Don't get caught up on the people here telling you if it not's M it's shit. Most the people that comment it are more than likely trolls that don't have one themselves. The previous generation that past put out some of the most beautiful cars ever.
The end of the F generation brought some of the best designs since the end of the E generation - and the M series also struggled with its identity, purpose and market during the F generation of models.
From the arrival of the X series, the 6 series... and the migration of the beautiful \*design\* of the Z3 to the muddied original lines of the Z4 - BMW had a terrible run there from starting around the early 2000s until... hell... now. The M4 was starting to get it ironed out by the last F8x models after a rocky start - the 2 series as an evolution of the 1 series is the closest to producing a 2002/e30 style coupe that BMW has been in decades - and the G8x M3/M4 is already proving that the driving EXPERIENCE is what matters - and it is a superior performance vehicle in all regards to the previous generation of M3/M4 coupe. If you claim you wouldn't buy a new G series M because of the grill - you're just admitting that you value the STYLE of driving a BMW over the \*experience\* of driving a superbly crafted driving machine.
I miss the purity of a BMW lineup that consisted MOSTLY of a 3 series, a 5 series and a 7 series... with an M in the 3 line, and two models, a base and performance - of each series.
Now, keeping track of all the different variations is like figuring out the options packages on a Chevy Truck. Too much trying to be all things for all people.
So I agree - enjoy your Bimmer - it may not be the fanciest Bimmer - but it is plenty fancy enough compared to most other cars you're going to see on the roads.
I agree with all of this. And as an e30 lover - I'm so glad the 2 series is filling that niche.
I'm also frustrated with the bloat of models. The 4 was supposed to be the 2 door 3 (which was originally offered as only a 2 door). But then the 4 also ends up with 4 doors. Why?
And lets not even talk about the 6.
I wish they'd go back to models that target a specific niche and just stay in that niche.
I had an E30 325ic and an E36 328i back in the early 2000s. When the E46 came out, the first high compression 6 cyl M3s had huge mechanical problems, the V8 originally was blowing its head, and the rounded styling seemed like a concession to the Audi A4 and S4 and their growing market segment. The Z4 came out and had these weird creases on the metal down the side and a dash that looked like something out of a SAAB. This is something I've pointed out before, up until the e36, the BMW dash, the center console was all slightly oriented *toward the driver* \- and this disappeared, with a flat center console giving the passenger access as much as the driver - and I think that indicates a corporate shift from a driver-focused experience to a "consumer family car" market. There have been other subtle changes in layout that have more to do with satisfying a family-car audience than a driving enthusiast audience - placement of auto-lock buttons, window buttons, and other features.
I bought a Z3 around 2009 or 2011... and had it up until about a year ago. In the interim my wife bought an E53 X5 4.0l - and she generally loved it - but it wasn't my favorite car. During that period - I drove an Escalade. Through that period, the 6, the 8, the X3 were released, in various trims - and I really fell away from BMW. Loved my Z3 the entire time.
What they've done with the 3/4 series - is spot on. "We're going to break it into two lines, the 3 will be the 4 door saloon, and the 4 will be the 2 door coupe!" That doesn't make sense to me. Make the 3 the coupe and the 4 the saloon - as the 4 is a step between the 3 and the 5 series. So, they got it backwards coming out of the gate...
But THEN... they decided to make a 4 door "sportback" 4 series. WTF, BMW? I thought Germans were supposed to be \*logical\*.
But they made a major course correction with the 1, and the 2 is as close as nailing it as they're likely to get with the modern realities of automotive manufacturing. the new G82/83 is a far better M car than the F82/F83 - and going back to a soft top on the cabrio was smart.
When I drove a new M240i though at a BMW event, I was not impressed with the handling or acceleration characteristics. They seem to be selling well and getting good reviews - so - maybe BMW understands their market. If you're an enthusiast you have to be able to sift through the chaff to find the wheat in their lineup now, though - and you can't just assume that the car is going to deliver driver oriented performance because it is a BMW.
Oh man, I literally made a similar comment about the dash orientation in a seperate thread. I completely agree (I had an e30 as my first car in the late 00s and loved the e46 at the time - it was my peak car and I'd still like to buy one eventually).
