[lsturbointeg]

So I've been lurking around the M4 forums and I've noticed from everyone's posting pictures from Bimmerfest 2015 M4's seem like they're the trending model right now. The front bumpers/rear bumpers are extremely aggressive looking and their Stance is just ridiculous. So I've gone back 10 pages to see if there's any Threads on pros/cons with the 5 series and the M4. I seen one comparing 535i and 435i but not the M4? Thinking about picking one up and just keeping my 535i for daily driving? Your opinion on the M4's? I notice more activity in the M4 forum than the 5 series and I'm wondering if the 5 series just isn't a popular model anymore?

[493263]

Aesthetically, the M4 is a marvelous looker from the outside. Inside, it looks kinda cheap. You don't feel like you're in a $75-80k car. If they can give the M4 the interior of the M6, it would be perfect. Even when compared to the 5 series interior design and materials, the M4 is still a big step down.

That's really the only complaint I have and why I would never buy it unless someone gives me a deal i can't refuse.

[lsturbointeg]

Originally Posted by 493263

Aesthetically, the M4 is a marvelous looker from the outside. Inside, it looks kinda cheap. You don't feel like you're in a $75-80k car. If they can give the M4 the interior of the M6, it would be perfect. Even when compared to the 5 series interior design and materials, the M4 is still a big step down.

That's really the only complaint I have and why I would never buy it unless someone gives me a deal i can't refuse.

So interior wise is the M4 and normal 4 series interior the same? I've looked at pictures of the interior but I guess I'll actually have to see it in person

[combatbmw]

Originally Posted by 493263

Aesthetically, the M4 is a marvelous looker from the outside. Inside, it looks kinda cheap. You don't feel like you're in a $75-80k car. If they can give the M4 the interior of the M6, it would be perfect. Even when compared to the 5 series interior design and materials, the M4 is still a big step down.

That's really the only complaint I have and why I would never buy it unless someone gives me a deal i can't refuse.

Exactly what he says, Looks great on the outside, but inside is like a 3 series.

too bad.

[TimeFor]

Originally Posted by lsturbointeg

So interior wise is the M4 and normal 4 series interior the same? I've looked at pictures of the interior but I guess I'll actually have to see it in person

I traded my F10 for a F33 last year. Hated it. Interior quality is too cheap.

Yeah, the seats are different from 4 series to M4 but its the same leather. The headliner is the same. The M4 trim can be CF but anyone can buy the the M Performance trim. I did and thought the M Performance trim was nicer than the standard M4 CF. Basically, the M4 stuff is different, but not better quality. There's a lot of thin, flimsy, plastic feeling materials. A lot.

To be specific...
The NAV is the same but the screen quality is lower compared to the 5. A lot more glare and streaks. The dash cluster isn't as nice as the base F10 extended panel. The heads up display is smaller. The build quality of the doors feel cheap. You know that nice button that shifts driving modes in the F10? That nice feeling switch?... yeah its shit on the 4 series. Feels like you'll break it with normal use. In fact I got mine stuck when a piece of dirt fell in between the crack. Seriously had to take the whole thing apart. You know the auto brake feature in the F10? Not in the M4. You get an e-brake, ok but the boot feels like cheap vinyl. Mine tore within 2 months with standard use. The floor mats and carpet are thinner than the F10. The headlight switch is tiny and feels like non-reinforced matte plastic. Ever use a Ford headlight switch? Feels like that. And finally, the biggest piece of shit in the 4 series is the door on the driver-side storage compartment below that headlight switch. Its cardboard with vinyl glued to it. It feels like you'll crush it inward every time you try to close it. The one in the F10 isn't that great to begin with but the tray door on the 4 series is garbage. Seriously, the e46 was a better built M. The 4 series from an F10 is a downgrade.

[chrisny]

I would draw no correlation between the volume of traffic on either forum and the popularity of the cars. Certainly not when it comes to sales at least. The M4 is new and exciting.. More traffic doesn't necessarily mean more popular and certainly doesn't, necessarily, mean more sales. I'd say it's a pretty safe bet the 5 outsells any M by a lot. They're just not mass market cars, and aren't intended to be.

[gatorfast]

You don't see any comparisons between the M3/4 and the 5er because they are very different cars which are not usually cross shopped.

As for the forum action, the M3/4 is an enthusiast car which draws an enthusiast following who is more likely to do enthusiast things such as post on a message board. The 5 series is luxury sedan which appeals to an older buyer who is less likely to belong to an Internet forum.

Coming from an E90 M3 myself, the forums are a million times more active with tons of knowledgable people and technical information. One example of the stark contrast - I searched for an oil change thread for my 528i to find out the oil capacity and there wasn't a single thread I could find on this. On the M3 forum there are numerous detailed diy threads and technical discussions of different oils. Just a different type of user.

[Axxlrod]

You're wondering why you don't see more threads comparing a 2 door sports car with a big engine, rough suspension and crappy gas mileage to a 4 door luxury sedan?

Really?

Answer seems obvious to me.

