[CalAcacian]

Took my car to the local BMW dealership to test drive a 2023 M240i (I am trying to compare it with the G87, but those have been difficult to source a test drive on).

Surprisingly, the employee I took the drive with at Irvine BMW was a true BMW enthusiast with an E93 and F30 who could speak our language and understood my desire to keep the car stock for as little time as possible.

Takeaways:

1. I forgot how smooth and quiet a stock BMW was.
2. The tech quite has moved on so much since 2018 it is hard to believe. The new infotainment screen is beautiful, allows for full screen Carplay without needing the help of kubax86 The surround view cameras are an amazing feature that will help prevent scraping or bumping on lowered cars with lips.
3. The gear shifter replacement is terrible and unintuitive. Feels like a flimsy switch compared to our cars.
4. The interior touch points are horrendous for US spec cars. Plastic everywhere, no alcantara options, stupid dimpling of the door cards on all trims. The optional M trim looks tacky and the interior lights barely function.
5. The ZF seems to be a fully competent transmission, more refined in sport + than the DCT. Not sure that I see this as a plus though as it lacks some of the character of the F87 trans.
6. From stock, the car is painfully slow compared to my stage 2 E30 BM3 car.
7. The thundernight metallic purple is surprisingly attractive in person.

Ultimately, I don't think that the greater power potential of the B58 is a big enough pull for me to consider falling out of the true M range. While I am looking at an approximately 8 month wait for the G87, and about a $25,000 delta for a fully loaded car with the carbon pack and all the tech features once you factor in the market adjustment, I think that it is ultimately a much better car for me.

[///MPhatic]

Originally Posted by CalAcacian

Ultimately, I don't think that the greater power potential of the B58 is a big enough pull for me to consider falling out of the true M range.

So much talk of power in the F vs G, N vs S vs B, but to me it's a waste. The OG F87 in stock form has more power than it needs. More power does not make the F87, or the G87 a better car.

[///MPhatic]

Finally got my Perl lip installed, and it's pretty much exactly what I always thought it would be; brilliant.

However, it was a pure PITA to install, and I'm not so sure I'd do it again for that reason alone.

Perl front lip 2. by Andrew Thompson, on Flickr

Perl front lip 1. by Andrew Thompson, on Flickr

Perl front lip 3. by Andrew Thompson, on Flickr

[k_mann]

Got the roof rack on. This car does it all

[Philly_sweden]

Amazing pictures!

[CalAcacian]

Originally Posted by ///MPhatic

So much talk of power in the F vs G, N vs S vs B, but to me it's a waste. The OG F87 in stock form has more power than it needs. More power does not make the F87, or the G87 a better car.

I agree that the F87 (I can't speak for the G87 having not driven it yet) doesn't actually need more power for everyday driving and canyons, but I still prefer having more power available than my current setup (a little under 400 wheel).

[///MPhatic]

Originally Posted by CalAcacian

I agree that the F87 (I can't speak for the G87 having not driven it yet) doesn't actually need more power for everyday driving and canyons, but I still prefer having more power available than my current setup (a little under 400 wheel).

I agree that there are instances where 450/500 whp is fun for sure, but it always comes at a drivability cost/issue/detriment in my experience. I wish the car was 350/350 or 400/400 N/A.

[asiflicious]

Waking up early tomorrow to get my spark plugs, oil change, catless downpipes, and BM3 tune done. I’m super excited. My tow hook front license plate mount arrived today as well. I’m debating if I should go ahead and put the front plate on tomorrow or just wait and see how long I can prolong putting a front plate on before getting a ticket 😂

[Philly_sweden]

Originally Posted by asiflicious

Waking up early tomorrow to get my spark plugs, oil change, catless downpipes, and BM3 tune done. I’m super excited. My tow hook front license plate mount arrived today as well. I’m debating if I should go ahead and put the front plate on tomorrow or just wait and see how long I can prolong putting a front plate on before getting a ticket 😂

I would not drive catless without a plate.
Draws attention as it is just with the DP.

