Track Day Fun In A GT PP

[Todd15Fastback]

Maybe but but as Tim said keep this in mind.
"The M4's I was looking at yesterday were all north of $70k. That's $38k more than my $34k Mustang".

I can confirm this as well. I cross-shopped the M3/M4 and with like options that I am getting on my GT PP (46k sticker and not a LE) it was 80k or a hair over that.

Big difference in price. Not sure I could justify the extra $$$ for the M3/M4, plus I love the new S550. I think Ford hit a home run with this platform.

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[Magnetic15]

Cool video! Idiot driver. His comments are completely obsolete to me.

 

[Grimace427]

I have a former coworker who will be getting a 2015 M3 as soon as he settles into his new job. As soon as Summitt Point opens up next spring hopefully we can do some back-to-back in my modded 2011 then maybe if the missus gives me the thumbs up we can do it again in a 2015 GT/PP.

 

[JoeDogInKC]

One thing is for sure. When I (finally) get my GT, I won't be posting any video reviews.

 

[NHMustang]

Fun to watch but I don't think the driver could multitask too well. He should have just recorded with no narrative, maybe voice over later. That way he would have been in the right gear and negotiated the track better.... maybe.

 

[OppoLock]

I can confirm this as well. I cross-shopped the M3/M4 and with like options that I am getting on my GT PP (46k sticker and not a LE) it was 80k or a hair over that.

Big difference in price. Not sure I could justify the extra $$$ for the M3/M4, plus I love the new S550. I think Ford hit a home run with this platform.

Maybe but but as Tim said keep this in mind.
"The M4's I was looking at yesterday were all north of $70k. That's $38k more than my $34k Mustang".

I understand the price difference, and there's a counter point to be made about diminishing returns on a car's sticker price. It's not fair or realistic to expect a car like the M3/M4 to perform a whole Mustang's worth better. But for the most comparable models you can spec: a loaded GT PP (sans optional features that are also not standard in the M), you're looking at a GT PP + 6MT + 401A (for memory seats and vaguely competitive sound system) + ACC + premier trim + nav. That's $43.6k MSRP. Take an M4 + 6MT + extended leather (the "minimum" option) and you have all of the S550's features save for BLIS, and yet you get many others included. That's $66.6k, creating a $23k sticker difference.

$23k buys you a car that's faster, more economical, has more features, more practical storage capabilities, better interior materials, loads of CFRP material in its construction, and superb chassis tuning. Subjective matters are an entirely separate category that anyone could argue with, and I still think the S550 is the more attractive of the two. I'd even go so far as to say that I'd take the GT PP if I had a choice between the two, money no object. But based on objective measures, the F82 M4 is a hell of a lot of car for the money and definitely worth every penny, especially if you're sensible with your options. It comes with so many standard features that you don't need the $3500 full leather, the $4000 exec package (with a HUD, heated steering wheel, etc.), the $1900 all-LED lights and auto high beams, the $1900 active driving crap with side on top view cameras and speed limit info, nor the monstrously overkill $8000 carbon ceramic brakes. It's a complete package even in "stripper" form.

 

[JoeySD]

Looking good, cool video. Speaking of Randy when are we going to see him test out the S550?

YES !!!!!!!!!! can't wait

 

[jeebuspwnz]

I have been cross-shopping with the M3. In fact, I almost bought one last week for $65k. It had very few options at that price point. The new M3's steering feel is just NOT THAT GREAT. It makes me miss the e9x M3 feel. The new M3's engine sound is not very good, and the fake engine noises feel well, fake. I will be keeping my Mustang GT-PP order and happily save $27k doing so. Yes, the M3 is more practical and gets slightly better mileage, but I've owned a number of BMWs and I call tell you that I would ALWAYS be wondering when the next expensive thing was going to break.

Who cares that the M3/4 can pull you in a straight or go faster around a track if you're the one having all the fun!?!

 

[Todd15Fastback]

I understand the price difference, and there's a counter point to be made about diminishing returns on a car's sticker price. It's not fair or realistic to expect a car like the M3/M4 to perform a whole Mustang's worth better. But for the most comparable models you can spec: a loaded GT PP (sans optional features that are also not standard in the M), you're looking at a GT PP + 6MT + 401A (for memory seats and vaguely competitive sound system) + ACC + premier trim + nav. That's $43.6k MSRP. Take an M4 + 6MT + extended leather (the "minimum" option) and you have all of the S550's features save for BLIS, and yet you get many others included. That's $66.6k, creating a $23k sticker difference.

$23k buys you a car that's faster, more economical, has more features, more practical storage capabilities, better interior materials, loads of CFRP material in its construction, and superb chassis tuning. Subjective matters are an entirely separate category that anyone could argue with, and I still think the S550 is the more attractive of the two. I'd even go so far as to say that I'd take the GT PP if I had a choice between the two, money no object. But based on objective measures, the F82 M4 is a hell of a lot of car for the money and definitely worth every penny, especially if you're sensible with your options. It comes with so many standard features that you don't need the $3500 full leather, the $4000 exec package (with a HUD, heated steering wheel, etc.), the $1900 all-LED lights and auto high beams, the $1900 active driving crap with side on top view cameras and speed limit info, nor the monstrously overkill $8000 carbon ceramic brakes. It's a complete package even in "stripper" form.

