[IS+1]

Originally Posted by cntzl

I totally agree. Although I own an F82, I can easily say that BMW is not ahead of the game anymore. I'm really curious about the next generation M3/M4. We'll see how BMW will respond...

I am not optimistic about the next generation of anything from BMW. As far as pure drivers cars are involved, I'm pretty sure the M2 will be BMW's swan song. And I say this as a long-time BMW enthusiast. I truly hope that BMW proves me wrong.

[6ixSpd]

Originally Posted by Advevo

The car is just to big. Big cars get boring to drive.

Sometimes bmw has gold in there hands. But the next series is always bigger and less agile.

They did the same with the 1m coupe and m2.

The size of the 1m coupe was perfect. The m2 is bigger and more easy to drive fast. The m4 is even more easy to drive Fast.

So stop making sporty cars bigger. I drove today an 130i. It was so nice to steer that little car around corners.

I agree 100%. Even my E92 M3 feels kind of big, it's definitely the heaviest/biggest I'd want to go for a sports car driving experience. Weighed it in at 3560lbs (6spd, CF roof, but heavily optioned...)

Which is why I'm having an absolutely amazing time thrashing my little E90 328i around the place in my daily commuting. It's just so famn fun. Being 6MT and RWD, no Nav means it only weighs 3328 lbs (with 1/4 tank and weighed on scales).

Smaller, lighter cars are an absolute riot even without gobs of power. But it's just the nature of the game these days, cars keep getting bigger and thus heavier.

Please BMW, make a 2 series sedan/GC that drives like the E46/90 golden days of the 3 series.

[M-Pilot]

Originally Posted by IS+1

I am not optimistic about the next generation of anything from BMW. As far as pure drivers cars are involved, I'm pretty sure the M2 will be BMW's swan song. And I say this as a long-time BMW enthusiast. I truly hope that BMW proves me wrong.

You are right, the next generation M3/4 will probably be even bigger. If BMW puts a B58 or an S55 on M2, I will definitely consider getting one when my lease is up.

[6ixSpd]

I feel the F8X M3/4 are basically today's E39 M5 (with a coupe version). They're awesome torquey beasts. They love to smoke tires and drift with ease. They're roomy and spacious. They have good creature comforts. Sounds like the E39 M5 during it's days, no?

The E39 M5 was never a serious track car but a thrilling street sports sedan. If you look at the size and real nature of the F8X Ms, you realize they're just newer versions of that character. If you keep that in mind, then they're also thrilling sport sedans for the street.

The hate and disappointment comes in when we expect the F8X to be a track worthy car. And we do so because it's a "3 series" (or 4). But ultimately, it's like expecting an E39 M5 back in the day to be a weekend track star. It just wouldn't work. And nor does it with the F8X.

What BMW needs - and largely has - is make the 2 series the real M3/4 of today. It's much closer in formula and character to the E36/46/9X M3s. Hence the glowing reviews and appeal of the M2. Make a 4 door version and there you go, you have your current day version of the "M3."

[krnnerdboy]

@the6M3
not sure i agree with you, as i have a great time on track with my stock f80 over any other bmw I've driven on track. Not to mention the excellent cooling system that's more than up to the task of so cal track heat

[Trued]

Originally Posted by cntzl

I totally agree. Although I own an F82, I can easily say that BMW is not ahead of the game anymore. I'm really curious about the next generation M3/M4. We'll see how BMW will respond...

In the summer of 2014. I was in the business of buying a sporty and to some extent practical car seating 4 people, possibility to go to the lumberyard etc.
I came from the SAAB world and tried out the following cars MB C63, Audi RS5, BMW M4, even tried to find a Volvo V50 Polestar (Volvo could not find a test car,,, and I am in Sweden)
I drove the cars on the sane roads etc. and the M4 turned out to be the winner. Perfect balance of chassis and engine matched to a fin dual clutch gearbox.

Today is 2016 much has happened in the automotive world but the competition in the M4 sphere of cars is nothing to worry about. The GTS seams to be priced wrong but I guess there are always fans out there. I will happily be beaten by 2 seconds on laguna seca by a GTS but when it comes to daily drives etc. there are very few cars out there that beats the standard M4. PERIOD!

[stubbet]

Originally Posted by cntzl

I totally agree. Although I own an F82, I can easily say that BMW is not ahead of the game anymore. I'm really curious about the next generation M3/M4. We'll see how BMW will respond...

I think their response will be an epic comeback. They know how to do it, but sometimes theory and practise don't add up. They will learn from the criticism I am sure. But to compare the M3/4 with 911:s is kind of wrong, as most here agree. I am happily awaiting delivery on my M2 though, which I am sure, will be great. Of course not as fast as a Cayman S on the track, but just as fun, if not even more fun.

[ilikebmxbikes]

Originally Posted by stubbet

I think their response will be an epic comeback. They know how to do it, but sometimes theory and practise don't add up. They will learn from the criticism I am sure. But to compare the M3/4 with 911:s is kind of wrong, as most here agree. I am happily awaiting delivery on my M2 though, which I am sure, will be great. Of course not as fast as a Cayman S on the track, but just as fun, if not even more fun.

Congratulations on the m2. Seriously awesome cars. I sort of see the m2 as the "comeback" and hope they release the m2 CSL or GTS and make it available without the extreme premium.

[Bolos]

Originally Posted by Jason

I love the fact that one of the guys reflects back to how good the e9x GTS was.....
EXACTLY.....what happened BMW?

[MW16M3]

Collectability of the GTS is gonna take a hit with BMW announcing 300 more units. From what i was told BMW will continue filling orders until they stop getting orders.

Originally Posted by Bosozoku

I'm sure they'll go up in value as collectors items.
Not to worry.

[F32Fleet]

Originally Posted by the6M3

I feel the F8X M3/4 are basically today's E39 M5 (with a coupe version). They're awesome torquey beasts. They love to smoke tires and drift with ease. They're roomy and spacious. They have good creature comforts. Sounds like the E39 M5 during it's days, no?

The E39 M5 was never a serious track car but a thrilling street sports sedan. If you look at the size and real nature of the F8X Ms, you realize they're just newer versions of that character. If you keep that in mind, then they're also thrilling sport sedans for the street.

The hate and disappointment comes in when we expect the F8X to be a track worthy car. And we do so because it's a "3 series" (or 4). But ultimately, it's like expecting an E39 M5 back in the day to be a weekend track star. It just wouldn't work. And nor does it with the F8X.

What BMW needs - and largely has - is make the 2 series the real M3/4 of today. It's much closer in formula and character to the E36/46/9X M3s. Hence the glowing reviews and appeal of the M2. Make a 4 door version and there you go, you have your current day version of the "M3."

I said the same thing when the F8x cars were announced. I knew the M3 crowd was going to be disappointed.