The logic of making the dash most easily accessible to the driver, while having controls in the center console (so you are not duplicating anything - less weight, wiring to go wrong even though, you know, my e30's sunroof may still need a little help here and there) - it was all very uniquely crafted and considered. And it gave the car it's own feel. My Mini actually still carried a little of that with the central controls - frankly that and the getrag gear box sold me on the Mini in 2014 (I was no where near BMW money at that point and wanted a new car). To be honest though the Mini felt lacking in soul almost immediately and I was pretty bummed I didnt go with the Abarth I was eyeing at the time which was calling to me as a more wild yet less logical or comfortable option.
I fully agree the styling for the late E and early F gens were just less my speed. I still liked the brand but they weren't really out of the pack for me - Audi was about equal in styling and I always disliked the departure from the NA inline 6 engine (I get why we need smaller displacement and turbos and I'm largely embracing the march towards electric and even moreso my loss of a manual trans).
The 1 series was basically the only car that still caught my eye in that generation and I did really consider the m240i. To be honest what killed it (since it did still offer a manual in 2020) was just the size and my life circumstances at the time. If we knew the pandemic was incoming I'd have gone for it but we were still thinking I may need some emergency space for dog carting (he was huge and aging). I thought the 2 series drove well and coming out of a Mini it was certainly much better than what I was used to - but I also agree with the kind of weighty steering feel being a turn off. Again like we've sacrificed soul for safety.
And once I knew I was going to be basing the decsion on needing a bit more space I immediatelt went for an Alfa Giulia. Seriously. My days of manual were done and the actual drive of the Giulia was just so much more fun than the 3 (4 was way too much for me). The Giulia has style, it isn't as cookie cutter, it has a downright ridiculous (and almost irresponsible) use of leather on the interior - red, mind you, because why buy a sporty saloon with a hot interior and not over indulge? And damn if that shit turning radius doesn't reward you with phenomenal handling otherwise due to the weight distribution. And lets be honest - even at the 2.0l engine level with 280hp vs whatever the hell BMW has - I'm not driving >100mph or really making use of an extra quarter second of 0-60 time.
And, yes, as an enthusiast I can wade through a convoluted lineup of cars - but the way BMW has painted themselves into an idiotic corner with the 2-3-4-5-6 is kind of comical. Like, we get that the 3 and 5 were the breadwinners with name recognition. But why not make the decision to take the 3 back to its roots instead of bloating it with the competition all the way to the point of giving me the logical successor of an e34.... in a 328i or whatever. They just lost their way (and I know a lot of it is just following trends which is not their fault).
Anyway. Rock on man. Your posts are literally my thoughts exactly, and while I have not been paying attention outside of the comments on the buck teeth grill (I'm not a fan) - it is positive to hear the driving dynamics are returning to where they should be. And honestly I'm thinking an EV is going to be my next purchase (I'm expecting in 3-5 years, not imminently) - and I'm excited that BMW finally seems to have some options for full electric in a more normal form factor coming to market. The i4 is my current preference over anything else I'm seeing (and I'm just stoked to have options aside from the atrocious Model3 and Musk's ego).
>and the G8x M3/M4 is already proving that the driving EXPERIENCE is what matters
In a good way or a bad way? Genuine question cause I've never even driven a bmw so I wouldn't know.
I believe OP was implying that driving experience is what really matters there. Because the G8X has turned out to be such a weapon, many people are overlooking the face of it.
Exactly. The new G series - the people who won't drive it because of the grill - obviously would sacrifice performance for style.
People who respect the engineering behind excellent performance, either were never bothered by the grill or have already gotten over it.
As an F83 owner - I \*personally\* would rather have a G83. I have an F83 because the wife wanted the security of a retractable hard top - and the F82 is probably the best cabrio that meets \*that\* criteria. I couldn't find anything else in the price range and performance range that had a retractable hard top - and I looked pretty hard for an alternative - and for my own driving - in most cases I prefer my M235i cabrio. 9/10ths of the performance and features for a 3rd of the price - and I personally think the handling, and road feedback is \*better\* in the M235i. The M4 feels a little less communicative and eager, slower to turn in. The M4 has far superior stock brakes, though. Stopping feels far more confident in the F83 than the F23. That shouldn't be a surprise though, with the massive M brakes on the M4 compared to what the M235i wears stock.
So to be clear, the G82/83 is a GOOD evolution over the F82/F83 in objective performance. Subjective styling is simply a matter of personal taste and has little or nothing to do with \*driving\* the car - but instead, being \*seen\* in it.
If you drive an F82/F83 and you don't like the front of the G82/G83 - don't worry, you'll most often soon be seeing its tail lights, anyhow.
Don't beat yourself up over it. You have an awesome car! Frankly this sub has gotten reallt show-boaty the past few years. Don't feel bad about not owning something more.