Great post! I agree with it all. The new M3/M4's are bad to the bone and offer a lot of performance, build quality, etc.

The only drawback for me was the 6cyl...If they had a V8 in them, that might of really swayed me, might have. I just love this new body style, interior and the IRS:love:

 

[scottpe]

Who cares that the M3/4 can pull you in a straight or go faster around a track if you're the one having all the fun!?!

And if matching the Bimmer's acceleration is important, it can be done with about $3K in mods... still peanuts in comparison.

 

[OppoLock]

I have been cross-shopping with the M3. In fact, I almost bought one last week for $65k. It had very few options at that price point. The new M3's steering feel is just NOT THAT GREAT. It makes me miss the e9x M3 feel. The new M3's engine sound is not very good, and the fake engine noises feel well, fake. I will be keeping my Mustang GT-PP order and happily save $27k doing so. Yes, the M3 is more practical and gets slightly better mileage, but I've owned a number of BMWs and I call tell you that I would ALWAYS be wondering when the next expensive thing was going to break.

Who cares that the M3/4 can pull you in a straight or go faster around a track if you're the one having all the fun!?!

I've yet to get my hands on one. I haven't been in touch with my SC at the dealership in a long while, and despite being friends with him on FB, I don't think he'd be to crazy about me bugging him for some hands-on time in a car I don't have the means to buy for the time being.

Apparently the steering has had mixed reviews; lots of talk about it being one of the best EPS-based setups out there, others lamenting that it's burdened with the same faults as the lesser EPS systems (no variation in feel over different surfaces, no difference in load depending on grip, but very accurate).

You also have to figure out what your buying priorities are compared to others, let alone the intended demographic for the car. I think for you, me, and most any enthusiast placing performance and driving fun over everything else, the S550 is a complete bargain and arguably the better choice. Less sound deadening, less features that don't add to the driving experience, less focus on luxury amenities, etc.

But if you're looking for a car that tears up corners, accelerate with the best of them, and have the same level of luxury, refinement, and practicality as a great high-end coupe or sedan, it's almost impossible to beat.

Great post! I agree with it all. The new M3/M4's are bad to the bone and offer a lot of performance, build quality, etc.

The only drawback for me was the 6cyl...If they had a V8 in them, that might of really swayed me, might have. I just love this new body style, interior and the IRS:love:

Right! Completely bummed about the move to F/I and downsizing cylinder count. The "old" V10s and the derived V8 are some of my favorite engines. Hell, the old 3.2L I6 in the Z4M I tracked has twice the character of this new S54 I6. I'd sacrifice outright performance and efficiency for something more involving. Sounds like a necessary evil to comply with efficiency and emission standards, keep up the "Efficient Dynamics" reputation, and aim for more in-class performance to please the armchair racers and checklist buyers.

And if matching the Bimmer's acceleration is important, it can be done with about $3K in mods... still peanuts in comparison.

Let's not step into the aftermarket world bud. I know you know what you're talking about, and you know how easy it typically is to get more power at an affordable cost when you're dealing with something that comes F/I from the factory. I just pulled up the first thread on the M3/M4 engine subsection. $2500 tune nets you a peak 450rwhp/430rwtq. I haven't done enough digging, so I'm sure there are other options at other price points. This was just the first thing I found.

Dinantronics M3/M4 Performance Tuner Review http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1042528

And this is strictly speaking about straight line capability. Not interior quality, practicality, chassis improvements, or anything else. It's a solid platform so I'm not sure where you going with this.

 

[OHV_44]

The BMW F82 M4 is really a very great car.
But costs in Germany 87k€ vs 47k€ for the GT Prem Aut etc. with "same" features.
My decision? :shrug:

 

[jeebuspwnz]

Let's not step into the aftermarket world bud. I know you know what you're talking about, and you know how easy it typically is to get more power at an affordable cost when you're dealing with something that comes F/I from the factory. I just pulled up the first thread on the M3/M4 engine subsection. $2500 tune nets you a peak 450rwhp/430rwtq. I haven't done enough digging, so I'm sure there are other options at other price points. This was just the first thing I found.

Dinantronics M3/M4 Performance Tuner Review http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1042528

Pffft...forget the DINAN tune. BMS has 540whp with e40 + tune.

http://www.benzboost.com/content.ph...anol-(E85)-testing-shows-539-wheel-horsepower

 

[OppoLock]

Pffft...forget the DINAN tune. BMS has 540whp with e40 + tune.

http://www.benzboost.com/content.ph...anol-(E85)-testing-shows-539-wheel-horsepower

Ah! I had no idea that BMS released a tune for it already... should have figured! I actually ran a Juicebox tune on my car (doesn't look like my JB is listed on their site anymore, just JB+ and JB4), but I think that was before the BMS name was a thing and you went straight through Terry to order.

So $800 for the beta S54 JB4 nets you 480whp on pump gas. Christ.
http://www.burgertuning.com/M3_M4_S55_JB4_BMW_performance_tuner.html

And sorry for derailing your thread Tim. I'll bow out of the M discussion moving forward.

 

[Laztug]

Great video! Great audio! Great post! Who the heck was the Driver? Why did he hold back or was he?

Not every one can drive like Randy, he is just an average driver like majority of us. I am sure he loves his 6M.

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