F8X: Adjusting to the Size

[RocketBoots]

I think I'm finally used to the size of this car. I just had to stop driving E36 and E46 M3's

When I first got my M4, the sheer size of the car annoyed me a tiny bit. It's the size of an E39 M5 FFS. But living with the car, there are a few things that make it feel a lot smaller. Of course, there's the responsiveness: The chassis, engine, brakes. It feels and handles like a smaller. The front end grips so well. Then there's the hood bulge. While not as pronounced as the E9X, it adds a reference point for the front of the car compared to an F3X. And then there's the cockpit. The seats are firm, comfortable, have decent grip. The instruments and dash are well laid out IMO. Functional, driver-oriented, aesthetically pleasing.

I think I've finally gotten over it, and adjusted to the size. I just have to stay away from Miata's

[W///]

Originally Posted by RocketBoots

I think I'm finally used to the size of this car. I just had to stop driving E36 and E46 M3's

When I first got my M4, the sheer size of the car annoyed me a tiny bit. It's the size of an E39 M5 FFS. But living with the car, there are a few things that make it feel a lot smaller. Of course, there's the responsiveness: The chassis, engine, brakes. It feels and handles like a smaller. The front end grips so well. Then there's the hood bulge. While not as pronounced as the E9X, it adds a reference point for the front of the car compared to an F3X. And then there's the cockpit. The seats are firm, comfortable, have decent grip. The instruments and dash are well laid out IMO. Functional, driver-oriented, aesthetically pleasing.

I think I've finally gotten over it, and adjusted to the size. I just have to stay away from Miata's

I hear you on that. I went to test drive the M3/4 multiple times with an E36 and E92 and the car just always felt too big. I also did a back to back drive between the M235i and F80 at the Performance Center and I just plain like the M235i better for its size.

Having said that, if I stop looking the F80 as an M3 and more as an M5 (like an E39 for example), then it starts making perfect sense. Roomy, stupid quick, good looks. And the 6MT is awesome. Not too many cars out there with this combination.

[OneRib]

Originally Posted by RocketBoots

I think I'm finally used to the size of this car. I just have to stay away from Miata's

Funny that you say that. I just came out from the store today and there was a early gen Miata parked next to me. The car looked like a toy. I just shook my head when I realized how big the M3 has gotten. Good thing it drives so well.

[to_riffic]

Park it next to the MINI and you'll feel the difference. I can dart into a corner absolutely FLAT while the M3 has a bit of roll to it

It's all good!

[aboulfad]

Originally Posted by RocketBoots

I think I'm finally used to the size of this car. I just had to stop driving E36 and E46 M3's

When I first got my M4, the sheer size of the car annoyed me a tiny bit. It's the size of an E39 M5 FFS. ..

I think I've finally gotten over it, and adjusted to the size...

ok so i am not the only one, two months later and I am still not adjusted to the size of this car when parking and maneuvering coming from an e46 325. I find it huge and all the things you said don't make it any smaller ;-)
The fact that it fills my garage more proves that fact everytime that i look at it in my garage (which is very often) But yes its an awesome DD and track car (for those that track it )

How long did it take you to really adjust ?

[Doctor///M]

Originally Posted by ra2fanatic

Park it next to the MINI and you'll feel the difference. I can dart into a corner absolutely FLAT while the M3 has a bit of roll to it

It's all good!

but... but... M3 has RWD
I still do the seat push gesture if I floor my wife's R56. Can't say that I've floored the F80 that many times due to the sheer power under the hood!!

[Lups]

To quote a book I read recently, adjusting to the size takes time and we should not rush it. From personal experience I'd say I've had bigger things under me with much less moves and I'm okay with his size now.

[jlevy73]

Originally Posted by Lups

To quote a book I read recently, adjusting to the size takes time and we should not rush it. From personal experience I'd say I've had bigger things under me with much less moves and I'm okay with his size now.

Lol, someone had to go there

[Lups]

Originally Posted by jlevy73

Lol, someone had to go there

You're completely misreading naturally!

(I'm tired. That's my only defense)

[mrrm3]

and it still feels huge compared to my E92 M3.