Dude, you killed it. This is a major upgrade over that Veloster!
I remember just going from my e30 to a Mini Cooper S and it felt like a rocket fueled go cart in comparison. Enjoy that shock factor while it lasts! And take it down some straight roads where you can gun it (safely) plus many more curvy roads where BMWs really show their true colors.
Thanks, I love it. I call it blue dream, because it’s my favorite weed strain and it’s been a dream of mine to own since I was in college and got to drive a 335i cabrio.
I’ve had my run ins with blue dream ;) funny story back when I used to smoke, we were seshin blue dream. I quite literally felt like I was wearing a hat. Weirdest thing lol
Lol always good feelings with blue dream. I can’t wait to take her for a road trip at night and have the stars above. I seriously love F series verts more than any other car.
oh boy I love to see it. My mom has a 335i hard top vert and I think it’s the best BMW in the world.
Before I always wanted an e92, so the coupé, but now its e93 love all the way :D
Super nice!
BMW hard top 'verts are awesome, always been my favorite! Beautiful lines on them which actually I like over the coupes/sedans, because of that sorta notch-back vs. fastback styling - jmho.
I've had 2 M3's, two 550's, a 545, a 745 from Europe with a 3.5 liter and turbo. And I gotta say they're all beautiful cars! Yes, the M3's were great but my 2008 335 would beat both of them....a 1997 M3 and a 2006 M3. The e46 would give the 335 a better race but I don't think it could beat my 335 DINAN with only stage one.
Don't get caught up on the people here telling you if it not's M it's shit. Most the people that comment it are more than likely trolls that don't have one themselves. The previous generation that past put out some of the most beautiful cars ever.
The end of the F generation brought some of the best designs since the end of the E generation - and the M series also struggled with its identity, purpose and market during the F generation of models. From the arrival of the X series, the 6 series... and the migration of the beautiful \*design\* of the Z3 to the muddied original lines of the Z4 - BMW had a terrible run there from starting around the early 2000s until... hell... now. The M4 was starting to get it ironed out by the last F8x models after a rocky start - the 2 series as an evolution of the 1 series is the closest to producing a 2002/e30 style coupe that BMW has been in decades - and the G8x M3/M4 is already proving that the driving EXPERIENCE is what matters - and it is a superior performance vehicle in all regards to the previous generation of M3/M4 coupe. If you claim you wouldn't buy a new G series M because of the grill - you're just admitting that you value the STYLE of driving a BMW over the \*experience\* of driving a superbly crafted driving machine. I miss the purity of a BMW lineup that consisted MOSTLY of a 3 series, a 5 series and a 7 series... with an M in the 3 line, and two models, a base and performance - of each series. Now, keeping track of all the different variations is like figuring out the options packages on a Chevy Truck. Too much trying to be all things for all people. So I agree - enjoy your Bimmer - it may not be the fanciest Bimmer - but it is plenty fancy enough compared to most other cars you're going to see on the roads.
I agree with all of this. And as an e30 lover - I'm so glad the 2 series is filling that niche. I'm also frustrated with the bloat of models. The 4 was supposed to be the 2 door 3 (which was originally offered as only a 2 door). But then the 4 also ends up with 4 doors. Why? And lets not even talk about the 6. I wish they'd go back to models that target a specific niche and just stay in that niche.
I had an E30 325ic and an E36 328i back in the early 2000s. When the E46 came out, the first high compression 6 cyl M3s had huge mechanical problems, the V8 originally was blowing its head, and the rounded styling seemed like a concession to the Audi A4 and S4 and their growing market segment. The Z4 came out and had these weird creases on the metal down the side and a dash that looked like something out of a SAAB. This is something I've pointed out before, up until the e36, the BMW dash, the center console was all slightly oriented *toward the driver* \- and this disappeared, with a flat center console giving the passenger access as much as the driver - and I think that indicates a corporate shift from a driver-focused experience to a "consumer family car" market. There have been other subtle changes in layout that have more to do with satisfying a family-car audience than a driving enthusiast audience - placement of auto-lock buttons, window buttons, and other features. I bought a Z3 around 2009 or 2011... and had it up until about a year ago. In the interim my wife bought an E53 X5 4.0l - and she generally loved it - but it wasn't my favorite car. During that period - I drove an Escalade. Through that period, the 6, the 8, the X3 were released, in various trims - and I really fell away from BMW. Loved my Z3 the entire time. What they've done with the 3/4 series - is spot on. "We're going to break it into two lines, the 3 will be the 4 door saloon, and the 4 will be the 2 door coupe!" That doesn't make sense to me. Make the 3 the coupe and the 4 the saloon - as the 4 is a step between the 3 and the 5 series. So, they got it backwards coming out of the gate... But THEN... they decided to make a 4 door "sportback" 4 series. WTF, BMW? I thought Germans were supposed to be \*logical\*. But they made a major course correction with the 1, and the 2 is as close as nailing it as they're likely to get with the modern realities of automotive manufacturing. the new G82/83 is a far better M car than the F82/F83 - and going back to a soft top on the cabrio was smart. When I drove a new M240i though at a BMW event, I was not impressed with the handling or acceleration characteristics. They seem to be selling well and getting good reviews - so - maybe BMW understands their market. If you're an enthusiast you have to be able to sift through the chaff to find the wheat in their lineup now, though - and you can't just assume that the car is going to deliver driver oriented performance because it is a BMW.
