[Reesnat]

Was in Dubai for a holiday and got to drive the G80 M3 on track at the Dubai Autodrome, thanks to the team at BMW India who helped facilitate it, was a great experience!



Here are some of my impressions after the short stint on track with it:

Pros:

• Fantastic engine, really pulls!
• Amazing front end agility
• Tons of grip and confidence inspiring chassis
• Multiple levels of traction control
• Hides its weight beautifully

Cons:

• ZF Torque Converter Gearbox does not have the engagement of the DCT
• Steering felt lighter than I would have liked, especially on track

The looks - the grill does look better in person, I’ll say that for sure. Still, in bright colours I can see how it may not be for everyone. For me personally, I’ve grown to really like the M4 in Dravit Grey.



I was really impressed with how the M3 drove on track, coming from my M2C and some memories of driving the F80 M3, I expected the car to feel heavy and less willing than it did. From the very first corner, I was surprised at how brilliantly that front end tucks in and wants to turn, the front end of this generation is now in proper 911 territory. The chassis balance and handling is a significant step forward from earlier generation, no two ways about that. Its a lot more sophisticated and well mannered than before, and if needed also a hooligan if let loose, this is the main trait of an M car and that is still very much intact.

Gearbox:

The ZF gearbox has been tuned very well, it does what its supposed to, quick and smooth. BUT, it just doesn’t have the ‘smack’ of the M-DCT in the previous generation which is so satisfying and fun. On track that very smack can probably unsettle your car mid corner with how aggressive it can be, so in some ways the ZF may be better from a performance standpoint for track days. Still, the joy of that DCT was sorely missed for me, for a car this aggressive that would have been the perfect match.

Impressions vs:

M2C - The playful little brother. No doubt the G80 M3/M4 are significantly better cars from a performance and dynamics standpoint, the front end and handling on these cars is a big step forward. Having said that, the M2C’s playful character with that DCT is all about big smiles and fun, this car doesn’t take itself as seriously as its bigger brothers.

M340i - The sensible choice. Let me say this right at the outset, anyone thinking 340i is 90% of the M3 at half the price is clearly missing the point. M340i is a fantastic value proposition for the performance on offer, but vs the M3/M4 its a sporty sedan and not a sports car. The difference in how they drive is huge (as you would expect). Buy the 340i for bang for buck performance, but don't think it's almost an M3.

To summarise, I was super impressed and think these are a big step forward and feel like proper sports cars and have really closed the gap to the 911, and not just the base 911, but the Carrera S.

[haskelerator]

How is the steering feel compared to the M2C. BMW claims big improvements in its EPAS tuning bringing it closer to the feel of old Hydraulic steerings. Currently, Porsche is the best at this.

[Reesnat]

Originally Posted by haskelerator

How is the steering feel compared to the M2C. BMW claims big improvements in its EPAS tuning bringing it closer to the feel of old Hydraulic steerings. Currently, Porsche is the best at this.

Not a whole lot more feel than what I’m used to from the M2C. Having said that, the steering felt light but sharp and very direct. We have to learn to take steering cues from the chassis and the seat now, rather than purely steering feedback in the form of road transmission.

[Freebird82]

Thanks for the review Reesnat, this helped.

Originally Posted by Reesnat

Was in Dubai for a holiday and got to drive the G80 M3 on track at the Dubai Autodrome, thanks to the team at BMW India who helped facilitate it, was a great experience!

I was going to be in Dubai during August 1st week (on work) and the first activity I planned during the off-time was a trip to the Autodrome. Since I havent driven a car ever on a track before, I was leaning towards booking the 330i to slowly get into the groove. But the M lure was too much to resist so eventually went for the M2.

For someone who has owned normal cars < 200 bhp (Verna/Elantra/Tucson), the M2's acceleration, ride, handling is just mind boggling. The car shifts directions instantly and it was a delight to hear the wheels squirming while taking curves at 80/90 kph. The 7 laps just went by in a flash and before I knew it, the instructor told me to turn into the pit lane. I was on the verge of saying - lets do another 7 but then composed myself and promised to come back later.

Had paid the extra 180 dirhams as well to get a video of the drive. Best 1300 dirhams I spent in Dubai. Cant wait to go back and take the M3 next time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uwQAa3Oz_c

We need stuff like this in India. Pretty sure we have the paying ability and volumes !!!