Hope I get adjusted soon !

[Never Convicted]

This reminded me. I saw this little beauty last week. I swear, I think you could fit 2 of them into my M4.

[RocketBoots]

Originally Posted by Never Convicted

This reminded me. I saw this little beauty last week. I swear, I think you could fit 2 of them into my M4.

Yeah those look like toy cars. Minis, Miatas, Smart Cars... I could put them in my trunk. While not as nimble as those cars, the F8X feels PLANTED and heavy in a good way.

[RocketBoots]

Originally Posted by aboulfad

ok so i am not the only one, two months later and I am still not adjusted to the size of this car when parking and maneuvering coming from an e46 325. I find it huge and all the things you said don't make it any smaller ;-)
The fact that it fills my garage more proves that fact everytime that i look at it in my garage (which is very often) But yes its an awesome DD and track car (for those that track it )

How long did it take you to really adjust ?

Well, I've had the car for ~10 months, so about that long?

When my dad first saw my car (he's not really into sports cars), one of the things he said was 'Why is this thing SO WIDE?!" I think some of that was visual trickery from the front bumper design and hips from the rear, but it definitely does take up more real estate in my garage.

[aboulfad]

Originally Posted by RocketBoots

Well, I've had the car for ~10 months, so about that long?

When my dad first saw my car (he's not really into sports cars), one of the things he said was 'Why is this thing SO WIDE?!" I think some of that was visual trickery from the front bumper design and hips from the rear, but it definitely does take up more real estate in my garage.

10 months, ok i am normal, thanks for that ! and i am a "Captain" now

[to_riffic]

Originally Posted by Doctor///M

but... but... M3 has RWD
I still do the seat push gesture if I floor my wife's R56. Can't say that I've floored the F80 that many times due to the sheer power under the hood!!

I've only really floored the F80 maybe a handful of times. I know I'll get into trouble too quickly if I keep up the shenanigans. I don't need another speeding ticket!

[RocketBoots]

Originally Posted by ra2fanatic

I've only really floored the F80 maybe a handful of times. I know I'll get into trouble too quickly if I keep up the shenanigans. I don't need another speeding ticket!

Hmm... I think there's something wrong with spring holding up my gas pedal; it keeps slamming to the floor all by itself. I get an error message on my dash, these weird squiggly lines, and it says 'Gas pedal malfunction'. I've been meaning to take it in. I also think my speedometer's a bit off; it reads about 20 mph higher than normal

[s0ul]

Originally Posted by Lups

To quote a book I read recently, adjusting to the size takes time and we should not rush it. From personal experience I'd say I've had bigger things under me with much less moves and I'm okay with his size now.

For some strange reason I read that in the voice of Jean Luc-Picard until I came across that sentence it changed to Cat Stevens.

Something is wrong with me.

[chmura]

The M4/M3 are sweet looking cars but they are just way to big for me. When I look back I had so much more fun in the smaller cars I have owned. I wish the M4 was smaller so I can buy one, the size just detours me away.

That is why I have a deposit on the up coming M2. Its the size of an e46 M3 which is just about right IMO.

[aboulfad]

Originally Posted by chmura

The M4/M3 are sweet looking cars but they are just way to big for me. When I look back I had so much more fun in the smaller cars I have owned. I wish the M4 was smaller so I can buy one, the size just detours me away.

That is why I have a deposit on the up coming M2. Its the size of an e46 M3 which is just about right IMO.

I agree, the M2 is a nice size and packs a punch w those specs. I would have waited if I knew about it ... But like all new things in life, we will get used to them in due time.

[solstice]

In this huge country with rough Tarmac, wide roads, highways everywhere and the average sized car that risk hitting you is truck sized the M3's size is rather welcome to be honest. In Europe an F8X is problematic to fit in many places due to it's girth. There it felt massive.

[KL07RPH]

I'm probably in the minority, but I actually like the size of the F80/E39. Interior space sure beats my old E92, now THAT was tight w/ a toddler car seat in the back.

[qspring]

I'm have two SUVs and when I get in the M4 it feels small... It's all perspective ?