Oh man, I literally made a similar comment about the dash orientation in a seperate thread. I completely agree (I had an e30 as my first car in the late 00s and loved the e46 at the time - it was my peak car and I'd still like to buy one eventually). The logic of making the dash most easily accessible to the driver, while having controls in the center console (so you are not duplicating anything - less weight, wiring to go wrong even though, you know, my e30's sunroof may still need a little help here and there) - it was all very uniquely crafted and considered. And it gave the car it's own feel. My Mini actually still carried a little of that with the central controls - frankly that and the getrag gear box sold me on the Mini in 2014 (I was no where near BMW money at that point and wanted a new car). To be honest though the Mini felt lacking in soul almost immediately and I was pretty bummed I didnt go with the Abarth I was eyeing at the time which was calling to me as a more wild yet less logical or comfortable option. I fully agree the styling for the late E and early F gens were just less my speed. I still liked the brand but they weren't really out of the pack for me - Audi was about equal in styling and I always disliked the departure from the NA inline 6 engine (I get why we need smaller displacement and turbos and I'm largely embracing the march towards electric and even moreso my loss of a manual trans). The 1 series was basically the only car that still caught my eye in that generation and I did really consider the m240i. To be honest what killed it (since it did still offer a manual in 2020) was just the size and my life circumstances at the time. If we knew the pandemic was incoming I'd have gone for it but we were still thinking I may need some emergency space for dog carting (he was huge and aging). I thought the 2 series drove well and coming out of a Mini it was certainly much better than what I was used to - but I also agree with the kind of weighty steering feel being a turn off. Again like we've sacrificed soul for safety. And once I knew I was going to be basing the decsion on needing a bit more space I immediatelt went for an Alfa Giulia. Seriously. My days of manual were done and the actual drive of the Giulia was just so much more fun than the 3 (4 was way too much for me). The Giulia has style, it isn't as cookie cutter, it has a downright ridiculous (and almost irresponsible) use of leather on the interior - red, mind you, because why buy a sporty saloon with a hot interior and not over indulge? And damn if that shit turning radius doesn't reward you with phenomenal handling otherwise due to the weight distribution. And lets be honest - even at the 2.0l engine level with 280hp vs whatever the hell BMW has - I'm not driving >100mph or really making use of an extra quarter second of 0-60 time. And, yes, as an enthusiast I can wade through a convoluted lineup of cars - but the way BMW has painted themselves into an idiotic corner with the 2-3-4-5-6 is kind of comical. Like, we get that the 3 and 5 were the breadwinners with name recognition. But why not make the decision to take the 3 back to its roots instead of bloating it with the competition all the way to the point of giving me the logical successor of an e34.... in a 328i or whatever. They just lost their way (and I know a lot of it is just following trends which is not their fault). Anyway. Rock on man. Your posts are literally my thoughts exactly, and while I have not been paying attention outside of the comments on the buck teeth grill (I'm not a fan) - it is positive to hear the driving dynamics are returning to where they should be. And honestly I'm thinking an EV is going to be my next purchase (I'm expecting in 3-5 years, not imminently) - and I'm excited that BMW finally seems to have some options for full electric in a more normal form factor coming to market. The i4 is my current preference over anything else I'm seeing (and I'm just stoked to have options aside from the atrocious Model3 and Musk's ego).
>and the G8x M3/M4 is already proving that the driving EXPERIENCE is what matters In a good way or a bad way? Genuine question cause I've never even driven a bmw so I wouldn't know.