[asiflicious]

Originally Posted by Philly_sweden

I would not drive catless without a plate.
Draws attention as it is just with the DP

That’s a good point. Better not give them any reason to pay me attention

[VGSON]

Past few days:
Installed upgraded pure750 turbo cover and inlet. Replaced all boost side o-rings & turbo oil/water o-rings.

Did diff and trans fluid too..50k miles

Installed spec f8x 1200ftlb clutch, CVD delete and RTD V4 carbon shifter..still breaking the clutch in so not able to really romp on it.

Fyi; driving is a whole new experience with the clutch, shifter, and nvh..Getting used to how the new clutch grabs is taking time, learning to slip it just right compared to before..Once rolling above 5mph she’s perfect though. The shifter is fun/precise, but there is definitely more effort to move the shifter albeit its only moving like an inch.

Next week my 513’s will be finished and installed. Going satin black with 275/295 35 tire combo.

[StealthnShadow]

Happy #FrontendFriday

New photo from a set that I will be posting this weekend (IG: @bmwmtwo)

[///MPhatic]

Good shot, it just needs to be wider!

[StealthnShadow]

Originally Posted by ///MPhatic

Good shot, it just needs to be wider!

Wider as in more background and a bigger crop?

Thanks for the compliment!!

[///MPhatic]

Originally Posted by StealthnShadow

Wider as in more background and a bigger crop?

Thanks for the compliment!!

Yes, background is what tells the story. No background, no story.

Sky of fire. by Andrew Thompson, on Flickr

Fire in the distance. by Andrew Thompson, on Flickr

[murderspice]

Originally Posted by ///MPhatic

Sky of fire. by Andrew Thompson, on Flickr

Another banger.

[asiflicious]

Got my spark plugs, oil change, catless downpipe, and BM3 Stage 2 done. Got new Pilot Sport 4S for the rear after burning through the all seasons in a month. Now all my tires finally match 😁 Also decided to be a square and put my front plate on. I used a tow hook mount 😎

[m2ss]

Originally Posted by asiflicious

I used a tow hook mount 😎

Love the toe hook...

[bmwstephen]

Originally Posted by ///MPhatic

Finally got my Perl lip installed, and it's pretty much exactly what I always thought it would be; brilliant.

However, it was a pure PITA to install, and I'm not so sure I'd do it again for that reason alone.

[img]https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53630117855_4ccec49983_o.jpg[/img]Perl front lip 2. by Andrew Thompson, on Flickr

[img]https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53630007674_0f4af43377_o.jpg[/img]Perl front lip 1. by Andrew Thompson, on Flickr

[img]https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53630007664_7f22eab3ce_o.jpg[/img]Perl front lip 3. by Andrew Thompson, on Flickr

More details of your red brake caliper setup!

[///MPhatic]

Originally Posted by bmwstephen

More details of your red brake caliper setup!

The calipers are from a '21 CS, and the carbon ceramic discs are from a '17 M4C.

Holy Trinity. by Andrew Thompson, on Flickr

[///MPhatic]

After years of wanting a Perl lip I finally got one, got it prepped (wanted to strengthen the lip edge before installation), did the PITA install with a friend, and it's too low for my driveway. I'm going to hate selling this thing, but there is just no way I can keep it with how low I am.

Finished. by Andrew Thompson, on Flickr

Perl Front. by Andrew Thompson, on Flickr

Perl Side. by Andrew Thompson, on Flickr

[m2ss]

Originally Posted by ///MPhatic

After years of wanting a Perl lip I finally got one, got it prepped (wanted to strengthen the lip edge before installation), did the PITA install with a friend, and it's too low for my driveway. I'm going to hate selling this thing, but there is just no way I can keep it with how low I am.

Shame, looks awesome. Saw on their website they have it for the comp as well, how hard was the install and do you have an oil cooler guard?