[raddy]

One of my good friends has a M4. He loves it but yes the interior is a bit underwhelming to me. Nothing like the M6.

BMW will have to step up the interiors of the M4 and F30

[lsturbointeg]

Appreciate all the feedback guys! just observations I've seen when looking at all the pictures posted from Bimmerfest in Cali. I love my 535i and would never trade it in but next year I'm planning on picking up another BMW but something more sporty which had me eying the M5 and the M4!

[Simple5]

I understand the luxury part. I came from a e90 335i and when I first jumped in the 550i for a test drive, I instantly noted the gorgeous interior and the high quality material. I then drove a f30 M-sport 335i and the damn thing just felt cheap.

Needless to say I went with the 550i... my 40th is in a few years. I will be looking at an f10 m5 or the m6... blah on the 3/4 series....

[Gpfarrell]

Speed or comfort?

My 535i 6MT gives me plenty of speed. Not sure the M4 would have adequate comfort... Generally don't get to use all the 535's speed so not seeing how more power at the cost of comfort is a good trade.

I'm 44 with 3 kids... 20 years ago I'd be looking to juice the M4!

[spyroz]

is like you're comparing a single guy to a married man with 2 kids.....

[lsturbointeg]

425 horsepower is what the M4 puts out. M5 puts out 560-575 horsepower So I'm seeing the difference now. Nice to have both world's of luxury and performance with the M5.

[chrisny]

Originally Posted by spyroz

is like you're comparing a single guy to a married man with 2 kids.....

Not if that married guy can afford a weekend car and a daily.. Which is what he's saying, keep his 535 for daily and M4 when the situation allows for more fun. I would have to shop more than an M4 in that situation though, since the M4 now easily enters 911 territory if I'm not mistaken.

[chrisny]

Originally Posted by lsturbointeg

425 horsepower is what the M4 puts out. M5 puts out 560-575 horsepower So I'm seeing the difference now. Nice to have both world's of luxury and performance with the M5.

But the m4 is also much lighter, no? To me, it depends on what you want, one car to do it all (M5) or a more agile fun car (m4) + more practical daily (535).

[493263]

Originally Posted by lsturbointeg

So interior wise is the M4 and normal 4 series interior the same? I've looked at pictures of the interior but I guess I'll actually have to see it in person

Yes, if you've seen the interior of a 428, 435, 328, 335, etc... then it's almost a carbon copy. The main difference is the M4 has more "cool" trim pieces. It comes standard with extended leather and most of your options is straight to full leather(eg. front dash is stitched leather instead of hard plastic). The pics you saw posted are usually with full leather options. The instrument cluster is inferior to the 5 series by far IMO.

Sure it looks better than a regular 3 or 4 but it's pretty much just polishing a turd. You will be very disappointed coming from a 5.

The reason why there's a lot more forum traffic for cars like the M4 than the M5/6 is because of demographics.

[4MULA_1]

Originally Posted by 493263

Yes, if you've seen the interior of a 428, 435, 328, 335, etc... then it's almost a carbon copy. The main difference is the M4 has more "cool" trim pieces. It comes standard with extended leather and most of your options is straight to full leather(eg. front dash is stitched leather instead of hard plastic). The pics you saw posted are usually with full leather options. The instrument cluster is inferior to the 5 series by far IMO.

Actually the standard seating in the M3/4 is the "Cloth/Leather combination Carbonstructure Anthracite/Black" Extended leather is offered as a standalone option for $950, or is combined into the Executive pkg.
The seats are different in the M3/4 compared to a standard 3/4 series.

[493263]

So it's even worse than I thought. The only major difference I notice in the seats are the much better lateral support. You feel like it wraps around your body better. It's up to you whether that's a good thing or bad thing. The main difference will still be the leather options.

Regardless, if you've had experience with the M4 then you'll come to the same conclusion as me in the following step:

1. Love at first sight. Boner!
2. Once inside, you're unsure if you're sitting in the car you just fell in love with. Lose Boner.
3. Regain Boner once you drive.

Honestly, I would overlook the interiors 10 years ago when i was in my 20s. These days, I care just as much about what's inside to what's outside.

[chrisny]

Originally Posted by 493263

The reason why there's a lot more forum traffic for cars like the M4 than the M5/6 is because of demographics.

Exactly.. Same reason there is less bickering and snarky comments in this section.

[Axxlrod]

Originally Posted by chrisny

Not if that married guy can afford a weekend car and a daily.. Which is what he's saying, keep his 535 for daily and M4 when the situation allows for more fun. I would have to shop more than an M4 in that situation though, since the M4 now easily enters 911 territory if I'm not mistaken.

If said married guy can afford a 535 for dd duty, and another fun toy car, I wouldn't do an M4. Too similar.

I recommend a Porsche 911 GTS.

[chrisny]

Originally Posted by Axxlrod

If said married guy can afford a 535 for dd duty, and another fun toy car, I wouldn't do an M4. Too similar.

I recommend a Porsche 911 GTS.

My thoughts exactly...