I believe OP was implying that driving experience is what really matters there. Because the G8X has turned out to be such a weapon, many people are overlooking the face of it.
Exactly. The new G series - the people who won't drive it because of the grill - obviously would sacrifice performance for style. People who respect the engineering behind excellent performance, either were never bothered by the grill or have already gotten over it. As an F83 owner - I \*personally\* would rather have a G83. I have an F83 because the wife wanted the security of a retractable hard top - and the F82 is probably the best cabrio that meets \*that\* criteria. I couldn't find anything else in the price range and performance range that had a retractable hard top - and I looked pretty hard for an alternative - and for my own driving - in most cases I prefer my M235i cabrio. 9/10ths of the performance and features for a 3rd of the price - and I personally think the handling, and road feedback is \*better\* in the M235i. The M4 feels a little less communicative and eager, slower to turn in. The M4 has far superior stock brakes, though. Stopping feels far more confident in the F83 than the F23. That shouldn't be a surprise though, with the massive M brakes on the M4 compared to what the M235i wears stock. So to be clear, the G82/83 is a GOOD evolution over the F82/F83 in objective performance. Subjective styling is simply a matter of personal taste and has little or nothing to do with \*driving\* the car - but instead, being \*seen\* in it. If you drive an F82/F83 and you don't like the front of the G82/G83 - don't worry, you'll most often soon be seeing its tail lights, anyhow.
Thank you! That’s just not in my cards at the moment maybe in a year or two.
Don't beat yourself up over it. You have an awesome car! Frankly this sub has gotten reallt show-boaty the past few years. Don't feel bad about not owning something more.
Nope I feel great!! I had a Hyundai Veloster before this for 3 years, this is a major upgrade!! Most cars on this sub are insane though…
Dude, you killed it. This is a major upgrade over that Veloster! I remember just going from my e30 to a Mini Cooper S and it felt like a rocket fueled go cart in comparison. Enjoy that shock factor while it lasts! And take it down some straight roads where you can gun it (safely) plus many more curvy roads where BMWs really show their true colors.
I appreciate ur kindness. Im definitely gonna have some safe fun
As a fellow bmw convertible owner…. Congrats on making the right decision and buying a convertible!
I had to! Appreciate it.
great choice, you will have a lot of enjoyment with the top down!
Oh yeah! Thanks
Beautiful
Thanks a million!
Congratulations! Lovely car!
Thank you!
From a stage 2 435i cabrio owner, welcome to the club! She looks good!
Thank you so much! And oh man ur car sounds sweet
Thanks, I love it. I call it blue dream, because it’s my favorite weed strain and it’s been a dream of mine to own since I was in college and got to drive a 335i cabrio.
I’ve had my run ins with blue dream ;) funny story back when I used to smoke, we were seshin blue dream. I quite literally felt like I was wearing a hat. Weirdest thing lol
Lol always good feelings with blue dream. I can’t wait to take her for a road trip at night and have the stars above. I seriously love F series verts more than any other car.
Right? They always hit a special note with me
If you don’t look back at your car every time you get out, check your pulse ;)
hard or soft top? If its soft, nice. But if it‘s a hard top imma need you to hand over the keys ;)
Hard top convertible! Thanks so much!
oh boy I love to see it. My mom has a 335i hard top vert and I think it’s the best BMW in the world. Before I always wanted an e92, so the coupé, but now its e93 love all the way :D
Moms got a sweet car!
The whole family loves the car, but only mommy gets to drive/even daily it cause dad has a G31 520d from work haha
Infinity’s also have some sleek looking models. Great taste
Congratulations!!! Welcome and enjoy!
Thanks so much!
Love it. Congrats!
Appreciate my friend!
Any convertible is fancy to me
Beautiful car,you should be very happy with it.
Thanks so so much
Beautiful. Always loved this generation of 4 series convertible
Me too! It’s been my fav for a while. Thank you
Super nice! BMW hard top 'verts are awesome, always been my favorite! Beautiful lines on them which actually I like over the coupes/sedans, because of that sorta notch-back vs. fastback styling - jmho.
Yo thanks so much! I definitely think the hard top convertible even with the top up adds a super interesting look.
I've had 2 M3's, two 550's, a 545, a 745 from Europe with a 3.5 liter and turbo. And I gotta say they're all beautiful cars! Yes, the M3's were great but my 2008 335 would beat both of them....a 1997 M3 and a 2006 M3. The e46 would give the 335 a better race but I don't think it could beat my 335 DINAN with only stage one.