"Downgrading" from F10 M5 to F80 M3?

[Bluehorseshoe]

[/U]F10 M5 to F80 M3[/U]
[/B]Downgrades[/B]
In no particular order
*critical consideration, highly subjective
-stereo (B&O spoils you for HK)
-cabin quality & aesthetics* (alcantara headliner, better leather, trim, etc)
-trunk size
-rear legroom
-seats* (M5 seats hard to beat)
-torque
-exhaust note
-exterior aesthetics (I like the M5 lines more)
-ride quality (less harsh in comfort mode)
-comfort access and other accoutrements
-safety, F10 M5 is a tank (pure speculation but due to its mass M5 gives you higher sense of safety)

[/B]Upgrades[/B]
-handling* (fun factor)
-6MT feel* (vs 6MT M5)
-fuel economy (negligible)
-drivability (improved visibility and overall ease of use/maneuverability)
-carbon fiber roof option

Anyone care to add to this list? Sure I'm missing some here but can't think of anymore positives for M3!

So case for M3 really boils down to handling and 6MT--with handling, by far, being the most important consideration.
IMHO the M3 becomes far less desirable vs M5 if you're comparing DCT to DCT. Personally, if I were sticking to DCT M5 I would probably not switch to M3 because overall advantages (upgrades) of the M5 are much greater.

Updated and moved to own thread. I will try to continue updating this for those who care based on your feedback and after more seat time time in M3. Moved to own thread.

Wow, I have a 3xx loaner today and instantly notice significantly higher fun factor vs M5 because you can completely and confidently throw the thing into the corners, and it's so much easier to drive.

[M6-Coupe]

Originally Posted by Bluehorseshoe

[/U]F10 M5 to F80 M3[/U]
[/B]Downgrades[/B]
-stereo (B&O spoils you for base HK)
-cabin quality
-trunk size
-rear legroom
-seats (this is a big one, M5 seats hard to beat)
-torque
-exhaust note
-aesthetics (I like the M5 lines more)
-less harsh suspension (in comfort mode)

[/B]Upgrades[/B]
-handling
-6MT feel vs same on M5
-fuel economy (negligible)
-ease of maneuverability
-carbon fiber roof is cool

Anyone care to add to this list? Sure I'm missing some here but can't think of anymore positives for M3!

So it is indeed a downgrade but ONLY IF you don't highly value improved handling and 6MT of M3.

M3 IMHO becomes far less desirable vs M5 if you're comparing DCT to DCT. If I was sticking to DCT on M5 I would never switch to M3 because it really then only comes down to improved handling vs all the negatives or "downgrades" going from M5 to M3.

Beside the amount of power and power/torque delivery of S63TU you can add these items too:

1. MDM mode is almost useless on M3/M4 since it interacts quickly (due to lighter weight of rear end and narrower tires) while on M5/M6 is the fun part.

2. Some luxury/convenience features like massage and soft close door which is not available on M3/M4.

3. Some cool features like full leather or LED that are available on all M cars but are much nicer on M5/M6 than M3/M4 IMO...

BTW I really hate the ventilation adjustment of 3/4 series when you cannot adjust the passenger side with driver side all together or that "all" adjustment.

[HXS]

After reading all these comments, I think the sound/exhaust note will be the deal-breaker for me. I even went the the M F80 forums and looked around their aftermarket exhaust sticky... None of them really stood out for me.

[shahano]

I hate the same problem as you. But instead of downgrading to M3, I upgraded to GT3 ... No regrets, I do miss the torque in the M5 though, sometimes (dare I say) I think of going back to that raw power.

[M5essex]

Originally Posted by Bluehorseshoe

Been pondering this for quite a long time myself. I couldn't care less which car is faster off the line or from a roll because I don't drag race.

IMO the more highway driving you do, the more long journeys you take, the more passengers you have in your car the more you'll appreciate the M5 over the M3. If it's your daily driver and you have kids and you have a commute I have to believe that the M5 is the ticket. It's the total package.

For me it's not a lot of long trips or commutes, just going around town, enjoying back country roads and very short commute to work (haha, I actually just moved like two minutes from my office and I really miss my old commute which consisted of 15-20 minutes each way along some twisty back roads). And when I'm taking the family we almost always use another vehicle.

I have never driven the F80 and probably wouldn't consider the F82 because I'm not into coupes and would likely go for a Porsche if I only wanted two doors.

When the M3 ZCP comes out I will give it a long, hard test drive. In the meantime, I plan on testing the M3 with 6MT and adaptive suspension. (I would never go for the M3 with DCT although I'm sure it's sublime.) Based on my needs I think the M3 will be more suitable from a purely functional perspective. However, I do feel that the M5 suits me more aesthetically and in demeanor. I find the M3 maybe a bit to edgy or sporty or immature or whatever you want to call it for my personality (and profession).

