrick_y : June 29th, 2014-12:46
Very nice! Great color combination and selection of options. I actually really like the aluminum trim. No need to push it hard, just enjoy it for what it is. The engine I find is very quiet, this M5 is really a very docile and normal luxury car, unlike th... 
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New M5, older M3

 
 By: zellster : July 3rd, 2014-12:16
The configuration was a luck of the draw, as the closest M5 I could find was in Nebraska. The M5 does feel noticeably bigger than the M3. The manual recommends not testing the engine much for the first 1,200 miles but that is now behind me. Time to play w... 
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Driven them both...

 
 By: patrick_y : July 3rd, 2014-16:00
They're actually extremely similar, the 550i is a tad bit less responsive initially during the start but a very very fast car (445 horsepower). The M5 is even faster, has an even nicer interior, and has the nicer transmission, but otherwise the M5 is very... 
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M versions

 
 By: ED209 : June 30th, 2014-22:06
Thanks for the report Patrick. I'm not so sure of the styling of the new 3 and 4 series with the side coves. I wonder if BMW is going to bring out a M3 or M4 convertible? Are you planning on getting one of these? Regards, ED-209
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M4 convertible yes.

 
 By: patrick_y : July 1st, 2014-03:05
So, the M3 will represent all the sedans and station wagons. It is unlikely they'll build a station wagon at this point. So the M3 will be just the sedan. The M4 will be the coupe and the convertible. It's not going to be available in the "Gran Coupe" tho... 
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Never ever...

 
 By: jeffreysaul : July 1st, 2014-04:20
would I pay over list for any mass produced object like a car. If I were in the market for a Ferrari or some other very limited production vehicle maybe, but certainly not a BMW. To my knowledge the production run is not limited. Just m pinion... Jeff
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I agree! [nt]

 
 By: patrick_y : July 1st, 2014-10:03
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I'd love to get one of these new M4's

 
 By: AnthonyTsai : July 1st, 2014-10:06
but I think my heart is set on getting the Ghibli as my next car even though I know it won't drive as well. - AT
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What about the Ghibli attracts you?

 
 By: patrick_y : July 1st, 2014-10:09
Why are you interested in the Ghibli? You said so yourself, it doesn't drive well. And being such a small car company, Maserati probably doesn't have the R&D department like Mercedes-Benz and BMW has. Also, the safety of the Ghibli is probably not as ... 
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Basically I want to try something new

 
 By: AnthonyTsai : July 1st, 2014-12:27
Never owned a Maserati before too. - AT
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They are beautiful machines...

 
 By: patrick_y : July 2nd, 2014-01:42
amp;msid=27992093&ti=898498&fi=1076&pi=6145623 I can see the appeal. Hmm, in fact, a Panerai looks even better in a Maserati.
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Aaah, the Ghibli... A magic name for a magic car...

 
 By: amanico : July 1st, 2014-10:22
I would have loved to see a true modern iteration of this car, I mean with two doors only... ...  
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€ 105.000

 
 By: Arie - Mr Orange : July 3rd, 2014-16:35
USD 143.000 is what the m4 will cost you in The Netherlands. Without options. So that price you show us looks actually quite good to me!
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No country gets cars cheaper than the US...

 
 By: patrick_y : July 4th, 2014-00:58
Since they're such a bargain in the US, you should buy one here in the United States. When you're not using it, I'll drive it around, and after it's a year or two old (and heavily depreciated), ship it back to The Netherlands with minimal import duties. I... 
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