After a month of living with the G80 M3 Competition, it’s time to share some initial thoughts on this high-performance machine. As someone with a history of M cars, including several E46 M3s, an E36 M3, an F80 Comp, and even a recent 991.2 911 GTS, I came into this experience with a solid benchmark for sports and enthusiast vehicles. Here are my highlights so far.
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G80 M3 Competition: The PROS
Daily Driving Comfort and Practicality: The G80 M3 is surprisingly comfortable for daily use. Getting in and out is a breeze, and the driving experience is enjoyable in various conditions. It’s a car you can genuinely live with every day.
Striking Aesthetics: The design of the G80 M3 is undeniably beautiful. The profile is aggressive and the stance is wide, giving it a sexy and stylish appearance that still manages to look luxurious. While the front end initially sparked debate, it has grown on many, including myself, and now feels like a complementary aggressive touch to the overall design.
Cutting-Edge Technology: The technology in the G80 M3 is a significant leap forward, especially coming from a 991.2 Porsche. The larger iDrive screen is fantastic, and the lighting options and overall system layout are impressive. While there have been minor glitches with the radio and screen responsiveness, these could be attributed to user error or minor software quirks.
Unleashed Power and Performance: The power of the G80 M3 Competition is simply unreal. Just when you think the engine is reaching its limit, it just keeps pulling harder. It’s an absolute beast on open roads and highways, offering breathtaking acceleration and top-end speed.
Impressive Steering and Handling: The steering in the G80 M3 is excellent, especially considering its size and class. Both general steering feel and corner entry/exit are commendable. While it may not have the laser-sharp precision and feedback of a 911 GTS, for a car of this size and category, it’s remarkably well-tuned. Concerns about numb steering or excessive understeer haven’t been a major issue in my experience, especially with Pilot 4S tires. The G80 M3 handles wonderfully for a substantial sedan with a powerful engine.
Phenomenal Braking Power: The brakes on the G80 M3 are incredibly grippy, almost to a point of being startling. BMW M brakes have always been strong, but these feel like they offer an extra level of stopping power.
Overall, the G80 M3 Competition is an exceptional car with a lot to offer. It’s an awesome daily driver that delivers a significant amount of driving joy.
G80 M3 Competition: The CONS
Annoying Brake Squeal: The infamous brake squeal is a real issue. Despite being familiar with M car brake characteristics and attempting various bedding-in procedures, the squealing persists. For a vehicle in this price range, it’s disappointing that BMW hasn’t addressed this issue with better materials or a revised brake setup. The noise can be embarrassing, making the car sound like a school bus approaching a stop. Aftermarket solutions like iSweep pads are being considered to resolve this.
Sub-Optimal Fuel Economy: While not as bad as older V8 M3 models, the fuel economy is definitely not a strong point. It’s noticeably thirstier than a 911 GTS, estimated to be around 20% less efficient. While fuel consumption is expected in a performance car, the G80 M3’s appetite for fuel is something to be aware of.
Transmission Clunkiness: The transmission, while quick and precise during spirited driving, is not as refined as a PDK in everyday, low-speed situations. There’s noticeable clunky jerkiness when maneuvering in parking lots or in stop-and-go traffic. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it lacks the buttery smoothness expected in a luxury performance car.
G80 M3 Competition: Overall Ownership Score (After 1 Month)
Here’s a rating breakdown on a 1-10 scale after the first month of G80 M3 Competition ownership:
- Power/Performance: 9
- Styling: 8
- Handling: 8
- Brakes: 7.5 (potential 9 if the squealing was resolved)
- Comfort: 8.5
- Technology: 8
- Efficiency: 6.5
- Daily Driver-ability: 9
- Passenger Comfort: 9
- Smile Factor: 8.5 (expecting this to increase with brake pad swap!)
Overall 1-Month Score: 8.2
In conclusion, the BMW M3 G80 Competition is a thoroughly enjoyable car. While it might not be the outright sports machine that a 911 is, for daily driving and overall usability, it’s a fantastic choice. It’s a car that brings a smile to your face every time you get behind the wheel.