Regardless, if I enjoy the M3 more as a pure driver's car, as hard as it will be to sell my M5, I will likely make the switch. The "downgrade" feeling may likely manifest itself in the form of less perceived luxury and sophistication but overall it's only a step down if you're giving up more than you're getting.

its out now

[AstonMartian777]

M6 is an upgrade from a M5 in my opinion, better handling, more luxury, more sporty feel, interior much better, outside looks more dramatic for sure, you can also get a GC if 4 doo needed, M4 i'm sure is more of a track car but it sounds pretty damn awful, and knowing personally someone who owns both m5 and m4 and m5 m6 and m4, they're opinion was that it is kind of a downgrade, because I wanted to go the same route as you, and like someone else mentioned I would get m3 only if I wanted manual, it does feel great with manual.

[zzzmmm]

Both great cars but getting in the M5 is a different feel altogether than the M4. On the track the M4 as many have mentioned is fast in the corners and easier to handle, but the 5 is closing at apex.
When in doubt, don't make a decision

[GhostyM]

As a owner for an F10 M5 and a F82 M4..

M4 is only better at being easy to throw around corners and being much lighter.

(Subjective opinion incoming) But.. more people compliment the looks the M4 then the M5. Most of the time coupes > sedans in look.

Sound, comfort, pulling power, prestige.. all go to M5.

I'd pick M5 anyday over F8x M's.

ANY DAY.

[M5essex]

i've just ordered the new M3 with competition package!! hoping for mid March delivery. I will give a report after a few days of driving..

[Vic55]

Originally Posted by M5essex

i've just ordered the new M3 with competition package!! hoping for mid March delivery. I will give a report after a few days of driving..

You PIMP

[M5essex]

Originally Posted by Vic55

You PIMP

I know I know. no more KING jokes allowed

when you see the whole carbon additions i'm having fitted it will be fully pimped

[Vic55]

Originally Posted by M5essex

I know I know. no more KING jokes allowed

when you see the whole carbon additions i'm having fitted it will be fully pimped

I don't joke all too much--- its a car that fits the needs of quite a few and it looks really good. (both the M3 and M4).

[JNoSol]

I came from an F80 M3. The F10 M5 offers everything more than the F80, except for 2 things:
(1) outdated interior (2) not a good track car, unless you have CCB and lots of cash for tires

Agreed with all comments: F10 M5 has better exhaust note, more power, roomier, better seats, and the exterior has more presence.

If you do like to track 2+ times per year, the F80 M3 is perfect. Just throw in a set of Bilstein Clubsport, TCKR 2-way, or KWV3 with GC Camber Plates in front then you're set. If the F80's exhaust note bothers you, the best sounding are AA, AWE-Tuning (DPs with resonated), and Fabspeed exhaust.

I miss the F80 for track use. I'll likely get an F80 again one day as a track car. I'm not in love with the M2's look stock, hopefully it looks better in person or with some aero parts (wide body would help). That's a great car to have for track as well.

Also, note that the F80 is more rare than an F82/F10 M5. Dealers have a hard time getting allocation for the F80. They hold their value better because of this.

[M5essex]

Originally Posted by JNoSol

I came from an F80 M3. The F10 M5 offers everything more than the F80, except for 2 things:
(1) outdated interior (2) not a good track car, unless you have CCB and lots of cash for tires

Agreed with all comments: F10 M5 has better exhaust note, more power, roomier, better seats, and the exterior has more presence.

If you do like to track 2+ times per year, the F80 M3 is perfect. Just throw in a set of Bilstein Clubsport, TCKR 2-way, or KWV3 with GC Camber Plates in front then you're set. If the F80's exhaust note bothers you, the best sounding are AA, AWE-Tuning (DPs with resonated), and Fabspeed exhaust.

I miss the F80 for track use. I'll likely get an F80 again one day as a track car. I'm not in love with the M2's look stock, hopefully it looks better in person or with some aero parts (wide body would help). That's a great car to have for track as well.

Also, note that the F80 is more rare than an F82/F10 M5. Dealers have a hard time getting allocation for the F80. They hold their value better because of this.

good to know, thanks

I have yet to see another F80 M3 on the road....? I have been looking too. but like you say I see M5 & 6 and M4s all the time

[M6-Coupe]

Originally Posted by JNoSol

I came from an F80 M3. The F10 M5 offers everything more than the F80, except for 2 things:
(1) outdated interior (2) not a good track car, unless you have CCB and lots of cash for tires

Agreed with all comments: F10 M5 has better exhaust note, more power, roomier, better seats, and the exterior has more presence.

If you do like to track 2+ times per year, the F80 M3 is perfect. Just throw in a set of Bilstein Clubsport, TCKR 2-way, or KWV3 with GC Camber Plates in front then you're set. If the F80's exhaust note bothers you, the best sounding are AA, AWE-Tuning (DPs with resonated), and Fabspeed exhaust.

I miss the F80 for track use. I'll likely get an F80 again one day as a track car. I'm not in love with the M2's look stock, hopefully it looks better in person or with some aero parts (wide body would help). That's a great car to have for track as well.

Also, note that the F80 is more rare than an F82/F10 M5. Dealers have a hard time getting allocation for the F80. They hold their value better because of this.

But I think differently. I might get the F8x as DD car with some track day advantage but If I want to get a car for track purpose, 911 is the better choice.. even the base one and not even S model... of course IMO

[RPiM5]

Originally Posted by M6-Coupe

But I think differently. I might get the F8x as DD car with some track day advantage but If I want to get a car for track purpose, 911 is the better choice.. even the base one and not even S model... of course IMO

Yup the base 350hp 991 911 will achieve better track times than an M4. It's even better if you get the 911 with few options just to keep it from being cheaper. Then again the M4 (King) is not a true sports car and offers more DD utility than a 911 ever could. I mean the King even has roomier back seats than an M6.

I'm sure the same will remain true for the face lifted 911 with the new turbo engine. It does make 20 more hp and a lot more torque than the pre-LCI 911. So this even competing with an M4 ZCP, the base turbo 911 with 370hp will still beat it on the track, especially with all that extra torque. But King will still always be King in one way or another.

[M6-Coupe]

Originally Posted by RPiM5

Yup the base 350hp 991 911 will achieve better track times than an M4. It's even better if you get the 911 with few options just to keep it from being cheaper. Then again the M4 (King) is not a true sports car and offers more DD utility than a 911 ever could. I mean the King even has roomier back seats than an M6.

I'm sure the same will remain true for the face lifted 911 with the new turbo engine. It does make 20 more hp and a lot more torque than the pre-LCI 911. So this even competing with an M4 ZCP, the base turbo 911 with 370hp will still beat it on the track, especially with all that extra torque. But King will still always be King in one way or another.

Agreed !

[dgp]

Originally Posted by RPiM5

Yup the base 350hp 991 911 will achieve better track times than an M4. It's even better if you get the 911 with few options just to keep it from being cheaper. Then again the M4 (King) is not a true sports car and offers more DD utility than a 911 ever could. I mean the King even has roomier back seats than an M6.

I'm sure the same will remain true for the face lifted 911 with the new turbo engine. It does make 20 more hp and a lot more torque than the pre-LCI 911. So this even competing with an M4 ZCP, the base turbo 911 with 370hp will still beat it on the track, especially with all that extra torque. But King will still always be King in one way or another.

Not quite...unless it's at Anglesey or a wet track
http://fastestlaps.com/comparisons/ghdlilv4m2tb

991 is probably a better handler but apparently not quite quicker at the track.

[DC-T]

Love the M5 F10. If I had one wouldn't trade it for anything.

[JNoSol]

Originally Posted by M6-Coupe

But I think differently. I might get the F8x as DD car with some track day advantage but If I want to get a car for track purpose, 911 is the better choice.. even the base one and not even S model... of course IMO

Originally Posted by dgp

Not quite...unless it's at Anglesey or a wet track
http://fastestlaps.com/comparisons/ghdlilv4m2tb

991 is probably a better handler but apparently not quite quicker at the track.

OP was comparing a 4 seater to another 4 seater. Agreed, I'd take a 991 C2S over an M3 for track use and daily w/o hauling people. Especially the 2017 C2S, they're just as quick as an M4 on the straight. But for practicality, the 4-door M3 wins and it's no slouch on the track.

The M5 is track capable, but the 700lb weight difference eat through tires and brakes for breakfast. Don't get me wrong, I'm going to Hallett this Sept and maybe RPM in July. It should be fun, but I'm prepared to go through a set of brakes and tires. An M3's brakes/tires can hold up 3-4 track weekends (8x20min sessions). Not sure about the M5, 1 weekend and 2 if you're lucky.

[M5essex]

here's my new daily driving toy...

I have to say, I really like it, a lot!

I did a little post on the UK F80 section. but happy to give my thoughts on here too if anyone's interested

this is the 'kings' evil brother on roids...

[MCarsFan]

Originally Posted by M5essex

here's my new daily driving toy...

I have to say, I really like it, a lot!

I did a little post on the UK F80 section. but happy to give my thoughts on here too if anyone's interested

this is the 'kings' evil brother on roids...

Looks nicer than I had expected. Nice front. What exhaust are you going to fit?